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Equity futures are down a little this morning, here's the action on a 5 minute chart of the DOW and S&P:
The dollar is just about even after being higher overnight. Have you noticed that since the dollar began to rise from its recent low that the correlation between the dollar and equities has changed? The trade had been dollar down, equities up, but then became dollar up, equities up (they can only go up by order of the King). And now what little movement down in the markets has come has followed the dollar coming down. This is just a point of observation, the relationship sometimes changes and I'm sure will change again.
Bonds are rising, correcting their large downward move and the bounce is coming off support. Again, money flowing into bonds is not flowing into equities. Oil is down slightly, now back below $80 a barrel, and gold is up slightly at $1,141 an ounce.
The Retail Sales Report for December came in with a pretty large miss at -.3% when +.4% was expected for the month. Here's Econoday:
HighlightsOf course I don't really care much for month over month data, however a decrease in the month of December should frighten the heck out of most businesses. The yearly change figures in the chart above are just NONSENSE and this Retail Sales report should be taken with a huge grain of salt. Again, the retail sales figures do not reflect sales at stores that have gone out of business and thus is inflicted with substitution/ survivor bias. Again, the only real measurement we have is sales tax receipts. So, even with substitution bias December was a down month… ouch.
Retail sales were unexpectedly down in December but somewhat offsetting were upward revisions for November. Overall retail sales in December fell 0.3 percent after a 1.8 percent surge in November. The December gain was far below the market estimate for a 0.4 percent rise. Excluding autos, sales decreased 0.2 percent after jumping 1.9 percent in November. The November numbers, however, were revised up from original estimates of up 1.3 percent for total and 1.2 percent for excluding autos. Excluding both autos and gasoline, the December number still was disappointing, declining 0.3 percent, following a 1.0 percent boost in November.
The December drop in overall sales was led by a 0.8 percent fall in motor vehicle sales (a relatively large component) and electronics & appliance stores, down 2.6 percent. Declines in December were broad based. However, gasoline station sales were up 1.0 percent after a huge 9.6 percent surge in November.
The December retail sales report should weigh on equities. Treasury yields were down on the release. Adding to market weakness was an unexpected rise in initial jobless claims.
The Weekly jobless claims report is yet another bomb shell. The experts were expecting initial claims of 437,000 and it came in at 444,000:
Weekly unemployment claims are mixed for the Jan. 9 week. Initial claims rose 11,000 to 444,000 in what is unfortunate news but news offset by yet another decline in the four-week average, down 9,000 to 440,750. The four-week average has declined for 19 straight weeks in what is an extremely powerful indication of improvement in the labor market. (Note claims for the Jan. 2 week are revised 1,000 lower to 433,000).
Another indication of improvement, though a less powerful one skewed by workers dropping out of the workforce, is a steep 211,000 drop in continuing claims to 4.596 million. The unemployment rate for insured workers slipped another notch to 3.5 percent. Data on emergency benefits show a decline while extended benefits show a rise.
Last week's employment report is a stumbling block for the economic outlook and greater improvement will be needed in coming claims reports to raise confidence for January's employment report. Today's report together with a weak headline for retail sales are sending equities and commodities lower.
The real story is that there are thousands of people exiting the workforce altogether as well as additional thousands who are running out of both regular and extended benefits. The December data is heavily adjusted for seasonality, of course, but just so you see the raw numbers from the DOL, here they are:
The advance number of actual initial claims under state programs, unadjusted, totaled 801,086 in the week ending Jan. 9, an increase of 156,165 from the previous week. There were 956,791 initial claims in the comparable week in 2009.
The advance unadjusted insured unemployment rate was 4.6 percent during the week ending Jan. 2, an increase of 0.4 percentage point from the prior week. The advance unadjusted number for persons claiming UI benefits in state programs totaled 5,988,940, an increase of 503,924 from the preceding week. A year earlier, the rate was 4.4 percent and the volume was 5,855,855.
Catch that? Real initial claims are over 800K, down some from a year earlier, but the total people in state programs receiving benefits ROSE, even with the thousands falling off the rolls. The participation rate is plummeting and without that, the unemployment rate would be MUCH higher:
And yet, the children in the White House put out these infuriating LIES:
2 million jobs from stimulus - White House
NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- The economic stimulus program has boosted employment by 1.5 million to 2 million jobs, the president's chief economic adviser said Wednesday.
The Obama administration estimate includes both jobs directly funded by stimulus money, as well as those created indirectly by companies buying supplies for stimulus projects, people spending their stimulus tax cuts and the like.
The report, by the Council of Economic Advisers, is likely to spark sharp reactions from the Obama administration's critics who argue that the $787 billion package has failed to deliver on its promises.
To be sure, the economy has continued to lose jobs despite stimulus - shedding 85,000 in December. The administration, however, maintains that things would have been much worse without the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
SAVED 2 million jobs? Well, there are liars and then there are children who when they talk say nonsensical things. Which is occurring in this Administration? Both. Here's your 2 million job gain… try a nearly 6 million job loss in the past year alone, and that's with all their bad data:
Oh, but it "WOULD HAVE BEEN WORSE" had it not been for the stimulus, LOL! NO, it is this ugly BECAUSE OF the stimulus! Here's a lesson in economics for the children: Once debt saturation occurs, adding more debt into the system only leads to future defaults and to higher unemployment. There is a phase transition that occurs as saturation levels are reached. Debt based stimulus that used to work to add jobs reverses and does the opposite once incomes can no longer support debt beyond that which it already carries. Proof? The chart below shows that for each new dollar of debt added to the economy, 15 cents is SUBTRACTED from GDP:
Citizens became saturated with debt first, then corporations and local governments. The Federal government has actually been saturated for quite some time, yet they are pretending that they still can carry more. They cannot, and thus they have begun piecemeal default via "Quantitative Easing." Still, they continue to add more and more debt:
December deficit nearly doubles
NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- The U.S. government posted a deficit of $91.9 billion in December, nearly double the shortfall of a year earlier and marking the government's 15th straight month in the red, the Treasury Department reported Wednesday.
The shortfall brings the total deficit for the first quarter of fiscal year 2010 to $388.5 billion, up from $332 billion during the same period last year.
It was the second consecutive December the government spent more than it took in. In December 2008, the deficit was $51.8 billion.
While December's deficit was less than the $120.3 billion in November, that's no reason to celebrate. The government typically rings up a surplus in December as year-end bonuses boost high individual withholding and as companies make quarterly income tax payments.
The deficit remained high in the first three months of the fiscal year because while spending was down by $3.6 billion from the same period last year, tax revenue fell even more, dropping by $59.7 billion as individual income and payroll taxes declined.
Interest paid on the debt in December was $104.6 billion -- 34% of federal outlays for the month.
"No surprises, the government obviously continues to run a very large deficit," said Gus Faucher, director of macro economics at Moody's Economy.com. "But that's necessary as a response to the recession and the financial crisis."
The Treasury estimates the annual deficit will climb to $1.502 trillion for the full fiscal year 2010, up from $1.42 trillion in 2009.
And these are their funny numbers that don't count future obligations or wars! But did you catch that we are now beyond the point where our interest payments on the current debt take more than ONE THIRD of our income? Hello? And that's with funding our debts with short term extreme manipulated low interest rates. Just imagine once interest rates rise. They can't allow it, and thus they must pour/print even more to prevent that and the monetary death spiral is in full motion.
And the worse than worthless credit agencies – no, wait, they are worse than worse than worthless, they are damaging and destructive to our economy as they wait for failure to occur before even mentioning anything. Fitch came out and warns that the U.S. AAA rating is in jeopardy… no, really? Nice timing. I have a news flash for Fitch, it is already FAR beyond mathematical recovery:
US must cut spending to save AAA rating, warns FitchNo, current debt is FAR beyond 94% of GDP, even with our trumped up and way overinflated GDP numbers. And, we're not just close to the point of no return, we are so far from it, we can't even look back to see it.
Fitch Ratings has issued the starkest warning to date that the US will lose its AAA credit rating unless acts to bring the budget deficit under control, citing a spiral in debt service costs and dependence on foreign lenders.
Brian Coulton, the agency's head of sovereign ratings, said the US is shielded for now by its pivotal role in global finance and the dollar's status as the key reserve currency, but the picture is deteriorating fast enough to ring alarm bells.
"Difficult decisions will have to be made regarding spending and tax to underpin market confidence in the long-run sustainability of public finances. In the absence of measures to reduce the budget deficit over the next three to five years, government indebtedness will approach levels by the latter half of the decade that will bring pressure to bear on the US's 'AAA' status", he said.
Fitch expects the combined state and federal debt to reach 94pc of GDP next year, up from 57pc at the end of 2007. Federal interest costs will reach 13pc of revenues, meaning that an eighth of all taxes will go to service debt. Most fiscal experts view this level as dangerously close to the point of no return for debt dynamics.
Import and Export prices came out basically flat month over month, but indeed we are now seeing large gains year over year, especially in import prices as the cost of oil is now far above where it was one year ago. This produced a year over year increase of 8.6%!
HighlightsYes, pouring billions of hot dollars directly from the banks into oil and equities sure is working well to help the economy and those who are debt saturated with wages stuck in neutral and rolling down hill.
Headline import prices were unchanged in December masking yet another significant rise in non-petroleum import prices, which rose 0.5 percent following a 0.6 percent gain in November and a 0.5 percent gain in October. Pressure appears in the industrial supplies ex-petroleum component which surged 2.2 percent vs. plus 2.8 percent and plus 2.2 percent in the prior two months. Foods, feeds & beverages also show pressure, up 0.9 percent for a second month in a row. But the pressure -- and this is key -- is yet to show up in final goods where import prices for consumer goods were unchanged and capital goods were up only 0.1 percent.
On the export side, prices rose 0.6 percent on top of a 0.9 percent jump in November. Here the pressure is centered in agricultural prices which jumped 2.0 percent following November's 4.0 percent surge. Note though that two days of extreme price erosion for agricultural commodities, due to Tuesday's quarterly USDA report that shows much greater than expected output, points to a big easing in agricultural export prices for January. Export prices of finished goods, like on the import side, show no pressure, unchanged for both consumer and capital goods.
Imported inflation, largely the result of the weak dollar, is a significant but still latent risk for economic policy. Until this pressure begins to emerge in finished prices, the outlook for a long spell of zero interest rates for Fed policy will remain intact. Consumer prices will be posted tomorrow with producer prices to be posted on Wednesday.
Yesterday the 1,133 pivot acted as support, 1,168 is the next higher pivot. Divergences continue to increase, the DOW is outperforming now and made a new high while the other indices did not. There is also a new divergence present on the hourly RSI. The DOW continues to rise within the confines of its smaller rising wedge, bouncing perfectly off the bottom of it yesterday - an overthrow would not be unexpected:
Don't worry though, the children in the Administration, as reported on the Cartoon News Network, say they are creating millions of jobs, everything is going to be alright now…
Bad Company – Alright Now:


