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Second day of back-to-school, with clouded outlook in Hempstead
More than 300,000 students poured onto the campuses of 78 school districts across Long Island Wednesday for the first day of classes -- the oldest kids arriving side-by-side with their peers while the youngest were hand-in-hand with their parents.
Among those opening were the Hempstead schools, though amid turmoil in the district's leadership.
State Education Commissioner John B. King Jr. last week ordered the district to hold a special election to fill a vacated school board seat. King had earlier tossed incumbent Betty Cross, a longtime board president, from her post as he looked into allegations of fraud in the May 20 vote.
The district has scheduled a special meeting Monday at the high school to pick a date for the new election, officials said.
The Nassau County district attorney's office also is investigating the May vote and was in constant contact with King as he worked toward a decision, said Shams Tarek, a spokesman for the office.
While many parents and activists have expressed frustration with the district attorney's office for not bringing charges in the case, Tarek said the investigation must run its course.
"Our investigation. . . is wider than this election and is ongoing," he said. "It would be premature at this stage to say what may happen."
The students walking to Hempstead High School Wednesday were unfazed by such problems.
Yoselin Montes, 17, said her teachers are devoted to their craft and that students who have a hard time at the school aren't behaving appropriately -- they don't listen and are disrespectful, she said.
But not Montes, in the 11th grade. She plans to attend Nassau Community College before transferring, perhaps to St. John's University. She said she works hard to maintain solid grades, mostly B's, and that she wants to study psychology.
"I'm doing what I need to do," she said.
Montes was unaware that the high school has an interim principal in Johnetta Hill; the district is looking for a permanent replacement for Reginald Stroughn, who left at the end of June, officials said.
Lidia Claudio, 16, standing with Montes across the street from the school, said the students who are struggling at the district are living only for the moment.
"They worry about now, not the future," said Claudio, also in 11th grade. "We're on top of our academics."
Claudio, who said she earns mostly B's, hopes to attend Stony Brook University and wants to one day become a surgeon.
Nicholas Applewhaite, 15 and in the 10th grade at Hempstead High, said the district affords all students a solid education -- if they don't skip class.
"If you listen to the teachers, they will do whatever they need to do to help you pass," he said as he walked to campus.
Though Applewhaite spoke highly of the staff, he's concerned about the fights that break out among students on campus, saying he hopes this year is better than last. His father, who has the same name, is also wary of school violence.
"I'm worried about some of the kids," the father said. "Some want to go to school just to make trouble."
Denise Williams, 49, came to Alverta B. Gray Schultz Middle School Wednesday morning to drop off her daughter, Dezair, 11.
The child, entering the sixth grade, was nervous about the new school year.
Her mother hopes to be a regular presence at the middle school to help ease her daughter's nerves and to witness firsthand the quality of instruction there.
"I want to be a volunteer to be with her," she said.
Schools in another 12 districts will open Thursday. The Bridgehampton district opens Monday.


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The Right Accessories Cubicle Organizer
Cubicle organizer – If you really think about it, as long as you have the desire to be organized in your home life or work life, there is no reason to be organized. The right frame is a seed, which should lead to the development of the Organization of life in all areas of your life. There are many products today, which will help you get organized for as long as you want. If you have a regular wardrobe and chest of drawers in the kitchen, Cabinet and drawer organizers, is that you can buy for your home.
One of those cubicle organizer, which feel is essential to every desktop is a desktop organizer. So, the first thing you want to do is to remove from the desktop, from everything. If you want to, you can just put it all in a meadow on the desktop, or you can just put it all on the floor of his room. In the meantime, you should get yourself a front desk Organizer, and it should be the first thing, then you have a keyboard and monitor, go to the desktop.
12 Photos Gallery of: The Right Accessories Cubicle Organizer
Other boxing cubicle organizer, you want to take is a shelf of the table. On the shelf, you can go into a book store, a radio and other items for example, stapler and tape dispenser in the Office. What is so great about the desk stand. You can save the stuff up and down at the same time and use the same amount of space on your desk in your booth. There are a few things you can do to make the cabin wall. You can buy yourself a police booth, which is Office products made just for fabric on the walls of the cube.

