text:
'Harsh Reality'
SINCLAIRVILLE – The Cassadaga Valley Board of Education voted unanimously Monday night to close the Cassadaga Elementary School effective June 30. Next year all students pre-K through fifth grade will attend the Sinclairville Elementary School.
The vote itself came without comment. One of 10 resolutions on the agenda under school business, the motions were approved as a whole.
The motion read, "Upon recommendation from the superintendent and in consideration of the information supplied by the duly appointed committee established by the district to analyze and evaluate the closure, and after careful review, including recognition of the fact the closure of a school building is considered a type II action under New York's State Environmental Quality Review Act having no significant impact on the environment, motion to close the Cassadaga Elementary School, effective at the close of business June 30, 2013, and to accordingly have students currently attending the Cassadaga Elementary School attend the Sinclairville Elementary School, effective at the start of the 2013-14 academic year."
Before the vote, during the recognition of unscheduled visitors, resident Mark Cunningham spoke to the board. He said that he canvassed 65-70 houses. He said 95 percent of the people did not know that the action was contemplated, and all but two favored keeping the building open.
After the vote was taken and near the end of the meeting, S. Carl Perry, the board of education representative to the committee that studied the matter, said that the points on both sides were valid.
"I can't speak for everyone obviously, but the bottom line for me, unfortunately, is the harsh reality that we have a budget to balance," he said.
Perry added that this action will get the district closer to balancing the budget without eliminating programs. "We still have pre-K. We still have (kindergarten) through fifth grade. We still have our elementary educational program intact," he said.
Perry also noted there was a silver lining to this because there are some educational advantages to having all the elementary grades housed under one roof.
Board member Jeanne Oag also thanked the community and the committee.
Board member William Carlson recalled when the last country school in the district closed. "Twenty-three parents came up here and fought like crazy. … It's very difficult when we change something in the social fabric of a community. … Hopefully this will work out well."
The committee that studied the closure was made up of teachers, administrators, parents, a trustee from the village of Cassadaga (Ronald DeChard), and a board member (Perry) from the Cassadaga Village Board. That committee issued the report for the board's consideration.
On March 4 there was a special board meeting for presentation of the report. Estimated cost savings by closing the building as projected by Business Administrator Debra McAvoy total $442,611. Of that figure $387,463 comes from personnel savings which includes two full-time equivalent teachers and 8.23 support staff positions. No administrator is in that figure.
Now that the closure is finalized, the board may appoint a committee to make recommendations about possible uses for the building at its next meeting.


text:
You limited your search to:
Partner: UNT College of Arts and Sciences
Department: Chemistry
Country: Germany
Country: Russia
Rediscovery of the Elements: The Periodic Table
Date: Summer 2007
Creator: Marshall, James L., 1940- & Marshall, Virginia R.
Description: Article recounting the history of the development of the Periodic Table. Sites pertinent to this development were visited by the authors, who provide related tourist information.
Contributing Partner: UNT College of Arts and Sciences

subset: commoncrawl


text:
In case you don't have a working holiday budget yet, here are two reasons to get on it: You don't want to end up like the estimated 13 million Americans who are still paying off last year's holiday purchases. The Lifehacker Holiday Planner makes shopping, planning and sticking to your budget a snap.
Last year, DailyWorth readers loved the LHP so much that we had to run it again.
Need further inspiration?


text:
Now showing items 1-10 of 28
Community Surveillance and Bureaucratic Control of Women Teachers: The Case of Agnes Wrigley 1893-1894
Presented to the Australia-New Zealand History of Education Society (Western Australia Branch), 21 May 2002, Perth, Australia. In 1894 Agnes Wrigley, the Head teacher of Fairburn Road District School in northern New ...
Social cohesion and free home internet in New Zealand
(IGI Global, 2013)
This chapter discusses community outcomes of free home Internet access. It draws on case study re-search on Computers in Homes (CIH), a scheme established in New Zealand in 2000 for the purpose of bridging the digital ...
Akoaga : efficacy, agency, achievement and success in the tertiary sector : focus on students and parents from Pasifika communities
(Unitec ePress, 2011-01-01)
The term akoaga has a pan-Polynesian origin and meaning. In the Samoan language, the term can be broken into two root words, ako and aga. Ako or ato means basket and aga means measurements associated with weaving.
A trade-off in learning: Mobile augmented reality for language learning
(Bloomsbury Academic, 2014)
Mobile learning offers great potential for language teachers to support practice beyond the classroom, to encourage anytime-anywhere learning and to facilitate situated learning (Pegrum, forthcoming). Augmented reality ...
Does ethnicity influence the choice of language learning strategies?
(Independent Learning Association:, 2013)
Introduction There has been very little research on learning strategies used by learners of Japanese as a foreign language (Grainger 2006). Furthermore, ethnicity has not attracted much attention as an influential variable ...
Implementing mobile language learning with an augmented reality activity.
(Pavilion Publishing and Media Ltd, 2014-04)
The article looks at the use of Augemented Reality applications (apps) as a tool for a class project in English Language Teaching (ELT). It describes an activity in which students created a mobile tour for visitors to their ...
OECD/CERI Formative assessment project background report : New Zealand
While there had been a community-based adult literacy movement active in New Zealand since the late 1970s (Hill, 1990), the sector's provision and political presence was marginal at best. Its advocates struggled to establish ...
Adult education : New Zealand, to 2012
(Australian & New Zealand History of Education Society (ANZHES), 2013-11-07)
Adult education, New Zealand, to 2012. In its broadest sense, adult education refers to the education of anyone beyond school-age. Historically, the sector has constantly evolved as elements of its provision have matured ...
Pedagogy in practice : an observational study of literacy, numeracy and language teachers.
The aim of this study was to gain an overview of how teachers teach literacy, numeracy and language (LNL) in New Zealand, by observing 15 literacy, language and numeracy teachers from tertiary institutions, community ...
Chaos to Capability : Educating Professionals for the 21st Century
(Unitec ePress, 2015-10-01)
Built on two decades of research, thought, writing, and teaching, in Chaos to Capability: Educating Professionals for the 21st Century, Hays argues that a transformation in higher education teaching and learning is crucial ...


text:
Hi people
I thought this would be an interesting thread- just how good is Paul as a musician?
Yes, his accomplishments and achievements are there for all to see, but what do we think of the man
as a musician, given that he is a multi-instrumentalist? John once remarked something along the lines
of 'Paul is an egomaniac about everything but his bass playing' which is an intriguing topic in itself, especially
as Paul is viewed by many as a trailblazer on bass: John seems to be suggesting that Paul
was insecure about his abilities on bass guitar. Paul drums, he plays lead guitar, piano....but how good is he?
Cheers, and Peace


