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The Minister of Police Affairs, Navy Capt. Caleb Olubolade (rtd), Monday spent the greater part of his day answering questions on the rot at the Police Training College, Ikeja, Lagos, which was brought to the public's attention after a Channels Television documentary trailer on the college was broadcast last week.
The documentary had forced President Goodluck Jonathan to pay an unscheduled visit to the college last Friday, the first of such visits by a sitting president to the 73-year-old college.
Olubolade's visit to the villa coincided with the reaction of the House of Representatives, which blamed the decay at the police college on long periods of neglect by the authorities and poor funding.
A senior aide to the minister, who did not want to be named, confirmed that Olubolade was summoned to the Presidential Villa to respond to issues bordering on the welfare of the police force and its recruits at its colleges.
It is believed that the minister was asked to give a briefing on the college as well as other training institutions run by the police and remedial action that could be taken to revamp them in the immediate to long-term.
Attempts by THISDAY to get the Inspector General of Police (IG), Mr. Mohammed Abubakar's comment on the decay at the college, which he passed through several years ago, were met with stiff resistance by a handful of policemen manning the main entrance, which leads to the IG's office at Edet House, Abuja.
The building was also impenetrable to a few other journalists who also sought entrance into the building.
Several calls to the Public Relations Officer, Force Headquarters, Mr. Frank Mba's phone line between 10 am and 2 pm were never answered.
However, Mba's response to THISDAY's enquiries through a text message was simply met with the response: "I'm not in the office."
The House of Representatives, nonetheless, blamed the decay of facilities at the college on long period of neglect and poor funding of the institution.
It also proposed a bill seeking to employ public private partnerships for funding not only the Ikeja College, but other police academies in the country.
Deputy Chairman, House Committee on Police Affairs, Hon. Arua Arunsi (PDP/Abia), disclosed this Monday while reacting to recent media reports on the deplorable state of facilities at the institution.
Arunsi said that the committee got to know of the state of the facilities at the police college during one of its oversight visits.
He disclosed that the academy like other public institutions has faced the same problem of underfunding for several years.
According to him, it had become evident that government cannot solely fund the institution adequately, hence the proposal to involve the private sector.
"The Police College at Ikeja is the premier institution for the training of young police officers just like you have the Nigeria Defence Academy (NDA) in Kaduna.
"Unfortunately, the Ikeja Police College and even similar colleges located in other parts of the country seem to have been neglected in the provision of infrastructure.
"We have actually been there on oversight and we are aware of the poor facilities. This is why we said that government cannot continue to shoulder this responsibility alone.
"We are coming up with a bill to bring the private sector on board to ensure adequate and sustainable funding of the police college," the lawmaker said.
Further investigations carried out by THISDAY confirmed Arunsi's statement that police training institutions are inadequately funded.
The police boast more than 10 training institutions, including Police College, Ikeja; Police College, Oji River, Enugu State; Police College, Kaduna, Kaduna State; Police Academy, Wudil, Kano State; Police Training Staff College, Jos, Plateau State; Police Mobile Force Training School, Ila-Orangun, Osun State; and Police Mobile Training School, Gwoza, Borno State.
Others are Police Detective College, Enugu State; College of Computer Studies, Abeokuta, Ogun State; and other training schools in Lagos, Edo and Cross River States, among other states across the country.
However, in the 2012 budget, of the N308.4 billion budget for the police and its command, only N271 million was allocated for the upgrade and maintenance of facilities in all the colleges nationwide.
In the 2013 budget proposal yet to be signed into law by the president, out of a budget of N311.15 billion, the police colleges got N280.699 million for upgrade and maintenance.
This according to a police source was grossly inadequate to cater to the needs of the four colleges not to talk of other training institutions.
The police source did not only blame the rot in the colleges and institutions on poor funding, he also said that successive regimes, including the IGs, chairmen, Police Service Commission (PSC), and past Police Affairs Ministers had paid little attention to the institutions.
Meanwhile, the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and the Conference of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP) have called on the president to urgently revamp the fortunes of the police force rather than looking for scapegoats.
ACN said the president could use his surprise visit to the Police College in Ikeja last week, as an opportunity to address the decrepit state of the police training institutions.
In a statement Monday by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party said instead of using the occasion to tell Nigerians what his administration would do to uplift the training institution and many of its likes across the country, the president chose to berate imaginary enemies who are bent on embarrassing his administration, and also questioned how Channels Television managed to film the rot in the college.
"Mr. President, those comments were totally unnecessary, and they put a damper on what would have been a great moment for you. A surprise presidential visit is always a good strategy for leaders to see things in their real state, without the usual window dressing that heralds scheduled visits.
"But it must be properly managed to achieve the maximum effect. Failure to make the best of that moment is akin to snatching defeat from the jaws of victory," ACN said.
ACN said the expose by Channels showed that the media is alert to its watchdog responsibility, hence it should not matter how the TV station gained access to the college or who was behind it.
The party said the president could still make amends by making a policy statement on how his administration plans to turn around the fortunes of the police training institutions across the country.
It said there was need to improve the overall welfare of the men and women who are saddled with the responsibility of protecting the lives and property of all citizens.
"Subjecting policemen and women to dehumanising and demeaning conditions, the type exposed by Channels, during training, means we cannot and should not expect them to be exemplary after their training.
"Nothing good can come out of what we saw in that college. As terrible as the state of the Police College in Ikeja is, it represents a tip of the iceberg when compared with the pervasive rot in police barracks and police stations, as well as the generally poor welfare of the police.
"There is no doubt that the pervasive corruption in our country and the lack of maintenance culture contributed to what has now become a global embarrassment to the whole of Nigeria, not just to the Jonathan Administration.
"Therefore, there is no better time than now for the administration to embark on a concerted effort to reverse the rot. It may also not be a bad idea for the president, who was reportedly angry and shocked at what he saw during the visit, to order a probe into how the institution deteriorated so badly, with a view to prevent a recurrence," the party said.
Also, the Secretary-General of CNPP, Chief Willy Ezugwu, in a statement, said the shame uncovered at the police institution should not be swept under the carpet with ceremonial committees and probe panels as was the case with other similar probes in the past.
According Ezugwu, the Federal Government would be playing the ostrich if there is a witch-hunt against the authorities of the college over the report by Channels Television.
"President Jonathan should rather confront the problems of the Nigeria Police Force as an institution head on, instead of reading political meanings into what most Nigerians have always suspected that a group of people feed fat on the money meant for security while institutions are allowed to go to rot.
"Our expectation is that the Minister of Police Affairs, Chairman of the Police Service Commission, the Inspector General of Police and contractors for the Nigeria Police Force should be made to explain the rot in Police College, Ikeja, and other police training schools.
"If the president is in doubt he should pay unscheduled visits to similar institutions and see for himself that he is presiding over rot.
"He should also find out why the Minister of Police Affairs has never taken any tour of the police facilities in the country or why policemen are responsible for buying their own uniforms or why divisional police stations are responsible for fueling patrol cars," he said.
Ezugwu observed that it is this kind of rot that has made officers and men of the police force into unwilling assassins and robbers who mount road blocks to extort money from hapless Nigerians and resort to killing anyone who fails to pay up.
He said: "Punishing the commandant of the college or harassing Channels Television is hardly the response Nigerians expect in the face of such national rot. What they want is action and a commitment to halt and reverse the decay that has beset the country."


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I will try and make this short- over a year ago my ex boyfriend broke up with me. We were actually engaged, to be married this past September. Over the past year, we have gone from not speaking, to being friendly, to being full fledged back together, to breaking up- several times. He has come back to me probably 4 times since he first ended things, and the last time was around this past New Years Eve.
We had been living together and I moved out when he ended things. I moved about 4 hours away, back to my hometown. He came out here around New Years, we had a good weekend, talked about being back together, he said he loved me, etc. He even said while he was here that he would marry me the next weekend if that's what I wanted, but of course that would be rushed and I said I would rather wait and plan something low key but special.
He left and not two days later he called me and told me what he did every other time he broke up with me- he's depressed, he doesn't feel the way he should about the relationship, etc. And he ended things. He said he is also unhappy with the business he runs and he wants out, he isn't making enough money, etc. I asked several times what the real reason for breaking up with me is and he said he can't put his finger on one particular incident or reason, just that he gradually changed. I was devestated and could barely function for over a week after this.
He told me via text last week that he talked to his parents and he is going to talk to a therapist about his depression/unhappiness. He said that we can't keep doing what we're been doing because it's too hard for both of us.
He is 30 years old, by the way. I love this man, and I cannot picture my life or future without him in it. I would have stood by him through anything, no matter what, but he has pushed me away several times now. I feel like I can barely breathe I miss him so much. I kept taking him back because he is a good person and I believed him when he told me he loved me and wanted to be together. Now I feel like a fool.
What should I do? I know I have to leave him alone, but its so hard- he was my best friend. Beofre anyone says there is someone else- I know for a fact there is not. We both have dated other people this year we've been apart, but I am best friends with his now roommate and I would know for sure if someone else was in the picture. So, how do I proceed? If he really is depressed, I want to be there for him. But I don't want to chase him either. Adivce?
He now says he cannot continue forward with me because he has doubt about the future, and cannot enter into a marriage with doubt. I understand that, and would not want him to be with me if he wasn't sure anyway. Should I wait for him to come along? I can't stand the thought of losing him, but don't want to hold on to someone that doesn't want me, either…