subset: commoncrawl


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Visiting London
McIntosh's London #1 The Science Museum
I was born in London in the summer in 1951 and unknown to my parents would mean I would be a teenager growing up in the swinging sixties; this series of articles will not be about a teenager living in London in these wild times.
In the early sixties I was too young to be involved in the clubs and Carnaby Street, I was living on a Council Estate in the East End in London and my whole life was sport and the discovering of London.
Living on the Estate we all had a redeemed group of Friends and all of the same age or similar, our parents gave us all a licence to go out alone and believe it or not we was responsible, our School Holidays would be replaying the sporting event of that week in the enclosed grass area of the Estate, Winter Holidays obviously Football, Summer Cricket and Tennis when Wimbledon was on the TV.
Our greatest adventures were when we started to all go out alone into the centre of London and we discovered Museums, Buildings, Parks and just London in General,
These articles will be about the London I visited and enjoyed as a young Boy in London.
Museums were our greatest loves and looking back was possibly quite strange for young rough and ready boys from the East End my favourite was the Science Museum in Kensington which possibly was the inspiration in my search for knowledge.
The Science Museum is situated on Exhibition Road just a short walk from South Kensington underground Station,
Its origins began in the Great Exhibition in 1851 and its popularity and the suggestion of its patron Prince Albert had it moved to the permanent position where it could maintain its educational value.
My greatest memories are still of this museum and years later while in the early stages of being an apprentice after leaving School I worked in the Museum, the early memories came flooding back but now I was seeing exhibits through a young man's eyes.
Years later my pleasure continued when I took my Son to visit the places I went as a Boy it was like going back in time a good analogy for a Science Museum.
I had now visited the Museum in three stages of my Life, a young Boy, a young Man and a Father and on each occasion my pleasure had been equalled
This is still an amazing Museum for both Adults and Children and a complete must for parents to introduce their Children to the Education of Museum with both permanent and semi-permanent displays with entrance still free in charge.
Hopefully these articles will show parts of London that are not only educational and fun but also inexpensive Days when visiting London with Children who are also fun for Families
The first in a series of articles of places of interest in London for families and Children who are inexpensive educational, fun and informative, all based on my memories of a young Boy growing up in the Capital
David McIntosh


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The problem with global warming is that most of the really bad stuff will happen to other people in the future. True, some of those people might be our children or grandchildren, but they are other people nonetheless. Furthermore, some of the worst effects will be felt by people in developing countries in other regions of the world.
It is difficult enough to get people to cut back on French fries, floss their teeth, or stop smoking—all of which have more direct effects on their lives—and much harder still to convince people to take immediate action for the benefit of other people in the murky future. Despite the fact that many of us think curtailing global warming and preserving life on Earth are worthy goals.
Recently, the editors of Perspectives in Psychological Science put out a call for scientists to write articles aimed at important contemporary problems. The articles were to be written in the form of a "Memo to the President," in which they would summarize the best behavioral science solutions for these problems and propose example policies that might follow from these "best practices." Sander van der Linden of Princeton University, Edward Maibach of George Mason University, and Anthony Leiserowitz of Yale University took on the thorny task of getting people moving on climate change.1 In particular, the authors identified five best practices for promoting public engagement with this important issue.
1. Make it Real.
Recent research suggests that one of the best ways to increase people's sense of urgency about climate change is to appeal to experiences rather than just charts and statistics. A 2014 study by van der Linden showed that people who had experienced extreme weather events also thought the risks of climate change were greater. The implications of this and similar studies are that, in addition to other approaches, environmental campaigns should emphasize the increasing intensity of extreme weather events, such as the California drought and recent hurricanes.
According to current psychological theory, our decision making involves both an intuitive, experiential processing system and a rational, deliberative system. In the case of climate change, appeals to reason alone are not as effective as those that highlight direct experience.
Hurricane Sandy October 25, 2012. (Source: Wikimedia Commons.)
