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Must be junior or senior and have a major within the Department of Communication, Media and Leadership Studies.
Full-time Strategic Communication major with junior or senior status and in good academic standing.
Scholarship given to Speech or Theatre major with preference given to rising junior or senior. Students majoring in Theatre may also be considered if a Strategic Communication student is unable to be identified.
Journalism or Convergent Media major with junior or senior status, having a cumulative GPA of at least 3.5.
For information about additional MSU scholarships please visit www.moreheadstate.edu/scholarships.
© Copyright 2015 Morehead State University -
150 University Blvd. Morehead, KY 40351 • 1-800-585-6781
MSU is an affirmative action, equal opportunity, educational institution.


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Top European Union (EU) officials released a plan Tuesday aimed at further unifying the 17 countries__and their economies__in the euro zone. This is one more story in the continuing euro saga that businesspeople all around the world are monitoring carefully.
According to the Wall Street Journal [subscription needed], leaders recommended that a single European authority oversee the territory's banks and national budget deficits get prior approval by the rest of the euro zone countries. This last recommendation would be a major factor in the pooling of the zone's debt.
Gabriele Steinhauser writes: "The report, commissioned by EU leaders at their last summit in May, is vague on many issues and silent on many other controversial questions. Yet it represents the most concrete official plan toward closer economic ties yet to emerge from the bloc."
The recommendations were not meant as an answer to the current euro upheaval; but, instead, authorities suggested the measures be put in place over the next 10 years. "That leaves largely unchanged the current crisis strategy__an effort built around curbing government budgets and overhauling labor and product markets," Steinhauser writes.
Many questions remain, and any agreement will be difficult and slow to come. Moving financial risk and oversight away from individual countries and to the euro zone means amending the EU treaty and national constitutions plus inevitable referendums in some countries.
Business leaders also remain cautious. According to a McKinsey Global survey, executives cite sovereign-debt defaults as the most common risk to global economic growth. Plus, these executives are twice as likely as they were in March to anticipate a euro zone recession in the next six months. The world economy
Consider the definition of globalization from the APICS Operations Management Body of Knowledge Framework. "Globalization, understood from economic, financial, accounting, human resources, marketing, cultural, and other perspectives, has brought new challenges to operations management as corporations extend their supply chains beyond their national borders and deal with suppliers and customers around the world."
It's a simple definition, but the concept has myriad complexities and challenges. Chances are you and your company are dealing with reverberations from the euro zone debt crisis right now. For example, economic uncertainty brings with it stagnant demand and diminishing credit. This economic climate puts European suppliers at risk, creating uncertainty throughout the supply chain.
During the recession of 2008 and 2009, decision makers at many multinational corporations learned lessons that make companies stronger today. With the urgent situation in the euro zone and the tepid economic state elsewhere, are you best prepared to institute vital decisions regarding your organization's supply chain and operations management? Are you taking opportunities to maximize your own career?
On its extensive website, APICS features valuable resources you can put to work today to help you make tough decisions or advance your career. APICS magazine, for example, features articles on optimizing inventory, building supplier relationships, and risk management. Also available on apics.org are career packs that contain job descriptions, career paths, and competency models by title for supply chain and operations management careers. These career-focused packages help you manage your career growth by strategically setting goals and measuring your progress against information provided by peers in similar positions across the globe. Even better, the career packs are free for APICS members.
Now is not the time to maintain the status quo in your company or your career.
Idea exchange
Now, you can take the APICS Operations Management Now discussion to your social networks on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and the APICS Supply Chain Channel. Be sure to use the hashtag #OMNow and include @Tweet_APICS in any tweets to have your words featured on the APICS homepage.
Type the code from the image

subset: commoncrawl


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Report analyzes what went wrong with Vermont Health Connect
An independent review of the troubled rollout of the states health care exchange concludes that a combination of factors is responsible for many of the problems at Vermont Health Connect.
The report says the federal government, the Shumlin administration and the major contractor of the project all contributed to the situation.
Gov. Peter Shumlin called for the independent review after VHC encountered numerous technical problems last fall. The report was done by the firm Berry, Dunn, MacNeil and Parker of Portland, Maine.
The review says an accelerated federal timeline for all state exchanges to go online contributed to many problems.
In Vermont, this factor was exacerbated when an original contract to set up the exchange with Oracle fell through, giving the state even less time to complete the project. Eventually, the state contracted with the Canadian firm CGI to design the exchange.
Mark Larson, commissioner of the Department of Vermont Health Access, concurs with this analysis.
The schedule of this project was the biggest risk we faced throughout the entire implementation, Larson said. And I think that the report today really emphasizes that as a key finding.
The report also concludes: CGI created a project team of 180 people who had little to no experience working together prior to this project.
Larson said the problems with CGI were not limited to just Vermont.
Thats consistent with the experience in other states where contractors came in, he said. They brought in new teams that again in a very short time frame had to learn to work together to figure out the work that they were doing.
The report also states that Vermont and its software vendors had never completed a software development project of this magnitude and did not fully understand the Affordable Care Act.
Larson also agrees with this conclusion.
This building exchanges was a new thing not just in Vermont but across the country, Larson said. And they are very complicated because we are trying to connect pieces of a very fragmented health care system.
Darcie Johnston, director of Vermonters for Health Care Freedom, a group that opposes the implementation of a single-payer system in Vermont, said the report should serve as a clear warning for lawmakers in the future.
Government shouldnt be taking on big projects like this with deadlines that are not movable but risks the public, and in this case it risked a lot of peoples health care, Johnston said.
And it certainly doesnt bode well for going to the next step, she said. Its not a core competency of government, and it shouldnt be and theres a reason why.
The report also encourages the state to establish clear expectations for individual components of this project and to systematically evaluate all functions of the exchange.MORE IN This Just InMONTPELIER A new report from a commission that studied the cost, availability and quality of... Full StoryVermont fish hatchery changes focus, looks inland
BETHEL, Vt. Full StoryHONOLULU (AP) A group of Hawaii musicians and a Hawaiian Airlines flight attendant provided... Full Story
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"I recently found you through my smartphone and I'm hooked. I find the program very interesting as I try to deepen my faith and knowledge of the Catholic Church. I have a lot of friends who converted to Protestant churches. I will continue to learn every day, and hopefully I can share what I've learned with them."
"Enough, gentlemen, my last word is this: the guillotine seems set up for good. Take me there. An oath against my conscience you will never get from me."


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*HTML is ON
*UBB Code is ON
Smilies Legend
Smilies Legend
If you have previously registered, but forgotten your password, click here.
T O P I C R E V I E WGregoryJChaseWhat is everyone's opinion on these? The top Conrad signature actually conforms around address label. The middle one he shorts the Jr. compared to his autopen being far away. Ken HavekotteUnfortunately, all of them here are autopens from GT-5 crewmen Cooper and Conrad (Sorry)!capoetcThey are still nice recovery ship covers, though.
Copyright 2016 collectSPACE.com All rights reserved.
Ultimate Bulletin Board Version 5.47a
Ultimate Bulletin Board Version 5.47a


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AmeriCorps: Preparing Communities for the Unexpected
Blog Categories:
Disaster Response and Recovery
As a native of Long Island, the attacks of September 11th, 2001 hit close to home for Tracy Connelly. Loved ones working in the World Trade Center were missing. Family members responding to the attacks were injured. For 36 hours, she had no idea where her father was. Days after the events, Connelly learned of friends' deaths by passing their memorials in Penn Station.
On that day, Connelly bore witness to the many realities of a disaster. The government building she worked in was unprepared for such an event and total chaos ensued. With no way to communicate, the flight or fight mentality kicked in and coworkers fled the building.
And while Connelly's path had always been one of service, the events of 9/11 changed her focus, and ultimately the course of her career. After spending six months attending funerals, wakes, and memorial services – Connelly knew she needed a change. She set out to do something good with AmeriCorps.
After serving a year in Charleston, SC, with AmeriCorps NCCC, Connelly wanted to spend another year in service and joined the American Red Cross Readiness and Response Corps in Seattle, WA.
An Eye-Opening Moment
She credits AmeriCorps with opening her eyes to a host of causes, "I didn't have a master plan. I knew I was passionate about HIV testing and awareness, but AmeriCorps exposed me to a lot of race and social justice issues, education issues, the importance of preparedness, and the importance of being trained to do response," said Connelly.
In Seattle, Connelly found herself working with underserved communities and finding ways to ensure disaster readiness and response information is accessible to all. She continued the same work after her term ended for two years, and was later hired by the City of Seattle to do the same job, which she continues today.
Much of this work, she says, is actually about people. "I must build a relationship and earn someone's trust before I can begin talking about emergency preparedness. I need to find out what their priorities are and connect with them through things that are important to them."
From removing downed trees to doing case management, AmeriCorps serves a critical function in disaster response. Connelly noted that when doing disaster response after an EF-4 tornado as an AmeriCorps NCCC member, she was struck by the distinct role that AmeriCorps plays.
"AmeriCorps is in a unique position to not only do the 'boots on the ground' manual labor but also the compassionate community work," she said. "National Service participants are trained disaster respondents. They know what to do and can offer a helping hand. Thanks to AmeriCorps, hundreds of thousands of Americans who have the motivation and passion now also have the training and skill to help in a variety of ways."
Ten years ago, Tracy Connelly was struck by the confusion and disorder that followed in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks. Looking for a way to escape the sorrow that permeated the mood of the time, she joined AmeriCorps. Now, she works to prepare communities for the unexpected and is a living example of the spirit of unity and compassion that swept the country in the aftermath of the tragic events of that day.