text:
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Office of Procurement Services
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I have to register in 2 places?
Bidsync E-Procure manages the purchasing activities, while the Department of Finance maintains expense information including 1099 reporting. The information required for both of these business units to operate is different. Bidsync collects detailed information about the goods/services you provide, while the Department of Finance collects the information required to get you paid.
Where can I find my Bidsync payee id number?
This number is provided to first time awardees in the BidSync system. It can be found at www.bidsync.com under your vendor record or in the notification email that you received the first time you were awarded from a bid or quote through BidSync. You will need this number when you register for payment with the Department of Finance.
Do I need a Tax Identification Number to register or may I use my Social Security number?
If you have a Tax Identification Number, also called a FEIN number (Federal Employer Identification Number) you should use it when registering your company. If you are an individual doing business, you will use your Social Security number to register. If you have applied for a FEIN and have not yet received it, you may also use your Social Security Number, and replace it when you receive your FEIN.
What is the importance of the NIGP Codes and can I change my NIGP Codes after I register?
The NIGP Code is a type of Standard Industry Code (SIC) used by governmental organizations. It is highly recommended that vendors carefully select the NIGP commodity codes that most accurately reflect the commodities and services their company provides. Bid invitations are sent to those bidders and suppliers who have registered the specified NIGP codes on their profile. You may change your NIGP Codes by logging in and going to the area where you maintain your contact information. If you don't find an exact match to the goods that your company supplies, choose the closest NIGP Code or select multiple codes.
What if my information changes?
Changes should be made in both systems. You can login to Bidsync with your username and password to make any changes there, and complete a Vendor Change Request Form for any changes to your payment information.
Do local vendors get preference for the County? Small, Minority, Women-Owned, etc.
Maricopa County does not have any preference programs, however encourages departments to utilize small businesses (as determined by Program guidelines) for non-contract purchases of less than $50,000.
Does the County buy what I sell? How do I find out?
Maricopa County purchases a wide variety of commodities and services needed to support dozens of county agencies, including public safety agencies, general offices, courts, public health and welfare, maintenance and construction of buildings, roads, parks and playgrounds. Additional information on the commodities and services purchased by the County can be obtained by searching the currently awarded contracts. This will provide information on not only what is being purchased but also the specifications, contractor and prices.
Notices are published on the
Office of Procurement Services' website
when the County issues formal competitive solicitations (RFPs, IFBs and RFQs) for those procurements expected to exceed $50,000. The notices are accompanied by the entire solicitation document, when practical, in a downloadable format. Notices are also posted in the Office of Procurement Services offices and published in county's newspaper or record which is currently the Arizona Business Gazette. When a wider distribution is deemed necessary for any type of solicitation, regional and national publications may be used to circulate the required information.
Vendors that have registered on the County's web-based E-purchasing system with a current email address should receive automatic notification of solicitations for quotes (for procurements valued $50,000 or less) in the commodity or service areas in which they have registered. Any vendor that has not registered on the County's web-based bidders' list may still obtain a copy of the quote requests by visiting the Office of Procurement Services' website.
How can I find out what goods or services are currently being solicited by Maricopa County Government?
All bids for goods and services currently being solicited are posted on the Office of Procurement Services' web site at the URL shown above, and can be found at Bidsync.com. Bids for construction services can be found here.
How do I get added to an existing contract?
Unless a solicitation is "Open and Continuous", new vendors may only be added to a contract through participation in a formal solicitation and award. If you are registered with Bidsync, and have selected your notification preferences as well as the appropriate commodity code, you will receive notification when a solicitation for those codes is (re)issued.
How do I find out which buyer I should contact?
Please see the Procurement Officer Assignment listing
Does Maricopa County always award to the lowest bidder?
No, Maricopa County may utilize the following solicitation methods:
Invitation for Bid – awarded to the lowest price, responsive and responsible bidder meeting specifications. If a response to an Invitation for Bids is not responsive, responsible or does not meet the minimum specifications, the price offered is irrelevant.
Request for Proposal – awarded to respondent whose offer is in the best requirements of the County based on evaluation criteria contained in the solicitation.
How do you solicit goods and services?
Unless otherwise required by law, all goods and services shall be procured by issuing competitive sealed bids or proposals.
Formal Requests for Proposals (RFP's), Invitations for Bids (IFB's) and Requests for Qualifications (RFQ's) are used for the purchase of goods and services in excess of $50,000 and construction in excess of $100,000. Informal quotes are used for goods and services $50,000 or less. The County Board of Supervisors approves all contracts for goods and services in excess of $250,000.
Formal solicitations require posting of a public notice and submission of a sealed bid or proposal. Although a sealed bid technique is not used, all informal quotations greater than $5,000 are made on a competitive basis, soliciting quotes from at least three (3) vendors whenever possible.
The Maricopa County Procurement Code exempts small purchases of $5,000 or less from the competitive solicitation process. Procurement requirements shall not be artificially divided so as to constitute a small purchase.
What types of Contracts do you use?
The County normally utilized two types of contracts, either a firm-fixed price contract or a term contract.
Firm-Fixed Price Contract: This type of contract is used when the County procures required services or commodities on a one-time basis. A firm price is requested for fixed quantities, for a fixed price, with single or multiple delivery sites.
Term Contract: This type of contract is used when the County procures commodities and services as needed, at fixed unit prices or fixed discount schedules, through multi-year contracts for estimated quantities of materials or services commonly used in volume by specific agencies or on a county-wide basis. Certain contracts may include a price escalation clause.
Who can use county contracts?
In addition to county agencies, there are other organizations that have the authority to utilize County contracts. These include the State of AZ, most local cities, all state counties, the Superior Court, all AZ school districts, and others. For a complete list contact Office of Procurement Services at 602-506-3967.
Can I bid on other agency's solicitations I find in BidSync?
Yes. Just be aware that other agencies may utilize a different pricing model. All relevant information is available within the bids.
How do I get on your bid list?
The County has a web-based vendor registration system on its E-purchasing website. Vendors must self-register, and registration is free. The County encourages vendors to participate in county solicitation opportunities. However, it is the vendors' responsibility to keep their registration current and it is their responsibility to modify their registration online whenever any changes occur in their commodities or service, address, ownership, or status as a prospective bidder. Failure to respond to a formal solicitation is defined as a lack of response when invited to bid. The County reserves the right to update and validate the bidders' list periodically and may require renewal of applications on file.
How do I submit a bid or proposal?
All formal bids and proposals shall be submitted as specified in the solicitation document. It is the vendor's responsibility to assure delivery of their response to a solicitation regardless of the method chosen for delivery. Submissions must be received by Maricopa County on or before the published date and time contained in the solicitation document. The time and date deadline will be noted on the cover page of the respective bid or proposal. The Purchasing time stamp shall be the official time of receipt. Bids and proposals received after the designated date and time will be returned unopened and will not be considered for award.
Are solicitation openings public?
Unless otherwise stated on the Notice page, all formal bids are opened publicly at the location shown in the solicitation document on the date and at the time listed. A County Procurement Officer presides over the bid openings, and shall read pertinent information based on the solicitation method being used. A cordial invitation is extended to vendors, sales staff, and the interested public to be present at the bid opening to witness the reading. No decisions of award or rejections are made during the bid opening. No discussions relating to the bids are entered into during the bid opening. A copy of the "unofficial tabulation" that is recorded at the reading is made available upon request for those interested parties that are unable to attend. Other representatives of the County may be in attendance.
What if I make a mistake?
The County will allow for the correction or withdrawal of inadvertently erroneous bids before bid opening. After bid opening, corrections or withdrawals shall only be permitted to the extent that the bidder can show, by clear and convincing evidence that a mistake of a non-judgmental character was made. The Chief Procurement Officer reserves the right to waive any informality or irregularity in any bid/proposal. Any provision, which if changed or waived would materially change the bid/proposal, cannot be waived, as that would impact the fairness of the solicitation process.
How do I know who won the contract?
For IFB's, the award is made to the lowest responsive (conforms in all material respects) and responsible (has the capability to perform and the integrity and reliability which will assure good faith performance) bidder who meets the minimum specification defined in the solicitation document. The Purchasing Division produces a tabulatation for all formal IFB's. Copies of the official tabulations are available upon request after the award. Results are not provided over the telephone. The bid documents are public information and therefore may be inspected under the Freedom of Information Act.
For RFP's, the award is made to the proposer whose proposal is deemed most advantageous to the County based upon the evaluation criteria as published in the RFP document. The Chief Procurement Officer's recommendation for award notice is issued to all RFP respondents after the evaluation process is finished. Proposals are available for public inspection under the Freedom of Information Act.
Do you always issue an award?
The County reserves the right to reject or cancel any or all bids or proposals for any reason. The County may or may not reissue bids or proposals if all responses are rejected.
I submitted a response to a solicitation but wasn't successful. How can I see what the other respondents submitted?
After a bid award has been approved, you can submit a Public Records Request to the responsible Procurement Officer listed on the solicitation.
How can I see a current contract online?
Go to the Awarded Contracts link found on the Maricopa County's homepage.
I just received a Purchase Order, what do I do now?
If you have questions, contact the responsible agency listed on the purchase order. A purchase order is a document that authorizes a contractor or vendor to provide commodities or services to the County. The County may not be responsible for payment for services rendered or goods delivered in instances where an authorized purchase order has not been issued. If you are asked to fulfill an order or provide a service without a County purchase order, you are cautioned to acquire an authorized purchase order and to obtain the name and department of the individual who issued the request for commodities or services. A purchase order is essential to doing business with the County. It is your assurance that you are authorized to be paid for the goods provided or the services rendered.
Why do you ask for delivery dates?
Vendors are typically asked on the solicitation document to provide the number of days required before delivery of a commodity or service can be completed, or the specific date upon which delivery will be made. The time required for delivery may be a critical consideration in determining which vendor shall receive the award, or whether the contract should be awarded. Successful bidders will be expected to deliver the commodities and/or services they are providing within the specified time. If delivery dates cannot be met, Office of Procurement Services must be notified immediately. Office of Procurement Services will decide, after notification of late delivery, the next course of action.
Where do I ship goods to?
All shipments to the County must be made to the locations designated on the purchase order. Deliveries may be required to be made to different divisions in various locations. All purchases are made F.O.B. destination, unless otherwise specified. The County's title to goods occurs upon satisfactory delivery and acceptance at the delivery point shown on the purchase order. The purchase order number must appear on the shipping or delivery ticket, as well as on the invoice. Failure to meet specified delivery schedules may result in cancellation of the order. At a minimum, such delinquency will be noted in the vendor's record.
What if I can't ship the whole order?
A delivery normally must be made in the exact quantity called for on the purchase order unless otherwise defined in the purchase order. Partial deliveries, however, are accepted in some instances. The County will make payment on partial deliveries when (1) a contract for the commodities or contractual services extends over a period of months; (2) the solicitation/contract does not require a single payment upon completion; and 3) authorization for payment is made by the receiving agency. In the case of any partial delivery, the shipping ticket and invoices must indicate the quantity being delivered and not the quantity ordered by the County.
How do I get paid?
Vendors must complete their registration at the Department of Finance link in order to receive payment for commodities or services furnished to the County. Vendors must submit an original invoice to the using agency. Invoices should not be sent to Office of Procurement Services. Invoices must show: (1) Purchase Order number; (2) Complete description of the commodities or services furnished; (3) Quantity; (4) Unit prices and extensions; (5) Date of delivery or date services were performed; (6) The discount terms; (7) Name of the department to which shipment was made or services performed; AND (8) Vendor Registration Number. In addition, the invoice should include the vendor's invoice number and date. Before issuing the invoice, be sure to verify that it complies with the pricing agreed to in the contract or there may be a delay in payment while the discrepancy is resolved.
How do I check on my invoice?
Contact the Department of Finance @ 602-506-3561.
What is the rule on personal gifts from vendors?
Office of Procurement Services employees may not accept gifts, services or gratuities from vendors or potential vendors.
What are your normal business hours?
Office of Procurement Services is open for business from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday, except observed holidays. The office is located at 320 West Lincoln, Phoenix, AZ 85003.
May I visit County Purchasing Staff?
Sales representatives are a valuable source of information in obtaining bids, specifications, state of the art advancements or product improvements. They also assist in resolving problems in delivery, billing and payment matters, etc. Therefore, we value their visits. However, we recommend scheduling an appointment in order to effectively utilize time.
General Admin Hours
Mon-Fri: 8am-5pm
Maricopa County Office of Procurement Services
320 West Lincoln, Second Floor
Phoenix, AZ 85003
Phone: (602) 506-3967 // Fax: (602) 258-1573
Maricopa Home
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Maricopa County || 301 W. Jefferson St. || Phoenix, AZ 85003