subset: commoncrawl


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Have I told you the story about how when I sent my book proposal for The Homemade Pantry to my agent, I also sent granola?
Scour the internet (as we tend to do when looking for direction on big, life-changing things that have no guidebook), and the rules on how to send a book proposal are very clear. First, don't send it. Write an email, and wait for a polite request. Second, don't ever use gimmicks, or wrap things up in a special way. And third, don't EVER send food.
Well we sent it. And not only that, but Joey and I bought a cereal box, deconstructed it, silkscreened it, and put the proposal inside. How's that for a gimmick? Tuck a bag of granola in there (which of course, we did) and you have broken every rule. Moral of the story? Don't always listen to the internet.
That was 2009, and it was pretty much the same recipe I make now. I made the granola for every editor who might have considered buying the manuscript, for every TV and radio station who might have featured the book, and for anyone else who might need a bag. Over the last few years, I have made hundreds and hundreds of pounds of granola, all the same recipe. And it's still the granola I make for us here every week. I'm not even sick of it. I trust this granola, and it hasn't let me down yet.
But last week, I started tasting something new in my imagination. I'm not even sure where it came from, but there it was, and after a few tries, here it is. I don't think this is THE new granola–it certainly won't replace the old standby. But it certainly is A new granola, and what can I say? Sometimes change sneaks up on you.
This granola is lighter and softer than what I usually make, and I'm just loving that. It's still got a good crunch to it, but because there's so much orange juice involved, the oats get saturated in a nice muesli sort of way. It's also all seeds and no nuts, so I can send it to school with Joey and the girls to their nut-free school.
A few notes on ingredients and process here. This granola has cocoa nibs, which I know are a little pricey and can be difficult to find. A little goes a long way, and a bag lasts a while for me (and then there are all sorts of delicious things to do with them). But feel free to leave them out if they're not on your shelf. Also, many of you responded to my first baking post with questions about your convection oven. We'll talk about it soon, but in the mean time, the best way to prepare for the conversation is to use it! Convection is great for granola, so if you've got the setting, try it out. I'll give baking times for both methods.
Before we get to the recipe–as it is, after all, the first week of 2013, we are certainly overdue for the yearly kitchen calendar giveaway. (Because, lost in the kitchen without a calendar to ground us, how will we ever remember what day it is? Is it Sunday and there's nothing for the kids' lunch tomorrow? Friday and we haven't yet had a beer? This is an important tool! I want to do all I can to make sure you are equipped.) This year, I have two calendars for you. The first is from Anna Hewitt, a reader of this very site, who offered to donate for the giveaway. From Anna: "This 2013 Eat Real Food Calendar was inspired by my love of growing, cooking, and sharing good food. The image for each month began as a pile of fabric and a moment and I wanted to capture. I cut each one by hand and stitched it together in my Saint Paul, Minnesota studio. I hope it will inspire you to harvest vegetables, make messes in your kitchen and gather around the table with people you love."
The second is from my friend, Laurie. She creates this lovely little gem of a kitchen calendar every year (remember this one?) and this year's theme is flowering herbs.
And yes, we're a week in, and I'm sure we all have our goals and resolutions outlined and conquered, right? So let's do something else here. Screw resolutions. I think change comes in its own time, and all I can do is to be open to today. Today, this week, this month, (okay okay, this year) I'm still working on giving myself over to Book Number Two. And although in the past I've always been pretty good at not getting ahead of myself and taking one step at a time, I find I've been getting stuck with the finishing of this book before I've truly gotten into the meat of it. Does that make sense? So today, I've got a quote that's been helping me out. It's from Junot Diaz, from an interview he did a few weeks ago with Bill Moyers:
"A friend of mine once said this famously. And I think it's very true. To write a book, in the process of writing, you have to become the person you need to become to finish that book. And so when you write a book, you yourself have to be transformed in the process of writing it."
If you'd like to enter the giveaway (or even if you don't), will you share your quote of today? I'd love to hear it, and I'm sure I'm not alone. Thank you so much to Laurie and Anna for supplying such beautiful calendars. I can't wait to find them a home. I'll pick the winners on Friday morning.
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|Curriculum Model
As COGNITIVE MEDIATOR, the educator helps students to become independent learners who construct meaning by combining new information with their own background knowledge.
As MANAGER, the educator plans and organizes the learning environment, establishes and maintains a positive learning climate and implements effective intervention strategies.
As RESEARCHER, the educator seeks to improve educational practices within the school setting, using an inquiry approach to serve students more effectively.
As COMMUNICATOR, the educator is skilled in modes of communication that will enable effective communication and collaboration with other educators, parents, and families.
As EVALUATOR, the educator maximizes students' learning by using a full range of formal and informal information-gathering processes in order to respond appropriately to student individual differences.
As SERVANT-LEADER, the educator is able to integrate research on the development of moral reasoning, values and ethical sensitivity into the classroom while following the model of empathetic personal interaction provided by Jesus Christ.


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Placenta in front??
My doctor told me that my placenta is in front of the baby. Is that something to be concerned about?? 1st time mom not sure!
Posted: 11/27/2007 by a BabyCenter Member
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I just had an ultrasound yesterday, and they told me that the placenta is in the front. But didn't say anything about it. I'm 35 weeks, and just got told it was in the front... But I've been feeling the baby move since I was 13 weeks, and he has a really strong heart beat. So probably all based on the person, just like everything else in pregnancy. :)posted 10/24/2013 by MKJones0209
I am pregnant with baby number two, and not sure about the placenta this time, but it was in the front with my first pregnancy. I didn't begin to feel movement until as late as 25 weeks. Other than this, I had a totally normal, healthy pregnancy. I'm 18 weeks now and still feeling nothing, so maybe I'm going through the same thing again. But it's totally safe!posted 09/22/2009 by a BabyCenter Member
I'm 27 weeks - second child. My placenta is in the front and was with my son. I didn't feel him move for awhile. This time WAY different I feel like she is kicking out of my stomach already! It's just different with everyone and is completely normal!posted 11/30/2011 by asterner15
i am 24 weeks an my placenta is in front and down near my cervix and the baby is fine and everything and movin alot and they put me in the hospt and the doc said no sex no leftin and put me on bed rest and i dont know wat to do i miss my lil gurl......posted 06/05/2010 by cinbabe
I have an anterior placenta and a low lying placenta. They are completely unrelated from each other. The location of the placenta (front or back) just indicates how you will feel movement of your baby and it is very normal to have different placements with different pregnancies.posted 08/05/2009 by NewMama12-09
If your placenta attaches itself to the wall of the uterus (placenta accreta) that can be cause for concern. My placenta is also if the front and low, so yes you can have placenta previa and palcenta accreta. It is more common if you have had a c-section in the past (the scar is the issue). I am already scheduled for another c-section, but my dr said she will move the c-section date up another 1-2 weeks if the placenta does not move in the next two weeks (by 36 weeks).posted 03/24/2009 by kurlygirl7
Yesposted 11/11/2014 by bluelighting22
Hii this is the 1st time I heard of it,I'm 22 weeks pregnant when I was 17wks iwas told that my placenta was before the baby.I was scared and I it really had me stressed out knowning that I have to avoid pot holes and when driving,she also told me no sex. I hope things change on my next visit.posted 02/06/2014 by a BabyCenter Member
I am 20 weeks and 3 days..My placenta is also in the front...my dr said no need for concern,just wont feel the baby right in the middle of my belly rather i will feel HER very low which i am or very high on my belly!!Very different from my last 2 pregnancies where I could feel the baby all over...GOOD LUCK LADIES!!!i Wonder if this might have something to do with age..im 38???anyone else an "older"momma???posted 05/09/2013 by mckaym93
i am 25 weeks and i have my placenta infrint ..it sucks because i cant eel the baby move . my midwife told me that i would be visiting dem every 2 weeks to check on the baby...but other den dat i been havin a great pregnancyposted 02/25/2013 by paulitalaloca
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Sheikh Hamad Bin Hamdan Al Nahyan (Arabic: حمد بن حمدان آل نهيان) (also known affectionately as The Rainbow Sheikh) is a member of the Abu Dhabi Royal Ruling Family in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Sheikh Hamad has retired from service in the army and Diplomatic life (he was Aide de Campe to the late Sheikh Zayed) and now spends his time on investigating new vehicle development throughout the world. He is based in North Africa.
Sheikh Hamad owns part of Futaisi Iand, inherited from his late father Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, a first cousin to Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan (1918-2004) the founder of the UAE. The island covers an area of 50 square kilometres (larger than Abu Dhabi central city). In approx 2003-2004 he had "HAMAD" carved into his island 24°20′41.06″N 54°19′31.19″E / 24.3447389°N 54.3253306°E. The letters were dug so deep they formed waterways, and the inscription could be read from space. The letters had been removed and rumors has that Sheikh Hamad had to remove them, following controversies over his reasons and after comments from the Abu Dhabi government that it does not fit into Plan Abu Dhabi 2030[6][7]