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Embellished V-Neck Tee
Style: 570079819
Out of Stock
When it's too hot for anything more complicated than a tee, this V-neck adorned with embroidered netting and silvertone beading is more your style. 57% Cotton, 38% Modal, 5% Spandex. Hand wash. Imported.
- Stretch fit.
- Chiffon piping at the V-neckline. Cap sleeve. Shirred sides.
- Hits at the lower hip (25" from shoulder)
Read more… Read less…


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FY 2010 Monitoring Info Guide and Monitoring Protocol
The State Vocational Rehabilitation and Independent Living Programs Information Guide (the Info Guide) is one of a number of sources that RSA uses to assist it to fully understand how the Vocational Rehabilitation and Independent Living programs operate within a state. RSA is sharing the FY 2010 Info Guide and the FY 2010 Monitoring Protocol with state agencies and other interested parties in order to enhance the transparency of the review process and promote collaboration.
(October 2, 2009)
FY 2008 Standards and Indicators
Standards and Indicators - Section 106 of the Rehabilitation Act, as amended, requires the establishment and implementation of evaluation standards and performance indicators for the vocational rehabilitation program that measure the extent to which states are in compliance with relevant performance factors. The Standards and Indicators for FY 2008 are now available.
(June 29, 2009)
Basic VR Agency Report Cards and Monitoring Tables for FY 2007
The report card and the monitoring tables were created shortly after the publication of standards and indicators regulations July 5, 2000. They were designed to enable RSA staff to better monitor state agencies for performance, especially regarding standards and indicators. The latest files for FY 2007 have been posted on the Performance page for the Basic VR program.
(May 26, 2009)
Protection and Advocacy for Assistive Technology 2007 Annual Report
The Protection and Advocacy for Assistive Technology (PAAT) Program: 2007 Annual Report describes the activities of, and outcomes produced by, the PAAT Program during the 12-month period ending Sept. 30 of the fiscal year covered. It is based on data collected through a Program Performance Report (PPR) form approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).
(February 12, 2009)
Assistive Technology Act -- Annual Report to Congress: Fiscal Year 2006
The Assistive Technology Act of 1998, as amended by Public Law 108-364 (AT Act of 1998, as amended) requires that the secretary of education submit to Congress a report on the activities funded under that act.
(February 11, 2009)


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Halloween is for dressing up. Often there are scary elements to these looks.
But what about the rest of the year?! What if I want to strike fear into the hearts of my neighbors in January or May?
Fortunately, I have found a solution: Halloween Inspired Jewelry. As in jewelry made to look like terribly frightening things. Are you scared yet?
Well be warned… even if you "ain't afraid of no ghost," the following jewels may elicit some shrieks from you!
The Bones (because it isn't Halloween with out a Skeleton):
Where To Shop:
Low Luv x Erin Wasson "Triple Bone Cuff" ($185), shopbop.com
Alexander McQueen "Skull Bee Ring" ($330), ssense.com
Low Luv x Erin Wasson "Bone Stud Earrings" ($25), shopbop.com
The Spiders (Lukus' greatest fear):
Where To Shop:
Betsey Johnson "Dark Forest Spider Hinger Cuff" ($45), zappos.com
MCL by Matthew Campbell Laurenza "Spider Ring" ($510), neimanmarcus.com
Tarina Tarantino "White Widow Spider Post Earrings" ($88), endless.com
The Snakes (My greatest fear…seriously, cultivating these pieces has left me completely broken):
Where To Shop:
Haute Hippie "Small Snake Cuff" ($325), shopbop.com
Zoe And Morgan "Cobra Necklace" ($180), farfetch.com
Kenneth Jay Lane "Crystal Snake Ring" ($88), shopbop.com
Are you as frightened as I am? Would you wear Halloween inspired Jewelry the rest of the year? Any favorites?


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The words "TBS's new original sitcom" make my comedy cojones shrivel up. TBS doesn't have a particularly great track record for comedies, and even the interesting talent involved in "Sullivan & Son" — Vince Vaughn producing, former "Cheers" writer Rob Long serving as showrunner and co-writing with comedian Steve Byrne — couldn't raise my expectations.
Steve (Byrne) is a half-Korean, half-Irish guy who's made it away from his blue-collar Pittsburgh roots to become a big-shot New York lawyer. When he returns for his father's (Dan Lauria, aka Kevin's dad on "The Wonder Years") birthday, Steve learns his dad is going to sell the family bar. So Steve buys it and moves back, and weekly multi-camera misadventures ensue.
I'm not going to completely condemn "Sullivan & Son" because it's possible that Long and Byrne make this generic bar sitcom premise work. While the first three episodes aren't very funny (and are actually pretty racist), there's potential for improvement — and Lauria is always great.
Byrne is clearly writing and acting from an autobiographical point of view, and his shrill, evil Korean mother (Jodi Long) is sometimes "That '70s Show" Red Forman funny. Other times the writing for her character is as racially insensitive as "Amos 'n' Andy" was. It could go either way.


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We're unable to locate any merchandise that meets your refinement selections at this time. Please expand your refinement selections or try your refinement for a different category.
Suits for Women | Shop The Limited's Collection series which consistently uses the same shades and fabrics to encourage mixing and matching for suit pieces. fabric to mix and match perfectly.


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Winchester 512259290 SXP Turkey Hunter 4+1 3.5" 12ga 24"
This Item is Currently Out of Stock
Winchester 512259290 SXP Turkey Hunter 4+1 3.5" 12ga 24"
Factory New
|Bud's Item #
Mossy Oak Break-Up Infinity
Pick up the new Winchester® SXP shotgun and experience the light weight, centered balance and instant pointability firsthand. The Super X design provides you with the fastest follow-up shots. No other pump offers the feeling of an inertia-assisted slide-action that can deliver three shots in a half second.
THE WORLD'S FASTEST PUMP ACTION. Whether its super-speed clays or fast-flushing upland game, keep up with shooting's fastest action with the Super X Pump, the perfect choice for pump shotgun lovers. Because of its inertia-assisted slide-action, it's the fastest in the world for follow-up shots. Three shots can be delivered in just a half second. Cycle one through and see if it's not the finest fitting, sweetest handling and fastest pump out there.
*Please Note!! Many of our pictures are stock photo's provided to us by the manufacturer and do not necessarily represent the actual item being purchased. Please verify this picture accurately reflects the product described by the title and description on this page before you place your order.


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Leading experts in the care of cardiovascular disease
Rush offers the full spectrum of surgical and nonsurgical services for people of all ages who have heart and vascular conditions.
Nationally recognized experts specialize in providing individualized treatment for complex disorders, including the following:
Many of these doctors are also researchers looking for new ways to help people with these diseases. Rush's heart and heart surgery program is consistently ranked among the best in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.