text:
xJimx wrote:Every morning without fail:
100g oats + 300ml soya milk + 15g pumpkin seeds. Leave to soak 10 minutes for optimal results.
this sounds really good and along the lines of my preferences. gonna give it a try! usually have soymilk plus brazil nuts, hazel nuts, and almonds but need the carbs lately. do you cook the oats after soaking?


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As noted already at the PowerBlog today, Sam Gregg has a fine piece on the complex relationship between law and morality, or constitutions and culture, over at Public Discourse.
As a follow-up (read the piece first), I'd like to point to an interesting aspect of James Buchanan's advocacy of a balanced-budget amendment. As Gregg notes, Buchanan is an example of someone who thought that "America's constitution required amending to bestow genuine independence upon a monetary authority," or advocated for the "constitutionalization" of money. A related effort would be Buchanan's efforts in support of a balanced-budget amendment to the American Constitution, as explored by James Alvey in his piece, "James M. Buchanan on the Ethics of Public Debt and Default."


text:
Here's how RW members rated this race in the past (614 votes).
In short: A well organised and supported event, even when the weather was terrible!Date of review: March 18, 2013
In short: Rubbish weather - great organisation and lovely routeDate of review: March 18, 2013
In short: First race ever..loved itIn full: As my first I have to say it will forever be in my heart, I'm 51 and only started running mid january, and I kept going til the end. Did it in 2.21.29 which I am thoroughly pleased with. Love you all.Date of review: March 18, 2013
In short: Fantastic race, great marshalls and really well organised from start to finish. Date of review: March 18, 2013
Date of review: March 18, 2013
In short: Excellent organisation and support on a horrible day weather wise!Date of review: March 18, 2013
In short: Very well supported, good mixed course.In full: This was my first time at Fleet, and I would definately do it again, but without the rain next time please. The course was varied, with good support in the town, and nice country lanes as well. Shame that Calthorpe Park was so muddy, but organisation was spot on.Date of review: March 18, 2013
In short: Great Race, well organised & marshalled with excellent supportIn full: The organisers did an excellent job especially with the heavy rain in the lead up to the race. As always, this event runs really well and is very enjoyable to take part in - despite cold & wet weather there were plenty of supporters lining the streets and the marshals were ethusiastic & cheerful too!Date of review: March 18, 2013
In short: Superb Fast Club Organized RaceIn full: This was a joy. The weather was bad but luckily we missed the worst of it. The course was not pancake flat but undulating, so you could certainly keep your pace up. Starting by doing a loop of the town was great as the supporters where out en mass. As we left the town and headed into the country side there was a lot of people cheering en route especially at mile 10 ish. Going back into the down the streets where lined with people more supporters.The marshaling was excellent, the race just flowed through, lots of road closures. The final stretch into the muddy park could have been a nightmare but the marshals warned us of speed bumps and the final 100m was lined with sawdust and carpet to help us do a final sprint.Date of review: March 18, 2013
In short: Brilliant race, well organised, will keep coming back for more.Date of review: March 17, 2013
Visit the official Runner's World page
Follow Runner's World on Twitter
Click here
Other Natmag-Rodale Sites
Run For Charity
Injury Clinics
About Runner's World


text:
Stocks Climb Higher on Economic Outlook
NEW YORK ( TheStreet) -- U.S. stocks climbed higher, with the S&P 500 closing less than 2 points from its all-time high, Tuesday after a jump in U.S. durable goods orders and home prices bolstered the outlook for the world's largest economy.
Not even a tepid report from the Conference Board could slow the market. The board's Consumer Confidence Index fell more than expected to 59.7 in March from 69 in February; economists expected a dip to 68 this month.
The S&P 500 was rising 0.7% to 1,562.95. The index reached an all-time high of 1,565 in October 2007.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average increased 0.77% to 14,559.65. The Nasdaq climbed 0.53% to 3,252.48.
The Census Bureau reported that durable goods orders rose 5.7% in February after falling by an upwardly revised 3.8% in January; economists were looking for durable goods orders to rise 3.8% in February. Commercial aircraft orders rose, pointing to an uptrend in manufacturing activity and capital spending.
"The guts of the report seem sufficiently strong to buoy the stock market in the face of a fragile situation on the continent," Andrew Wilkinson, the New York City-based chief economic strategist at Miller Tabak & Co. said in a note. There's "little evidence arguing against a still robust economic recovery in the world's largest economy," he added.
The S&P/Case-Shiller 20-city home price index showed a year-on-year increase of 8.1% in January, making it the best read on this indicator since the start of the housing downturn in mid-2006 and exceeding expectations for a 7.9% rise, after advancing 6.8% in December, confirming the positive outlook for home prices this year that for homeowners may offset the pain of higher payroll taxes.
RF Micro Devices


text:
anyone try this from tea trekker?
Seems interesting
Rithmomachy wrote:Nooooooooooooooooo! There are already so many teas I haven't tried! Now I'll never catch up!
Oh, wait . . . I guess that's a good thing!
AlexZorach wrote:I find these "crossover" teas interesting. A while back I reviewed a green tea from Thailand made of the Assam cultivar (from Upton tea)...it was totally unlike Assam and totally unlike any other green tea I had ever tried.
Has anyone ever bought from Tea Trekker? I have no experience with or knowledge of that company and hadn't heard of them until I read this post.
woozl wrote:I can vouch for TT.
They hand source some nice teas.
You always know how fresh it is.
I am an hour away so I visit seasonally.
I also buy tea online, but there is something
to be said for smelling the fresh tea in the jar.
AlexZorach wrote:In Lancaster, PA, my hometown


text:
So, the second day of Spring 2008 is today...new harvest teas cannot be too far away. Unless you are a Pu-erh aficionado, that is the best TeaNews you have heard in...oh...3 months?
So, TeaChatters, what is in your cup today? Please share with everyone throughout the day...unless you have to play catch up at the end of the day. Either way, share what teas you are enjoying today! Also, see what everyone else is drinking. That is half the fun of TeaDay, right?
Today's TeaPoll and discussion topic is branched out from yesterday's, today, we ask whether you have tried Pu-erh...or not? So, please share with everyone where you stand on Pu-erh.
We will continue branching out into other teas and tisanes over the next several days.
So, visit TeaDay often, today and everyday.
Have a great Friday, everyone!!!


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Churches tread lightly on politics in 2012 election
(RNS) With Election 2012 less than six months away, congregations are getting the message that Americans want religion out of politics. So they're revamping how congregations mobilize voters, largely avoiding the political fray, and hot-button social issues are relegated to simmer in low-profile church study groups. By G. Jeffrey MacDonald.


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false category {"scheme":"subcategory2_cr"}
Product-Grid: > Beach Page5
Product-Grid: > Beach Page5
To ensure a carefree beach holiday, make sure you pack the essentials. Protect yourself from the sun's harsh rays with a wide-brim hat, frequently applied waterproof sunscreen and sun-protective clothing. A swimsuit cover-up or wrap gives you the freedom to saunter from pool or beach, back to the room and through town without offending the locals. Bringing your own beach towel is also a good idea, since the ones provided by your hotel are usually smaller than desired. To complete your beach ensemble, don't forget a good pair of sunglasses, an umbrella for both rain and sun, and a roomy tote to carry all of the above.


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Tagged: Cubs lineup vs. Rockies 9-25
September 25, 2012 – Cubs Lineup vs. Rockies
Chris Rusin gets the ball tonight against the Rockies. Here is what the rest of the Cubs lineup looks like against Jorge De La Rosa. The game is set to start at 7:40 on WGN.
Sapplet – RF
Barney – 2B
Rizzo – 1B
Soriano – LF
Castro – SS
Castillo – C
Vitters – 3B
Mather – CF
Rusin – P
Go Cubs!!