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A claw crane (also called a Plush Crane Machine, UFO Catcher, Candy Crane, Claw Machine, Arcade Claw, Crane Game or Skill Crane) is a type of arcade game known as a merchandiser. They are commonly found in video arcades, supermarkets, restaurants, movie theaters, and Bowling alleys.
Located in the United States
Located Overseas
Below is a list of importers which purchase machines by the container from overseas to resell in America.
Coast-to-Coast Entertainment - Based out of Sayreville, New Jersery.
Coastal Amusements - Based out of Lakewood, New Jersery.
BMI Gaming - Based out of Boca Raton, Florida and distributes all of the above manufacturers worldwide.
The cabinet is usually constructed of medium density fibreboard (MDF). Some cabinets are made of aluminum alloy, which makes it easier to relocate as well as cheaper to produce.
The window is normally made of glass or a cheaper-to-manufacturer substitute plexiglas. The marquee is a branded graphic (sometimes created specifically for restaurants or an operators business name) behind a plexiglas front.
At the end of that time (or earlier if the player presses a trigger button on the joystick), the claw descend down and makes an attempt to grip. After making the gripping attempt, the claw then moves over an opening in the corner of the case and releases its contents. If the player is successful, then the prize the claw is holding is dropped into the opening and dispensed through a chute into a hatch for pickup.
An alternative version of the machine popular in arcades is the "two button" version: one marked with a forward arrow, one with a right arrow. The crane starts near the front, left side of the machine and the user presses first the forward button to move the crane towards the back of the cabinet. Once the button is released the crane stops moving and the button cannot be used again, thus requiring the user to judge depth accurately in one attempt. After this, the right button becomes active in a similar way and as soon as it is released, the crane drops to a certain depth and then raises, closing its claw on the way and returning to the drop hatch in the front left corner. These versions are generally considered to be more difficult. However, the button type machines typically do not feature the timers which are commonly found on joystick type machines. In addition, they often have better grip strength than joystick type machines.
Late-model, high-end claw machines are fully computerized and are remotely programmable by the owner (via a hand-held device). Settings and features commonly available include :
Some cranes are also able to display the number and value of prizes won in a given time period , enabling the owner to keep track of how profitable the machine is.
Clearly, these parameters can be used to set a crane to never deliver any prizes, but in that case the machine would rarely be played and become unprofitable for the owner. On the other hand, if the crane were set to always grip strongly, then it would become so easy to win prizes from it that the owner would not profit much, if at all, from operating the machine.
Some machines can be configured to basically be games of chance. On a machine with a flimsy grip and a mechanism controlling the odds of a strong grip, little skill is involved in winning prizes by attempting to grasp them with the claw: the crane's random number generator decides whether the claw will grip or not. However, if the claw's grip strength is set such that it is capable of holding a prize — even tenuously — on most attempts, then experienced players will win more often than inexperienced players because an experienced player will be able to identify which toys will be easiest to win and how they should be grasped by the claw. It is also worth noting that, even given a machine with a very weak claw grip or low payout percentage, players have discovered various techniques for using the claw to drag or tip prizes into the chute without necessarily grasping them.
Claw machines holding expensive prizes, such as a Wii video game console or an iPhone are typically programmed so that the grip strength of the claw is determined according to a payout percentage that is profitable to the operator. Experienced skill crane players also say that boxes are among the most difficult kinds of objects to pick up with any claw, regardless of its settings.
In other jurisdictions, such as Alberta, Canada, skill cranes are illegal unless the player is allowed to make repeated attempts (on a single credit) until he or she succeeds in winning a prize. Skill cranes in "single-play" mode (where the player has only one chance per credit to try for a prize) were found by the Ontario Court of Appeal to be essentially games of chance, and therefore prohibited except at fairs or exhibitions, where they are covered by an exemption.
State governments have been known to periodically inspect crane games to ensure compliance with the statutes. For example, in a 2008 inspection of New Jersey boardwalk games, inspectors tested whether the claw had enough tension to grip prizes, and whether they could win a prize once in approximately 12 attempts.
These machines became popular in the United States in the late 1980s, with a significant presence at Pizza Hut restaurants. Later on, they would spread to other venues. By the early 1990s, the NFL began to advertise their teams with stuffed footballs of each team placed in some of the machines. Soon after, the MLB, NBA, and NHL also joined, although the NBA no longer uses these machines as a means of advertisement.
By the middle 1990s, the machines' popularity had made such establishments as Safeway, Fry's Supermarkets, K-Mart, and Wal-Mart a staple of their locations. Some hotels also acquired them to satisfy their younger guests, as did sports venues that would stuff them with collectibles related to their home teams.
In the 1995 Disney/Pixar computer-animated film "Toy Story", Buzz Lightyear and Sheriff Woody climb into a claw vending machine filled with claw-worshipping aliens.
In 2007, the claw machine became playable over the internet. Before January 23, 2008, visitors to SuperClaw were able to play real-life crane machines, using multiple video feeds and web browser controls to position the claw over a selection of plush prizes.
In East Asia, notably Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan, claw vending machines are extremely popular. There are entire video arcades dedicated to hosting these machines.
Japanese claw vending machines are sometimes called UFO catchers, where "UFO" stands for Unidentified Flying Object. UFO catcher is a specific model of claw vending machine produced by Sega whose name has come to be used as a genericized trademark.
In China, machines have been known to stock domestic and foreign cigarettes.
In East Asia, live animals are occasionally the prize in the claw game. In Chinese supermarkets, a live crab or lobster can be won, presumably to be eaten by the winner. In Japan, pet turtles can be won. Of course, these prizes are in addition to the standard teddy bears and toys that are offered by claw games in other parts of the world.
In South Korea, prizes are extremely varied and have included a Black & Decker power drill, women's underwear, a beard trimmer, a voucher for an inflatable raft, knee pads, fishing hooks, a radio-controlled toy helicopter, and a package of US $2 bills.


text: Good to Know, Wedding Planning Wedding Color Schemes: What Does Yours Say About You? April 1, 2014 Samantha Colors do so much more than attract our eyes and effect our moods. The colors we choose or favor really speak volumes of us. Did you know that your wedding color scheme is revealing certain personality traits? What is it saying about you? Red You are bold, passionate, loyal, impulsive, dramatic, and all around fierce! Continue Reading ››


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We call upon you, the friends of Israel to join with the Israeli people in a tent protest in Woodley Park. Be a part of it on Sunday August 7,2011 12pm-6pm at Woodley Park, where we will be joining in solidarity with the protests that have sprung up in Israel in the past two weeks. We want to say to our brothers and sisters protesting in Israel say: "You are not alone".
Israelis in the hundreds of thousands have taken to the streets across all political spectrums to voice their frustrations towards the government because of the cost of living and the lack of affordable housing in Israel. The focus of these protests have been on Rothschild Boulevard in Tel Aviv, where tents are now set up across the Boulevard of fancy stores and cafes.
It is important for the more than 200,000 Israelis living in Southern California and their American Jewish friends who support the people of Israel to show solidarity with the suffering Israeli public. We need to stand as one people "Am Echad"and let our voices be heard.
This is a unique opportunity to show the Israeli public that "we care and stand with them" We invite you to come with your family and friends and invite you to express yourself freely by bringing tents, signs, guitars etc.
Please share this message and information with your friends and family and see you Sunday!
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text:
Controversial anti-tank shells tipped with depleted uranium may be phased out if an alternative material proves its worth.
The US Army is expected to award a contract this week for the manufacture of prototype ammunition incorporating a "liquid metal" alloy. The new rounds could be in service within two years.
Campaigners have complained for years about the potential health effects of DU - it has been linked to everything from Gulf War syndrome to birth defects. But the health connection is disputed and the military defends its use of DU.
All the same, the US Army's Tank-automotive and Armaments Command is looking for alternatives in case political pressures force it to abandon DU.
DU has been the material of choice for anti-tank ammunition since the 1970s because it has twice the density of lead. And it has two key advantages over pure tungsten, which has a similar density.
Tungsten shells flatten on impact, forming a mushroom shape. But DU rounds self-sharpen as they deform because material breaks away in a way that preserves the shell's shape, a phenomenon known as "adiabatic shear banding". DU rounds are also pyrophoric - the fragments ignite in air, torching the interior of the target vehicle.
Now Liquidmetal Technologies, an R&D company based in Tampa, Florida, says it can get comparable performance from penetrators made of an exotic alloy of tungsten.
Normally, solid metals are a lattice of tiny crystals. The size of the crystals affects the properties of the material, which tends to fracture along the boundaries between them. Instead of such a metal, the company wants to use an amorphous alloy that has a random arrangement of atoms, as in a glass or liquid.
Tank buster
Amorphous tungsten alloy has many of the properties that make DU such an effective penetrator: it is self-sharpening and it should also be pyrophoric, says Steve Collier, president of Liquidmetal's defence arm.
The new contract is for a test batch of 30-millimetre ammunition of the type used by American A-10 "tank buster" aircraft, which fired some 75 tonnes of DU during the recent Iraq conflict.
While many will welcome an alternative to DU, questions remain over the safety of tungsten. Fragments of tungsten embedded in flesh have been shown to cause tumours by Alexandra Miller and her colleagues at the Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute in Bethesda, Maryland. However, the toxicity of tungsten when inhaled is believed to be much lower than that of uranium or lead.
"Clearly, tungsten is not radioactive like DU, so there is no hazard from radioactivity," says Peter Collins, director of the Royal Society's Science Policy Group. But most casualties will be caused in battle, he says: "The most obvious health hazard from any of these things is being hit by one."
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Full Title
Trekvis - Migratory fishes in the river Scheldt
In the context of the "Trekvis" migratory fish project fykes are placed at a few locations in the river Scheldt and among the most important fish migration bottlenecks in the basin of the Scheldt. Every month, traps placed 24 hours later retrieved. All fish are determinatie, measured and weighed.
Additional Information
For any further use of the dataset, first contact Maarten Stevens (firstname.lastname@example.com).
Temporal coverages
Date range: Jan 1, 2007 - Apr 27, 2010
Language of Metadata
Language of Data
Published by
Research Institute for Nature and Forest (INBO)
Publication Date
Apr 24, 2014
Registration Date
Jul 19, 2012
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External Data