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Very good. So how might you use such a shape to your advantage? Don't forget the dragon's gaping mouth and the other aspects of it.
Well because of the volume of this jutsu, it can be used to defend again a fire tech(the great fire ball tech). Due to the shape i can attack more than one person provided that they are close to each other.
Kefa: sensei i'm not really sure
So what do you know of force = mass x acceleration? Emphasize on the mass aspect.
When you put it like that, because of the dragons volume(mass) it can carve the earth( that is it can destroy things) also because of the volume(mass) of the Dragon, its makes dodging or evading quite difficult; well in battle and the user uses this technique the users opponent cant say a thrown shurikne with a paper bomb will end this technique, it cant because of the volume(mass) of the water.
Kefa: did i do better?
Yes, much better. Basically, the bigger the mass, the more powerful your move will be.
(Suiton: Suishū Gorugon) - Water Release: Powerful Blasting Rain Trench
Rank: C
Type: Attack
Range: Short-Mid
Chakra cost: 15
Damage Points: 30
Description: The user after performing Dragon → Tiger will summon a large amount of water that will then be used to strike at the opponent in several versatile ways. It has been known to transform it into a dragon with a gaping mouth to attack. The water used will be stationary till it is sent offensively toward the opponent.
This next jutsu is rather straightforward.
Anyhow, begin by concentrating your Suiton Chakra into your throat. As you do, begin molding it into a sphere with your chakra and also, at the same time, start accelerating the chakra to create a fast-rotating sphere.
Then proceed to spit it out at the trees ahead.
Kefa: you want me to make a large spit ball??...lol . Okay sensei
*kefa faces the forests(where the trees are), kefa then puts his hands together and starts to focus on his water chakra building it up from his gut to his mouth, as the chakra gushes up from his gut to his mouth it turns into water using nature manipulation(still his chakra is fused with it) as it goes up the throat, kefa manipulates the shape into a sphere, kefa then breathes which makes his chest area to enlargen; he breathes in to build up pressure and he starts to make it spin/rotate very fast(due to the water is still infused with his chakra). Aiming at the trees kefa releases a huge blast of water, which hits the trees leaving them soaked*
kefa: how did i do sensei?
Well done. So how might such a huge blast of water come into play during battle?
Think of the shape of this jutsu and how it rotates.
Okay! The size of this jutsu will block the opens view of the user of this attack, hence it can be used as a diversion, while the user uses a secondary attack!
Also because of the spinning if this jutsu can leave a crater(like when meteorites hit the earth)
kefa: Good?
Excellent. Much better.
(Suiton: Teppoudama) - Water release: Water Bullet
Rank: C
Type: Attack
Range: Short-Mid
Chakra cost: 15
Damage Points: 30
Descripton: A large sphere of rotating water that is spit out of the users mouth that can blast a huge area leaving it soaked.
For this next one, start by concentrating your Suiton Chakra into your feet. Then, when you have pooled enough chakra into them, slam the ground with your feet and release the chakra to cause the Water Chakra to travel towards my clone as a slicing jet. He will stand several feet away from you...make sure you aim well.
How fast do you think this jutsu would travel?
sorry for replying l8
kefa: how fast do i think it'll travel? Very fast, well you said creat a slicing jet, and a jet moves very fast, so the slicing jet will be very fast. With no further explanation lemme try the technique. Good luck clone!
*kefa turns away from Akihiko and faces Akihiko's clone, kefa build up his water chakra then focus it towards his feet. Kefa raises his right leg foot and then slams it on the Ground as he slams it on the Ground he releases the water chakra he focused towards his feet, as the chakra is release water rises up from the ground, kefa then focuses on Akihiko's clone and the water builds up pressure and start moving towards the clone with high speed, when the water hits the clone it rips the clone apart(2 equal halves, dividing him from between his legs) and the clone disperse back into a cloud of smoke "poof".
Kefa: how did i do?
All good, I've been busy myself.
So with such a pressurized jutsu, being able to wreck Earth, which part of your target would you aim for to do the most damage?
his body part.(aimed from his open legs as he stands when the water gets under him i slash him upwards getting his body) to wrip him apart like a sword slashing a human being into two.
Excellent response.
(Suiton: Mizu Kamikiri) - Water Release: Rising Water Cutter
Rank: C
Type: Attack
Range: Short-Mid
Chakra cost: 15
Damage Points: 30
Description: After waving the Tiger hand seal the user slams his foot to the ground, causing water to rise up and travel towards his target as a slicing jet.
For this next jutsu, start by building Water Chakra inside your throat. Keep it inside your mouth until you build enough pressure behind them to release it in a wave of water that has the capability of carving the Earth.
Do this several times on the rock next to me please.
Kefa: Okay sensei, this jutsu is like water bullet but only more powerful right?
*kefa turns away from Akihiko sensei and faces the rock next to Akihiko. Kefa starts building his water chakra then focuses the water chakra to his throat, kefa starts to breath in as he does his chest expand and swell(he does this to build pressure) kefa's cheek swells up due to the compressed water being ready to be expelled from his mouth, aiming at the rocks middle, kefa spits out a wave of high speed water that hits the rock and cracks it, kefa does this jutsu again, this time as he builld up his water chakra and focuses it to his throat followed by inhaling air making his chest swell and pressure is built, the compressed water fills his cheek making them swollen, kefa uses extreme force as he spits out another wave of high speed water towards the cracked rock on impact the rock shatters into small rocks*
kefa: sensei? How did i do?
You are correct. The range can also go up to mid.
(Suiton: Taihoudan) - Water Style: Water Gun
Rank: C
Type: Attack
Range: Short-Mid
Chakra cost: 15
Damage Points: 30
Descripton: A strong water wave spit from the mouth that is more compressed than Chaos Water Wave and can carve the earth if used on the same area multiply times.
Now, for this next jutsu, send your water chakra towards the top of my clone, manipulating it to take the shape of a shark that will then crash down upon his head to strike him.
*kefa focuses his water chakra to his hand and then put his hand on his ground, kefa then releases his water chakra using nature manipulation to form the water water and then using shape manipulation for it to take a form of a shark, using force and pressure,a water sharks leaps out of the ground up in the air slight directly above the clone Akihiko made, then the shark comes crashing down on the clone biting the clones head and drags it down, which makes both the clone and the shark disperse*
kefa: you said projectile so i used the ground
Wait what, where did I say that? You're supposed to form the shark on top of his head...
O.O....i really thought you wrote projectile:ghehe: forgive me
*kefa redoes the attack, kefa starts by building up his water chakra, then he aims and focuses it on top of Akihiko clone, after that he releases the water chakra kefa then thinks of a shark and uses shape manipulation to make it form a shark, after the shark is formed, the shark comes down on the clone first biting the clone head and drags it down, the both then disperse, the shark into water and the clone into cloud of smoke*
Forum Rules


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Hi Mamas,
I am returning to University at the beginning of October and lo (12 months old at that time) will be attending Nursery full-time. However, I still haven't resolved her breastfeeding and feeding issues i.e. she would nurse frequently throughout the day for just a minute or two and break out in tears if I try to nurse her longer and the same goes for solids. She can only tolerate 4 foods due to her huge list of allergies and she only likes lamb out of the foods she eats. The maximum she would eat is 6 ice blocks of lamb for the whole day. So she still is super dependent on my milk for her nutrition. I plan to talk to the nursery staff and ask them to go there and breastfeed her 2 or 3 times (every 3 hours perhaps) hoping that she would nurse longer per session than usually. Is it a good idea to start implementing a schedule from now so that she has some time to get used to it? I am just scared that if I do it now and in result she would decrease her breast milk intake and stop gaining weight again. Is it a good idea to breastfeed her on demand in the early morning, evening and throughout the night (yes ladies at 1 year of age she wakes up no less than 8-10 times during the night for quick nursing) but feed her every three hours during her staying there i.e (9 to 5)?
Also what I fear is even a greater problem is her total inability to fall asleep on her own. To get her to sleep I nurse her and rocket her while nursing and it takes me at least half an hour if she's very sleepy. Then she falls asleep and continues to nurse in her sleep. That is the reason I haven't started any sleep training since dream feeding accounts fora a significant part of her whole intake. How will she possibly be able to sleep there ? Please help me with some inputs on how you helped your kids survive the nursery


text: My son is 2 months old (9 weeks) and I want to co-sleep with him. I co-slept with my previous two children with no problem. He will nurse laying down and fall asleep but once he is done nursing, his eyes open and he won't settle down. I will try to nurse him again to get him to sleep and he won't. I then put him in the swing where he immediately falls asleep. He does the same thing during the day when he is nursing in my arms. He will fall asleep but once he comes off of my nipple he wakes up and won't sleep on my chest. Could it be silent reflux or something else bothering him? I thought all babies would want to sleep with their moms. Any suggestions would be appreciated.


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Webinar: Strategy Development: Empowering Your ALCO (CD)
Recorded: March 11, 2014
Length: 60 Minutes
Community banks are still feeling the effects of continued margin pressure and uncertainty surrounding the future of interest rates, however, a well-informed ALCO focused on making decisions with the right information has far better odds of balancing current earnings needs with the challenges of preparing for the next change in the rate cycle.
This webinar will examine "real world" case studies on a variety of balance sheet management strategies that will make a meaningful difference to your institution's performance. Participants will discuss strategies to reduce rate exposure and examine current economic issues impacting strategy development. Asset liability management expert, Mark Haberland will address the importance of accurate data and, most critically, using supportable assumptions that reflect actual "real life" experiences of your institution.
Making quality risk/return assessments requires experience and knowledge of options and alternatives that might not have been considered or fully vetted. The process that ties it all together is at the very core of every high-performing ALCO.
This session is designed for CEOs, Presidents, CFOs, Directors and ALCO Members.
Speaker: Mark A. Haberland, Managing Director at Darling Consulting Group.
Mark works directly with financial institutions to help provide solutions for their asset liability management process. He provides support to clients in the areas of liquidity risk management, ALM modeling, regulatory compliance and executive level education.
Mark has been with DCG since 1997, starting his career as a financial analyst before being promoted to a team manager and eventually Director in the analytics department. He has nearly 20 years of experience in the banking industry in the areas of asset liability management and bank auditing.
1 CPE Credit
Program Level: Basic-Intermediate
|ICBA Member Price: $209.00
|Non-Member Price: $309.00
To order this product online at the member or non-member price:
For more information, call 800-422-7285.