2. Use the Herd.
Humans are social animals, and we are constantly checking out what others are doing. The behavior of other people informs us about what is normal and provides a model for our own actions. Unfortunately, when it comes to the general public's attitude about climate change, the norm is not as useful as it should be: only about half of Americans consider it a serious problem. So, until that statistic improves, it might be better to emphasize international polls showing strong majorities concerned about global warming. For example, a twenty-one-country BBC poll found that 79 percent of respondents believed that climate change was caused by human activity.
Similarly, the scientific consensus on global warming is very high, with several peer-reviewed studies showing 97 percent or more of scientists saying that global warming is real and very likely due to human activity.
Social norms also can be effective when it comes to individual action to save the planet. As van der Linden and colleagues point out, "When people are informed about the average energy consumption of their neighbors, they tend to adjust their own use to conform to the group norm" (p. 760). As a result, policies promoting energy conservation as normal pro-social behavior are likely to produce positive effects.
3. Make it More Immediate.
People and events far away have less impact on us than things nearby, so efforts that point out local and regional effects of climate change will be more influential than those aimed at distant places and times. For example, people who live in coastal areas are often impressed by maps showing the projected effects of global warming on sea level changes in their areas. In addition, it should be pointed out that, although the most dramatic effects of global warming will be seen in the future, sea-level changes are already underway, affecting local flooding and storm surges.
Projected effect of a 4º C increase in average temperatures on lower Manhattan and Brooklyn. Source: sealevel.climatecentral.org.
We have a natural psychological tendency to distance ourselves from any potential threat. When it comes to taking action to prevent climate change, this kind of distancing can be combatted by identifying local, achievable targets for emissions reductions. It is often said that all politics are local, and, similarly, the most powerful forces on our behavior are near at hand. If we hope to motivate people to action, we cannot overlook the potential for local influence and change.
4. Frame it Differently.
When it comes to paying for climate change, we face a sticky problem. One of the most important findings of behavioral economics is that people hate paying. Not only do they hate paying, but they hate paying even more than they like receiving money. Avoiding a possible loss of $100 is far more important to most people than the possibility of gaining $100. Worse yet, in the case of global warming, the paying comes now, and most of the benefits come much later—probably after we're dead. As a result, there is a great reluctance to pay more for cleaner energy. Many people want to help the environment, but the pain of immediate financial loss is a substantial hurdle.
Fortunately, in addition to identifying the problem, behavioral economics provides a solution. In most cases, people think of payments as an immediate subtraction from their current wealth. But research on employee savings plans has shown that when contributions to Individual Retirement Plans are framed as reductions in future raises—rather than losses—people find it much easier to save. Employees are more willing to commit a portion of their next cost-of-living increase to retirement savings than to put money away now.
Figure 1. A 25 percent reduction in emissions framed as a $1,200 per person loss. (From Hurlstone et al. 2014)
In a recent study published in PLoS ONE, a group of Australian researchers tested framing effects on the willingness of people to contribute financially to diminished emissions in the future.2
One group of participants was shown Figure 1, which presented the cost of a 25 percent reduction in emissions as a $1,200 per person loss in 2020. A second group was shown Figure 2, which framed the cost of lower emissions as a reduction in future gains. Figure 2 made it clear that incomes would continue to grow relative to current levels, but that reducing emissions would produce smaller future gains.
Figure 2. A 25 percent emissions cut framed as reduction in future gains. The graphic makes it clear that incomes will continue to rise, with or without investments in emission cuts. (From Hurlstone et al. 2014)
Both Figure 1 and 2 said the same thing. Both presented of the cost of emissions reductions in the future. But, consistent with the principle of loss aversion, participants who saw Figure 2—the reduce income gains frame—expressed a greater willingness to invest in emissions reduction than those who saw Figure 1—the loss frame.
Framing effects like this one and other principles from the new field of behavioral economics have great potential to help us nudge people in the direction of environmental action.