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COVID-19 PROTOCOL: Healthy Way remains committed and ready to help protect your family and home as an essential service provider in your community. Learn more >>
Some answers to the most frequently asked questions about mold inspection, mold removal/remediation and waterproofing is found below. If your still have unanswered questions, we will be happy to assist you. Contact one of our experts!
What is the best way to check out waterproofing contractor qualifications?
Will a French drain resolve my water problem?
Why isn't there a quick fix for my subsurface water problem?
Aren't all warranties and guarantees the same?
I have a water problem but don't see mold. Should I still get a mold inspection?
What is the best way to resolve a mold problem?
Can't I just use bleach to kill the mold?
Will I save some money by cleaning out my basement beforehand?
What is the best way to check out waterproofing contractor qualifications?
The best way is through consumer organizations such as the Better Business Bureau and the Division of Consumer Affairs. Both organizations will have a 3-year complaint record for the company. While references can be helpful, keep in mind that most companies only provide testimonials from satisfied customers.
Will a French drain resolve my water problem?
"French drain" is a term that's used very loosely in our industry. The gap between the wall and the floor is sometimes called a French drain (also called a "floating floor"); additionally, this name is also given to perforated piping under the floor or outside of the home.
The purpose of a French drain or floating floor is to route water to a sump pump, however, using this method can sometimes upset the structural integrity of your home's foundation. When the wall does not come in contact with the floor, the walls can "slide in." Also, if the French drain gap is not properly pitched, it can cause water to collect and stagnate, which creates breeding grounds for mold. Any building materials near the standing water will absorb moisture as it evaporates, spreading more opportunity for mold growth.
While placing perforated piping underneath the floor is an effective method for removing water under the floor, it does nothing to address moisture problems permeating in the walls.
Perforated piping placed the outside of the home will only work if it is placed at the base of the footing. Any water that approaches the home will be rerouted. The caveat is that the walls must be professionally waterproofed with sealants to prevent water damage and rot.
Can I do the work myself?
The only problem that a non-professional can permanently fix is surface water (grading, gutters, downspouts, etc.). To determine if your problem is being caused by surface water or subsurface water, you must inspect the basement from the inside.
If surface water is the only problem, the majority of the dampness, efflorescence (a white-powdery substance that builds on concrete walls) and staining will be closer to the top of the wall. However, if water symptoms are located closer to the bottom of the wall (where the wall and floor meet), you likely have a subsurface water problem. Healthy Way highly recommends that you hire a professional waterproofing contractor to solve subsurface water problems.
Why isn't there a quick fix for my subsurface water problem?
There are no permanent quick fixes for subsurface water problems. Using waterproofing paints and submersible pumps will only take care of the symptoms for a time, but may also make your problems worse. Waterproofing paint seals the moisture into the wall, causing cracks down the road from moisture building up from the outside (the source). Sealing with waterproofing paint also prevents concrete from breathing, slowing down the evaporation process and creating more opportunity for mold and odors to present. This is akin to sealing a leaky roof just from the inside of your home.
Aren't all warranties and guarantees the same?
No. Most warranties and guarantees in the mold remediation industry only cover the wall cove area where the wall and floor meet and does include a guarantee that the walls and foundation will stay dry.
Also beware of companies who offer lifetime guarantees or warrantees. Unfortunately these terms are extremely limited and very vague, making it easy for a company to refuse to fix the problem if it comes back. All warranties should state specific terms for time and be clear. They should offer protection of the foundation, walls, cove and entire basement floor from moisture penetration.
I have a water problem but don't see mold. Should I still get a mold inspection?
Healthy Way believes it's always a good idea to get at least an inspection, especially if you smell a musty or moldy odor. It doesn't take long for mold to populate and can sometimes be missed by an untrained eye. An initial inspection by an honest and reputable mold remediation company can give you a better idea about whether your water problem is major, minor, or non-existent. If their findings seem extreme, get a second or third opinion. Most companies offer a free initial inspection.
What is the best way to resolve a mold problem?
To resolve a mold problem, the first step should involve fixing the moisture problem so the problem doesn't return. After fixing the moisture problem:
Can't I just use bleach to kill the mold?
Bleach is mostly water. The active molecules which kill surface mold may not penetrate deep enough to kill the entire underlying mold problem, and may even make it worse because of the bleach water content. Using bleach on a subsurface mold problem almost guarantees the problem will return.
Will I save some money by cleaning out my basement beforehand?
Maybe, unless the items you are moving/cleaning are contaminated with mold. Carrying mold-contaminated items through your house will spread the problem and cost you more in the long run. It's best to ask a professional first before moving your items.

subset: commoncrawl


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NSW Premier Barry O'Farrell has become emotional telling parliament that he doesn't understand how Catholic priests who admit to paedophilia in confession aren't reported to police.
His remarks follow a press conference called by Cardinal George Pell in Sydney in response to the federal government's announcement of a royal commission.
Australia's most senior Catholic told reporters "the Seal of Confession is inviolable" even if a priest confesses to child sex abuse.
"I heard Cardinal Pell today indicate that the bonds of the confessional remain intact," an emotional Mr O'Farrell told question time.
"And I understand that as a Catholic, not a particularly good Catholic, that that is an important sacrament within my church.
"But I struggle to understand that if a priest confesses to another priest that he has been involved in paedophile activities, that that information should not be brought to police."
Cardinal Pell said priests should avoid hearing confession from colleagues suspected of committing child sex abuse to avoid being bound by the Seal of Confession.
"That would be my advice, and I would never hear the confession of a priest who is suspected of such a thing," he said.
Cardinal Pell also said he hoped to front the royal commission as it would be an opportunity to vindicate the church.
"It's an opportunity to clear the air, to separate fact from fiction," he said.
"We are not interested in denying the extent of misdoing in the Catholic Church, we object to it being exaggerated," he said.
"We object to being described as the only cab on the rank, we acknowledge, with shame, the extent of the problem and I want to assure you that we have been serious in attempting to eradicate it and deal with it...
"This commission will enable those claims to be validated or found to be a significant exaggeration."
Cardinal Pell would not be drawn on whether personal allegations made against him as far back as 1996 influenced his current perceptions on the issue.
"I am sensitive to the justice to every person involved," he said.
"They have a right to justice."
He later added that he believed "cynicism" over the church's willingness to address abuse claims was limited to "elements of the press (and) elements of the public".
He also questioned whether the NSW police force was adequately resourced to deal with abuse claims.
Cardinal Pell said he understood why senior police officer Peter Fox had spoken out about child sex abuse but he didn't believe his claims of a church cover-up were true.
"I don't think there is sufficient evidence for him to say because of the particular problems that he faced at this time or that time, that the church is covering up. Because we're not."


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Walmart creates more than 20,000 jobs for veterans
Jobs are part of company's Welcome Home Commitment
Walmart is keeping its promise to create more than 100,000 jobs for veterans over the next five years. On Sunday, the retailer announced it had created more than 20,000 jobs for veterans since the start of its Welcome Home Commitment in May.
"If you've served and sacrificed for your country, you shouldn't have to fight for a job when you get home," said Gary Profit, senior director of military programs for Walmart and a retired Army brigadier general.
Walmart's Welcome Home Commitment provides jobs to any honorably discharged veteran within the first year off active duty.
"Just a bunch of great stories of people that either are finding that landing spot until they figure out the rest of their lives or they're finding a career at Walmart," Profit said.
Profit said Walmart works to match veterans with jobs best suited for their skills.
"From the corporate headquarters to our distribution centers and transportation offices and into our Walmart stores and Sam's Clubs," he said.
Walmart said they currently employ more than 100,000 veterans and 150,000 employees who are part of veteran families.
Walmart said they recruit veterans at job fairs across the country. The company offers short-term positions to lifelong careers.