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Let's face it: People love to take shortcuts. Can you blame them? The time saved by avoiding mundane tasks can be used for more important things, like deciding what Instagram filter will most accurately convey the gravity of your lunch decisions to your social networking circle.
Sloppiness and inattention to detail can't carry us all through the day, though. Sometimes, the work we do is seen by others. When that's the case, it's important to be as thorough as possible when checking facts. The people on this list learned that the hard way.
6 At the BBC, The Future Is Now
Does the United Nations Security Council have a logo? That's the riddle some unidentified graphics jockey at the BBC had to solve while putting together a news story about Syria. It takes just a cursory amount of Googling to reveal that the answer to that question is a resounding "maybe."
Give the phrase "United Nations Security Council logo" a search yourself and you'll undoubtedly see this:
United Nations
The problem is, if you just search for "United Nations logo," you'll find the exact same thing. But your boss at the Beebs told you to round up a United Nations Security Council logo. If you run that phrase through your Google machine, you'll find that the options aren't so narrow. In addition to the tranquil logo above, you also get this:
How do you decide which one to go with? The correct answer would be "Ask someone who knows more about United Nations logos than you do for advice." Unfortunately, the answer the nameless BBC employee in question landed on that day was something more along the lines of "Fuck it, flexing eagle it is."
While that's a fine answer to a whole host of questions, in this case it definitely was not, because that black-and-gold shield of badassery is the logo for the United Nations Space Command, which people with unlimited free time and the stomach to handle gallons of Mountain Dew Code Red in one sitting will immediately recognize as an entity that only exists within the Halo video game universe.
So, while the BBC anchor spoke solemnly about the U.N.'s handling of the carnage in Syria, the scene behind her looked like this:
A network spokesperson had this to say about the gaffe:
"BBC News makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of all images broadcast, however very occasionally mistakes do happen. Unfortunately an incorrect logo was used during a segment on last week's News at One bulletin and we apologize to viewers for the mistake."
For those not familiar, the Halo-verse, as probably no one calls it, revolves around an interstellar war between humans and a group of aliens known as the Covenant who worship an ancient civilization known as the Forerunners who were wiped out during something called the parasitic flood.
If there's anything the BBC can take comfort in regarding this debacle, it's that the above paragraph could just as easily be describing the situation in Syria as far as most of the willfully ignorant masses are concerned.
5 Sarah Palin Goes Really, Really Rogue
Pete Marovich/Getty Images News/Getty Images
From a Planned Parenthood Abortionplex to the Department of Defense announcing support for "military bronies," the Internet is rife with farcical news stories. While many people have no problem identifying and enjoying this type of humor, Facebook is chock-full of dullards who post and rage against these obviously bogus reports. But unlike your annoying aunt or that "friend" you haven't seen since high school clogging your social media streams with unfunny memes and illogical rants, some people should actually know better.
People like Suzi Parker, for instance. According to her bio, Parker is a political and cultural journalist and author of Sex in the South: Unbuckling the Bible Belt. What's not mentioned is that she also appears to be devoid of the ability to detect satire.
Justin, Charles & Co.
In a column she wrote for the Washington Post about former VP candidate and Tea Party prom queen Sarah Palin's plans to join the Al-Jazeera news network, Parker warned that the "news" of the pairing was "a cautionary tale about what can happen when politics and celebrity meet."
Here's hoping that's just journalist-speak for "fake news," because that's exactly (and quite obviously) the best way to describe this "story." It's definitely not outside the Palin wheelhouse to do dumb things, but her joining Al-Jazeera seems like the kind of news even non-journalistic types like us would find hard to believe.
Nevertheless, Parker posted the piece based solely on a single report. Her source? The Daily Currant, a site that describes itself as the "global satirical newspaper of record." Even if that description was too subtle of a clue that this story was nonsense, the Daily Currant story also contains the following purported Palin quote:
"I met with the folks at Al-JaJizzraa [sic] and they told me they reach millions of devoutly religious people who don't watch CBS or CNN. That tells me they don't have a liberal bias."
So Suzi Parker is not only bad at sniffing out a fake news story, but wouldn't recognize a jizz joke if it hit her in the face.