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Teen Mom
Gary Head Reveals Why He Pleaded Guilty to Assault Charges Against Jenelle Evans
Jenelle Evans is finally ready to move on with her life and put her relationship with Gary Head in the past — especially now that he's pleaded guilty to assault!
Gary and Jenelle have been duking it out in court since they were arrested on drug and domestic violence charges a few months ago, and we're slightly shocked by this plea. Gary has always insisted that he never hurt a hair on Jenelle's head, and has once again taken to Twitter to defend his honor. Why would he plead guilty?
"Why fight the case and risk time when I can plea guilty and walk with the bargain," Gary explained to his supporters. "Either way we both walked away happy."
Hmm, sounds like Gary is implying that he only pleaded guilty to avoid going to jail, which is a smart move considering that he's a marine. Then again, he's going to have assault charges on his permanent record, and that doesn't exactly look good!
Did Gary make the right choice? Tell us your thoughts below!
Source: Twitter
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text:
31 Tips for Income Protection
Income Protection is for Everyone
If you're working and earning a paycheck, chances are, you need to protect your income. Without the right protection, a lot is at stake if you become too sick or hurt to work. Follow these 31 tips to get started on the path to a more secure future!
Step 1: Get Started
TIP 1: Disability insurance is often called income protection. It protects your income if you become too sick or hurt to work. bit.ly/1q1KG04.
TIP 2: Why should you protect your income? Because disabilities happen, and they can last a long time. bit.ly/1fT7XfI
TIP 3: Life and disability insurance often go hand in hand. One provides a death benefit. The other, a living benefit. bit.ly/1fT8wX1.
TIP 4: If a disability derails your savings, your plans for retirement may look very different. Protect your ability to save. bit.ly/1hphP0d.
TIP 5: Don't underestimate your lifetime earnings potential (Hint: It's probably in the millions!) Calculate it: bit.ly/ZW99G5
TIP 6: You can't prevent the unexpected, but you can prepare for it. Just like you protect your home and car, protect your income! bit.ly/1hpiLBR
- TIP 7: If you woke up in a hospital tomorrow, would you be prepared? bit.ly/1jcjJWr
Step 2: Understand What Your Paycheck Provides
TIP 8: It's not just the big things your paycheck makes possible. It's also the little things. Here's why income protection matters: bit.ly/1k8YXuv
TIP 9: Tally your expenses to see what's really going out each month. How do you cover those if you're too sick/hurt to work? bit.ly/1k914OZ
TIP 10: Review your retirement and savings account balances. Could you afford to retire tomorrow? If not, you need income protection.
TIP 11: Which of these income options would you choose? bit.ly/1siwCDn
TIP 12: If your income stopped tomorrow, what would you have to give up? http://bit.ly/1mQCLpa
Step 3: Learn about the Cause and Effect of Disabilities
- TIP 13: Quick! What's the leading cause of disability? Hint: It's not accidents. bit.ly/1fIt485
- TIP 14: What does disability look like and who does it affect? It can happen to anyone. bit.ly/1hpnC5Y
- TIP 15: Here are 26 reasons why protecting your paycheck is so important - from A to Z. bit.ly/1k93gWA
- TIP 16: The risk of becoming too sick or hurt to work is different for everyone. Calculate your own quotient: bit.ly/1hpo9VE
Step 4: Think about How You Would Get By
- TIP 17: Think of 3 people who would run your errands and pay your bills for a month. If that's too much to ask, you need income protection.
- TIP 18: Where would the money come from to replace your income if you were too sick or hurt to work? Is it a reliable source? bit.ly/1mUg7Mu
- TIP 19 Do you know what your health insurance covers? Would it cover your mortgage, car payment or groceries? bit.ly/1g0HrBm
- TIP 20: Think about all the things you protect with insurance. Is your income on that list? bit.ly/1jnQrUR
- TIP 21: If you have group disability coverage, check with your employer to see what that policy covers. Ask these questions: bit.ly/1g0Tles
- TIP 22: Did you know? Income protection is affordable. It's less than what you might spend on little things each day. bit.ly/1mUhxGR
Step 5: See How Protection Has Helped Others
TIP 23: Tim's story: Group and individual disability benefits mattered to him and his family after a serious diagnosis: brain cancer. bit.ly/PSqoef
TIP 24: Nancy's story: She was prepared to take a loss and retire early from teaching. Insurance benefits were there when least expected. bit.ly/QXl2zm
TIP 25: Bruce's story: At the start of his career, he bought income protection, never expecting to use it. That decision paid off. bit.ly/QXl8qM
TIP 26: James' story: A sudden stroke put his family and law firm at risk, but the right protection made all the difference. bit.ly/1lLkNnB
TIP 27: Keith's story: Even as a kid, he was passionate about being a veterinarian. Disability insurance helped keep his dream alive. bit.ly/1gDtf0y
Step 6: Take Action
- TIP 28: How much income protection coverage do you need to help weather a disability? Try this calculator: bit.ly/1jUUAAu
- TIP 29: How does income protection fit with your overall financial strategy? Visit the planning center to evaluate your needs. bit.ly/PFS5aj
- TIP 30: Make an appointment with your financial advisor to talk about income protection. If you don't have one, we can help you find one. bit.ly/1hliMwx
- TIP 31: It's trivia and taking out bad guys in one! Test what you've learned about income protection. Play a round of Defend Your Income. bit.ly/XCo4ZD
Disability insurance has limitations and exclusions. For costs and complete details of the coverage, contact your Principal Life representative.
Content Last Updated: 04/15/2014


text: Welcome to our live pub's website! Barone Rosso is a traditional Italian pub in a historical city of Siena, Italy. We are proud of being one of most popular venues in Sienna thanks to our loyal customer and visitors. Partying under Tuscany sun has never been more enjoyable as it is at the Barone Rosso live pub. With over 60 years of existence, we have welcomed tourists and local people with immaculate service, wide variety of beers and wines as well as great Italian food. Our chefs are experienced local Tuscany food prodigies that will surprise you with new items coming on the menu every month. Barone Rosso live pub is really live! We are organizing more than 60 live events at our venue every year. Whether they are local folk gigs, stand-up comedy nights or even rap-battles - Barone Rosso is the perfect venue.


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Conference on College Composition and Communication (CCCC) 2013
March 13-16, 2013: Visit Routledge at CCCC at the Riviera Hotel & Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. We are pleased to offer 20% off on all titles on display and free shipping WORLDWIDE for orders placed at the conference.
View all the titles we'll have on display here.
We look forward to seeing you in Vegas!