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澳门申博网站 priority registration is designated specifically for students who enroll in cabrillo college for the purpose of a degree or certificate attainment, transfer to a four-year college or university, or career advancement. therefore, students who have completed orientation and placement, developed an education plan, declared a major and maintained good academic standing will be granted higher priority for registration.
the admissions & records office notifies students of their registration dates and times by email. the information is also available to students via webadvisor.
Priority Groups—
Allowed Exceptions Include the Following
澳门申博网站 an exception to the 100 unit limit is made for students enrolled in the high-unit majors listed below as long as they are making satisfactory progress toward their degree:
Astronomy: AS degrees
Biology: AA and AS degrees
Business: AA and AS-T degrees
Chemistry: AA and AS degrees
Computer Science: AS degrees
Dental Hygiene: AS degree
Engineering: AS degrees
General Science: AA and AS degrees
Geology: AS degrees
Mathematics: AS and AS-T degrees
Nursing: AS degree
Physics: AS and AS-T degrees
Radiologic Technology澳门申博网站: AS degree
foster youth and former foster youth who are 24 years or less are exempt from losing registration priority based on 100 units or more or for failing to meet minimum academic standards.
Units earned at other colleges and universities, from AP, Military, CLEP, etc., are not considered in determining registration priorities.
Additional Details
Students on academic or progress dismissal are not eligible to register until they have attended a Probation Dismissal workshop. For more information got to: Counseling >>
enrollment in courses and programs are limited to students meeting properly established prerequisites and co-requisites.
Options for Appealing
If a student loses priority registration based on exceeding the 100-unit limit, or being placed on academic or progress probation for any extenuating circumstances (verifiable accident, illness or other circumstances beyond the control of the student), the student may appeal to have priority registration reinstated.
The appeals process is as follows:


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'crisp and clear focus'
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Superb image quality
'Its ergonomic design also makes it easy to control, giving users a firm grip on the camcorder's movements and settings. '
ReviewGist helps you find the best products to buy by making sense of online reviews.
We are currently aggregating 376,500 reviews
covering over 29,474 products.
© 2020 ReviewGist.com. All Rights Reserved.


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Everyman Baby Club
6th July 2021 @ 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
|Recurring Event (See all)
An event every week that begins at 11:00am on Tuesday, repeating indefinitely
A weekly screening with you and your baby. Tickets include a hot drink and a slice of cake.
Check website for programme details.


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New construction breaks ground at the Atlantic Cape Community College in New Jersey. This $16 Million building that focuses on STEM facilities will be a sustainable venture into expanding the College's supply of forward thinking curriculum. "It will be the home of the new Air Traffic Control (Terminal) Degree program, will have a vegetated "green" roof and astronomy viewing area, and is designed to receive Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) silver status". Complete with a Recycled materials and energy saving construction costs, the new building will not only support our future STEM graduates but the environment for years to come!
See on Press of Atlantic City
Theme by Danetsoft and Danang Probo Sayekti inspired by Maksimer


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An alert reader tipped me off that the DeKalb Public Library added about $10.5 million to its fund balance last year (see FY2013 column, bottom line; click & magnify to see it bigger).
Nice, huh? Wherever did it come from? Let's check the revenues.
Hmmm. Not here, either — and we still have to account for $8.5 million and change.
Doesn't seem like just a typo or simple arithmetic error. Probably bond proceeds or the state construction grant came in and somebody neglected to add it to the appropriate line item.
Whatever the answer is, it seems a pretty large mistake to slip by to this stage. Just sayin'.


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President Obama has issued an executive order: No House of Cards spoilers, please.
The commander-in-chief was planning to binge on Season 2 of the Netflix political drama over the holiday weekend, according to a tweet.
House of Cards boss on shocking Season 2 twists
On Thursday, Obama's Twitter account posted: "Tomorrow: @HouseOfCards. No spoilers, please." Netflix released all 13 episodes of the sophomore season on Friday morning.
And that's not the only show Obama was planning to tackle over President's Day. At a state dinner last week, he asked HBO boss Richard Plepler if he could get advance copies ofGame of Thrones and True Detective, the New York Times reports.
President Obama has previously praised Homeland, while First Lady Michelle Obama says she's partial to Scandal.


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In the Regions
The Ministry has teams around New Zealand so that we can easily connect with Pacific communities on the ground. Our teams are based in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch and travel to communities throughout New Zealand.
Check out the maps on this page to find the Ministry team nearest you.
The work we do
The regional teams build strong connections and networks in Pacific communities, so we can effectively empower and support community enterprise and the sharing of information on government policy and initiatives.
Our regional offices are the Ministry's strongest link with Pacific communities. We engage with Pacific communities to develop good knowledge of their aspirations, issues and possible solutions. This engagement informs policy development.


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Anti Colonialism
Anticolonialism "is the doctrine that rich countries of the West got rich by invading, occupying and looting poor countries of Asia, Africa and South America. Anticolonialism was the rallying cry of Third World politics for much of the second half of the 20th century."[1]
The concept has historically been called anti-imperialism. In the 1870s, critics of British Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli coined the term "imperialism" to describe his foreign policy of seeking to exert political and economic control over what was then called the British Empire. In the 19th Century, advocates of imperialism believed that by colonizing other nations, their native people would gain the benefits of science, technology, religion, and political order. Other advocates viewed the wealth and commerce that came from having a large network of colonies as the key to winning the competition with other European nations for economic supremacy.
Following World War II, the world faced the question of how to handle the areas colonized by Germany and Japan as well as the countries that the Axis had occupied during that war. This evolved into a principle of national self-determination, and by the 1960s most nations converted their network of colonies into independent nations.
As for the United States, it converted the Philippines into an independent nation, Puerto Rico into an independent commonwealth, returned the Panama Canal Zone to Panama, and made Alaska and Hawaii states. The United States still administers protectorates over some very small islands in the South Pacific and over the United States Virgin Islands in the Caribbean. Most people would characterize United States foreign policy as opposing imperialism since World War II.
- ↑ How Obama Thinks - Dinesh D'Souza - Forbes dated September 27, 2010


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In conjunction with efforts to resolve the light travel time problem, creationists have in recent decades proposed a variety of new cosmological models.PDF Download
When we say the Bible is "inspired" and authoritative, are we referring to its ideas and teachings, or something more?
This paper aims to present a detailed overview of interpretations offered by conservative biblical scholars on the identity of "the sons of God" in Genesis 6.PDF Download
The human authors of Scripture always wrote precisely what God intended.
Who cares about the details of the Flood? This flippant attitude opened the door for attacks on the historicity of Genesis.
Genesis records the details of the Flood in a sequence we would not expect. That's for a reason.
Jesus called Abel a prophet, though all we know about him is that his brother killed him. How could he be a prophet?
This paper contends that there is no real biblical evidence to suggest that the second law was inoperable prior to the curse.PDF Download
Is the Genesis Flood just another ancient myth?
This paper overviews the recent work of Peter Enns, The Evolution of Adam.PDF Download
Several months ago, many Bible-believing students in high school were asking themselves: which Christian college should I attend? Their final choice is now turning into hard reality.
No results found in .
Answers in Genesis is an apologetics ministry, dedicated to helping Christians defend their faith and proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ.