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Turn up the Valentine's Day romance by decking your table out in one of these easy-to-replicate looks.
While tradition dictates the perfect Valentine�s Day date consists of boxed chocolate, a bouquet of red roses, and a date at an overcrowded restaurant, there are plenty of other options to create the perfectly romantic V-Day date. We teamed up with several local Nashville vendors and big-box retailers to set a romantic table for two, in five different looks. Here are the variations of an at-home dinner that can be easily replicated for a sweet date night in. �Share all the Romantic Table looks in one Pinterest pin. Regal Table For the couple that loves tradition and formality, this antique King�s Crown crystal setting is perfect. The vintage red-trimmed crystal pops on ivory ornate carved chargers. Gold swirl-patterned linens look positively divine set with a white-on-white paisley napkin and traditionally-set flatware. A gold calligraphy place card provides an extra touch of thoughtfulness (who doesn�t love seeing their name written in the most beautiful fashion?), and a red velvet cupcake is the perfect crowning touch. For bonus points, use you or your loved one�s heirloom family china or crystal to make it even more meaningful. Where to Find this Look: HomeGoods: Gold Ornate Linen and Ralph Lauren Napkins Ebay: If you don�t have heirlooms, Ebay is a great source for King�s Crown Crystal Pier 1: Ivory Ornate Chargers EsqueScript: Place Card Calligraphy Cheesy Chic Table The ultra-traditional �Valentine�s Day� table is made perfect with a �love you� runner coupled with �love� napkins, wrapped flatware in red and pink glittered ribbon, and various heights of florals in different vessels. Color-coordinated sparkling blush wine in champagne flutes looks fabulous styled with pink heart paper straws, and scrapbook paper-cut hearts add extra appeal. Nashville�s Dulce Desserts� Cupcake of the Month, an unbelievably good Boston Cream Pie cupcake, and pretty V-Day shortbread cookies complete the look. If you want to make your sweets from scratch, try Relish�s Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcake Recipe. Where to Find this Look: HomeGoods: �Love You� Runner and �Love� Napkins Pier 1: Scrollwork China World Market: Heart Paper Straws, Blush Sparkling Juice Parisian Femme Table Who says single gals can�t enjoy Valentine�s Day? This Parisian tablescape is the absolute perfect girlfriends� brunch or dessert party setting! The flamingo print fabric complements bright pink �Poodle Love� napkins we found at Anthropologie. A purple tie-dye-trimmed plate contrasts beautifully with Depression-era glass pink bowls, set above scrapbook paper in XOXO prints with precious Je T�aime-engraved pencils. Sprinkled Cupcakes tie in all of the fun, whimsical colors and glassware is composed of bright purple tumblers and pink antique goblets. An antiqued-pink array of roses and pale pink florals, tied with a vivid coral-pink satin ribbon, makes the perfect centerpiece! Where to Find this Look: Anthropologie:�Purple Plates, Purple Tumblers, Poodle Print Napkins Textile Fabrics: Flamingo Print Fabric Etsy: Vintage Pink Goblets & Depression Glass Bowls World Market: Heart Paper Straws Papermart: Coral Ribbon �Want to remember all the place settings in this feature? Pin them all in one pin. Rustic Table This rustic table is definitely a crowd favorite. Create a gender-neutral look with bright pops of red, natural materials, and this trendy-meets-classic vibe. Rifle Paper Company�s stunning designs make botanical print Valentines a no-brainer. The chalkboard place cards are simple to recreate�add some adhesive chalkboard labels to basic gold cardstock, and place in little handmade wooden holders. Where to Find this Look: Pier 1:�Burlap-and-Velvet Napkin, Ivory Ornate Chargers Anthropologie:�Botanical Valentine Card World Market:�Red Napkins Target: Chalkboard Labels Rose Gold Table Looking for a not-so-obvious Valentine�s Day color scheme? Metallics complement more subtle shades of red and pink beautifully. Repurpose some fabulous gold-and-cream striped wrapping paper as a table runner. This tablescape incorporates some pretty mother-of-pearl chargers and fabulous rose gold Christmas ornaments as the �favors.� The easy-to-reproduce place cards are composed of tented ivory cardstock, glue-dotted onto some pretty floral metallic notecards. Easy and chic! Where to Find this Look: Pier 1:�Capiz Shell Chargers, Scrollwork China Vintage: Pink Plates and Glasses TJ Maxx: Metallic Moroccan Tile Napkins EsqueScript: Place Card Calligraphy Anthropologie:�Vows Print Card Papermart:�Pale Peach Ribbon Kelly of Kelly Dellinger Events is a talented wedding and event planner based out of Nashville, TN. For this romantic table shoot, she teamed up with Megan McGee Wedding Photography and Florist Mary Love Richardson of Rosemary and Finch�at Riverwood Mansion.� This article originally appeared as on Relish


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Area Police Reports
Karen L. Brown, 39, was charged at 1:22 a.m. on Tuesday with driving while intoxicated, driving while intoxicated per se and equipment violation. Officers stopped a vehicle in the area of Price and Winsor streets for an equipment violation. Brown was identified as the driver and later found to be intoxicated. She was transported to Jamestown City Jail where a breath sample found her blood alcohol level over twice the legal limit. Brown was released with appearance tickets to be in Jamestown Court at a later date.
Leslie A. Bamburoski, 18, of Pleasantview Avenue, Lakewood, was charged at 12:35 a.m. on Friday with criminal possession of a forged instrument, obstructing governmental administration, second-degree harassment and underage possession of alcohol. Officers located a backpack that contained beer and a fake Pennsylvania driver's license. Officers went to Bamburoski's residence and she was later taken into custody. During that time, police said she allegedly became combative and started to slap and kick at an officer. Bamburoski was arraigned and committed to Chautauqua County Jail on $5,000 bail.