text:
The world of gaming is a huge arena. Each day there are new kinds of aspects that are getting development to make this space a better one. There are more than millions of games that are played on a daily basis by the gamers. Now, to meet the need of the gamers there are also new kinds of gaming devices that have been developed. Now, it is not possible for a single gamer to have all the kind of gaming devices. That is what has given rise to the aspect of emulators. They are those applications which help a gamer to change her or his device in a compatible platform for playing the game of another device.There are various kinds of emulators available in the market. However, one of the most famous one among them is that of the ps3 emulator. Thisis because these emulators help you in turning your device to play the awesome games of the playstation. There are three versions of the gaming console of the playstation. They are Ps1, Ps2 and Ps3. The playstation emulator can be availed for each type of version.
Some aspects about the application
The application of ps2 emulatoris compatible with almost most of the standard devices. It is very safe to use. The best part is that it takes up very little space in your device and thus you do not face the problem of the device getting hanged. There are various reliable websites that can provide you with the best kind of free emulators.
The other aspects of explore
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text:
Hoists & Winches
Sheaves & Blocks
Stringing Blocks
Stringing Accessories
Surface Mining
Deck Gear
Ocean Science
Fishing Equipment
Cable Laying
Hydraulic Power Unit - HPU
Mine Hoists & Winches
Utility Vehicles
Rope Tensioning
Rebuilt Vehicles
Offshore Equipment
ROV Handling
Launch & Recovery - LARS
Customers around the world rely
on the Timberland Group to deliver engineered projects that create
opportunities and reduce risk while achieving operational goals.
The Kiewit HLD in Texas relies on precise synchronization of multiple hoists to safely handle loads of up to 13,000 tons. <more>
The Hoover Dam Bypass urgently needed a fast-track replacement for its highline lift system after its original cranes were swept away by gusting winds. <more>
This bridge reconstruction project called for safely lifting and positioning massive 750-ton precast bridge segments delivered on barges. <more>
P-52 is a semi-submersible platform installed 125 km off the coast of Brazil, now moored to the seabed at a record 1800 m depth. <more>
Electric power
Jiangsu Power Company
was able to erect a 500 kV transmission line through rugged central China with 28 ton puller and 20 ton tensioner from Timberland Equipment. <more>
Stringing a new power grid through an ecologically sensitive area required up-to-date application support as well as new equipment for the job. <more>
Timberland delivered a
full package of two-bundle tensioning equipment under tight time constraints
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Timberland's tensioning system helped Peru's largest mining company meet its goals for higher reliability and productivity. <more>
The custom engineered puller-tensioner system from Timberland included a trailer-mount able to travel at highway speeds. <more>
Integrating a new double-drum
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This truck-mounted MRH
emergency egress system allows dramatically faster response to maintenance
problems deep in the Zhangji Mine in China. <more>
3D modeling facilitated this engineered upgrade to fit within existing mounting constraints at the Goldex mine. <more>
Construction of a new service shaft in the potash mine relies on four synchronized 50-ton winches from Timberland. <more>
Timberland engineering achieved the required geometry to improve the hoist's capacity and speed within the existing mounting constraints. <more>
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Effective project coordination resulted in a successful deep-water deployment in China's Bohai Bay oil field. <more>
Sophisticated control systems provide this FPU with highly reliable automatic self-correcting operation. <more>
Malaysia's first deep-water semi-submerisible project anticipates a successful mooring in 2011. <more>
This barge-mounted system featured horizontally opposed chain jacks rated at 1100 tons pull to set, test and certify 8 mooring anchors. <more>
Copyright 2010 © The Timberland Group | Privacy Policy


text:
Miracle On 34th Street: 65th Anniversary DVD
Price: $14.98
- Technical Specs
- Format: DVD
- Rating: Not Rated
- Number of Discs: 2
- Run Time: 96 Minutes
- Region: 1
- Aspect Ratio: Fullscreen
- Studio: 20th Century Fox
- DVD Release Date: November 21, 2006
- Subtitles: English, Spanish
ENGLISH: Dolby Digital 5.1 [CC]
ENGLISH: Dolby Digital Mono [CC]
SPANISH: Dolby Digital Mono
FRENCH: Dolby Digital Mono
- Color: Black & White / Color
Audio Commentary by Maureen O'Hara
Hollywood Backstories: Miracle On 34th Street
Movietone News: Hollywood Spotlight
Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade: Floating in History
Promotional Short
Poster Gallery
The holiday season is in full swing when a cultured gentleman with twinkling eyes, an ample belly, and a snowy beard (Edmund Gwenn) is hired as Macy's department store Santa. He claims his name is Kris Kringle, and soon fills everyone with Christmas spirit... except his boos, Doris Walker (Maureen )'Hara), who's raising her daughter (Natalie Wood) to not believe in Santa. But when Kringle is declared insane, and put on trial, everyone's faith is put to the test as young and old alike face the age-old question: Do you believe in Santa Claus?
Additional Details
- DirectorGeorge Seaton
- Primary CastMaureen O'Hara John Payne Edmund Gwenn More
- GenreFamily
- Release Date1947


text:
The X Factor
X Factor Finalist Carly Rose: Beatrice Miller and Diamond White and I Are The Three Musketeers — Exclusive
If you, like us, were sobbing and crying worried about how the youngest X Factor Season 2 contestants are faring being away from their friends and families, fear not. Speaking exclusively with Wetpaint Entertainment on November 11, 2012, Carly Rose Sonenclar says she's found two new BFFs in Beatrice Miller and Diamond White. Here's what Carly had to say about her coming diva performance and how she's handling the pressure (spoiler alert: she gets by with a little help from her friends).
How did you feel when you first found out all the contestants were going to be ranked?
I didn't really mind. And it wasn't like oh I know I'm going to be the best so I don't care, it wasn't like that, it was just like there's nothing I can do about it so why get upset? That's kind of what was going through my head. I thought I had a great performance so I was trying not to let it affect me.
You placed second only to Tate, how did you feel about that?
I was very happy! I wasn't like darn it I should have had first, I wasn't thinking that. I was just like out of twelve people to get second place that's pretty awesome. Tate is so great and he ahs the whole country thing going for him so to get second against that I feel great about myself. Yeah I was really happy.
Between you and Beatrice how are you handling the pressure?
Well I mean and Diamond, she's also 13. We're kind of like the Three Musketeers so we're kind of handling it together I guess. Because we're all the same age so we kind of all are in the same boat. We're getting through together.
What can we expect from your song choice this week?
My song choice this week is really, it's definitely a big, big song. You can expect a lot of big notes I guess.
If you could duet with one other contestant on the X-Factor who would it be and why?
I think it would be cool with like Emblem3 because I love their style and Vino because I love his voice and Lyric 145 because you know in the rap songs when they sample in a singer? Yeah like that!