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BNZ - Case Study
A long term view of the effectiveness and return on investment of our 'Pro' plan within a large organisation with several locations spread across the country.Continue Reading
We help workplaces achieve more of their goals
By delivering new levels of customisation within a digital platformHow we do it
Trusted to engage and energise more than 100 of Australia & New Zealand's leading workplaces
Unique programs for unique workplaces and their unique people
Synergy Health's digital platform allows for an easy to implement, comprehensive range of wellbeing, safety and organisational development programs. These are designed to enhance employee performance and consequently organisational performance.
"Happier, healthier and more engaged employees"
Our '10 Healthy Habits' are the foundation to all of our programs. These easy to follow habits have stood the test of time. When implemented these habits have a significant impact on employee physical and mental wellbeing, both inside and outside the workplace.
In simple terms, fake foods are those which are heavily processed and often contain large amounts of sugar. They often contain a long list of ingredients which are not overly nourishing by themselves.
Eating food which is as close to its natural state as possible is the best way to ensure your body is receiving nourishment as nature intended it. Eating real food, from animals and plants, takes away a lot of the confusion.
One of the things which make us uniquely human is our ability to walk on two limbs, tall and upright, and for long periods of time. Modern living often sees us idle and hunched over a desk. For optimal health, we need to find our feet again and move.
Moving fast now and then can give you all of the health benefits of a longer slow jog but in a lot shorter timeframe. This can be achieved by moving as fast as you can (any way you like) for only a few seconds at a time.
Alongside moving our body both fast and slow, for optimal health we need to ensure our muscles remain strong. It is the ultimate example of 'use it or lose it'.
Good quality sleep is essential to promoting overall health. Our modern day environment tends to be full of sleep disruptors – sugary foods, caffeine and light from technology gadgets.
Sitting indoors all day shielded from the sunlight is not ideal for our health. Our skin and eyes (and from these organs, the rest of our body) need sensible sun exposure. Get yourself out into the light at regular intervals.
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Inkjet Printable DVD+R Discs, 4.7GB, 16x, Spindle, White, 50/Pack
Item#: YYD2-94917CA | Model#: 94917
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Verbatim® DVD+R Recordable Disc Product Details
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Capacity (Video): 120 min
Recordable Format: Write Once formatmay not be altered once data is written to the disc.
Capacity Range (Data): 4.7 GB
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Surface Color: White
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Sir Alex Ferguson is to retire at the end of the season.
United confirmed the news on their website this morning.
"The decision to retire is one that I have thought a great deal about and one that I have not taken lightly," said Ferguson.
"It is the right time."
Ferguson's last game in charge will be at West Brom on May 19 and he will join the club's football board.
"It was important to me to leave an organisation in the strongest possible shape and I believe I have done so," he said.
"The quality of this league winning squad, and the balance of ages within it, bodes well for continued success at the highest level whilst the structure of the youth set-up will ensure that the long-term future of the club remains a bright one."
Ferguson has had a career the like of which will never be seen again. He won his 49th trophy in United's 20th league championship and seemed set to extend his career into next season, confirming as much in his programme notes ahead of Sunday's encounter with Chelsea.
Instead, with a hip operation booked in for August, this weekend's Old Trafford encounter with Swansea, that will be followed by a trophy presentation, will be his last home game in charge.
He leaves behind a club in good shape.
"Our training facilities are amongst the finest in global sport and our home Old Trafford is rightfully regarded as one of the leading venues in the world," said Ferguson.
"Going forward, I am delighted to take on the roles of both Director and Ambassador for the club. With these activities, along with my many other interests, I am looking forward to the future.
"I must pay tribute to my family, their love and support has been essential.
"My wife Cathy has been the key figure throughout my career, providing a bedrock of both stability and encouragement. Words are not enough to express what this has meant to me.
"As for my players and staff, past and present, I would like to thank them all for a staggering level of professional conduct and dedication that has helped to deliver so many memorable triumphs. Without their contribution the history of this great club would not be as rich."
Although there have been times - in 1989 when it seemed he was going to be sacked, and 2002, when he was about to retire and instead performed a last-minute U-turn - when it was felt Ferguson was ready to leave, this time it is permanent.
The speculation intensified on Tuesday afternoon and United's failure to respond to questioning about the matter further fuelled the rumours overnight.
Now, Ferguson is left to look back on the power-shift in English football that he has instigated.
"In my early years, the backing of the board, and Sir Bobby Charlton in particular, gave me the confidence and time to build a football club, rather than just a football team," said Ferguson.
"Over the past decade, the Glazer family have provided me with the platform to manage Manchester United to the best of my ability and I have been extremely fortunate to have worked with a talented and trustworthy chief executive in David Gill.
"I am truly grateful to all of them.
"To the fans, thank you. The support you have provided over the years has been truly humbling.
"It has been an honour and an enormous privilege to have had the opportunity to lead your club and I have treasured my time as manager of Manchester United."
Now, for the first time in over a quarter of a century, United are on the hunt for a new manager.
David Moyes, out of contract at Everton, and Jose Mourinho, who is expected to leave Real Madrid at the end of the season, are the obvious favourites, although Borussia Dortmund's highly-regarded coach Jürgen Klopp and Bayern Munich's 67-year-old outgoing boss Jupp Heynckes will also come into contention.
It promises to be a major test of nerve for the Glazer family, plus Ed Woodward, who will replace David Gill as chief executive in the summer.
"Alex has proven time and time again what a fantastic manager he is but he's also a wonderful person," said co-chairman Joel Glazer.
"His determination to succeed and dedication to the club have been truly remarkable.
"I will always cherish the wonderful memories he has given us, like that magical night in Moscow."
Avi Glazer added: "I am delighted to announce that Alex has agreed to stay with the Club as a director.
"His contributions to Manchester United over the last 26 years have been extraordinary and, like all United fans, I want him to be a part of its future."
Sir Alex Ferguson factfile:
1941: Born December 31 in Govan, Glasgow.
1957: Joins Queen's Park as amateur while apprentice toolmaker in Glasgow factory.
1960: Joins St Johnstone as part-timer.
1964: Quits toolmaking to join Dunfermline.
1967: Moves to Rangers for £65,000.
1969: Another move, this time to Falkirk, for £20,000.
1973: Joins Ayr, returning to part-time ranks while running his Glasgow pub.
1974: Appointed manager of East Stirling in September, but moves to St Mirren three months later.
1978: Sacked by St Mirren and appointed at Aberdeen as successor to Billy McNeill.
1980: First managerial honour as Aberdeen win Scottish championship.
1982: Aberdeen win the Scottish Cup, beating Rangers 4-1.
1983: Aberdeen retain Scottish Cup, this time beating Rangers 1-0, and defeat Real Madrid 2-1 in Gothenburg to lift European Cup Winners' Cup.
1984: Aberdeen win League and Cup double, beating Celtic 2-1 in the Cup final. Ferguson awarded OBE.
1985: Appointed caretaker manager of Scotland following death of Jock Stein during Wales v Scotland World Cup qualifier.
1986: Scotland bow out of Mexico World Cup after first round. Ferguson leaves Aberdeen to take over at Manchester United after sacking of Ron Atkinson.
1989: Breaks British transfer record to sign Gary Pallister for £2.3million from Middlesbrough.
1990: First trophy at Old Trafford as United beat Crystal Palace 1-0 in an FA Cup final replay after a 3-3 draw.
1991: United beat Barcelona 2-1 in Rotterdam to win Cup Winners' Cup.
1992: European Super Cup arrives at Old Trafford as United beat Red Star Belgrade, while first League Cup triumph booked with 1-0 defeat of Nottingham Forest. Championship dream dies as Leeds overhaul United in final weeks of the season.
1993: Old Trafford's 26-year wait for title is ended as United finish 10 points clear of Aston Villa to win inaugural Premier League title; Signs Roy Keane from Nottingham Forest for British transfer record £3.75million.
1994: United become only sixth team to complete championship and FA Cup double.
1995: Breaks British transfer record again to sign Andy Cole from Newcastle for £7million; United finish runners-up to Blackburn in the league and Everton in the FA Cup.
1996: United become the first club ever to complete the championship and FA Cup double twice, overcoming one-time runaway leaders Newcastle in the Premier League and then beating Liverpool 1-0 at Wembley.
1997: Claims fourth championship title in five seasons.
1998: Finishes season trophyless as Arsenal win double.
1999: Leads United to the treble of European Cup, Premier League and FA Cup; Knighted in the Queen's Birthday Honours.
2000: Guides United to a sixth Premier League title, finishing the campaign 18 points clear of Arsenal.
2001: Wins seventh title in nine years.
2002: Changes plans to retire to sign a new three-year deal as United manager; United finish outside top two in Premier League for first time.
2003: Involved in dressing room bust-up with star player David Beckham, who it emerges was cut in the face by a boot kicked by Ferguson in frustration; Courts controversy by claiming Champions League draw is fixed; United win title again; Launches a legal action against major United shareholder John Magnier over stud rights to top racehorse Rock of Gibraltar.
2004: United win FA Cup with victory over Millwall in final; Signs Everton star Wayne Rooney for a fee which could rise to £27million.
2005: United lose FA Cup final to Arsenal on penalties.
2006: Wins the League Cup for only the second time thanks to a 4-0 thrashing of Wigan.
2007: Wins first Premier League title for four years but United are denied the double after FA Cup final defeat to Chelsea.
2008: Beats Chelsea to the Premier League title again before defeating the Blues on penalties in the Champions League final in Moscow. United subsequently add the Club World Cup before the end of the year.
2009: Retains Premier League title having already won the League Cup against Tottenham. United reach Champions League final in Rome but lose to Barcelona 2-0.
2010: Forced to settle for just the League Cup, against Aston Villa, as Carlo Ancelotti helps Chelsea reclaim the title; becomes United's longest-serving manager.
2011: Given a five-match touchline ban and a £30,000 fine for his verbal attack on referee Martin Atkinson at Chelsea in February. "You want a fair referee, or a strong referee anyway - and we didn't get that," said Ferguson in the aftermath of the 2-1 defeat. "I must say, when I saw who the referee was I feared it. I feared the worst."
2012: May - United are pipped to the Premier League title on a dramatic final day of the season, with bitter rivals Manchester City instead taking top spot on goal difference.
September - Ferguson manages his 1000th league game with United against Southampton. Two weeks later, he wins his 100th game in the Champions League be beating Galatasaray at Old Trafford.
2013: April 22 - United land a record 20th league title with a 3-0 win over Aston Villa.
May 8 - United announce he will retire at the end of the season.


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Brandon Boyd Says Incubus Will Likely Take a Break and Eyes Second Solo Album
Incubus singer Brandon Boyd has revealed that the band has no immediate plan for the future as they close out the promotion cycle for 2011′s 'If Not Now, When?' with the Honda Civic tour featuring co-headliner Linkin Park. The future is uncertain in terms of the band's label situation, as it completed its contract with longtime label Epic. Therefore, Boyd spoke about these aspects and about his personal aspirations.
"We have no plans, to tell you the truth, at the moment," Boyd said via a conference call, per Billboard. The band, which already went through a five-year chasm between 2006′s 'Light Grenades' and 'If Not Now, When,' is keeping things open-ended.
While the band has no clear plans, Boyd himself has been toying with the idea of doing another solo record, which is something frontmen for incredibly successful rock bands often tend to do.
"I have been tinkering around, potentially, with a second solo record," the singer admitted. "That's probably the most likely scenario. But as far as Incubus right now, we'll probably take another break. Hopefully, it won't be as long, but what we'd like to do is arrive with the best of intentions and try to create music from a sense of urgency as well as purity and not necessarily based on a schedule. I know that can be frustrating for our listeners and stuff, but I think we'll make better music as a result."
At least Incubus' intentions are fully honorable, even if it means fans need to exercise a little patience while they plot their next move.
Having wrapped their contract with Epic means they're now free agents, able to do whatever they please. Boyd said the band is well aware of this status and is "trying to get our bearings to what we should do next, just as a band but also a band that is off in new territory again… I'm personally very excited about being in complete control, being a total control freak. That doesn't mean we wouldn't sign with another record label at some point, but it would have to be very, very specific, not get into just a good old fashioned record deal again, if they even exist."
It appears as though Incubus are the masters of their own destiny.