5. Make it a Feel Good Thing.
A serious problem with incentive-based conservation programs is that conservation tends to drop off when the incentives are discontinued. Figure 3 shows the results of a "Do-It-in-the-Dark" energy conservation competition conducted at Princeton University in 2014.3 The data show that, although the competition produced a substantial decrease in energy consumption, once the competition ended, consumption quickly returned to previous levels.
Figure 3. Energy usage before, during, and after a conservation competition at Princeton University in 2014. (Source: van der Linden, 2015)
Recent research suggests that campaigns employing extrinsic rewards, such as monetary incentives or contests, are less effective than those emphasizing the intrinsic benefits of environmental action. It turns out that—like many forms of altruistic behavior—doing something good for the environment creates a warm glow.
In a recent experiment conducted by Dutch researchers, participants were randomly assigned to different feedback groups. One group was told they had a smaller environmental footprint than their peers (i.e., they used less energy). Another group was told they had a larger environmental footprint. The group that was led to believe they were environmentally virtuous reported the room they were sitting in felt significantly warmer than participants who were told the opposite. The actual room temperature was the same for both groups (68º F), but those who thought they were helping the environment said that the room felt warmer.
Another recent study conducted at a gas station in the United States found that, when offered coupons for a free tire pressure check, drivers who saw an appeal stressing the environmental benefits of tire inflation were significantly more likely to take coupons than those who saw appeals stressing either fuel economy or safety.
In general, these studies suggest that highlighting the intrinsic, feel-good rewards of saving the planet is a more productive and sustainable strategy than using external rewards.
Scientifically-minded people often think that logic and evidence ought to be enough. We rail at those who employ sophistry, bogus arguments, and emotion to support their claims. We assume that simply showing people the data will convince them to do the right thing.
But life is rarely that simple. People have conflicting motivations, biases, and varying degrees of faith in science. What seems abundantly clear to one person may need to be presented in a very different way to another. Fortunately, psychological science provides some guidance on the best ways to move people to action. None of the methods outlined by van der Linden, Maibach, and Leiserowitz involve lying or the use of logical fallacies to convince people. The evidence is still the evidence. But whenever you argue for climate change or any other good cause, you make a number of decisions about how to present the material, how to reward the people who follow your lead, and how to encourage other people to join your effort. Planning future environmental campaigns with these best practices in mind should help make them more effective.
- van der Linden, S., E. Maibach, and A. Leiserowitz. 2015. Improving Public Engagement with Climate Change Five "Best Practice" Insights From Psychological Science. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 10(6), 758-763.
- Hurlstone, M.J., S. Lewandowsky, B.R. Newell, and B. Sewell. 2014. The Effect of Framing and Normative Messages in Building Support for Climate Policies. PLoS ONE 9(12): e114335. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0114335.
- van der Linden, S. 2015). Intrinsic motivation and pro-environmental behaviour. Nature Climate Change, 5(7), 612-613.


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The 12 Habits of Highly Effective . . .
We are not all executives. But we are, in our own way, leaders.
#Michelin #Yokohama #Audi
Global leadership is something that is increasingly important in the auto industry, although you don't often hear a whole lot about it. Consider, for example, the case of Sergio Marchionne, chairman and CEO of Chrysler as well as of Fiat (which owns Chrysler). Marchionne was born in Italy. He attended university in Toronto and Windsor, Canada. He holds dual Italian and Canadian citizenship. He spends a lot of his time in Auburn Hills, Michigan.
Or Johan de Nysschen, president of Infiniti Motor Co. He was born in South Africa, where he eventually joined German company Audi. He eventually became president of Audi of America. From that job he joined Infiniti, the luxury brand of Nissan Motor Co. The headquarters office for Infiniti is in Hong Kong.
Featured Content
Or Carlos Ghosn. He was born in Brazil. Grew up in Lebanon. Received engineering degrees from schools in Paris. Was COO of Michelin South America in Brazil, then chairman and CEO of Michelin North America. Ghosn went to work for French automaker Renault in South America. In 1999 Renault bought 36.8% of Nissan, and Ghosn became the Japanese company's COO. By 2001 he was CEO of Nissan. In 2005 he was named president and CEO of Renault, as well. So Ghosn runs both companies, which means he has a desk in both Paris and Yokohama, though he probably spends most of his time on a plane.