text:
As of Tuesday, October 16, 2012
© Copyright 2015 Gwinnett Daily Post
LAWRENCEVILLE — A lawsuit filed this week in Gwinnett Superior Court against Gwinnett County Public Schools, its superintendent and the Georgia School Boards Association asks district leaders to refrain from alleged on-the-clock campaigning against a constitutional amendment slated for the Nov. 6 ballot.
The suit — which lists five Gwinnett County residents as plaintiffs — was filed on the same day as a separate lawsuit filed in Fulton County Superior Court against all 180 districts in the state. It claims education leaders are using taxpayer funds and resources to rally against the same referendum.
Led by attorney Glenn Delk, the group of Georgia residents is suing Gwinnett and Fulton county school systems as representatives of all districts in the state for what they claim is an illegal political campaign. They seek declaratory judgment, a preliminary injunction, and a monetary judgment against the school systems. A hearing has been scheduled today before Fulton County Superior Court Judge Wendy Shoob.
The lawsuit filed in Gwinnett Superior Court is scheduled for Oct. 24, before Judge Dawson Jackson. Plaintiffs listed for the local case are Sabrina Smith, Shelly Nix, Jim Regan, James R. Lappana and Richard P. Schneider.
Both lawsuits pertain to a constitutional amendment that would underscore the state's authority to charter independent public schools if voters say 'yes' to the ballot question.
According to a news release from a public relations firm that represents plaintiffs in the Fulton County Superior Court case, there is "clear evidence of a state-wide political campaign to defeat the amendment using taxpayers' resources orchestrated by the Georgia School Boards Association."
The lawsuit claims that in June 2012, the GSBA held a training meeting attended by school board members throughout Georgia, "during which a campaign organizer instructed attendees on how to wage a campaign to defeat the amendment."
Sis Henry, executive director of the GSBA, said that the June session in question "was not a secret meeting. The press was invited and the agenda had been posted on our website."
"The only thing that was secretive about that meeting was that somebody secretly taped the session," Henry said.
The lawsuit states that the plaintiffs "obtained an audio recording" of the meeting in which a campaign organizer addressed attendees.
Henry said the meeting was "an hourlong session in a six-hour communication workshop ... there were many other sessions offered at the same time ... with more than 500 people at the meeting."
She said the GSBA's job is to "work for school boards. We are their association. They are our members. I don't think I have ever seen a topic since I have been here that has galvanized school boards, superintendents and the entire group, like this (topic) has. It would only be natural that if I work for them, and this has been a long-standing position of theirs, that I would talk about the amendment. We work for them."
The Fulton County Superior Court lawsuit states that the plaintiffs — R. Allen Hughes, Rich Thompson, Rae Anne Harkness, Kelley O'Bryan Gary and Kara Martin, "on behalf of themselves and all taxpayers of Georgia" — believed that the GSBA used taxpayer funds to pay for the June meeting. In addition, the lawsuit states, "school board members received their normal compensation and reimbursement for this meeting."
Defending local school board members and himself, GCPS Superintendent J. Alvin Wilbanks released a statement Tuesday evening.
"In providing information to the public regarding Amendment 1, I have done nothing wrong or improper. These lawsuits are simply another attempt to bully, intimidate, and silence the citizens and public servants who are trying to clarify the amendment in order to counter the misleading language of the preamble and the ballot question itself," Wilbanks said.
"This is not a partisan issue. Educating voters on Amendment 1 is so important that people from all political parties are collaborating to ensure voters have full and accurate information about it."
Added Wilbanks: "That said I fully understand and abide by what legally I can and cannot do regarding the use of public funds in this effort. I also know that as an American citizen I have freedom of speech rights that are protected by the United States Constitution. I fully intend to continue exercising those rights, regardless of the tactics employed to try to keep me quiet."
The suit filed in Gwinnett County Superior Court lists Wilbanks specifically as one of the defendants.
The lawsuit also alleges that Gwinnett "distributed anti-amendment materials and adopted resolutions ... and have given anti-amendment speeches."
In August, members of the Gwinnett County Board of Education adopted a resolution during a meeting stating the district's stance against the constitutional amendment.
On Sept. 25, Delk sent a letter to Gwinnett and Fulton County school districts "requesting that defendants refrain from their activities in opposition to passage of the amendment."
On Oct. 3, Delk said a letter from Attorney General Sam Olens to State Superintendent John Barge — who had publicly voiced opposition to the amendment — laid out a case against elected education officials advocating or opposing constitutional amendments.
The lawsuit states that the plaintiffs' complaint "does not address the pros and cons of Amendment 1. This case is not about whether or not the voters of Georgia should vote yes or no on the Amendment on November 6, 2012."
The suit addresses "whether or not the named defendants and the local school districts they represent have orchestrated an illegal political campaign using taxpayers' funds."
Echoing Wilbanks' remarks, Henry said the lawsuit is "one more example of bullying and intimidation that is being practiced from the other side."
"We are deeply concerned about it," Henry said. "Civil dialogue is part of a democracy ... and people have First Amendment rights."
According to its website, the mission of the Georgia School Boards Association is "to ensure excellence in the governance of local school systems by providing leadership, advocacy and services, and by representing the collective resolve of Georgia's 180 elected boards of education."
More like this story
- Judge hears arguments in charter amendment lawsuit ( October 24, 2012 )
- Judge tosses out complaint against GCPS ( October 25, 2012 )
- Judge moves lawsuit against GCPS to Gwinnett ( October 10, 2012 )
- Charter school amendment is divisive issue ( October 13, 2012 )
- Charter schools get boost ( May 7, 2010 )
R 2 years, 8 months ago
So where's the companion lawsuit against the Governor??
or the Chambers of Commerce or CIDs using tax dollars to advocate for TSPLOST
Elbonian 2 years, 8 months ago
Personally I'm against the amendment because I believe in local control. Gwinnett schools should be controlled by Gwinnett citizens through our elected school board. I greatly resent the folks in Atlanta trying to take away local control!
With that said, I do not mind if Gwinnett schools uses some of my tax dollars to try and maintain local control of our schools. They certainly have MY permission!
pcjohn 2 years, 8 months ago
What local control? All of GCPS is controlled by Wilbanks and his cabal of flunkies. Is it part of your concept of "local control" that Wilbanks gives away $150,000 every year to his friends at the Convention Bureau? That's money collected from people like me that is meant for the education of the kids and not for Wilbanks to pee away for nothing. There's your "local control". Hope you like the results.
Jan 2 years, 8 months ago
Are you really so oblivious to facts? The school board is elected and, in my opinion, the members of the board have demonstrated a true interest in improving education in Gwinnett County. Mr Wilbanks meets regularly with this board, keeping them informed and getting input, and sometimes mandates. This board can replace him should they not approve of the direction he is taking the county. The board has previous replaced the Superintendents that they considered not appropriate for the position. Since school board members are constantly getting feedback and actively trying to include parents and other voters in decisions, this gives a major voice to the people in Gwinnett. Note that any influence over a state appointed board would be minimal with 159 counties diluting any influence local voters would have. You are also off base with the "..gives away $150,000...". This is not a donation, does not go to the Convention Bureau. It specifically goes to salaries to help Partnership Gwinnett to bring business into the county, which increases the tax base. An estimate of $6 million increase in tax revenue over the last 5 years for an investment of 5 X $150,000 gives a return on this investment of 800%. An outstanding return on investment.
PS $150,000 is less than .009% of the budget, hardly sufficient to warrant your ridiculous categorization.
R 2 years, 8 months ago
You're right the funds don't go to the convention bureau it goes to the chamber as well as funds supplied by the convention bureau.
Exactly what percentage of the annual budget that is spent inappropriately would be enough to warrant a reaction these days? Don't percentages add up? Especially when you claim you have LESS than required to fully operate?
Both the school system and the Chamber have been repeatedly asked to provide the support detail for these claimed results, if you have the detail please release it. But until that occurs, let's not make light of those who question the calculations that were used to create the return on investment estimate.
pcjohn 2 years, 8 months ago
To what "facts" do you allude, Jan? You start off declaring that "in my opinion".......etc. If that is how you define a fact then more power to you if you can persuade others. You are a good spokesperson for the GCPS administration but your opinion is based on your personal feelings not facts, Just whom do you work for within that overpaid, corrupt system? And you really need a course in remedial math, or perhaps logic, as explained by others below.
Say_that_again 2 years, 8 months ago
What hypocrites! Don't waste tax payer money to help educate the people about the amendment, do use tax payer money to defend against a lawsuit unlikely to get anything except publicity.
LarryMajor 2 years, 8 months ago
Delk is suing the "Education Empire," a phrase he uses frequently in his complaint. This Education Empire, according to Delk, is comprised of all school systems in Georgia, the teachers unions (?), several associations "and others."
The complaint is that schools systems are using taxpayers' money to do things like distribute political material. Delk's solution to this problem is to have all school systems spend more taxpayers' money to distribute more political material, only this time, the material will be written by his clients. I swear I'm not making this up. http://www.cpoga.org/PDF/delk_lawsuit.pdf
Say_that_again 2 years, 8 months ago
Thanks for the link. Reading this man's arguments demonstrates his ability to skew facts in his favor. He claims the prohibition is based solely on "tax payer money" used for or against an amendment and yet totally ignores the fact that charter schools, the people for whom he is arguing, are also funded by taxpayers and, therefore, by his argument, would not be allowed to fund any advocacy for the amendment. I read the cited court decisions, and noticed a major loophole to Delk's theory for this does directly affect education which puts the responsibility of getting the facts to the public an obligation of the public education boards, especially since the pro charter amendment forces have resorted to so many non-factual statements trying to sway voters on emotion rather than facts.
JohnQSucker 2 years, 8 months ago
Insane...Government versus Government, and both sides blowing taxpayer money to defeat the other. I can afford for the Government to waste some of my cash on self promotion, but the ones really being hurt are the folks who cannot...the Middle Class. Vote Libertarian.
R 2 years, 8 months ago
The cities sued the county remember? Gwinnett had to sue to address the overstepping the of the state constitution.
For all those who hold out that charter schools accept ALL students in the region what about the shining star Ivy Prep? It ONLY accepts FEMALE students correct? So what state public schools choose students by sex? Please feel free to correct me here if my facts are amiss.
NorcrossDot 2 years, 8 months ago
Libertarian? equals a vote for Obama.
SabrinaWorks247 2 years, 8 months ago
Jan wrote: "It specifically goes to salaries to help Partnership Gwinnett to bring business into the county, which increases the tax base. An estimate of $6 million increase in tax revenue over the last 5 years for an investment of 5 X $150,000 gives a return on this investment of 800%. An outstanding return on investment."
That is a very impressive ROI. How did you determine that GCPS received $6 million in return for paying the salaries of 2 PG/chamber employees?
BuzzG 2 years, 8 months ago
If you don't think there is an education empire in Gwinnett, you have your blinders on. Education is huge business in Gwinnett. Many jobs, money and power are involved. And it has been clear to all who are paying attention that the welfare of our kids frequently take a back seat to the welfare of the powerful. I hope Mr. Delk is successful in stopping the abuse of the taxpayer by that education empire. I would love to sit on that jury.
NorcrossDot 2 years, 8 months ago
So would I BuzzG. Well stated.
LarryMajor 2 years, 8 months ago
No, those of us snickering at the word "empire" understand the English language. An empire is where controlling power is in the hands of a very small group. A local BOE has authority, but its members have no power as individuals because they are elected by the people and can be replaced at any time, so the power lies with the people. The only way to replace leadership in a political empire is armed rebellion. You support creating a commission that is appointed by a board whose members are themselves, appointed. Worse, you support permanently giving this commission power superior to that of elected officials. The entire notion flies in the face of democracy.
Elbonian 2 years, 8 months ago
Amen to that! BuzzG: How is a state-level "educational empire" supposed to be more beneficial to Gwinnett citizens than the local-level "educational empire" we have now? Sorry, but it makes a ton more sense to me to stick with local control. If you don't like what is going on, run for school board! if we turn control over to the state, good luck getting ANY changes made!
Rico 2 years, 8 months ago
It's ironic that the State is suing some counties over this when they do it all of the time (spend taxpayer's dollars to fund economic development). The University of Georgia, Georgia Tech, and other state funded universities have full time economic development departments. All this is about is Nathan Deal is mad because school superintendents are calling it for what it is: A takeover of local government by the State. So now he is sicking his dogs on counties that won't step in line.
jenelaw 2 years, 8 months ago
Gwinnett residents who want to complain about the school system here sickon me. Gwinnett is a nationally recognized school district that has made AMAZING strides as the county has shifted from a rural county to an urban school district. It is one of the most stable school districts in the nation and of course it is big business because it is one of the largest employers in the state of Georgia as it is a HUGE district. If anyone is listening...the big "education empire" is not advocating against parent choice. The empire is advocating against further cuts to the local school systems that have just about crippled the current system. The austerity cuts that educators have endured mean that they are making less and less money each year...but teaching more students and handling more responsibilities. Teacher salaries were not exhorbitant to start with so after 5 years of no raises, furlough days and higher payments for health insurance and benefits; educators in Georgia are actually making substantially less than they were. Class sizes are larger than ever and clerical support and infrastructure are all but gone. No one is against charter schools and no one is against parent choice. The "empire" is against being anymore crippled than it already has been. Our own State School Superintendent has gone against his party not because he doesn't believe in charter schools, but because he doesn't believe in state charter schools at the expense of hurting an already wounded public school system.
NorcrossDot 2 years, 8 months ago
Drinking the kool-aid Jenelaw? Did you graduate from a Gwinnett School? I assume you meant "sicken".
CD 2 years, 8 months ago
The bottom line is that the taxpayers are not getting their money's worth from GCPS. The answer, in the short term, is to replace the current board members as they come up for re-election.
The charter school amendment is not the answer. The answer is to fix the problem. Beyond all of this, GCPS absolutely should not use taxpayer funds to support the Chamber.
jenelaw 2 years, 8 months ago
GCPS is one of the top rated school systems in the nation. What more do you want from them? It is a PUBLIC school system. They attempt to educate every child that walks through the door...from the brightest to the most struggling. The state has continued to cut school resources for over 8 years now. Class sizes are huge and teachers are literally making less than they did five years ago. All the teachers I know are still working just as hard as they can, but the schools are understaffed DUE to the housing crisis in Gwinnett as well as the economic crisis in the state of Georgia. Gwinnett still managed to win a Nationally Coveted Award in the midst of all of this. I am not sure what some of you want from PUBLIC education, but if you need more than Gwinnett is giving...you don't need a charter school, you need an elite private school.
NorcrossDot 2 years, 8 months ago
A national award in the USA does not mean very much any more. Yep Gwinnett students can take tests but can not spell, do basic math and have survivor skill in the real world.
pcjohn 2 years, 8 months ago
What is your source for the statement that "GCPS is one of the top rated school systems in the nation" ??
pcjohn 2 years, 8 months ago
Hey jenelaw.....still waiting for that source for your ridiculous statement that "GCPS is one of the top rated school systems in the nation". Or was it just a rash statement that you thought would help make your point ? C'mon, teach, we're all waiting to hear from you.
Rico 2 years, 8 months ago
These comments about GCPS are absurd. It is one of the best school systems in the state, especially in the Metro Atlanta area. It is why Gwinnett County grew so fast - people wanted to be here so their kids had a good school system to go to. No, I don't work for the school system - just a resident that is thankful my children got an excellent education in GCPS.
R 2 years, 8 months ago
Gwinnett grew by massive ZONING actions back in the day, the school system FOLLOWED.
SabrinaWorks247 2 years, 8 months ago
I'm still waiting for someone to explain how GCPS got $6 million in return for paying the salaries of chamber employees.
Jan? Anyone?
R 2 years, 8 months ago
We'll be waiting a LOOOOONG time for that response...
"PS $150,000 is less than .009% of the budget, hardly sufficient to warrant your ridiculous categorization."
Exactly what percentage of the annual budget that is spent inappropriately would be enough to warrant a reaction these days? Don't percentages add up? Especially when you claim that you have LESS than required to fully operate?
Jan 2 years, 8 months ago
Sorry, but I have other things to do besides monitor responses. Here is a link to a letter sent from GCPS in response to a request for more information:
The entire letter is highlighted in yellow. Here is a copy of the paragraph with the requested information:
"With the economic downturn that struck in 2007-08 and continues today, the significant value of Partnership Gwinnett to our county's economic vitality has become even more apparent. In its first five years, Partnership Gwinnett generated over $800 million in economic development, boosting the school district's revenue from the local tax base by more than $6 million. The proactive and productive economic development posture for Gwinnett County continues to reap benefits for the school district, which has been able to balance its budget without raising the operational millage rate during these difficult economic times."
R 2 years, 8 months ago
Sorry is right... you were provided an answer BUT where is the math detail that was used to get there? In math classes you get pounced on for not showing the DETAIL, even if the answer is TRUE!
Perhaps the process is under raps because it's patent pending. I know a lot of investors that would LOVE to get that kind of return in a down economy...
Quite frankly, it almost sounds Bernie Madoff-ish...
Jan 2 years, 8 months ago
Unfortunately, I do frequently assume that those reading responses have the ability to do basic math to calculate increase tax revenue to GCPS based on an extra $800 million tax base and have the skills to do basic research to find the millage rate. This is not a math class so no one should get "pounced on" for not showing all the details. The pouncing should be limited to those that constantly want to respond to facts with absurd insults or misinformation that demonstrate their lack of basic research skills or so brainwashed they only accept as fact their own preconceived ideas. In this case, the letter is quite clear that $800 million in economic development that was aided by the two salaried positions. Your ridiculous attempt to dispute this with a Madoff insult only demonstrates your lack of sufficient interest to actually do some research. If you really believe the data supplied by GCPS is not accurate, then find some facts that would support your position. As we head for the elections, it is unfortunate that too many people take your approach and just want to insult those with information contrary to what you wish to believe. We would get more qualified representation if everyone that claimed to be a patriot would accept their patriotic duty , educate themselves on the issues and vote in every election, especially primaries to get the best candidates running.
PS. If you are still unable to do the calculation (tax base increase) * (mill rate) = increase in revenue. Millage rate for schools which can be found on your property tax statement is 0.020550
pcjohn 2 years, 8 months ago
Jan, you are so helpful and enlightening that I just had to use YOUR equation and YOUR figures to calculate the increase in tax base that produced the approx. 6MIL in tax revenue that justified your staunch belief that GCPS's questionable gift to Partnership Gwinnett was so beneficial. Guess what? I used the equation YOU gave us (with your snide comment pertaining to our "ability" to use it) and I came up with a "tax base increase" of 292 MIL, and not the 800 MIL you bragged about. I guess that you yourself were "unable" to use the equation otherwise you might have noted the discrepancy in the figures that GCPS gave out, huh? Poor Jan - she's so in love with the GCPS that she'd buy the Brooklyn Bridge if they wanted to sell it to her. By the way, Jan, does that calculation based on your numbers constitute a "fact" that I can use?
And you never did answer whether you are connected with the GCPS. Are you ashamed or embarrassed to do so?
Jan 2 years, 8 months ago
Obviously you are having some trouble understanding. The $800 million was an amount specified in the letter from GCPS as the tax base increase due to Partnership Gwinnett. I did not give you a formula for that calculation. If you doubt that number, you might contact Partnership Gwinnett and get them to give you a list of the companies that came into the county due to their efforts and then research taxable value of the increased value they created. As for my own involvement, I am retired with no close relatives involved with GCPS. I am still concerned about the quality of the educational system and see it as very important for the future of our country. Watering it down with under performing for profit charter schools will not improve education, but only reduce standards. We have had charters for over 20 years and they have, on the average, consistently failed to come up to the standards of local public schools.
R 2 years, 8 months ago
When we are collectively talking about money - you are talking about math, plain and simple. There's nothing like an EXCEL formula error to get the juices flowing in the morning.
Jan I guess your research skills are just as lacking as you claim ours are.
We can't get the detail used from the Chamber itself (or the county BoC for that matter) that can begin to support this estimated ROI. It's no personal attack if you DON'T have the backup either, just tell us so and we are on our way.
Claiming parties are ignorant and lazy is really pretty foolish when they are in fact asking for explanations, don't you think?
(You can't see the raised hands over the internet)
SO what was used to determine the actual increased 800 million tax base? For example, were the tax offsets given to several firms recently included in the calculations? Since these are "easy" to find for you, post the links please.
I guess school's in as it were.
slo2ga 2 years, 8 months ago
From what I see, Partnership Gwinnett is great at bringing in business from Asia that have no desire to become community partners. I will leave it at that and refrain from the obvious statements that accompany this fact.
JHogan 2 years, 8 months ago
The upshot of this amendment will be that the governor will have near-dictatorial control over the new system of charter schools in the state by virtue of his being able to appoint--without approval--the membership of a new state agency which will authorize the creation of charter schools.
It will remove from the local communities the power to administer their own school sytems. It is my observation that most communities would prefer to run their own schools.
This unneeded amendment, if passed, would create a REAL "education empiire," run by the governor. That is the purpose of the amendment, to hand over control of the sytem of private schools to the governor.
This is a very bad idea.
R 2 years, 8 months ago
But have NO fear, it will be done responsibly and ethically. After-all, such concerns are the realm of dolts, fools, liberals and democrats...
Paraphrased from none other than the honorable GA Speaker of the House 2012. Why my checkbook feels MUCH better already.
SabrinaWorks247 2 years, 8 months ago
Jan wrote:
"If you really believe the data supplied by GCPS is not accurate, then find some facts that would support your position."
I filed open records requests that show GCPS does not have one shred of documentation to support their claim that they received $6 million in return for paying chamber salaries. Your statement is based on the assumption that the chamber generated $800 million in economic activity. The chamber has not provided any credible documentation to prove they generated $800 million in economic activity.
NewsReader 2 years, 8 months ago
"A person that preaches about values, but has no values of their own, expects people to act responsibly, yet takes little responsibility for themself, entitled to their rights while violating other's, applying rules to everyone for which they are exempt, and leading by words and not by example. There en lies the true definition of what it means to be a democrat." There en lies the definition of Jan, Larry_Major, and Say_that_again. What we have here is three individuals cut from the same mold, or active participants in a new reality show called "The Three Stooges", take your pick!