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Fresh off the unveiling of the Lumia 928, it looks like Nokia may have one more surprise waiting. This past Sunday, Nokia ran this spot on British TV in anticipation of the Lumina event to be held in London on May 14.
While providing scant details, the mysterious ad shows a metal-encased Nokia Lumina phone that will deliver "more than your eyes can see." Nokia has already released images and specs of the 928, and it's not a metal encased phone. So, this is something different.
The short ad spot seems to show a bump on the back of the phone, similar to that of the Nokia 808 PureView and its camelback super camera. The 808 boasts a 41 megapixel (!) sensor with a 7728 x 4354 pixel resolution, which far out-specs the still respectable Lumina 928's 8.7 megapixel camera with a 3624 x 2448 camera resolution.
This mysterious metal phone may be the Lumina-branded incarnation of Nokia's rumored "EOS phone," which the mobile rumor mill hinted would be an aluminum-encased phone with camera specs outshining the beefy-beyond-beefy 808.
We should find out more details tomorrow after Nokia's phone event. Damn you, Nokia for getting me kinda sorta excited about a friggin'Windows phone.


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MELiSSA life support project, an innovation network in support to space exploration
Forty years ago this month humans took their first steps onto the Moon, their life support technology allowing them to stay for just short of a day. Enabling longer-duration missions to planets remaining a challenging goal, but Europe has taken an important step closer to attaining it with the inauguration of the MELiSSA Pilot Plant.
The Micro-Ecological Life Support System Alternative (MELiSSA) initiative highlights the outstanding results which can be obtained through the networking of multidisciplinary scientific engineering partners from multiple countries, with the space and terrestrial sectors sharing interest and a long-term vision supported by shorter-term activities.
The June inauguration of the MELiSSA Pilot Plant at the Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona represents the achievement of an international effort stretching back for two decades. The target of the work is the creation of a closed loop life support system with close to 100% efficiency – a self-sustainable ecosystem that ideally does not require resupply.
This pilot plant is the latest outcome of 20 years of R&D performed by the MELiSSA network across various European sites. Experts from the network are regular visitors to the facility, contributing lessons learnt from their MELiSSA research. At the same time the network's member organisations continue their own MELiSSA R&D on a parallel and complementary basis.
ESA is the project coordinator but there are nine MELiSSA partners in total from six countries across Europe and Canada, contributing comprehensive multidisciplinary expertise that includes microbiology, genomics, chemistry, plant physiology, nutrition, biotechnology, biosafety, process engineering, system engineering and automation.
From supporting animals to a human 'crew'
The Barcelona facility is designed to demonstrate the MELiSSA concept at pilot scale, using animals as its 'crew'. One of the novelties of the MELiSSA approach is the compartmentalised structure of its closed loop life support system. It is broken down into five main processes, consisting of microbial bioreactors, wet oxidation, filtration and higher plant chambers.
The various compartments hosting these processes developed so far through the project collaboration across Europe are being progressively integrated into the system. However this is only the start: test results will be acquired by operating the Pilot Plant through many steps, carefully over time, including characterising and interconnecting the various compartments, demonstrating proper stability and control of the overall process and progressively closing the regenerative system. The aim is to be able to support a real human 'crew' by 2020 to 2025.


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The Village of New Lenox has parking regulations for the Village as a whole, and regulations specific to the central business district. These regulations are meant to ensure the safety of individuals within the Village, as well as provide for an orderly and usable parking system. The Village of New Lenox's Police Department is responsible for monitoring parking within the Village. General parking regulations are found below.
The Village of New Lenox prohibits parking in the following places, except when it is necessary to avoid conflict with other traffic, or when you are complying with the directions of a police officer or traffic control device:
The Police Department may establish and enforce temporary parking restrictions deemed necessary for the safety and convenience of the Village.
Whenever a "resident only parking" sign is displayed, the term resident shall mean those persons who live on the block of the street upon which parking is limited and are designated by a "resident only parking" sign.


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More than 97% of the Christmas SPIRIT Foundation's budget goes directly to Trees for Troops. We spend 1.4% on fundraising, and administrative costs are about 1.6%.
The Christmas Spirit Foundation is recognized by IRS as a 501(c)(3) public charity. It was founded in 2005 as the charitable branch of the National Christmas Tree Association, which was established in 1955. The foundation files IRS Form 990 annually and is professionally audited on an annual basis.
The foundation has been accepted into the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC#12283), the world's largest annual workplace charity campaign.
Trees for Troops Weekend takes place every year during the first weekend in December. Consumers can buy a tree at participating tree farms and retail locations to donate to the Trees for Troops program. These trees are delivered to military bases in the U.S. If there are no Trees for Troops Weekend locations near you, you can make a financial donation online or by mail.
Unfortunately, we are unable to designate a tree for a specific individual. However, some Christmas tree farms and retailers, or those that sell mail order trees, may be able to help you do this.


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Bridget Hall Models In Latest Rag & Bone DIY Campaign
Cheeseburgers in Photo Shoots: Bridget Hall's DIY Rag & Bone Campaign
Bridget Hall is the latest supermodel to help Rag & Bone turn the traditional photo shoot on its head. The brand's DIY project — first conceived during Spring 2011 for Rag & Bone/Jean — gives a model (see Miranda Kerr's here!) a digital camera, a bag of clothes, and free license to interpret the spirit of Rag & Bone/Jean in her own way.
"To us, Bridget represents that natural, all-American supermodel," Rag & Bone's Marcus Wainwright said in a statement from the brand. "You can see that she's a cool, down-to-earth girl."
Bridget tapped longtime friend Carin Backoff to photograph her everywhere, from a beach in the Hamptons to an artist's studio in New York City, to capture a series of images where sex appeal cannot be denied. Her source of inspiration? "We listened to everything from Jay-Z and Alabama Shakes," she divulged in a press release. "We had good old bacon cheeseburgers, beer, good wine, good laughs, and just a good time between friends."


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It wasn't exactly a match made in heaven for talk show hosts Katie Couric and Jeff Probst, who both admitted that they once went on a date.
"I went out with Jeff Probst once," Couric told Howard Stern earlier this week. "I think he had puka shells on — that was kind of a weird thing."
Celeb couples: Can you believe they dated?!
Shortly after Couric spilled about the date, Probst revealed the backstory to Us Weekly.
"Katie and I were set up by a mutual friend several years ago," he told the magazine. "What I remember most about the date is how nervous I was and how little I offered to the conversation. It was like I forgot how to go on a date. Like I was 14. We talked a bit about her kids and the challenges of being a parent to teenagers, and we talked a bit about our careers and lifestyles but we never got much beyond the surface."
So was there a second date?
"[I] would have definitely asked for a second date [but] the only reason I didn't call back was the date was set up through her assistant and I never got her number!" he says. "It felt weird to call her assistant for a second date," he said. "So it never had a chance to be a romance. Who knows what might have been? But it's a date I definitely remember! I mean, come on, it's Katie Couric!"
Couric, whose husband died of colon cancer in 1998, has not been shy about her dating history. In February, she told Jimmy Kimmel she had been out with Larry King on the most awkward date ever. (Watch her tell the story here.)
Fortunately for Couric, she's now happily dating financier John Molner. Probst, meanwhile, married Lisa Ann Russell in 2011.