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Playing politicsApril 29,2014
Playing politics
Even if I knew nothing about how to improve education, I can think of three good reasons to oppose the school consolidation plan now before the Legislature:
1. Voluntary efforts to consolidate schools have been repeatedly rejected because no one has seen sufficient benefit.
2. The only clear benefit of the plan is it will be more convenient for superintendents. No one can agree on whether it will help or harm actual education.
3. Many who support it, including Gov. Shumlin, suddenly start talking about saving money on property taxes when no study says it will. When politicians need to appeal to outright falsehoods to promote their bill, it isnt hard to conclude there arent any good reasons.
Knowing a little about education in the state makes it look even worse. Anyone who thinks it wont result in closures of small schools is either stupid or lying. Do you really think three big towns are going to vote to fork over a lot of money to have a tiny school in a tiny town?
This plan is lacking good Vermont sense. This is politics at its worst: a plan to make politicians look good by pretending to address a problem (and thus avoiding it), a plan to centralize power, a plan to replace the personal relationships that make our communities, our schools, and the learning of our children work with big systems and bureaucracy. I am astonished and distressed it has gotten so far. I am begging our Legislature to please, once and for all, kill this consolidation idea that our governor is determined to ram down our throats despite its repeated rejection.
Brian Wightman
BarreMORE IN LettersA sixth-offense DUI gets plead down to a misdemeanor. A breathalyzer is refused. Full StoryBurr Morses recollection (Whats good for the goose, Nov. Full StoryMSNBC news analyst Rachel Maddows report on the election of Republican Rutherford B. Full Story
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Imperial Purple Faceted Bangle
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Maritime / Cabana Seagrass Rug - Sage / Khaki
Product Info
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- Rug Pad Recommended (Sold Separately)
Maritime Seagrass Rugs are designed and hand crafted by artisan rug makers, these rugs still are a comfortable fit for any budget. Each rug is an individual work of art; variations in color are a natural part of their beauty and appeal.
More Info
- We recommend using Host Dry Carpet Cleaner for spills and accidents
- Do not pull loose fiber. Clip and remove the loose ends with scissors
Additional Information:
- Rug Care & Maintenance
- How to Make Rugs Lay Flat
- Tips for Selecting an Area Rug
- Natural Flooring Buying Guide
- Rug Term Dictionary
- Methods of Handmade Rug Construction
Please Note: The color may vary from the actual color of the rug due to different monitor settings.
Every Rug Needs a Rugpad
Great-looking rug August 25, 2016
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Yes, recommended to a friend.The boss July 19, 2014
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Yes, recommended to a friend.Happy with this purchase April 24, 2014
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Yes, recommended to a friend.So glad I made this purchase April 23, 2014
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Yes, recommended to a friend.A Unique Rug April 22, 2014
"This rug is still growing on me. I've never purchased a seagrass rug nor did I know what it would actually feel like until it arrived.. After reading many reviews and looking at the options, I wanted the sisal rug, but because I have 2 cats, customer service recommended I go with 100% seagrass. My cats are not to sure about the rug and will walk on it very gingerly. They do however like to chew on any loose "threads". I've had to trim it several times in order to deter them from damaging it. Hopefully, with a little scolding, they will get over that. Overall, the rug is not soft, but not uncomfortable either, just fine for my husband and I to walk on with bare feet. It is very easy to vacuum and looks good in my space. There is one place that looks as though it could become a hole at some point. The weave is very loose, but not loose enough to trim. I've tried pushing the threads back into place, but the grass is just too stiff. With this one exception, it seems to be fairly durable. I do hope I get many years out of it.."
Yes, recommended to a friend.Better than Sisal April 21, 2014
"We purchased this rug after a water stain ruined a sisal rug we had purchased about a year ago. I read many reviews about the benefits of seagrass over sisal. At first, I was surprised by how much darker in color this rug was compared to the sisal. After living with it a few days, it has really grown on me. It helps that it doesn't show every piece of dust like the lighter-colored sisal did. Plus, it adds a great texture to the room. I've only had the rug for about a week and I am thrilled with the purchase!"
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|Abbott, Tony
|Revenge of the Scorpion King
Loki is waging war, and Pinewood Bluffs is about to become his battlefield. Owen, Dana, Jon, and Sydney know they have to stop him. They'll do whatever it takes.
But when they stow away in Loki's sledge and emerge in a new, mysterious underworld they know nothing about, things get complicated. The Babylonian underworld is dark as night and full of vicious monsters, including the dreaded Scorpion King. Will Owen and his friends ever make it back to Pinewood Bluffs?
Also in the Underworlds series: The Battle Begins; When Monsters Escape; The Ice Dragon.
|Armstrong, Kelley and Marr, Melissa
|Loki's Wolves
In Viking times, Norse myths predicted the end of the world, an event called Ragnarok that only the gods can stop. When this apocalypse happens, the gods must battle the monsters - wolves the size of the sun, serpents that span the seabeds - all bent on destroying the world. But the gods died a long time ago. Matt Thorsen knows every Norse myth, saga, and god as if it was family history - because it is family history. Most people in the modern-day town of Blackwell, in fact, are direct descendants of either Thor or Loki, including Matt's classmates Fen and Laurie Brekke. But knowing the legends and completely believing them are two different things. When the rune readers reveal that Ragnarok is coming and kids - led by Matt - must stand in for the gods in the final battle, Matt can hardly believe it. Matt's, Laurie's, and Fen's lives will never be the same as they race to put together an unstoppable team to stop the end of the world.
Also in The Blackwell Pages series: Odin's Ravens.
|Deary, Terry
|The Fire Thief
A reinvention of the myth of Prometheus, the Titan who stole fire from the gods and gave it to the human race. To escape the gods' revenge, Prometheus travels through time to a murky metropolis called Eden City. There, he befriends a motley assortment of comic characters and learns what humans have done with his gift of fire.
Enter our narrator: Jim, a young orphan, actor, aspiring novelist, and petty criminal who rids the wealthy of their worldly possessions. The action jumps at a whirlwind pace from Mount Olympus to the seedy taverns and elegant mansions of Victorian Eden City. Prometheus has a soft spot for humans in need, but using his powers to get his new friends out of trouble will betray his hiding place to the gods!
Also in the Fire Thief series: Flight of the Fire Thief; The Fire Thief Fights Back.
|Gaiman, Neil
|Odd and the Frost Giants
In a village in ancient Norway lives a boy named Odd, and he's had some very bad luck: His father perished in a Viking expedition; a tree fell on and shattered his leg; the endless freezing winter is making villagers dangerously grumpy.
Out in the forest Odd encounters a bear, a fox, and an eagle - three creatures with a strange story to tell.
Now Odd is forced on a stranger journey than he had imagined - a journey to save Asgard, city of the gods, from the Frost Giants who have invaded it.
It's going to take a very special kind of twelve-year-old boy to outwit the Frost Giants, restore peace to the city of gods, and end the long winter.
Someone cheerful and infuriating and clever…
Someone just like Odd.
|Hennesy, Carolyn
|Pandora Gets Jealous
13-year-old Pandora Atheneus Andromaeche Helena (or Pandy, for short) has no idea what she'll bring for her school project. By accident she discovers a simple box, said to contain something so terrifying and horrible that no one must ever, ever touch it for fear of inflicting all of mankind with the wrath of the Gods and Goddesses. This, of course, makes the box the perfect thing for Pandora to bring for her school project. Unfortunately, things don't go quite the way she was hoping, and the box accidentally gets opened, unleashing all kinds of evil and misery into the world. Hauled before Zeus, Hera and the rest of immortals, Pandy's given the task of collecting all the evils within a year's time.
Also in the Mythic Miss-Adventures series: Pandora Gets Vain; Pandora Gets Lazy; Pandora Gets Heart; Pandora Gets Angry; Pandora Gets Greedy; Pandora Gets Frightened.
|Series Goddess
|Holub, Joan
|Athena the Brain
Athena learns that she is a goddess when she is summoned to Mount Olympus by her father, Zeus, and she must quickly adjust to her new status, make friends with the other godboys and goddessgirls, and catch up with all the studies she missed while attending mortal school.
Also in the Goddess Girls series: Persephone the Phony; Aphrodite the Beauty; Artemis the Brave; Athena the Wise; Aphrodite the Diva; Artemis the Loyal; Medusa the Mean; Pandora the Curious; Pheme the Gossip; Persephone the Daring; Cassandra the Lucky; Athena the Proud.
|Hoover, P.J.
|Tut: The Story of My Immortal Life
You'd think it would be great being an Egyptian demigod, but if King Tut has to sit through eighth grade one more time, he'll mummify himself.
Granted the gift of immortality by the gods—or is it a curse?—Tut has been stuck in middle school for ages. Even worse, evil General Horemheb, the man who killed Tut's father and whom Tut imprisoned in a tomb for three thousand years, is out and after him. The general is in league with the Cult of Set, a bunch of guys who worship one of the scariest gods of the Egyptian pantheon—Set, the god of Chaos.
The General and the Cult of Set have plans for Tut… and if Tut doesn't find a way to keep out of their clutches, he'll never make it to the afterworld alive.
|Kerr, P.B.
|The Akhenaten Adventure
When twelve-year-old twins Philippa and John discover that they are descended from a long line of djinn, their mother sends them away to their Uncle Nimrod, who takes them to Cairo where he starts to teach them about their extraordinary powers.
Also in the Children of the Lamp series: The Blue Djinn of Babylon, The Cobra King of Kathmandu, The Day of the Djinn Warriors, The Eye of the Forest, The Grave Robbers of Genghis Khan.
|LaFevers, R.L.
|Theodosia and the Serpents of Chaos
Twelve-year-old Theo uses arcane knowledge and her own special talent when she encounters two secret societies, one sworn to protect the world from ancient Egyptian magic and one planning to harness it to bring chaos to the world, both of which want a valuable artifact stolen from the London museum for which her parents work.
Also in the Theodosia series: Theodosia and the Staff of Osiris; Theodosia and the Eyes of Horus; Theodosia and the Last Pharaoh.
|McMullan, Kate
|Have a Hot Time, Hades!
Think you know the real story behind the Greek myths? Think again. Most people only know what Zeus wants them to. But the truth is, Zeus is a total myth-o-maniac. Hades, King of the Underworld, is here to set the record straight on how he ended up as Ruler of the Underworld and Zeus became King of the Gods.
Also in the Myth-O-Mania series: Phone Home, Persephone!; Say Cheese, Medusa!; Nice Shot, Cupid!; Stop That Bull, Theseus!; Keep a Lid On It, Pandora!; Get to Work, Hercules!; Go for the Gold, Atalanta!; Hit the Road, Helen!
|Riordan, Rick
|The Lightning Thief
Percy Jackson is a good kid, but he can't seem to focus on his schoolwork or control his temper. And lately, being away at boarding school is only getting worse -- Percy could have sworn his pre-algebra teacher turned into a monster and tried to kill him. When Percy's mom finds out, she knows it's time that he knew the truth about where he came from, and that he go to the one place he'll be safe. She sends Percy to Camp Half-Blood, a summer camp for demigods (on Long Island), where he learns that the father he never knew is Poseidon, God of the Sea. Soon, a mystery unfolds and together with his friends -- one a satyr and the other the demigod daughter of Athena -- Percy sets out on a quest across the United States to reach the gates of the Underworld (located in a recording studio in Hollywood) and prevent a catastrophic war between the gods.
Also in the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series: The Sea of Monsters; The Titan's Curse; The Battle of the Labyrinth; The Last Olympian; The Demigod Files.
|Riordan, Rick
|The Lost Hero
When Jason, Piper and Leo crash land at Camp Half-Blood, they have no idea what to expect. Apparently this is the only safe place for children of the Greek Gods - despite the monsters roaming the woods and demigods practicing archery with flaming arrows and explosives. But rumors of a terrible curse - and a missing hero - are flying around camp. It seems Jason, Piper and Leo are the chosen ones to embark on a terrifying new quest, which they must complete by the winter solstice in just four days' time. Can the trio succeed on this deadly mission - and what must they sacrifice in order to survive?
Also in the Heroes of Olympus series: The Son of Neptune; The Mark of Athena; The House of Hades.
|Riordan, Rick
|The Red Pyramid
Since their mother's death, Carter and Sadie have become near strangers. While Sadie has lived with her grandparents in London, her brother has traveled the world with their father, the brilliant Egyptologist, Dr. Julius Kane. One night, Dr. Kane brings the siblings together for a "research experiment" at the British Museum, where he hopes to set things right for his family. Instead, he unleashes the Egyptian god Set, who banishes him to oblivion and forces the children to flee for their lives.
Also in the Kane Chronicles trilogy: The Throne of Fire; The Serpent's Shadow.
|Riordan, Rick
|The Sword of Summer (Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard)
|Magnus Chase has always been a troubled kid. Since his mother's mysterious death, he's lived alone on the streets of Boston, surviving by his wits, keeping one step ahead of the police and the truant officers. One day, he's tracked down by a man he's never met-a man his mother claimed was dangerous. The man tells him an impossible secret-- Magnus is the son of a Norse god. The Viking myths are true. The gods of Asgard are preparing for war. Trolls, giants, and worse monsters are stirring for doomsday. To prevent Ragnarok, Magnus must search the Nine Worlds for a weapon that has been lost for thousands of years. When an attack by fire giants forces him to choose between his own safety and the lives of hundreds of innocents, Magnus makes a fatal decision. Sometimes, the only way to start a new life is to die…
|Rutkoski, Marie
|The Cabinet of Wonders
Petra Kronos has a simple, happy life. But it's never been ordinary. She has a pet tin spider named Astrophil who likes to hide in her snarled hair and give her advice. Her best friend can trap lightning inside a glass sphere. Petra also has a father in faraway Prague who is able to move metal with his mind. Petra's life is forever changed when, one day, her father returns home - blind. The prince has stolen his eyes, enchanted them, and now wears them. But why? Petra doesn't know, but she knows this: she will go to Prague, sneak into Salamander Castle, and steal her father's eyes back.
Also in the Kronos Chronicles series: The Celestial Globe; The Jewel of the Kalderash.
|Shaughnessy, Adam
|The Entirely True Story of the Unbelievable Fib
|When eleven-year-old Pru and new boy Abe discover another world beneath their quiet town, where Viking gods lurk just out of sight, they must race to secure the Eye of Odin, source of all knowledge--and the key to stopping a war that could destroy both human and immortal realms.
|Ursu, Anne
|The Shadow Thieves
Oh, it's not the very cute kitten that appears out of nowhere and demands to go home with her. It's not the sudden arrival of her cousin Zee, who believes he's the cause of a mysterious sickness that has struck his friends back in England. It's not her creepy English teacher Mr. Metos, who takes his mythology lessons just a little too seriously. And it's not the white-faced, yellow-eyed men in tuxedoes, who follow Charlotte everywhere. What's so extraordinary is not any one of these things...It's all of them. And when Charlotte's friends start to get sick one by one, Charlotte and Zee set out to find a cure.
Also in the Cronus Chronicles series: The Siren Song; The Immortal Fire.
|Yolen, Jane
|Odysseus in the Serpent Maze
Odysseus believed the age of heroes was over.
Then he and his friend, along with a spoiled princess named Helen and her cousin Penelope, are kidnapped by pirates!
Their journey leads them to Crete, where Odysseus must face the secret at the heart of the Labyrinth. There was a time when the Minotaur devoured all who entered, but now an even deadlier monster roams the maze. There Odysseus discovers the hardest part of being a hero: living long enough to tell the tale.
Also in the Young Heroes series:Hippolyta and the Curse of the Amazons; Atalanta and the Arcadian Beast; Jason and the Gorgon's Blood.
Last Updated: 4/12/2016