text:
Plymouthian slang word originally used to describe people originating from the part of plymouth called swilly. This word is now being used to describe anyone who fits into the sterotype chav or kevdue to the fact that most "swills" are what people believe to be chavs or kevs.The majoraty of "swills" congragate in huge circles on street corners smoking,drinking, and/or doing very soft drugs, while glaring at passers by and threatening to slit thier throat. Although intimadating in groups the "swill" is no more than a very weak thug with an extremely poor upbringing and it is often the case that the swill has witnessed violence towards his parents and seen his relatives take drugs before him.There is also a very easy way to tell if you are dealing with an ordinary chav/kev or a swill as the swills tend to use the letter "o" in places where the leteer "u" should be E.G: "Fock" instead of "Fuck" and "Cont" instead of "Cunt"
A swill just threatend to kill me iff i ever go to the shop again.
by mofucka February 24, 2005
19 more definitions
Top Definition
the last quarter of your forty that typically tastes like shit
holy shit that is the worst fucking swill i have ever had in my life
by taste of orient April 21, 2003
1. (noun) cheap, crappy beer such as busch light or keystone light.
2. (verb) to drink alcohol quickly to get drunk.
2. (verb) to drink alcohol quickly to get drunk.
1. (n.) Damn this busch light is some swill, next time buy some sierra nevada!
2. (v.) Yo, hurry up and swill that shit so we can go inside.
2. (v.) Yo, hurry up and swill that shit so we can go inside.
by J$$$$ October 28, 2003
(verb) in greenwich "to swill" is to drink and/or get drunk. this term is mostly used in the public high school...therefore, when you use the term everybody knows where you're from.
dude we're getting swilled tonight!
are you guys going to swill at the party?
are you guys going to swill at the party?
by gineen November 26, 2005
adj. Anything bad, sub-standard or worthless.
Spike is swill. Crusher is not.
by Reverse April 10, 2005
chinese grease, or anything smelling like santa's crack.
Wipe that SWILL off your bum bum.
by Ohpy Galella December 19, 2002
to ingest large amounts of alcohol
are you going to swill that brew?
Wanna swill?
lets get swilled
im down for some swillage
Wanna swill?
lets get swilled
im down for some swillage
by adfjkgh October 05, 2005
Someone who comes from Devonport or the area round it, and reckons they're the hardest person to walk this earth, but no one will disagree with them because even if the swill aint the hardest guy around him and his mates will outnumber anyone who disagrees with him about 15 to 1 and kick their head in, leving them for dead after kicking the unconcious body around the road.
*Random person walks past, trying not to be noticed*
Swill1: Oi! you startin?
Person: uh, no
*Swill1's mates gather round and Person gets beaten up and left in the gutter*
Swill1: Oi! you startin?
Person: uh, no
*Swill1's mates gather round and Person gets beaten up and left in the gutter*
by Solfius March 20, 2004