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About the Author: Ann Kim serves as a Consular Officer at the U.S. Embassy in Ankara, Turkey.
Today is the eve of International Women's Day, and I have had the privilege of witnessing Secretary Hillary Clinton pay her respects to Mustafa Kemal Atatürk at Anitkabir, where Turkey's hero is laid to rest. It is an interesting coincidence that Clinton — a individual who has tirelessly advocated democracy and women's rights and proudly wears the badge of "first woman to accomplish…" in her own right (first female chair of the Legal Services Corporation, first female partner at Rose Law Firm, etc.) — pay her respects to a man who also tirelessly fought for democracy and women's rights; one of his hallmark reforms was to give Turkish women the right to vote in 1934, shortly after American women fought for and won their right to vote in 1920.
When Secretary Clinton arrived at the site, energy filled the air. I've been to Anitkabir before, but the crowd was larger for a Saturday morning. She continues to be a favorite American among Turks, which is really important right now when Americans are not always looked upon favorably by a number of countries. But this crowd was clearly excited... they said hello and waved. She waved and said hello back… It has been a while since Turks have been excited about an American so it was a moving scene to behold.
The Turkish dignitaries greeted her, and they all proceeded toward Ataturk's mausoleum for the wreath laying ceremony. The excitement when she arrived contrasted with the solemnity of the ceremony was striking. I was amazed at how quiet things got, even though there were many people around. The slow walk, the dignity of the soldiers leading the procession, and the reflective expression on Clinton's face underscored the uniqueness and importance of Turkish-American relations. .
For her entry in the Guest Book, Clinton wrote: "It is an honor to visit once again on behalf of my country to show our honor and respect for the founder of this great country and demonstrate the friendship of the American people." These words reflect the nature and importance of this bilateral relationship. Though at first glance it might appear to some that Americans and Turks do not have much in common, upon reflection, it is easy to see that the democratic values of both nations bind the two countries together.
Rosemary in New Jersey writes:
Thank you, Ann for this very informative post, and Happy International Women's Day to you and to our lovely Secretary of State who continues to put a pretty and well-regarded face forward to the world for us.
Wow! Hillary! What a trip! *Thumbs up*
Brian in California writes:
Madame Secretary Clinton: Yes indeed; two thumbs up! Thank you for your noble service to our country.
Bahar in Arkansas writes:
Thank you for such an important visit! You make your country proud! We are honored to have an individual such as yourself to know how to truly honor important leaders from our past.
Alec in California writes:
Despite all the myth-making and deification in Turkey, Mustafa Kemal is not an individual who deserves to be honored by the United States. This is the man who instituted the policy of denial of the Armenian Genocide, this is the man who denied the Kurds and minorities of their identity, this is the man who created a militant, near-fascistic conception of "Turkishness" that breeds violence and murder against truly democratic thinkers in that country. Google "Ergenekon" and you will see what I mean.
Secretary Clinton, do your research before blindly placing a wreath wherever your hosts guide you.
Mary in Delaware writes:
Thanks to Ann Kim for posting, and to Secretary Clinton for your service to our country. Happy International Women's Day. You make us proud.
Wendy in California writes:
Dear CO Kim,
Honor & respect. Honor & respect. When the means and the ends are the same, we can all stand in the sunlight.
Behar in Washington, DC writes:
I find it quite ironic that our Secretary of State paid her respects to a man who is often painted as a westernized forward thinking Turkic hero rather than the oppressive dicatorial leader he truly was. There's a common phrase among the Turks, "Happy is he who calls himself a Turk" but how happy were the Armenians and Kurds who lived in that society? What about the practicing Muslims who were ordered to remove their headscarves and traditional Turkish clothes all in the name of westernization? What about Mr. Ataturk's policies that still linger, such as the inability of a woman who covers her hair to serve in parliament or go to school, or for a Kurd to speak Kurdish in federal buildings, for Kurdish to be taught in schools, or for Kurds to name their kids Kurdish names? I went to Turkey as a U.S citizen in the summer of 2005 and my 11 year old sister was denied a visa because of her name-apparently her name was a threat to their sovereignty. Ataturk may have preached about the need to embrace democratic principles, but his implementation of those principles caused a good deal of censorship and oppression to minority and religious groups living in Turkey at the time. Rather than encouraging Turkey to continue democratizing and allowing everyone, regardless of religion or ethnicity to take part in the political process, Turkey was given reassurances that the issue with Cyprus would be dealt with accordingly and that the PKK was a common enemy. What about PJAK-a sister branch of the PKK that operates in Iran? Are we to condemn the PKK in Turkey because we're allies, but condone their attacks in Iran because we're not on good terms with them?
So many Kurdish lives have been lost in Turkey thus far, lives that, contrary to what Turkey might say, are not affiliated witht the PKK in any way. Human rights groups and the EU have continuously cited those violations time and time again, but all the U.S. has been doing in recent years is pay Turkey to stay out of Iraqi affairs, and pat them on the back for its hypersecular "democratic" principles. We'll be quick to point the human rights violations of other countries in the Middle East but when it comes to Turkey, we won't even bat an eye. Just because it doesn't make the 6 o clock news, that doesn't mean that innocent people aren't being killed or harassed.
Rachel in Washington, DC writes:
First of all I'd like to applaud the efforts of everyone at the Department of State that works to keep this blog up to date. It is a very effective tool for everyday citizens who like to keep up with our diplomatic efforts and official overseas business.
I would also just like to say how proud I am of Secretary Hillary Clinton. In her short time as Sec. of State she has already made me so very proud that I am on of the Americans she represents internationally. She has already taken steps to show her dedication to democracy, human rights and women's rights around the globe and has wonderful job of reaching out to other countries on these issues. Her visit to Mustafa Kemal Atatürk's mausoleum in Anitkabir is a wonderful example of her outreach in this regard. I applaud her efforts to honor a great advocate of democracy and human rights, and I hope she will continue to work for those issues around the globe.
SNP in Syria writes:
@ Behar in Washington, DC -- The head cover ban is one of the most honorable of laws introduced and enforced by Attaturk. He cared about woman dignity. He prevented women from being humiliated and degraded by the wearing of it and should be outlawed worldwide and replaced by head cover, even Bouqa for men. You do not object for that would you, If societies started passing laws that men should wear bourqa? Why women only should be penalized. Why not the Ayatollah wears a head cover. I think Ahmadinejad will look acceptable in bourqa. Arabs wear one already, they just need to add the head cover then there is no need to hide behind sun glasses at night.
Behar in Washington, DC writes:
@ SNP in Syria: Banning woman from choosing the right to wear whatever they want is NOT honorable. In fact it goes against the very principles of democracy that our own country was founded upon. Women should have the right to choose what they want to wear, not a government. Just as a quick example, I'd like to point out the Prime Minister of Turkey and how his own children weren't immune to these laws. He had to send his daughters to school in the United States because they were wearing a headscarves. You cannot get an education in Turkey or hold public office as a woman if you wear a headscarf. Mustafa Ataturk was the founder of these very policies.
I'd also like to point out a clause that appears over 30 times in the Turkish constitution which states that anyone that believes in the indivisibility of the Turkish state loses their human rights. This clause has given the Turkish government plenty of leeway when persecuting its large Kurdish population over the past 80 years.
Kirk in Kentucky writes:
It is surprising that this article, which focuses on Ataturk and the importance of women's history, didn't include this fascinating fact: Mustafa's daughter, Sabiha Gãkãen, was the first female fighter pilot IN THE WORLD.
As for the other comments below, it never fails that when one culture supplants another, or a culture transforms from its traditional roots into something new, there will always be those in the minority that didn't benefit from that transformation and will boo-hoo about it. It is common practice for those who feel embittered to ignore the extraordinary forward leaps of progress made by the leaders and focus on something small that didn't benefit their group. Well- too bad.
For those who think Mustafa was not a great person, in at least some respects, perhaps would prefer to live in a multitude of different realities where he hadn't risen to power. Any one of those possibilities could include living under communist rule, living under fascist rule, or being conquered by the Greeks, or attempting to remain attached to the ideals of the crumbling Ottoman empire with its backwards technology and no citizen rights. Go ahead, take your pick.
The founding of Turkey may not have been the best for everybody, but it was the best for the majority, and for those people, Mustafa happened at the right time and the right place.


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Edward W.Pagano Sr.
Edward W. Pagano Sr., of Portland, NY, passed away on August 18, 2013, at the Chautauqua County Home surrounded by his loving family after a lengthy illness at the age of 77.
Ed was the former owner of Pagano Tractor, Inc. in Sheridan. He volunteered for the Sheridan Fire Department and headed the youth recreation basketball program at St. John Bosco Church for many years. An avid sportsman throughout his life, he also belonged to many organizations. His greatest love was his family. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather.
Ed is survived by his loving wife of 54 years; Anita (Taddio) Pagano; three children, Edward (Kathryn) Pagano Jr.; Jacqueline (Edward Miller) Pagano; and William Pagano; one sister, Anita (Pagano) Monacelli; ten grandchildren, Bennedette Davis; Alexandria Kaminski; Kristen, Kelly, Nicholas, Will, Hunter and Emily Pagano; Missi and Tammy (Jim Cross) Miller; four great grandchildren, Kamali Jr. and Maximus Davis; John and Kyle Murphy; and Olivia Cross.
He is preceded in death by his parents, William T. Pagano and Frances (Nicosia) Pagano.
There will be no public visitation observed.
All are welcome to attend a Mass of Christian Burial at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, Silver Creek, NY, today at 10 a.m., followed by burial in Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Ed's name to the Alzheimer Foundation of America, 322 Eighth Avenue, 7th Floor, New York, NY 10001, or to the Sheridan Fire Department.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Hole-Parker Funeral Chapel, 160 Central Ave. in Silver Creek, NY.
To send condolences go to www.holeparker.com.


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Judith Orloff
Judith Orloff, MD, is a leading voice in the fields of medicine, psychiatry, and intuitive development. An assistant clinical professor of psychiatry at UCLA, her bestselling books include Emotional Freedom, Positive Energy, Dr. Judith Orloff's Guide to Intuitive Healing, and Second Sight. Find more inspiration at Dr. Orloff's website drjudithorloff.com.
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Market Leadership
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November 2, 2013
Damian Davalos/Flickr
Love Science? Welcome Home.
Support Amazing Science Journalism.
Create the New Science Generation.
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If all physicists could explain their work as well as Stephen Hawking explained black holes in his 1988 best seller A Brief History of Time, science writers would have to find other work. The British theorist's new book proves that he is nearly as adept at writing about himself.


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A comment holds the text comment for a RDoc::CodeObject and provides a unified way of cleaning it up and parsing it into an RDoc::Markup::Document.
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November is Pet Diabetes Awareness Month and is the perfect time to educate owners on the causes and signs of diabetes. Diabetes mellitus, or sugar diabetes, is caused by the failure of the pancreas to regulate blood sugar in a dog's body. According to VCA Animal Hospitals, Type 1 Diabetes - in which a dog's pancreas does not produce enough insulin - is the most common type of diabetes in dogs.
The most common clinical signs you may notice if your dog is having a problem with diabetes include increased thirst, frequent urination, increased hunger and weight loss. Should your dog develop any of these signs or act differently than normal, you should contact your veterinarian for a full pet health exam. Diabetes is diagnosed from both blood and urine samples and at this visit your veterinarian will evaluate your dog's overall pet health.
Treatment for Type 1 diabetes typically calls for giving a dog insulin injections to help regulate blood sugar levels. Dogs may sometimes require a special diet in order to be successfully managed with their diabetes. As with most medical conditions, early detection and treatment of diabetes is recommended for the best possible outcome for your dog. Dogs with diabetes can live happily and healthfully with the proper treatment and monitoring by both you and your veterinarian.