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Let your sweet sentiments shine with vibrant color and exuberant elegance. An assortment of brilliant Dendrobium Orchids in the shades of red, lavender, green, fuchsia, hot pink, and pale pink are brought together to create a simply fantastic display. Wrapped in a single tropical leaf and perfectly arranged in a superior clear glass vase, this bouquet will delight your special recipient with its exquisite beauty and long-lasting blooms.Includes: 6 pale pink Dendrobium Orchids, 6 hot pink Dendrobium orchids, 5 fuchsia Dendrobium Orchids, 5 green Dendrobium Orchids, 4 lavender Dendrobium Orchids, 4 red Dendrobium Orchids, 1 Aspidistra Leaf, and a 10-inch superior clear glass cylindrical vase. Approximately 22"H x 22"W.
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text: strange cloud link1625 posted:7/31/2011 8:29:12 AM a few days ago, i saw a cloud that was pointing straight up and down. it was long and straight, like a pencil. All the other clouds were moving but this one. then it started to turn counterclockwise. when it was done moving it had pointed at an area on the ground. one end was longer then before. I ran in to find my dad to show him, but when i went back out, i saw what looked like a black beam thing coming out of the end of the cloud. After a while, the beam disapeared. Them the cloud started to turn until it was pointing left to right. then it floated away. i followed it, but after a while, it faded away.wavygravy7 posted:8/1/2011 9:53:22 AM Wish you got some video of that.I think that ships hide n clouds that they generate.Never heard of the black beam thing kinda weird!The pointing up and down is weird too IDK why they would want to do that.Possible cigar shaped ufo.When I look up at the sky I'm always lookng for something strange like that but have never seen anything.Skeptic47 posted:8/1/2011 11:31:35 AM You followed... a cloud? Please log in or become a member to add a post.