text: "Revealed! How Kourtney Kardashian Is Going To Lose the Baby Weight" Sadie SteinProfileFollowUnfollow Sadie SteinFiled to: Baby Steps Us Headlines Us Weekly Kourtney Kardashian Pregnancy baby weight bauer-griffin 12/09/09 6:40pmEditDelete Invite manuallyPromoteXDismissXUndismissBlock for jezebelHideShare to KinjaShare to PinterestGo to permalink Well, "having the baby" is probably the first step, US. Yeah, we understand, souls do add so much weight, don't they? [US] 44Reply 44Discuss


text:
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Jesus tells the Pharisees, immediately after talking about how He will lay down His life for the sheep, that they are not His sheep (John 10:15,26). Therefore, it appears that they are excluded from the promises made to the sheep in this passage.


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text:
Nearly 30 members of the clergy and other community leaders from Queens traveled to Washington, DC on Tuesday to attend U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand's first-ever legislative summit of African-American Faith-Based Leaders.
The event, entitled "Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships: A Plan to Impact Our Communities," was attended by more than 200 leaders across New York State, including 92 citywide ministers, church pastors and executive directors who represent faith-based groups, congregations and organizations primarily serving black communities.
The goal was to address economic issues, such as unemployment and housing disparities, as well as differences in access to quality health care and education. Panels of experts guided conversations on how to build financial stability within the African-American community by broadening and strengthening business and employment opportunities, and how federal authorities can work with faith communities to improve health care, make communities safer, and provide more effective, efficient services.
"Faith-based institutions are pillars for our state and our nation," Gillibrand said. "These organizations have been invaluable for families across New York, helping them stay afloat through this tough economy. In order to have an impact on our communities, we must partner with faith-based organizations and support many of the critical services they provide."
In addition to Gillibrand and other members of New York's congressional delegation, participants also had an opportunity to meet with United States Secretary for Housing and Urban Development Shaun Donovan, the Rev. Al Sharpton, and representatives from the White House and the Departments of Agriculture, Education, Department of Justice, Labor, Health and Human Services, Housing and Urban Development and Commerce.
The tough economy has left nearly one out of every five African-Americans out of work, according to Gillibrand. In the face of a difficult economy and what she contends are extreme budget cuts, her legislative summit addressed how faith leaders can successfully utilize federal resources to confront current challenges facing African-American communities in New York.
Gillibrand also focused on her legislation to eliminate health disparities, including the National Black Clergy for the Elimination of HIV/AIDS Act, which would provide $567 million to help fight HIV/AIDS in the black community, and the Eliminating Disparities in Breast Cancer Treatment Act, which is designed to end racial disparities in access to care by establishing best practices for breast cancer treatment and penalties for providers that do not offer best practices to all patients.


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D.C. weather forecast: Humid overnight, strong storms likely late Sunday
Temperatures will fall into the 70s overnight along with some patchy fog. Strong storms may impact the mid-Atlantic Sunday afternoon and evening.
Overnight: Warm and Humid, Patchy Fog
Lows: 70°-78° | Wind: South 5-10 mph
Sunday: Mostly Cloudy, PM Thunderstorms
Highs: 90°-95° | Wind: South 10-15 mph
Monday: Partly Cloudy, Isolated Storms
Highs: 85°-90° | Wind: West 5-10 mph
Follow ABC 7's Steve Rudin on Facebook and Twitter @SteveRudinABC7
A few showers and isolated thunderstorms may develop during the evening and early overnight hours. Temperatures will slowly fall into the 70s with patchy fog possible by early morning. Sunday brings a quiet start to the day as a cold front approaches from the northwest. As the front moves closer, the atmosphere will become less stable allowing for the potential for strong to severe storms. The front will slow just to the south of the D.C. area keeping unsettled weather in the forecast for Monday.
Stay with ABC 7 News, News Channel 8, Weather NOW and WJLA.com for the latest weather headlines.


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Academic Rigor
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Bang for the buck
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This is a perfect school for anyone looking for a school with a bunch of FRIENDLY people, but yet a compact academic side of campus. Especially as an undergraduate student, the classes are manageable, small (no more than 200 EVER...mostly smaller than 75), and definitely a bang for the buck!
To find more tips for prospective students, what to do for fun and whether this school is great for a particular type of student read the 160 reviews for Missouri State University-Springfield
Curious about something that isn't answered here? Feel free to ask Missouri State University-Springfield a question
Small, neat, and clean. Has friendly atmosphere. Small town feel in a big town.Read More
Beautiful campus with many different degree options and a wide variety of social activities. They are working on many updates to the campus and providing the students with top notch facilities. The school offers many scholarships to their students.Read More
Beautiful campus, super excited to move back in June.Read More
Missouri State University proclaims that at their school, all of the students will find their place, and follow their passion. MSU does all that it can to ensure that the latter axiom is fulfilled. Despite the overwhelming size, MSU's faculty and staff truly cares about each and every student's well-being and success while at the university.Read More
MSU is a great place to find out exactly what you want to do for your career, especially if you are unsure going in. The faculty and professors are very personable and will do their best to help you succeed. There are also many clubs and extracurricular activities to get involved in, no matter what your interests are.Read More
Very safe campus. Staff always willing to help Unbelievable school spirit and community engagementRead More
The school has a nice campus and rec center. My sister goes here and says all the teachers she has are friendly.Read More
A larger campus with a close-knit, community feel. Less intimidating and a great value compared to other, larger state schools. There's a place for everyone and the university's slogan is true--follow your passion and find your place at MSU.Read More
Missouri State feels like home. I never imagined I'd be so comfortable living in a city far from where I grew up. I couldn't have made a better choice by coming here for college!Read More
Missouri State University is a great place for anyone considering college education. The staff are well-educated and helpful, always making themselves available to the students. The campus is very nice and it is easy to make many new, wonderful friends while you're there.Read More