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Mustang Hoofprints: March 14
Hello Mustang Fans!
I am happy to report the Gold Rush Raffle reached its goal of raising over $50,000 at this year's event. SMSU Director of Athletic Development, Tim Steinbach, reported to me this week that the Gold Rush Raffle's net revenue was just shy of $54,000. This is a great accomplishment for the Mustang Booster Club and the reflection of a lot of hard work by the Gold Rush Raffle Committee, the SMSU Department of Athletics staff members and everyone who took part in the preparation and execution of this year's event.
I would like to thank all the 2013 Gold Rush Raffle ticket holders, businesses and individuals who donated items for the event and the top bidders of the silent and live auction items. The Mustang Booster Club and our SMSU student-athletes are very appreciative of your generosity and support of the Gold Rush Raffle.
Next up for the Mustang Booster Club will be the 2013-14 Membership Drive which will start up in May. The number one priority of the Mustang Booster Club is to raise athletic scholarship dollars for SMSU Athletics. The Membership Drive is the fund raising event that generates the most revenue for the booster club. If you are interested in participating on one of our membership drive teams, please contact Tim Steinbach in the SMSU Department of Athletics at 537-7204.
With warm weather right around the corner, please mark your calendars for the David and Carol Drown SMSU Golf Classic, which will be held this year on Friday, June 14 at the Marshall Golf Club and Saturday, June 15 at the Tyler Golf Club.
For more information on Mustang Athletics, please go to SMSUmustangs.com.
This Week in Mustang Athletics:
Four SMSU wrestlers competed last weekend in the NCAA Division II Wrestling Championships in Birmingham, Ala. Justin Reinsma went 1-1 on Saturday to earn seventh place at 133 pounds.
Reinsma, who secured All-American honors following Friday's opening round, lost 6-5 to Alphonso Vruno in the consolation third round on Saturday morning. The loss dropped Reinsma to the seventh place match on Saturday afternoon where he earned a 6-4 win over Perry McAree from Chadron State. It's the second straight season Justin has taken home seventh place, finishing the season with 28-9 record. Reinsma becomes just the second two-time NCAA All-American in program history, joining Link Steffen, who earned All-American honors in both 1997 and 1998.
Sixteen individuals qualified for each of the 10 weight classes, with the top eight in each class earning All-American honors.
On Friday, Jacob Begin at 165 pounds, started the day with an 8-4 loss to Chris Watson from Central Oklahoma, before rebounding with a 6-2 victory over Keith Ryan from Pitt.-Johnston (Pa.) in the consolation first round. Begin's season came to end in the consolation second round with a 6-4 loss to Justin Samora from Adam State. Begin closes the season with a record of 17-5.
Kyle Begin, at 174 pounds, was the only SMSU wrestler to win his opening match, earning a victory by fall at 4:46 over Ray Hall from CSU-Pueblo. Begin then lost a heartbreaker in the championship quarterfinal to Mike Williams from UNC-Pembroke 4-3 in triple overtime. Begin had his season come to an end in the consolation second round with an 11-3 loss to Kelly Henderson from Central Oklahoma and finished the season with a record of 19-4.
Travis Peralta dropped his opening match at 184 to Travis McKillop from Pittsburgh-Johnston, 11-7, before losing by fall at 4:24 to Charles Mason from Notre Dame (Ohio) in the consolation first round. Peralta finished the season with an overall record of 18-13. Congratulations to head wrestling coach Jesse Nelson, his staff and all of our SMSU wrestlers on a successful season.
The SMSU baseball team (4-8-1overall) picked up their first win of the spring trip beating Bemidji State yesterday in a single game 11-9. The Mustangs lost their first five games in Tucson, Ariz. SMSU will be back in action today with a single game versus Bemidji State at 4 p.m., concluding the trip with a game against Dordt College (Iowa) at 11 a.m. on Friday. The Mustangs are scheduled to open NSIC play against Wayne State in a four game set in Wayne, Neb. on March 23-24.
The SMSU softball team (3-5 overall) is coming off a couple of wins on Monday against LIU-Post (N.Y.) and Tiffin (Ohio) before being rained out on Tuesday and idle Wednesday. The Mustangs will pick up play again today looking to avenge a 15-0 loss to Northwood (Mich) at 8 a.m. SMSU will battle Ferris State (Mich.) in Game 2 scheduled for noon. SMSU is 3-3 on their spring trip to Kissimmee, Fla., playing in the Rebel Spring Games.
SMSU will complete its Florida schedule on Friday taking on Wayne State (Mich.) at noon and Ferris State at 2 p.m. The Mustangs are scheduled to play the University of Sioux Falls at home on March 26 at 3 p.m.
The SMSU tennis team (1-7, 0-4 NSIC) lost in a 8-1 decision to Arizona Christian on Tuesday in Scottsdale, Ariz., closing its Arizona trip with a 1-2 record. ACU received votes in this week's NAIA national poll. Kayla Uphus earned the only victory for SMSU on Tuesday, picking up a 6-3, 6-4 victory at No. 6 singles.
On Monday, SMSU earned its first victory of the season and its first since 2011, splitting a pair of matches. SMSU defeated Glendale Community College (Ariz.) 6-3, following an 8-1 loss to Mesa Community College (Ariz.). Later in the day, SMSU would take six team points, including three points from doubles matches and three points from singles matches. The duo of Shelby Monahan and Hannah Hagen took their second straight doubles match, this time in thrilling fashion, winning 9-8 (8). Katie Kienitz and Crystal Overbaugh recorded their first match win of the season as they downed Glendale CC's Sofia Rodriguez and Laura Kirby 8-6.
The Mustangs will return to NSIC action on March 23 in Fargo, N.D., as they battle MSU Moorhead, University of Mary and the University of Sioux Falls.
The SMSU women's golf team opens the 2013 spring season today and tomorrow hosting the SMSU Spring Invite at the LPGA International Legends Course in Daytona Beach, Fla. SMSU is hosting the 10-team invite, which features one NCAA Division I team and six teams ranked among the top 20 in either NCAA Division II or NAIA.
The 36-hole invite begins with the opening round on Thursday at 8:30 a.m., with the final round on also starting at 8:30 a.m. on Friday. The par 72 layout plays at 6,098 yards. Institutions competing include Barry (Fla.), California (Pa.), Flagler (Fla.), Indiana State, Lynn (Fla.), Marian (Ind.), Minnesota State-Mankato, Northwood (Fla.), Southwest Minnesota State and William Woods (Mo.).
Lynn is ranked No. 4 in NCAA Division II, while Barry (No. 7), California (No. 14) and Flagler (No. 20) are also ranked. William Woods is ranked No. 6 in NAIA, while Northwood is ranked No. 9.
SMSU last competed on Oct. 6-7, 2012, finishing seventh at the 13-team Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference Fall Championship. Senior Krista Weiszhaar leads SMSU with an 82.7 stroke average in 10 rounds, while junior Marissa Campeau is second on the team with an 85.2 average in 10 rounds.
I would like to wish all of our Mustang teams the best of luck over Spring Break and safe travels!
Go Mustangs!
Congratulations to Max and Mary Lord, who provided the correct answer to the last week's Mustang Hoofprint's Trivia Question: What Mustang Softball player has the highest career batting average? Lynette Zinkula is on top of the career batting average leader board hitting .394 for the Mustangs 1990-91.


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The Adobe Central Output Server family is scheduled to reach end of life on June 30, 2016. Adobe AEM forms is the recommended replacement for most Central products. AEM forms' capabilities extend engaging web and mobile experiences to enterprise forms and documents, allowing organizations to complete complex digital interactions while improving user experiences, increasing efficiency and responsiveness, and extending business reach.
Your product
Migrate to
Central Pro Output Server1
AEM forms4
Central Output Server1
AEM forms4
Central Workstation Edition1
AEM forms4
Web Output Pak1
AEM forms4
Output Pak for mySAP.com®2
No AEM forms equivalent – investigate SAP Interactive Forms by Adobe
Output Manager
No AEM forms equivalent
Output Designer3
Forms Designer (Included with AEM forms)
Adobe is offering a reduced price exchange of certain Central family product licenses for AEM forms (basic) term licenses. Maintenance & Support (M&S) will be included inthe annual term cost of AEM forms. To qualify, customers must have a valid Platinum M&S contract for Central Pro Output Server, Central Output Server, Central Workstation Edition, or Web Output Pak. Customers will receive overlapping support for their Central family product and AEM forms (basic) until June 2016.
AEM forms is comparable, but not identical, to products in the Central Output Server family. Its robust architecture and extended capability set are designed for organizations that want to make the most of today's best-in-class enterprise architectures and on-demand business processes. AEM forms contains virtually all the capabilities of Central Output Server and a great deal more. Migrating customers will get enhanced output functionality and added features that will allow them to create, manage, and publish digital form and document collections to multiple channels so their clients can access them on any device.
Beyond the ability to automatically generate personalized documents in PDF, PDF/A, PostScript, and PCL, key features of AEM forms provide:
With AEM forms, you can build a comprehensive set of services to enhance customer satisfaction, increase operational efficiencies, and reduce costs by targeting communications more effectively and automating the generation of personalized documents. Use dynamic templates populated with variable content to create personalized communications. Quickly and intelligently assemble a document package based on rules. And, support high-volume, on demand, or batch communications and scalable workflows. Examples include statements and invoices, purchase orders, and renewals.
Please contact your Adobe Sales Representative to obtain a trial version of AEM forms.
The Central Output Server family is scheduled to be discontinued on June 30, 2016. Following Adobe enterprise support policies, customers on any Central product version 5.7 or 5.7.1, or Web Output Pak 2.0.7, will be able to purchase extended support contracts through June 30, 2016. Support services will remain consistent with previous generations, including access to technical support resources and software patches.
Version 5.7 generation products will be available for sale to existing customers through June 2016, making it possible to purchase new licenses or expand existing installations as needed to support immediate business requirements. Version 5.7 generation products are defined as Central Pro Output Server 5.7, Output Pak for mySAP.com 5.7, Output Designer 5.7, and Web Output Pak 2.0.7.
Yes. We recommend that you reserve internal resources and/or budget for consulting services to support the migration. Your Adobe Sales Representative can help you get in contact with Adobe Consulting Services for assistance with migrating your Central and/or Web Output Pak application.
Document templates need to be converted and new methods are needed to integrate into enterprise systems. AEM forms accepts only XML data input, for instance, however the Transformation Agent from Central can be used short-term to assist in converting any data into XML. A template conversion tool is included that converts templates created in Output Designer to Forms Designer. Templates created using the standard Output Designer tools typically convert easily and accurately. Similarly, integration points previously handled by the Job Management Database will need to be migrated to the AEM Workflow environment.
We recommend that you begin by reading the documentation on the Adobe Central Output Server family migration. This guide is designed for technologists who have experience building document generation and print solutions with the Central products and are considering migrating to Adobe Experience Manager forms. It compares the capabilities of the two product lines, describes varying migration scenarios, identifies potential issues, and recommends best practices to help developers migrate their applications. If you would like to have the assistance of expert services, Adobe and a number of Adobe Solution Partners have consulting services available to assist your enterprise throughout the process.