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Index of content:
Volume 136, Issue 1, 07 January 2012
- Theoretical Methods and Algorithms
Stochastic simulation of chemically reacting systems using multi-core processors136(2012); http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.3670416View Description Hide Description
In recent years, computer simulations have become increasingly useful when trying to understand the complex dynamics of biochemical networks, particularly in stochastic systems. In such situations stochastic simulation is vital in gaining an understanding of the inherent stochasticity present, as these models are rarely analytically tractable. However, a stochastic approach can be computationally prohibitive for many models. A number of approximations have been proposed that aim to speed up stochastic simulations. However, the majority of these approaches are fundamentally serial in terms of central processing unit (CPU) usage. In this paper, we propose a novel simulation algorithm that utilises the potential of multi-core machines. This algorithm partitions the model into smaller sub-models. These sub-models are then simulated, in parallel, on separate CPUs. We demonstrate that this method is accurate and can speed-up the simulation by a factor proportional to the number of processors available.
Extended hydrodynamic approach to quantum-classical nonequilibrium evolution. II. Application to nonpolar solvation136(2012); http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.3671378View Description Hide Description
The mixed quantum-classical formulation derived in our companion paper [D. Bousquet, K. H. Hughes, D. Micha, and I. Burghardt, J. Chem. Phys.134, 064116 (2011)]10.1063/1.3553174, which is based upon a hydrodynamic representation of the classical sector, is applied to nonequilibrium nonpolar solvation dynamics as exemplified by the solvation of the electronically excited NO molecule in a rare gas environment. Derived from a partition of the Hamiltonian into a primary (quantum) part and a secondary (classical) part the hydrodynamicequations are formulated for multi-quantum states and result in explicit equations of motion for populations and coherences. The hierarchy of hydrodynamicequations is truncated by the following approximate closure schemes: Gauss-Hermite closure, dynamical density functional theory approximation, and a generalized Maxwellian closure. A comparison of the dynamics using these three closure methods showed that the suitability of a particular closure scheme was dependent on the initial conditions and the nonequilibrium character of the dynamics.
Basis set dependence of higher-order correlation effects in π-type interactions136(2012); http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.3671950View Description Hide Description
The basis set dependence of higher-order correlation effects on π-type interaction energies was examined by scanning the potential energy surfaces of five dimer systems. The dimers of acetylene (H−C≡C−H), diacetylene (H−C≡C−C≡C−H), cyanogen (N≡C−C≡N), diphosphorous (P≡P), and 1,4-diphosphabutadiyne (P≡C−C≡P) were studied in three different configurations: cross, parallel-displaced, and t-shaped. More than 800 potential energy curves (PECs) were generated by computing the interaction energies for all 15 dimer configurations over a range of intermolecular distances with the MP2, coupled-cluster single double (CCSD), and coupled-cluster single double triple (CCSD(T)) methods in conjunction with 21 basis sets ranging from a small 6-31G*(0.25) split-valence basis set to a large aug-cc-pVQZ correlation consistent basis set. Standard extrapolation techniques were also used to construct MP2, CCSD, and CCSD(T) complete basis set (CBS) limit PECs as well as CBS limit higher-order correlation corrections based on the differences between CCSD(T) and MP2 interaction energies, denoted , and the corresponding differences between CCSD(T) and CCSD interactions energies, denoted . Double-ζ basis sets struggled to reproduce the former but provided quite reasonable descriptions of the latter as long as diffuse functions were included. The aug-cc-pVDZ basis deviated from the CBS limit by only 0.06 kcal mol−1 on average and never by more than 0.24 kcal mol−1, whereas the corresponding deviations were approximately twice that for the term. While triple-ζ basis sets typically improved results, only aug-cc-pVTZ provided appreciable improvement over utilizing the aug-cc-pVDZ basis set to compute . Counterpoise (CP) corrections were also applied to all double- and triple-ζ basis sets, but they rarely yielded a better description of these higher-order correlation effects. CP corrections only consistently improved results when the aug-cc-pVDZ basis set was used to compute , yielding mean and maximum absolute deviations from the CBS values of 0.10 and 0.39 kcal mol−1, respectively, for all five dimer systems.
Long-range correlation energies from frequency-dependent weighted exchange-hole dipole polarisabilities136(2012); http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.3672236View Description Hide Description
Long-range correlationenergies are calculated using an approximation of the single-particle density-density response function of the system that leads to an expression requiring only occupied orbitals and eigenvalues. Dipole-dipole polarisabilities and isotropic leading-order dispersion coefficients obtained from this approximation are shown to be in a reasonable agreement with corresponding values from the experiment or dipole oscillator strength distributions. The localised polarisabilities were used to calculate a long-range correlation correction to a hybrid-generalised gradient approximation functional using a proper damping function at short ranges. It was found that the hybrid density-functional theory+dispersion method obtained in this way has a comparable accuracy than high-level ab initio wave function methods at a much lower computational cost. This has been analysed for a number of systems from the GMTKN30 database including subsets for noncovalently bound complexes, relative energies for sugar conformers and reaction energies and barrier heights of pericyclic reactions of some medium sized organic molecules.
The divide-expand-consolidate family of coupled cluster methods: Numerical illustrations using second order Møller-Plesset perturbation theory136(2012); http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.3667266View Description Hide Description
Previously, we have introduced the linear scaling coupled cluster (CC) divide-expand-consolidate (DEC) method, using an occupied space partitioning of the standard correlationenergy. In this article, we show that the correlationenergy may alternatively be expressed using a virtual space partitioning, and that the Lagrangiancorrelationenergy may be partitioned using elements from both the occupied and virtual partitioning schemes. The partitionings of the correlationenergy leads to atomic site and pair interaction energies which are term-wise invariant with respect to an orthogonal transformation among the occupied or the virtual orbitals. Evaluating the atomic site and pair interaction energies using local orbitals leads to a linear scaling algorithm and a distinction between Coulomb hole and dispersion energy contributions to the correlationenergy. Further, a detailed error analysis is performed illustrating the error control imposed on all components of the energy by the chosen energy threshold. This error control is ultimately used to show how to reduce the computational cost for evaluating dispersion energy contributions in DEC.
Constrained adiabatic trajectory method: A global integrator for explicitly time-dependent Hamiltonians136(2012); http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.3673320View Description Hide Description
The constrained adiabatic trajectory method (CATM) is reexamined as an integrator for the Schrödinger equation. An initial discussion places the CATM in the context of the different integrators used in the literature for time-independent or explicitly time-dependent Hamiltonians. The emphasis is put on adiabatic processes and within this adiabatic framework the interdependence between the CATM, the wave operator, the Floquet, and the (t, t ′) theories is presented in detail. Two points are then more particularly analyzed and illustrated by a numerical calculation describing the ion submitted to a laser pulse. The first point is the ability of the CATM to dilate the Hamiltonian spectrum and thus to make the perturbative treatment of the equations defining the wave function possible, possibly by using a Krylov subspace approach as a complement. The second point is the ability of the CATM to handle extremely complex time-dependencies, such as those which appear when interaction representations are used to integrate the system.
Stockholder projector analysis: A Hilbert-space partitioning of the molecular one-electron density matrix with orthogonal projectors136(2012); http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.3673321View Description Hide Description
A previously introduced partitioning of the molecular one-electron density matrix over atoms and bonds[D. Vanfleteren et al., J. Chem. Phys.133, 231103 (2010)] is investigated in detail. Orthogonal projection operators are used to define atomic subspaces, as in Natural Population Analysis. The orthogonal projection operators are constructed with a recursive scheme. These operators are chemically relevant and obey a stockholder principle, familiar from the Hirshfeld-I partitioning of the electron density. The stockholder principle is extended to density matrices, where the orthogonal projectors are considered to be atomic fractions of the summed contributions. All calculations are performed as matrix manipulations in one-electron Hilbert space. Mathematical proofs and numerical evidence concerning this recursive scheme are provided in the present paper. The advantages associated with the use of these stockholder projection operators are examined with respect to covalent bond orders, bondpolarization, and transferability.
A simple scheme for magnetic balance in four-component relativistic Kohn–Sham calculations of nuclear magnetic resonance shielding constants in a Gaussian basis136(2012); http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.3671390View Description Hide Description
We report the implementation of nuclear magnetic resonance(NMR) shielding tensors within the four-component relativistic Kohn–Sham density functional theory including non-collinear spin magnetization and employing London atomic orbitals to ensure gauge origin independent results, together with a new and efficient scheme for assuring correct balance between the large and small components of a molecular four-component spinor in the presence of an external magnetic field (simple magnetic balance). To test our formalism we have carried out calculations of NMR shielding tensors for the HX series (X = F, Cl, Br, I, At), the Xe atom, and the Xe dimer. The advantage of simple magnetic balance scheme combined with the use of London atomic orbitals is the fast convergence of results (when compared with restricted kinetic balance) and elimination of linear dependencies in the basis set (when compared to unrestricted kinetic balance). The effect of including spin magnetization in the description of NMR shielding tensor has been found important for hydrogen atoms in heavy HX molecules, causing an increase of isotropic values of 10%, but negligible for heavy atoms.
Linear dependence and energy conservation in Gaussian wavepacket basis sets136(2012); http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.3671978View Description Hide Description
We propose a method for dealing with the problem of linear dependence in quantum dynamics simulations employing over-complete Gaussian wavepacket (GWP) basis sets. In particular, by periodically projecting out redundant basis functions using the matching pursuit algorithm whilst simultaneously introducing GWPs which avoid linear dependence with the current basis set, we find that numerical conditioning of the equations-of-motion can be readily controlled. In applications to particle tunnelling in one- and two-dimensional potentials, this method allows us to reproduce the exact quantum-mechanical results with fewer GWP basis functions than similar calculations with non-adaptive basis sets, a result which we trace back to the improved energy conservation of our adaptive approach.
Considerations on describing non-singlet spin states in variational second order density matrix methods136(2012); http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.3672087View Description Hide Description
Despite the importance of non-singlet molecules in chemistry, most variational second order density matrix calculations have focused on singlet states. Ensuring that a second order density matrix is derivable from a proper N-electron spin state is a difficult problem because the second order density matrix only describes one- and two-particle interactions. In pursuit of a consistent description of spin in second order density matrix theory, we propose and evaluate two main approaches: we consider constraints derived from a pure spin state and from an ensemble of spin states. This paper makes a comparative assessment of the different approaches by applying them to potential energy surfaces for different spin states of the oxygen and carbon dimer. We observe two major shortcomings of the applied spin constraints: they are not size consistent and they do not reproduce the degeneracy of the different states in a spin multiplet. First of all, the spin constraints are less strong when applied to a dissociated molecule than when they are applied to the dissociation products separately. Although they impose correct spin expectation values on the dissociated molecule, the dissociation products do not have correct spin expectation values. Secondly, both under "pure spin state conditions" and under "ensemble spin state" conditions is the energy a convex function of the spin projection. Potential energy surfaces for different spin projections of the same spin state may give a completely different picture of the molecule's bonding. The maximal spin projection always gives the most strongly constrained energy, but is also significantly more expensive to compute than a spin-averaged ensemble. In the dissociation limit, both the problem of nondegeneracy of equivalent spin projections, size-inconsistency and unphysical dissociation can be corrected by means of subspaceenergy constraints.
Importance of the correlation contribution for local hybrid functionals: Range separation and self-interaction corrections136(2012); http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.3672080View Description Hide Description
Local hybrid functionals with their position-dependent exact-exchange admixture are a conceptually simple and promising extension of the concept of a hybrid functional. Local hybrids based on a simple mixing of the local spin density approximation (LSDA) with exact exchange have been shown to be successful for thermochemistry,reaction barriers, and a range of other properties. So far, the combination of this generation of local hybrids with an LSDA correlation functional has been found to give the most favorable results for atomization energies, for a range of local mixing functions (LMFs) governing the exact-exchange admixture. Here, we show that the choice of correlation functional to be used with local hybrid exchange crucially influences the parameterization also of the exchange part as well as the overall performance. A novel ansatz for the correlation part of local hybrids is suggested based on (i) range-separation of LSDA correlation into short-range (SR) and long-range (LR) parts, and (ii) partial or full elimination of the one-electron self-correlation from the SR part. It is shown that such modified correlation functionals allow overall larger exact exchange admixture in thermochemically competitive local hybrids than before. This results in improvements for reaction barriers and for other properties crucially influenced by self-interaction errors, as demonstrated by a number of examples. Based on the range-separation approach, a fresh view on the breakdown of the correlation energy into dynamical and non-dynamical parts is suggested.
A density matrix renormalization group method study of optical properties of porphines and metalloporphines136(2012); http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.3671946View Description Hide Description
The symmetrized density matrix renormalization group method is used to study linear and nonlinear optical properties of free base porphine and metalloporphine. Long-range interacting model, namely, Pariser-Parr-Pople model is employed to capture the quantum many-body effect in these systems. The nonlinear optical coefficients are computed within the correction vector method. The computed singlet and triplet low-lying excited state energies and their charge densities are in excellent agreement with experimental as well as many other theoretical results. The rearrangement of the charge density at carbon and nitrogen sites, on excitation, is discussed. From our bond order calculation, we conclude that porphine is well described by the 18-annulenic structure in the ground state and the molecule expands upon excitation. We have modeled the regular metalloporphine by taking an effective electric field due to the metal ion and computed the excitation spectrum. Metalloporphines have D4h symmetry and hence have more degenerate excited states. The ground state of metalloporphines shows 20-annulenic structure, as the charge on the metal ion increases. The linear polarizability seems to increase with the charge initially and then saturates. The same trend is observed in third order polarizability coefficients.
- Gas Phase Dynamics and Structure: Spectroscopy, Molecular Interactions, Scattering, and Photochemistry
Beam broadening of polar molecules and clusters in deflection experiments136(2012); http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.3673890View Description Hide Description
A beam of rotating dipolar particles (molecules or clusters) will broaden when passed through an electric or magnetic field gradient region. This broadening, which is a common experimental observable, can be expressed in terms of the variance of the distribution of the resulting polarization orientation (the direction cosine). Here, the broadening for symmetric-top and linear rotors is discussed. These two types of rotors have qualitatively different low-field orientation distribution functions, but behave similarly in a strong field. While analytical expressions for the polarization variance can be derived from first-order perturbation theory, for experimental guidance it is important to identify the applicability and limitations of these expressions, and the general dependence of the broadening on the experimental parameters. For this purpose, the analytical results are compared with the full diagonalization of the rotational Stark-effect matrices. Conveniently for experimental estimations, it is found that for symmetric tops, the dependence of the broadening parameter on the rotational constant, the axial ratio, and the field strength remains similar to the analytical expression even outside of the perturbative regime. Also, it is observed that the shape envelope, the centroid, and the width of the orientation distribution function for a symmetric top are quite insensitive to the value of its rotational constant (except at low rotational temperatures).
S···X halogen bonds and H···X hydrogen bonds in H2CS–XY (XY = FF, ClF, ClCl, BrF, BrCl, and BrBr) complexes: Cooperativity and solvent effect136(2012); http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.3673540View Description Hide Description
Using ab initio calculations, we have studied the structures, properties, and nature of halogen bonds in H2CS–XY (XY = FF, ClF, ClCl, BrF, BrCl, and BrBr) complexes. The results show that the ring-shaped complexes are formed by a halogen bond (S···X) and a secondary hydrogen bond (H···X). We also analyzed the H2CS–ClF–ClF and FCl–H2CS–ClF complexes to investigate the cooperative and diminutive halogen bonding. The cooperative effect of halogen bonding is found in the former, while the diminutive effect is present in the latter. We finally considered the solvent effect on the halogen bond in H2CS–BrCl complex and found that the solvent has a prominent enhancing effect on it. The complexes have also been analyzed with natural bond orbital, atoms in molecules, and symmetry adapted perturbation theory method.
Dynamic (hyper)polarizabilities of the sulphur dioxide molecule: Coupled cluster calculations including vibrational corrections136(2012); http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.3673569View Description Hide Description
In this work we report results for dynamical (hyper)polarizabilities of the sulphur dioxide molecule with inclusion of vibrational corrections. The electronic contributions were computed analytically at the single and double coupled cluster level through response theories for the frequencies 0, 0.0239, 0.0428, 0.0656, 0.0720, and 0.0886 hartree. Contributions of the connected triple excitations to the dynamic electronic properties were also estimated through the multiplicative correction scheme. Vibrational corrections were calculated by means of the perturbationtheoretical method. The results obtained show that the zero point vibrational correction is very small for all properties studied while the pure vibrational correction is relevant for the dc-Pockels effect, intensity dependent refractive index, and dc-Kerr effect. For these nonlinear optical processes, the pure vibrational corrections represent approximately 75%, 13%, and 6% of the corresponding electronic contributions for the higher frequencies quoted. The results presented for the polarizability are in good agreement with experimental values available in the literature. For the hyperpolarizabilities we have not obtained experimental results with precision sufficient for comparison.
Isotope effect in normal-to-local transition of acetylene bending modes136(2012); http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.3673570View Description Hide Description
The normal-to-local transition for the bending modes of acetylene is considered a prelude to its isomerization to vinylidene. Here, such a transition in fully deuterated acetylene is investigated using a full-dimensional quantum model. It is found that the local benders emerge at much lower energies and bending quantum numbers than in the hydrogen isotopomer HCCH. This is accompanied by a transition to a second kind of bending mode called counter-rotator, again at lower energies and quantum numbers than in HCCH. These transitions are also investigated using bifurcationanalysis of two empirical spectroscopic fitting Hamiltonians for pure bending modes, which helps to understand the origin of the transitions semiclassically as branchings or bifurcations out of the trans- and cis-normal bend modes when the latter become dynamically unstable. The results of the quantum model and the empirical bifurcationanalysis are in very good agreement.
Hydrogen bonds in the nucleobase-gold complexes: Photoelectron spectroscopy and density functional calculations136(2012); http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.3671945View Description Hide Description
The nucleobase-gold complexes were studied with anion photoelectron spectroscopy and density functional calculations. The vertical detachment energies of uracil-Au−, thymine-Au−, cytosine-Au−, adenine-Au−, and guanine-Au− were estimated to be 3.37 ± 0.08 eV, 3.40 ± 0.08 eV, 3.23 ± 0.08 eV, 3.28 ± 0.08 eV, and 3.43 ± 0.08 eV, respectively, based on their photoelectron spectra. The combination of photoelectron spectroscopy experiments and density functional calculations reveals the presence of two or more isomers for these nucleobase-gold complexes. The major isomers detected in the experiments probably are formed by Au anion with the canonical tautomers of the nucleobases. The gold anion essentially interacts with the nucleobases through N-H···Au hydrogen bonds.
Structure, energetics, and reactions of alkali tetramers136(2012); http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.3672646View Description Hide Description
Electronic structure calculations have been carried out for all possible alkali tetramers that can be formed from X2 + X2 → X2X2, X2 + Y2 → X2Y2, and XY + XY → X2Y2 alkali dimer association reactions. Vibrationally stable rhombic (D2h) and planar (Cs) structures are found for all possible tetramers formed from the alkali metals, Li to Cs. All tetramer formationreactions (from ground state singlet homonuclear or heteronuclear dimers) are found to be exothermic with binding energies ranging from 6282 cm−1 for Li2Li2 to 1985 cm−1 for Cs2Cs2. Extensive calculations, carried out at long-range for several reactant pairs, indicate that there are barrier-less pathways for the formation of tetramers from dimer association reactions. At low temperatures, direct formation of tetramers is unlikely, owing to the large exothermicity associated with these association reactions, but atom exchange reactions (X2 + Y2 ↔ XY + XY) are possible for some species.
Photodissociation pathways and lifetimes of protonated peptides and their dimers136(2012); http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.3671943View Description Hide Description
Photodissociation lifetimes and fragment channels of gas-phase, protonated YA n (n = 1,2) peptides and their dimers were measured with 266 nm photons. The protonated monomers were found to have a fast dissociation channel with an exponential lifetime of ∼200 ns while the protonated dimers show an additional slow dissociation component with a lifetime of ∼2 μs. Laser power dependence measurements enabled us to ascribe the fast channel in the monomer and the slow channel in the dimer to a one-photon process, whereas the fast dimer channel is from a two-photon process. The slow (1 photon)dissociation channel in the dimer was found to result in cleavage of the H-bonds after energy transfer through these H-bonds. In general, the dissociation of these protonated peptides is non-prompt and the decay time was found to increase with the size of the peptides. Quantum RRKM calculations of the microcanonical rate constants also confirmed a statistical nature of the photodissociation processes in the dipeptidemonomers and dimers. The classical RRKM expression gives a rate constant as an analytical function of the number of active vibrational modes in the system, estimated separately on the basis of the equipartition theorem. It demonstrates encouraging results in predicting fragmentation lifetimes of protonated peptides. Finally, we present the first experimental evidence for a photo-induced conversion of tyrosine-containing peptides into monocyclic aromatic hydrocarbon along with a formamide molecule both found in space.
Core-to-Rydberg band shift and broadening of hydrogen bonded ammonia clusters studied with nitrogen K-edge excitation spectroscopy136(2012); http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.3673778View Description Hide Description
Nitrogen 1s (N ls) core-to-Rydberg excitation spectra of hydrogen-bonded clusters of ammonia (AM) have been studied in the small cluster regime of beam conditions with time-of-flight (TOF) fragment-mass spectroscopy. By monitoring partial-ion-yield spectra of cluster-origin products, "cluster" specific excitation spectra could be recorded. Comparison of the "cluster" band with "monomer" band revealed that the first resonance bands of clusters corresponding to N 1s → 3sa 1/3pe of AM monomer are considerably broadened. The changes of the experimental core-to-Rydberg transitions ΔFWHM (N 1s → 3sa 1/3pe) = ∼0.20/∼0.50 eV compare well with the x ray absorption spectra of the clusters generated by using density functional theory(DFT) calculation. The broadening of the core-to-Rydberg bands in small clusters is interpreted as being primarily due to the splitting of non-equivalent core-hole N 1s states caused by both electrostatic core-hole and hydrogen-bonding (H3N···H–NH2) interactions upon dimerization. Under Cs dimer configuration, core-electron binding energy of H−N (H-donor) is significantly decreased by the intermolecular core-hole interaction and causes notable redshifts of core-excitation energies, whereas that of lone-pair nitrogen (H-acceptor) is slightly increased and results in appreciable blueshifts in the core-excitation bands. The result of the hydrogen-bonding interaction strongly appears in the n−σ* orbital correlation, destabilizing H−N donor Rydberg states in the direction opposite to the core-hole interaction, when excited N atom with H−N donor configuration strongly possesses the Rydberg component of anti-bonding σ* (N−H) character. Contributions of other cyclic H-bonded clusters (AM) n with n ≥ 3 to the spectral changes of the N 1s → 3sa 1/3pe bands are also examined.