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Mars Express acquires sharpest images of martian moon Phobos
Mars Express closed in on the intriguing martian moon Phobos at 6:50 CEST on 23 July, flying past at 2.96 km/s, only 100 km from the centre of the moon. The ESA spacecraft's fly-bys of the moon have returned its most detailed full-disc images ever, also in 3-D, using the High Resolution Stereo Camera on board.
Phobos is what scientists call a 'small irregular body'. Measuring 27 km × 22 km × 19 km, it is one of the least reflective objects in the Solar System, thought to be a captured asteroid or a remnant of the material that formed the planets.
The best full-disc images of Phobos ever
The HRSC images, which are still under processing, form a bounty for scientists studying Phobos. They are a result of observations carried out over several close fly-bys of the martian moon, performed over the past three weeks. At their best, the pictures have a resolution of 3.7 m/pixel and are taken in five channels to obtain images in 3-D and to perform analyses of the physical properties of the surface.
The images obtained by several other spacecraft so far have either been of a lower resolution, or not available in 3D and have not covered the entire disc of Phobos. This is also the first time that portions of the far-side of the moon have been imaged in such high resolution (Phobos always faces Mars on the same side).
Scientific bounty
In observing Phobos, Mars Express benefits from its highly elliptical orbit which takes it from a closest distance of 270 km from the planet to a maximum of
Phobos-Grunt (roughly translated as Phobos soil), a Russian sample-return mission, is due for launch in 2009. It is expected to land on the far-side of Phobos at a region between 5° south to 5° north, and 230° west to 235° west.
The HRSC observations have been awaited eagerly to better assess the choice of and characterise the landing site.
The moon's remarkably grooved surface can be seen in the pictures quite clearly. The origin of these grooves is still debated. It is not known whether they are produced by ejecta thrown up from impacts on Mars, or if they result from the surface regolith, or soil, slipping into internal fissures.
In this image, at least two families of grooves with distinct orientations can be seen along with what is either a chain of pits or craters.
The stereo observations (resolution 3.7 m/pixel) are important for structural analysis and they will be used to derive a digital terrain model (a 3-D map of the surface that includes elevation data). The extra photometric channels (at 7.4 m/pixel) make it possible to study the properties of the Phobos regolith at micron to millimetre scales.
An operational challenge
Managing the close fly-bys was an operational challenge, made possible by spacecraft operations engineers and scientists who worked together to specially optimise Mars Express's trajectory and obtain the best possible views.
The observation made use of a spacecraft slew, a special manoeuvre whereby the body of the spacecraft is rotated against the direction of motion, to effectively lower the speed at which the target passes in the field of view of the camera. This makes it possible to avoid blurring of the pictures despite the high fly-by velocities, whilst maintaining acceptable exposure time.
The HRSC Super Resolution Channel (SRC) also observed during this close fly-by, with a nominal resolution of 90 cm/pixel. As expected, despite the slew, some residual motion blur has crept into the image, but much detail will be recovered after further processing.
In the days running up to the observation, the primary star-tracker - a navigation device that helps the spacecraft point its instruments at the target accurately - experienced some temporary difficulty in recognising the star constellations in its field of view, leaving the spacecraft operating on its secondary system. Concerned that this might affect this critical observation, the team at ESA's European Space Operations Centre (ESOC) in Darmstadt, Germany, worked intensely to recover the primary system and were able to switch back successfully two days before the fly-by.
Notes for editors:
The Principal Investigator (PI) for the HRSC experiment on ESA's Mars Express is Prof. Dr Gerhard Neukum, who also designed the camera technically. The HRSC science team consists of 45 Co-Investigators from 32 institutions located in 10 nations. The camera was developed at the German Aerospace Center (DLR) under the PI in cooperation with industrial partners (EADS Astrium, Lewicki Microelectronic GmbH and Jena-Optronik GmbH). It is operated through ESA/ESOC by the DLR Institute of Planetary Research, where systematic processing of the image data is carried out. The scenes shown here were processed by the PI group at the Institute for Geosciences of the Freie Universitaet Berlin in cooperation with the DLR Institute of Planetary Research, Berlin.


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Dean, professor of youth, church, and culture at Princeton Theological Seminary, has written a disturbing yet thought-provoking book on the current religious state of America's teenagers. The background research for this book was the National Study of Youth and Religion (NSYR). One of the largest studies ever of the religious views of teenagers, the original research was conducted from 2002 to 2005 and consisted of extensive interviews with 3,300 American teenagers (thirteen to seventeen years old) and follow-up interviews with 267 teenagers. The study also continues with a longitudinal study of 2,500 of these teenagers. The overall summary of the findings (and the basic theme of the book) is that "American young people are, theoretically, fine with religious faith—but it does not concern them very much, and it is not durable enough to survive long after they graduate from high school" (p. 3). The most condemning part for the parents and grandparents of this generation is that Dean rightly sees the lukewarm nature of the children's faith as a "barometer of the religious inclinations of the culture that surrounds them, giving parents, pastors, teachers, campus ministers, youth pastors, and anyone else who works closely with teenagers fifty-yard-line seats from which to watch America's religious future take shape" (p. 9).
Dean summarizes the NSYR findings under five general headings. First, most American teenagers have a positive view of religion but otherwise do not give it much thought. So while teenagers are not hostile toward religion, neither do they care much about it. Dean believes that most teenagers equate Christian identity with "niceness" but do not think religion has any influence on one's decisions, choice of friends, or behaviors. Second, most American teenagers (for good or for bad) mirror their parents' religious faith. Dean strongly states, "The religiosity of American teenagers must be read primarily as a reflection of their parents' religious devotion (or lack thereof) and, by extension, that of their congregations. . . . Lackadaisical faith is not young people's issue, but ours. . . . The solution lies not in beefing up congregational youth programs or making worship more 'cool' and attractive, but in modeling the kind of mature, passionate faith we say we want young people to have" (pp. 3–4).
Third, most American teenagers lack a theological language with which to express their faith or interpret their experience of the world. Teenagers call themselves Christian yet do not have a readily accessible faith vocabulary, few recognizable faith practices, and little ability to reflect on their lives religiously. Fourth, a minority of American teenagers—but a significant minority—say religious faith is important and that it makes a difference in their lives. According to the NSYR numbers, approximately 8 percent of American teenagers were classified as "devoted." This designation means that these teenagers attended religious services weekly, believed that faith is very important in everyday life, felt close to God, were involved in a religious youth group, prayed a few times a week, and read Scripture once or twice a week. While not too much confidence can be placed in exterior actions of faith (and can even lead to legalism), it is at least one means of assessment. Interestingly Mormon teenagers actually did well in the NSYR study, but adherence to orthodox Christian theology was not taken into consideration in the study. For evangelicals, this would be the only shortcoming of this study overall.
A most insightful point in the book is that many American teenagers enact and espouse a religious outlook that is distinct from traditional teachings of most world religions. Dean calls this codependent outlook "Moral Therapeutic Deism" and is convinced that it is supplanting Christianity as the dominant religion in the United States. The guiding beliefs of Moralistic Therapeutic Deism are as follows: (1) a "god" exists who created and orders the world and watches over life on earth, (2) God wants people to be good, nice, and fair to each other, as taught in the Bible and by most world religions, (3) the central goal of life is to be happy and to feel good about oneself, (4) God is not involved in one's life except when a person needs God to resolve a problem, and (5) good people go to heaven when they die. Instead of God being active in the lives of His people, Dean sees the primary role of God in Moralistic Therapeutic Deism as passive—"stand back and approvingly watch us evolve" (p. 39).
After painting a very bleak religious landscape for American teenagers, Dean devotes the rest of the book to providing ways for parents and churches to engage the mission field of America's youth. One way is by providing a "cultural toolbox" to make faith consequential. The items in this toolbox could include a creed (an articulated God-story and belief), a community (a sense of belonging with peers and adults), a calling (a sense of purpose and significance), and a hope (the belief that God is moving the world somewhere). The goal is to move teenagers toward spiritual maturity, marked by seeking spiritual growth, being keenly aware of God, acting out a commitment of faith, making faith a way of life, living lives of service ("ethic of giving"), reaching out to others, exercising moral responsibility, speaking publicly about one's faith, and possessing a positive and hopeful spirit. Adults in faith-supporting congregations can help cultivate consequential faith in teenagers by modeling the transforming presence of God in life and by engaging in conversations, prayer, Bible reading, and service that nurtures faith and life.
Like a missionary in a foreign land, adults need to engage in several mission practices to reach and retain this next generation. First, adults must help translate the faith by handing down the catechesis, language, and practices of Christianity in tangible and understandable ways. Parents especially can no longer abdicate their role ("let the experts do it") in articulating their faith to their children. Adults (and parents in particular) must become incarnational in walking alongside teenagers, demonstrating acts of love and allowing their love of Christ to show.
Second, adults must help teenagers in articulating their own faith. Churches must encourage public conversation about faith to help teenagers develop their ability to express their beliefs. Adults must give teenagers opportunities to talk about their own faith in families and congregations, and teenagers need opportunities to hear adults talk about their faith as well. These conversations are an opportunity to develop good theology as well ("Jesus-talk," not just "God-talk"). Faith immersions (camps, mission trips, etc.) are also excellent venues for teenagers to practice "speaking Christian."
The final mission practice is one of detachment. The goal is to help teenagers decenter from themselves to focus on God and others. Adults need to be intentional in placing teenagers in environments where they can come in contact with the "otherness" of God and people. Adults also need to be intentional in placing teenagers in environments where their usual cultural tools do not work, introducing a state of disequilibrium. This will actually involve creating space for teenagers to be with Jesus (through prayer and reflection) instead of being busy for Jesus through activities.
As a parent of a teenager, this reviewer found the book very sobering. Much of what the modern church calls ministry is little more than entertainment, with little eternal impact in the lives of the participants. But closer to home, all parents need to reexamine the faith that they have practiced in front of their own teenagers. Teens are watching to see if their parents' faith is consequential in their own lives first.
Book reviews are published online and in print every quarter in Bibliotheca Sacra. Subcribe Today