Global leadership, indeed.
I started thinking about the subject a week after the North American International Auto Show, where the companies based in Asia, Europe and North America all had a substantial footprint. Whereas companies from the first two geographical areas might have once been considered to be "foreign automakers" in Detroit, for the most part, they're all just "car companies," all of which have people who make some awfully cool stuff. Remember: companies are based on people, not their products.
This lead to a scholarly paper, "Global Leaders in East & West—Do All Global Leaders Lead in the Same Way?" by Anupam Agrawal and Caroline Rook. It is based on a survey of 1,748 leaders. The short answer to the question posed in that title is "sort of." That is, depending on where the leader is located, some things require greater emphases than others. Or, as the authors write, "different cultures place different values on certain leadership behaviors and styles."
But one of the aspects of the work that I find to be of interest and applicability is the Global Executive Leadership Inventory (GELI), which came from another scholarly paper. Essentially, it is a list of 12 behaviors that executives exhibit in varying degrees. These behaviors are things that even those of us who aren't executives ought to model in our own spheres, regardless of how circumscribed or broad they may be:
• Visioning: Not just having a vision, but articulating it to all relevant entities
• Empowering: Not just letting people have responsibility, but the information necessary to truly be responsible
• Energizing: Leadership needs to provide people with energy
• Designing & aligning: Creating an organization that allows the values and goals to be realized
• Rewarding & feedback: People aren't just motivated to behave in certain ways due to rewards, they need constructive feedback to develop the behaviors
• Team building: This is not just about getting everyone on the "same team," but even encouraging constructive conflict
• Outside orientation: Remember the customer—as well as the community that one is a part of
• Global mindset: Before there was "One Ford" there were lots of Fords
• Tenacity: Rome wasn't built in a day
• Emotional intelligence: Not everyone can or should agree with everyone else; but there must be respect and thoughtfulness
• Life balance: Those who work relentlessly get things done; they also burn out
• Resilience to stress: Without a doubt, stress is part of the job—as well as life off the job; managing it is crucial.
It isn't just Marchionne, de Nysschen, Ghosn, and their peers at the tops of giant organizations who must manifest these aspects, though it is certainly crucial that they do so. As they must dial their approaches depending on where they're operating. Agrawal and Rook write, "The idea of visioning, for example, is less important for Russians than for Americans." In mid-2013 Ghosn also became chairman of Russia's AVTOVAZ; presumably his approach is somewhat different in Tolyatti than in Nashville.
We are not all executives. But we are, in our own ways, leaders. Those 12 items should be things we are mindful of.
Related Topics
Truck vs. Truck; Steel vs. Aluminum
According to Sandor Piszar, Chevrolet truck marketing director, "We engineer and build our trucks with customers' expectations in mind."
8 Rules for Getting Things Done Through People
Effective management is a timeless skill—as demonstrated by this treasure of an article from the AutoBeat Group archive. Although the tools of the trade have changed and proliferated, the basics remain the same. Here are 8 old school (and just darn practical) rules for being an excellent manager.
The Changing Definition of 'Niche Vehicles'
Once the playground of exotic car makers, the definition of a niche vehicle has expanded to include image vehicles for mainstream OEMs, and specialist models produced on high-volume platforms.


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Alumni Hall of Fame
Brian Putnam
Hall of Fame Honoree Brian Putnam attended Del City High School from 1984-1987.
After graduating in 1987, Major Putnam attended Rose State College, where he received his Associate of Arts - Legal Assistant in 1992. He received his Bachelor of Science - Liberal Arts from the University of Central Oklahoma in 1993. Major Putnam received his Juris Doctor degree in 2005 from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Major Putnam has served 15 years in the United States Air Force and is currently the Deputy Director of Material Support Contracting Division at Tinker Air Force Base. Major Putnam has received the Bronze Star Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Metal, Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal and Air Force Achievement Medal.