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Painting exhibit at Domesticities benefits Doctors Without Borders
June 26, 2013 —
YOUNGSVILLE, NY — A new exhibit of paintings by Dr. Russell Asnes has arrived at Domesticities. The works range from domestic still life to portrait to political.
Proceeds will be donated to Doctors without Borders, the humanitarian relief organization which was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1999. Asnes works primarily with pastels and in watercolor. He has studied with John Eliot, noted artist and President of the Oil Pastel Association and United Pastelists of America. He was the recipient of the Hedi Lang Memorial award for Watercolor and the Anne Loftus Memorial Award for Best in Show at the Annual Exhibition of Arts Interaction in NYC.
The exhibit will be on display through July 15. For more information, visit www.thecuttinggarden.org or call 845/482-3333.


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"Your radio show changed my life. As a result of listening, I converted to Catholicism at 53 years old. I was a very active Protestant my whole life before becoming a Catholic. Keep up the terrific work!"
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The Kenedy and Karnes City Chamber of Commerce hosted the 1st annual Karnes County Market Days last Saturday. We would like to thank everyone who attended. There was a great turn out. This event will continue to be held every third Saturday of each month at Otto Kaiser Memorial Hospital.
Interested vendors and farmers may contact either the Kenedy Chamber of Commerce at 830-583-3223 or the Karnes City Chamber of Commerce at 830-780-3112. You can also visit the chamber websites at www.kenedychamber.com or www.karnescitychamberofcommerce.com for vendor forms. For more information go "like" the Kenedy and Karnes City Chamber of Commerce on Facebook to stay informed.