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Laurie Watson, MA, LMFT, LPC
Licensed Marriage Counselor, AASECT Certified Sex Therapist, Certified Psychodynamic Psychotherapist
7 Corporate Center Court B, Greensboro, North Carolina 26408
Laurie is a marriage counselor and sex therapist and frequent guest on radio and TV with 25 years of experience. She authored Wanting Sex Again and blogs for Psychology Today Online. A well-regarded educator, she lectures at Duke and UNC Chapel Hill med schools.


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By SUSIE WOODHAMS
Published May 11, 2007
Brandon High School senior Daniel Stevens surveyed the band department's storage room as if he were taking inventory in an old attic.
"That whole top shelf up there, they're just unplayable or really in need of repairs, " he said, pointing to a row of 12 dusty cases holding instruments up to 35 years old.
He pulled down a faded French horn case, opened it and raised his eyebrows.
"Okay, it's broken here, the tuning slide. See how it's all dented?" he said.
But it's still considered repairable, which means a student may still end up using it.
For Stevens, the inequity is puzzling: New and renovated schools typically get fresh band equipment. Old schools have to make do with existing instruments.
Hillsborough High School band director Kim Meider can relate. A school renovation that was completed last year provided her with money to replace most of the dilapidated instruments. Until then, old sousaphones and taped-up tubas were the best she had. "The first four years I was here, I had the worst equipment in the county, " Meider said. "I would leave for a parade and the first thing I would make sure we had was duct tape, because I knew we'd have to be taping something up."
The disparity in instrument quality between schools concerned Stevens enough that he mentioned it to the School Board earlier this year at an annual forum for students.
Money an issue
The reality, school officials say, is there's only so much money to go around for high school and middle school music programs.
"In a perfect world, absolutely we wish we could outfit everyone with new equipment, " said Ted Hope, the district's middle and secondary music education supervisor. "I go to all the schools and see what their needs are, and when directors say, 'I'm desperate, ' I say, 'Okay, let's see what we can do.'"
Every time a school opens or gets renovated, the district furnishes it with new instruments deemed necessary for a marching band and concert orchestra. The basic instruments are usually the most expensive, such as $4, 000 tubas and $12, 000 percussion sets.
The school rents those instruments to students for $37.45 a year, which goes toward a repair budget. If the school doesn't have the kind of instrument a student wants - usually the smaller, less costly ones - the student buys or rents one from a music store, or hopes that the school's booster club can raise money to provide one. In some cases, high schools borrow from middle schools to fill the void.
"To my knowledge, we've never denied a kid (the chance) to be in band, " Hope said. "We'll do something to get an instrument into his hands."
The cost of repair
The district also gives schools an annual repair budget based on its number of band members, typically $600 to about $1, 000 a year. Those funds are expected to maintain the instruments at least until the school is renovated, when band directors can lobby their principals for new equipment.
During Brandon High's 2004 renovation, the school bought tubas, painted the band rooms and added new shelves. Still, some of the school's instruments are so old that they spend up to two months in the repair shop.
"I have some old instruments in very, very bad shape, so much so that the instrument repair funds won't cover the costs of what it will take to get them repaired, " Brandon band director Christian Koserski said. The booster club, which already provides most of the program's operating budget, covers excess repair costs.
Booster clubs are key
Another disparity for high school bands: The more aggressive the booster club, the more likely a school is to avoid the run-down instrument pit. Gaither High School band director Brian Dell said he spends $3, 000 to $5, 000 a year repairing and maintaining instruments, with only $800 coming from the district. The booster club, which raises about $30, 000 a year working concession stands at Raymond James Stadium, tries to buy at least two new instruments a year.
"The older schools, just because they are old, like Brandon and Hillsborough, doesn't mean they can't achieve something, " Dell said. "It's up to the community and the teacher and getting creative with ways to support the program."
Grants are another way to cover equipment shortcomings. Three area schools have gotten grants from a national foundation, and the Tampa-based Unsinkable Molly Brown Foundation matches every dollar raised for public-school instruments. Still, writing grants and raising money for matching funds takes time, which some communities have more than others.
"The more affluent communities, maybe with only one parent working, they have more opportunities to put money into the programs with more active booster programs, " said Leto High School band director Nicole Conte. "We're in a low-income area. Some of my students can't even pay the rental fee."
Making do with tape
When Conte took the job four years ago, she found most of the 42-year-old program's instruments in almost unusable condition, including taped-up sousaphones and snare drums with buckled frames. School renovation money had already been allocated, and none went to new instruments.
In addition to staging constant fundraisers, Conte pressed the district to replace about $15, 000 to $20, 000 worth of instruments in the past three years with money left from other budgets. She's hoping the district can find funds for new horns by next year.
In the meantime, she leans on parents such as "band dad" Joe Lopez, a self-employed hardwood floor contractor who repairs instruments.
"The only reason our drum equipment is usable is because I take it to my house in the summer, take it apart, restore it and put new heads on it, " said Lopez, whose daughter plays French horn. "But my daughter's graduating, so I don't know what they're going to do next year."
Big bucks for band
A look at what some new instruments cost:
Marching drum line
$9, 000
$4, 000
$3, 500
Baritone saxophone
$3, 200
String bass
$1, 500
[Last modified May 10, 2007, 07:20:54]
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New York City Public Advocate Letitia James proposed new legislation on Monday to address sexual assault on college campuses.
The NYC Campus Safety Act would require private and public colleges in the city to report sex crime statistics every month and coordinate their responses to on-campus sexual assaults with local rape crisis centers.
The legislation, which has already been endorsed by a coalition of elected officials, women's advocacy groups, and student activists, would also establish a new NYPD liaison and multiagency task force to work with colleges on sexual assault prevention programs and increase funding for rape crisis centers citywide.
If passed by the City Council, the bill's most significant impact on Columbia's sexual assault policies would likely be in regards to the monthly reports on sex crime statistics.
Currently, the University releases the number of forcible and nonforcible sexual offenses on campus only once a year as part of Public Safety's Annual Security and Fire Safety Report, which is all that's required by the Clery Act. James' legislation would thus require Columbia to release those numbers on a monthly basis.
While the NYC Campus Safety Act would increase the frequency of sex crime statistics reporting, it would not impact the level of detail regarding sexual assault cases currently released by Columbia, which has been a point of contention for students since the fall.
In October, the Columbia University Democrats circulated a petition calling for the University to release anonymous aggregate data about the adjudication of cases of sexual assault, rape, and gender-based misconduct on campus. The petition drew well over 1,000 signatures by the end of the semester, and in January, University President Lee Bollinger agreed to release sexual assault data by the end of the academic year.
While that data still has not been released—the President's Advisory Committee on Sexual Assault has met several times to discuss the best way to release the data in a way that protects the privacy of students—activism from CU Dems, No Red Tape Columbia, and the Title IX Team has pushed the University to some action—launching a website to clarify adjudication information and holding two town halls.
Still, students have said that the University isn't doing enough. Just last month, 23 students filed a federal complaint against Columbia, alleging violations of Title IX, Title II, and the Clery Act.
"There's a consensus emerging that universities aren't doing enough," Sejal Singh, CC '15 and Columbia College Student Council vice president-elect for policy, said in April. "This is a nationwide problem."
James' proposed legislation comes on the heels of the White House Task Force to Protect Students from Sexual Assault's list of expectations for reforming sexual assault policies on campuses nationwide. The White House report detailed many of the flaws with current prevention and adjudication policies, which James hopes this proposed legislation will address.
"These proposals represent real steps that will educate students about sexual assault, hold colleges accountable, increase support for victims, and better protect our students from sexual assault," James said in a press release.
firstname.lastname@example.com | @MaiaClay4


text: Jaime Hernandez: The 2012 Lincoln cents have a Union Shield design just as they did in the two previous years from 2010 and 2011. Coins are very common up to grades of MS65. In MS66 they become a bit scarce with some searching required. In MS67, they are very difficult to find with few examples available. In MS68, it is the ultimate grade with very few examples known in this condition with none being finer.