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An annual tradition of connecting employers with job seekers looking for work in the growing "green" job market will once again take place at Unity College. On Wednesday, February 12, Unity College Career Services will host the most extensive environmentally focused career fair to take place in Maine this year, in the Tozier Gymnasium on the Unity campus from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
There will be a virtual component to the career fair, with a number of employers communicating with prospective employees by Skype. Businesses that cannot attend but wish to participate by Skype may contact Career Services at 207-948-9213.
The environmental career recruitment event is free and open to the general public, though focused on recruitment of recent or anticipated college graduates from across New England. Sponsored by the Unity College Career Resource Center, the event is expected to attract over 75 employers.
"Our annual environmental career fair consistently generates exceptional interest from potential employers," noted Nicole Collins '00, Unity College Career Consultant & Internship Coordinator. "Participants will have the opportunity to seek professional advice, make valuable professional connections, locate internships, refine their job search, and in some cases make the right connection leading to a professional opportunity."
Employers will offer a variety of presentations and career related materials, including equipment, applications, videos and personal testimonials from Unity College alumni in the field. A K9 Unit from the Old Orchard Beach Police Department will be on hand.
Given the growing popularity of the "green" job marketplace, Collins anticipates that career changers will attend the event.
Another aspect of the career fair is its role in helping current students connect with internship opportunities.
"Internships are essential for young professionals seeking to enter the workforce," noted Collins.
"Unity College students typically build their careers during their college years through hands on internships and experiential learning," Collins said. "Unity students have pursued internships in all 50 states and 20 foreign countries."
Unity students apply the knowledge of sustainability science to solve some of the most pressing global environmental problems, including mitigating global climate change.
"Unity College graduates possess the strong critical thinking and problem solving skills needed by green industry employers, for these reasons they are highly marketable," noted Collins.
Space for employers will be available until the January 29, 2014 recruiter deadline. Employers seeking to participate may contact the Unity College Career Resource Center at 207-509-7271, by email at firstname.lastname@example.com, or register online at http://www.collegecentral.com/CCNEngine/LiveEvents/LiveEvents.cfm?EventI….
In recent years Unity College has gained national attention for a variety of achievements including for its focus on sustainability science, the leading-edge of 21st century ecological problem solving and the vanguard in the fight for the mitigation of global climate change; its ground-breaking green innovations such as the award-winning TerraHaus, the first student residence on a college or university campus built to the Passive House standard, the most energy efficient building standard in the world; and being the first college in the United States to divest from investments in fossil fuels, igniting a growing national movement in higher education.


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The year is 1959. Alfred Hitchcock is sweating his latest project, which may be unreleasable and in which he has sunk his own money. The film isn't going well. "What if," he worries, "it's another 'Vertigo'?"
"Hitchcock" is in part a good-natured study in such film-nerd humor. Hitch is making "Psycho," which will turn out well enough, and we know (as he doesn't) that "Vertigo" will someday be acclaimed as the best film ever made.
A pillowy and endearing Anthony Hopkins has a lot of fun (and is a bit of a ham) in the title role. "You may call me 'Hitch,' hold the 'cock,' " he enjoys telling starlets.
In contrast to the highly skillful Toby Jones (who is playing a much drier, more sinister and less lovable Hitch from the same period in the HBO movie "The Girl"), Hopkins shows why he is a leading man and Jones is not: It's all about charm, about commanding the audience's gaze, about filling the room. This is the kind of gig that is precision-engineered to win an Oscar nomination, and probably will.
"Hitchcock," adapted freely and with brio by John J. McLaughlin from the book "Alfred Hitchcock and the Making of Psycho" by Stephen Rebello, actually reminded me of many an HBO film — well-made but pedestrian — for its initial half-hour or so. But finding in the making of a single film enough insights to define how a great artist worked, "Hitchcock" so astutely explores its subject's psyche that it may tell us a lot about artists in general.
Haunted by fears that his wife, Alma (Helen Mirren), is having an affair with a writer (Danny Huston) with whom she is collaborating on a screenplay (at his beach house), Hitch makes much out of nothing. In a misguided "aha!" moment, he interrogates her for tracking beach sand into their bathroom, which proves exactly nothing. This film is not the first to notice that gifted creative folk often conjure up internal storms in order to make it rain ideas, but director Sacha Gervasi, whose only previous helming credit was the 2008 documentary "Anvil: The Story of Anvil," has a tidy way of showing this process without being too direct.
Mirren, whose supportive but tart Alma at first feels generic, grows as the picture goes on, and by the end, when she steps in to work uncredited as an editor whose acumen saves "Psycho" at the last minute, she comes to stand for all the anonymous women in the history of art who made significant but unacknowledged contributions to their men's creations.
Hitch's reliance on Alma amounts to a slight challenge of the prevailing feminist view of Hitch as a sort of femivore who delighted in churning through one interchangeable blonde after another; Vera Miles (Jessica Biel) here is far from just another face to Hitch: She disappointed him because she turned down "Vertigo" to have a child. He is charming rather than sleazy with Janet Leigh (awkwardly played by Scarlett Johansson).
The film's view of the artist as facing eternal warfare with dim little censors in spectacles is also not original, but the director's fight with the Shurlock board — the movies' self-censorship group — that threatened to keep the film out of theaters entirely for violating Hollywood's production code is a neat illustration of how movies have changed. Perhaps more important, these scenes show how a craftsman could work around the censor and create the scariest scene ever put on film without once showing human flesh being damaged.
We never see the shower sequence here (we don't have to), but Gervasi stays with Hitch at a New York screening of the film as he lurks outside the auditorium listening for the crowd's reaction. It goes exactly as hoped. When Hopkins' Hitch directs the audience by waving his hands like a symphony conductor — it's a nice callback to a Hannibal Lecter highlight — it's one of the best scenes of the year: a delightfully personal way to show how the story of "Psycho" concluded.


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In the EU, stem cells unpatentable if an embryo is destroyed
November 2011
In late October, the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) issued a judgment in the case of Brüstle v. Greenpeace, banning the issuance of patents for stem cells on ethical grounds.
Oliver Brüstle is the patent holder for isolated and purified neural precursor cells produced from human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) used to treat neurological diseases.
The Federal Patent Court ruled that Brüstle's patent was invalid, as it covers processes for obtaining precursor cells from hESCs. On appeal, the CJEU was asked to interpret the concept of "human embryo," which is not defined in Directive 98/44/EC on the legal protection of biotechnological inventions.
The purpose of Directive 98/44 is to establish a framework for the legal protection of biotechnological inventions. Article 6.1 provides that inventions must be considered unpatentable where their commercial exploitation would be contrary to public order or morality.
The court was asked, "What is meant by the term 'human embryos" in Article 6(2)(c) of Directive 98/44 ?" Article 6.2.c. cites the use of human embryos for industrial or commercial purposes as an example of inventions that are considered unpatentable.
The question is whether the exclusion from patentability of the human embryo covers all stages of life from fertilization of the ovum, or whether other conditions must be metfor example, that a certain stage of development be reached.
The case raised very interesting legal and ethical issues, in particular how the right to human dignity related to the dispute. Although a fundamental right under German constitutional law and jurisprudence, the right to human dignity has been recognized as an unwritten principle of EU law, and undoubtedly played a significant part in the outcome of this case.
The development from conception begins with a few totipotent cells. Each cell has the capacity to develop into a complete human being. The court viewed totipotent cells as representing the first stage of the human body, and ruled they must therefore be legally categorized as embryos.
The court emphasized that whether this categorization must be recognized from before or only after implantation is irrelevant. This means that every totipotent cell, whatever the means by which it has been obtained, is an embryo, and that any patentability must be excluded. This definition covers unfertilized ova into which a cell nucleus from a mature cell has been transplanted.
The court ruled that characterizing a totipotent cell as an embryo does not resolve the issue, as an embryo quickly develops into a blastocyst made up of pluripotent cells that can develop into all kinds of cells to form all the organs of the human body. These cells cannot develop separately into a complete human being. While the court found that blastocysts as a whole must be categorized as an embryo, it said individual pluripotent cells in isolation are not.
Most of the EU member states take the view that pluripotent stem cells are not human embryos given that hESCs, taken in isolation, are no longer capable of developing into a complete individual. However, the court said it is not possible to ignore the origin of this pluripotent cell. The court interpreted Article 6.2.c. of Directive 98/44/EC on the legal protection of biotechnological inventions as an invention that must be excluded from patentability where the application of the technical process for which the patent is filed necessitates the prior destruction of human embryos or their use as base material, even if the description of that process does not contain any reference to the use of human embryos.
The exception to the non-patentability of uses of human embryos for industrial or commercial purposes concerns only inventions for therapeutic or diagnostic purposes that are applied to the human embryo and are useful to it. If you read the ruling as saying that any invention based on hESCs is unethical and therefore cannot be patented, then the ruling will have major implications for the commercialization of stem cell-based technologies in the EU, especially if it fosters the idea that stem cell research is inherently immoral.
It will take several years for the European Patent Office, national patent offices and various courts to take up the issue and interpret the decision. In one view, companies may end up relying on keeping manufacturing processes a trade secret instead of relying on patents since the European Medicines Agency keeps data submitted for regulatory approval private for eight years and blocks others from using this information for two additional years.
While the decision could spur development of therapiesbecause it could free up hESC research from patent infringementit could still prove to be harmful, as the far-reaching decision bans patents on any downstream products using cell lines that required the destruction of human embryos for violating respect for human dignity.
Stephen Jenei is a patent attorney at Frost Brown Todd LLC, serving up chat at PatentBaristas.com. Feel free to write him with comments or questions at firstname.lastname@example.com.
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The Woodridge Acres residential building lots nestle beautifully up against the wooded bluffs in the Southeast section of Prairie du Chien. Streets, sidewalks and utilities are all in place. Covenants are in place to protect the value of your property, however, these can be amended by the plan commission. All this new subdivision is waiting for is you and your new home.
Features Lots and Acreage
|Total Acres: 0.29
|Zoning: Res
|Present Zoning: Single family
|Lot Size: 130X107
|Lot Description: Cul-de-sac
|Taxes: $0
|Elementary School: Bluff View
|Middle School: Bluff View
|High School: Prairie Du Chien
|School District: Prairie du Chien Area
|Body of Water:


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WBUR News
Support the news
Airline Offers Nonstop Boston-Beijing Flights
A Chinese airline has begun offering the first nonstop service from Boston to Beijing.
Hainan Airlines is offering a least four nonstop flights a week in each direction between Boston and Beijing on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, with connections offered to other cities in China including Shanghai.
Flight 481 touched down at Logan International Airport on Friday, becoming the first direct service ever linking Boston and mainland China — and shaving about six hours off of current travel between the two cities. Flight 482 left the Massachusetts capital later Friday and was scheduled to arrive in Beijing Saturday evening.
The Massachusetts Port Authority says the route will meet the strong demand for travel between Beijing and Boston's tourism attractions, higher education institution as well as health care, finance and the biotechnology industries.
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The Notice of Race is now published for windsurfing's biggest annual class championship! The 2013 ERGO HESTIA Techno 293 World Championship and Techno 293 Cup will take place between 27th July and 3rd August, hosted by Sopocki Klub Zeglarski (SKZ), in Sopot, Poland.
As usual the Techno 293 Championship will be contested in 4 divisions with world titles awarded for Youth (under 17) boy and girl, Junior (under 15) boy and girl.
This year a new competition is added for "open" age group racers - 17 years and over - the Techno 293 CUP. Competitors shall compete using new Techno 293 Plus Class Rules.
T293+ Class Rules and Cup Rules will be published shortly, but here is a reminder
The Youth Championships is the World Qualification Event for the 2014 Youth Olympic Games (YOG) – ISAF YOG Qualification System. The top ranked male competitor and top ranked female competitor from the first three different countries, from any continent, in the Youth (under 17) Championship, shall qualify that country to compete in the Boy's Windsurfer and Girl's Windsurfer events in the YOG. To qualify a country a competitor shall be born between 1st January 1997 and 31st December 1998.
Notice of Race / Enter on line
Sopot Sailing Club Hestia Sopot is one of the biggest windsurfing clubs in Europe. The club was established in 1983 and now we count as many as 300 members, both amateurs and professional sailors. Our competitors are the winners of European and World Junior, Youth, Senior and Master Championships. Our best sailor Przemyslaw Miarczynski has for many years been one of the best Olympic Windsurfers, being both European and World Champion.
Sopot Sailing Club Hestia Sopot is a very good place for sport and for recreation. Situated on the beach of Sopot, but in the middle of Tri City agglomeration (Gdansk, Gdynia and Sopot) offers many possibilities - beach, sun and sea, but also theatres, museums, cinemas, Aquapark and pubs, restaurants and shops. And it's a very good point for many regional excursions.
On the club premises there is also a small hotel, "Mesa Sopocka" restaurant and "Sloneczko" bar, which is open in the summer season.
Please see http://www.skz.sopot.pl/ for more.
Sopot is a seaside town in Eastern Pomerania on the southern coast of the Baltic Sea in northern Poland, with a population of approximately 40,000. It lies between the larger cities of Gdansk (to the south-east) and Gdynia (to the north), the three towns together making up the metropolitan agglomeration called Trojmiasto (Tri-City).
Sopot is a major health-spa and tourist resort destination.
For more information on Sopot please visit: http://sopot.pl/eGmina/en/touristzone


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As each year passes I desire more and more for my family to escape the commercialism surrounding Christmas and focus on family, traditions and meaningful gifts including the true gift of Christmas, Jesus. While Apple Tree Christmas is not a religious book, it is a work of historical fiction that harkens back to simpler times, modest gifts from the heart and family togetherness.
Apple Tree Christmas by Trinka Hakes Noble. Dial Books for Young Readers (October 1984); ISBN 0803701020; 32 pages
Book Source: Copy from our public library
Noble's story is set in the late 1800's. The Ansterburgs, a close-knit family, reside in one side of an old barn and live a simple, rural life. They cherish their beloved apple tree -- the tree provides a bountiful crop of apples every fall, and the family uses the apples to make applesauce, cider, apple butter and Christmas tree decorations. The tree also serves a special play space for the two Ansterburg kids, Katrina and Josie.
"Now that all the apples were picked, Katrina and Josie could climb the tree as much as they wanted. The snowy weather didn't stop them. Every day after school they would play in its branches.Unfortunately, a blizzard comes in with a vengeance and a terrible ice storm knocks down the apple tree. The whole family feels awful about losing the tree. Katrina especially morns the loss of her favorite tree and her drawing perch. Christmas day arrives, but to Katrina "it just didn't feel like Christmas." However, her parents have a surprise in store. The apple tree, though in different form, continues to spread warmth and joy in a new way.
On one side Papa had pulled a thick vine down low enough to make a swing for Josie.
The other side of the tree belonged to Katrina. One limb made the perfect drawing board."
The lovely watercolor paintings in Noble's book provide children with a glimpse into a rural 1880s life, and this emotion-filled family story is similar to those found in Laura Ingalls Wilder's much-loved books. The story also provides a great example of how to craft thoughtful, handmade gifts with determined resourcefulness and shows how to make the most of what you are given even when faced with difficult situations. The suspense of the storm and the aftermath are particularly heart-wrenching and powerful. My daughter sat tightly against my side, her forehead scrunched up with a worried expression that changed into one of happiness as the book ended. Inspired from Tinka Hakes Noble's memories of growing up in Michigan, this is a story of resilience, joy and, most of all, family love. It leaves a deep impression. In my opinion, it is a Christmas book every library should own, especially libraries in rural midwest locations.
The copy we borrowed from our library is the original book published in 1984. This version is now out-of-print, but in 2005 Sleeping Bear Press republished Apple Tree Christmas with a new cover. Trinka Hakes Noble is also the author of the well-known picture book, The Day Jimmy's Boa Ate the Wash.
Related Links:
Trinka Hakes Noble - Website
Like in Apple Tree Christmas, we decided to make something special for Christmas out of a tree. We recently lost our pussy willow tree during a windy storm. I saved a few of the tree branches to use for crafting. The smooth, straight branches of the pussy willow make lovely twig star ornaments.
We broke the branches into six inch pieces. The kids practiced making stars out of the twigs, using a star drawing as a guideline. We talked about how stars have five points and it takes five twigs to make a star. I challenged my daughter to make a star without using the guide, but that task proved a little difficult for her skills. We also made stars using popsicle sticks and talked about how popsicle sticks are uniform and straight unlike twigs from trees.
I used a hot glue gun to glue the twigs together into the shape of a star. This is not a project for kids because even I didn't manage to escape touching the hot glue with my fingers. I made a star template to use when gluing the stars together. We could have tied the ends of the branches together with string, but I thought that sounded like even more work than using the hot glue gun. While I glued the twig stars, the kids worked on painting their popsicle stick stars (I hot glued those stars together beforehand).
not the great occasions - give off the greatest glow of happiness.
- Bob Hope
I am an Amazon affiliate and may receive a very small commission for products purchased through my Amazon links. (View my full disclosure statement for more information about my reviews.)


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About This Center
Villa in Sayulita
Villa in Sayulita
We asked people why they go on retreat, here's what they said:
Retreats inspire me to continue to practice and fuel my journey. I always find specified intention and feel it projects me closer to my purpose. Shannon
We believe human beings are innately wise, strong and kind. This wisdom, although not always experienced, is always present. Going on retreat is a beautiful way to reconnect to our basic sanity and health. Our aspiration at Retreat Guru is to inspire people to experience authentic retreats and reconnect with their innate wisdom, strength and kindness.


text: Vapnet is a Swedish indie pop band from Östersund, signed by record label Hybris. Lead singer is Martin Abrahamsson, who is also active in the indie pop band Sibiria. Their single "Kalla mig" was a big sleeper hit in Sweden in spring/summer 2005. Their album Jag vet hur man väntar was released April 19, 2006, featuring among other tracks a re… Leia mais


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At the end of the A S-Tog line on the Copenhagen Metro you will find a sleepy town called Farum. The 18,000 locals here are proud of their identity as Farumese and not Copenhagenites, with a huge spread of different nations immigrants making up more than half of the population. Here it is still frowned upon to wash your car on a Sunday, play football in the street or walk on the cracks in the pavement. The small town centre is dotted with trees and wouldn't look out of place in a Danish Trueman Show. Yet if you carry on walking down Ryttergårdsvej from the train station you will eventually arrive at Farum Park, home to the new Danish champions, The Wild Tigers of FC Nordsjælland.
Whilst Montpellier's title in France may have been a shock to many, FCN's SuperLiga title must rank up there as one of the greatest achievements in European club football. Next season the club, who average less than 5,000 fans at Farum Park could very well find themselves having to make arrangements to host the likes of Real Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester City or Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League.
Thanks to the progress made by the domestic dominators FC Copenhagen in the Champions League, Denmark had gained direct access to the Group Stages of the competition next season as the 13th best ranked country in club football. FCK fans must have been rubbing their hands in delight as the UEFA cash would allow them to dominate the game even further. But then came the next step in the development of a project started back in 2003 by local businessman Allan Pedersen.