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Preregistration for Strange Fire, a Truth Matters conference hosted by Grace to You, continues at tmstrangefire.org. Click on the link to learn more about this important event.
This month on the Grace to You blog, we're wrapping up our series on the importance of the local church. We've been looking at different key facets of the ministry of the church, and how your involvement in your local congregation is crucial for your spiritual growth.
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On Thursday, November 18 at Westminster Choir College (11:30-12:30 in the Playhouse), Peter Jarvis will be giving a masterclass on writing for percussion instruments. His talk will focus on Milton Babbitt's Homily for Snare Drum.
Jarvis is Director of the acclaimed New Jersey Percussion Ensemble. A virtuoso percussionist, he's also active as a composer, conductor, and engraver. He's on the faculties of WPUNJ, Connecticut College, and Westchester Community College.
The event is free and open to the public.


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Product DescriptionFits Sherwood aftermarket pump. O-ring included. Composite aluminum, plastic, and cast iron construction of original Mercruiser water pumps does not hold up in marine environments. Now you have the choice to replace the complete pump assembly, the end cover only, or the impeller with a more durable, longer lasting pump.


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Inside the Department of States sits an operations center equipped with permanent, secure, and reliable lines of direct communication with foreign governments to perform the critical mission of sustaining strategic nuclear security twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week -- the Nuclear Risk Reduction Center (NRRC). The NRRC was established under President Reagan and Soviet General Secretary Gorbachev on September 15, 1987, to serve as a communications channel to reduce the risk of conflict. The U.S. NRRC is one of two Centers; the other is located in the Russian Ministry of Defense in Moscow. Both centers are staffed around the clock by officers trained to operate data and notification automation systems.
In my Air Force career, training for a grave scenario involving a nuclear exchange between the United States and the Soviet Union was all too real during the Cold War. Although the Cold War is over, the NRRC is still an important enterprise that aims to keep our two great nations connected for many years to come. Behind the scenes, watch officers process notifications concerning the implementation of arms control treaties and agreements such as the New START Treaty and Open Skies Treaty. Depending on the treaty or agreement, notifications serve to exchange data on the number of deployed strategic forces, intent to conduct an inspection or over-flight, movements of heavy bombers, or an imminent test launch of a ballistic missile. NRRC officers process over 500 such treaty notifications a month and are assisted in their duties by automated computer programs, databases, and custom software, much of it locally developed by NRRC staff.
Similar to the U.S.-Russia Presidential "Hotline" created out of the Cuban Missile Crisis, which occurred 50 years ago this month, the NRRC's permanent direct government-to-government link has proven its valuable role in preventing crisis escalation by maintaining open channels of communications between the world's two largest nuclear powers.
Today, we hosted a delegation of Russian technical experts to discuss the status of the communication link, its technological improvements, and report on its reliability over the past year. We have come a long way in developing mechanisms to avoid the crisis which transpired 50 years ago. But we are not stopping there. The NRRC is nearing the completion of a modernization program, highlighted today by Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton cutting the ceremonial ribbon at the new facility. The NRRC is equipped not only to support established communication links but to absorb additional responsibility in arms control and confidence and security-building measures.
Having constant reliable lines of direct communication enables our diplomatic efforts across the spectrum of engagement to continue unabated. For 25 years, the U.S. NRRC has expanded its role in bilateral and multilateral security and confidence building arrangements, supporting conventional treaties and agreements with a wide variety of foreign partners and international institutions. As we face the evolving security challenges of the 21st century, the NRRC looks forward to supporting future arms control measures and exploring new ways to strengthen confidence building measures through technical and innovative means.
Learn more about the Nuclear Risk Reduction Center and its history by reading this fact sheet or visiting our website.


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Find Projects and Apply
As an academic program, UROP requires students to submit UROP applications each semester/summer so that we can evaluate the content and scope of your planned research.
MIT and CME Student Applications
For MIT undergraduates and Cambridge/MIT Exchange students, applications are submitted online. All applications include a research proposal detailing your research plan for the given semester. See the Application Instructions page for details on the online application process and complete instructions.
In addition, please be aware that evaluations are required at the end of each term that you participate in UROP.
- MIT Student evaluations that provide feedback on your UROP experience, level of supervision received, plans for future collaboration, accomplishments, etc. Submitted via your UROP Student homepage (MIT web certificates required).
- Faculty supervisor evaluations that provide feedback on your performance throughout the course of your UROP, plans for future collaboration, accomplishments, etc. Submitted via the UROP Faculty Supervisor homepage (MIT web certificates required) or submitted via email to email@example.com.
Note: you will not be able to submit an online application for your faculty member to review, until you have provided your student evaluation.
Wellesley College Student Applications
Wellesley Collegue students submit hard-copy paperwork, consisting of the following items:
- A research proposal detailing your research plan for the given semester.
- A Wellesley UROP coversheet which details the compensation that you intend to receive for your UROP (pay, credit or volunteer), and is signed by you, your faculty supervisor, and the UROP Coordinator for your faculty supervisor's department, lab or center. NOTE: proposals and signed coversheets should be submitted prior to beginning your UROP, and no later than the given UROP deadline for the term. See the Deadlines page for all current deadlines.
- Student and faculty evaluations that provide feedback on your UROP experience, plans for future collaboration, accomplishments, etc.
If you are a Wellesley student interested in UROP, please see the Wellesley College Students page for complete information on how to find and apply for UROPs at MIT.


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http://www.macca-central.com/macca-news ... fm?ID=2076
Reclusive star's duet with Parton
<img src="/pics/mary_hopkins.jpg" align=right>
Hopkin was spotted on talent show Opportunity Knocks in 1968
Sixties star Mary Hopkin is stepping back into the limelight by collaborating with singer Dolly Parton.
After four decades out of the public eye the 55-year-old has been working with Parton on a reworking of her 1968 Number One hit Those Were The Days.
The new version is the title track of the American country star's latest album, a collection of covers from the Sixties and Seventies.
Originally from Pontardawe near Swansea Hopkin found fame as a teenager.
For decades Hopkin has shunned interviews and she now divides her time between her family home in Wales and a remote French farmhouse.
Dan Griffiths a member of the Mary Hopkin's fan site thinks her return is "excellent" news.
"It's lovely to hear Mary's back in the limelight."
One day out of the blue we received the offer in a phone call from Dolly
Gerry Maxim, Hopkin's agent
Mr Griffiths added that Hopkin had recorded on her nephew's album five years ago but before that she had not recorded anything since 1994.
He believed Hopkin had collaborated with Parton because of her fresh approach to county and western music.
"Dolly's new approach going back to the basics of country music appealed to Mary.
"She became a recluse because of record industry pressures on her, but the way Dolly has reinvented herself - Mary's attracted to it."
Hopkin shot to fame when she appeared on TV talent show Opportunity Knocks in 1968.
She won the competition and the following week received a telegram from The Beatles' label Apple inviting her for an audition.
'Great fan'
She signed to the label and was championed by Paul McCartney.
Her debut single Those Were The Days topped the chart for five weeks, replacing The Beatles' Hey Jude at Number One, and turned the 18-year-old folk singer into a star.
The song also became a hit in the US.
Parton is collaborating with different artists for her 60th birthday album
She toured with Englebert Humperdinck and came second in the Eurovision Song Contest in 1970 with Knock Knock Who's There.
Born in May 1950 into a Welsh speaking family she has released albums in both languages.
In the summer of 1970 she was made a Bard of Gorsedd at Ammanford, where she took the Bardic name of Mari Hopcyn.
She had five top 20 singles in two years but when her first child was born in 1972 she decided to concentrate on family life.
Hopkin's agent Gerry Maxim told The Independent newspaper that the offer to work with Parton was too good an offer to resist.
"One day out of the blue we received the offer in a phone call from Dolly. She is a great fan of Mary's and vice versa," Maxim said.
Parton's album is to be released to mark her 60th birthday and Norah Jones, Keith Urban and Yusuf Islam, formerly known as Cat Stevens, also appear on the record.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/wale ... 724970.stm


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How exercising outside may make you fitter�and happier.
Forget staying put (and bored!) on a treadmill this spring. It pays to relocate your workout to the great outdoors. In one 2011 review of 11 studies, people who ran or walked in nature were less stressed, more energized�and said they wanted to do it again, compared to when they were inside a gym. If the promise of green leaves and sunshine isn�t enough to motivate you to move, consider the body benefits. For one, the open air offers unique physical challenges that you don�t get from a treadmill or a stationery bike�wind resistance, hills, changing terrain�and a harder workout can target muscles in different ways and may burn additional calories. Additionally, another review of research published in Extreme Physiology & Medicine suggests that exercise actually feels easier outside because people perceive it as less physically demanding. They tend to naturally move faster and ignore exercise-related discomfort (like when your muscles burn jogging up a hill), perhaps because of the enjoyable, but distracting, escape nature provides. Convinced yet? Here�s a look at how many calories a variety of outdoor exercises burn per hour. Get moving! (Calorie burned estimates based on a 150-lb woman and a 180-lb man.) Trail running Men: 759 Women: 633 Mountain biking Men: 694 Women: 578 Doubles tennis Men: 490 Women: 408 Hiking Men: 383 Women: 319 Walking the dog� Men: 245 Women: 204 Beach volleyball Men: 653 Women: 544 Kayaking Men: 408 Women: 340 This article originally appeared as on Spry Living