Major Putnam arrived at Tinker AFB in May 2012 from having filled a selectively-manned position as the Chief of Contracts for the Chief Information Office and Chief of Contract Accountable Government Property at the National Reconnaissance Office in Chantilly, Virginia, where he was responsible for information technology contracts totaling over $400M, and a portfolio of space and ground assets valued at more than $5.1B. Shortly after his arrival at Tinker AFB, he deployed to Afghanistan theater of operations and embarked on a perilous journey full of significant contributions to the American public and legal profession. Major Putnam distinguished himself by exceptionally meritorious achievement as Chief, Regional Contracting Center Fenty, Central Command Joint Theater Support Contracting Command while engaged in ground operations against the enemy at Forward Operating Base Fenty, Afghanistan from July 27, 2012 through January 26, 2013.
During OPERATION FREEDOM, Major Putnam demonstrated exceptional leadership and developed strategic initiatives to promote counterinsurgency contracting and economic development while providing mission-critical contracting support to provide life support for and enhance the combat effectiveness of 25,000 Coalition Forces, Afghan National Army Forces, Afghan Border and Uniformed Police in Regional Command East. Major Putnam led a team of 23 Department of Defense civilians, Air Force, Army, Navy, contractor, and Afghan personnel with contract responsibility over 30,000 square miles in the highly kinetic providences of Nangarhar, Nuristan, Kunar and Laghman. Major Putnam took contracting on the offensive throughout these providences leading the way on 50 air and convoy missions outside the wire without regard to his personal safety. Major Putnam was engaged by direct and indirect enemy fire multiple times while traveling to conduct contract surveillance, site surveys and negotiations. On a midnight convoy to assess a stalled $1M road project in a remote and highly volatile area near the border with Pakistan, he went into harm's way joining a dismounted patrol to conduct route clearance over a 5 km stretch of narrow roadway to mitigate the effects of possible Improvised Explosive Devices on an oncoming convoy conducting a vital resupply operation. When the patrol came under enemy attack, exposed to direct fire and immediate grave danger, Major Putnam faced the enemy and assisted the team in securing and successfully holding the road for the oncoming convoy without the loss of personnel or materiel. His leadership and devotion to those under his command were evident during the largest attack ever reported on Forward Operating Base Fenty. As the attack commenced, he immediately accounted for his personnel and then ran 600 yards through incoming mortar fire to locate and ensure the safety of a missing Airman.
Major Putnam coordinated the execution of over 3,000 contract actions and closeouts worth more than $200M supporting the conduct of combat, humanitarian, and reconstruction operations at over 40 Forward Operating Bases, Combat Outposts and border checkpoints throughout northeastern Afghanistan. Major Putnam was directly responsible for training, monitoring and providing procurement authorization to over 500 Contracting Officer Representatives. Major Putnam deliberately and continually went into the enemy's domain to conduct his duties in providing world-class leadership and contracting support to the war fighter.
Brenda Mechling
Hall of Fame Honoree Brenda Mechling attended Del City High School from 1973-1975. After graduating in 1975, Ms. Mechling attended the University of Oklahoma from 1975-1976 and Northwestern Oklahoma State University from 1976-1977. She received her Bachelor of Science in Music Education Cum Laude in 1996 from the University of Central Oklahoma (UCO). Ms. Mechling has been a teacher of vocal music for the past 16 years in the Mid-Del School System. She has taught vocal music at Carl Albert Junior High, Carl Albert High School and Del City High School. She has been the Owner of a private voice studio for 13 years - Voice Plus Studio.
Ms. Mechling was named Mid-Del District Teacher of the Year 2013-2014, National Honor Roll's Outstanding American Teacher, Who's Who Among High School Teachers, Who's Who of American Women, Southwest American Choral Director's Association R & S Chair for Vocal Jazz 2006-2010, Oklahoma Music Educator's Association. She has served on the All-State Choral Committee from 2007-2009, and All-State Chorus Chair 2009-2010. In addition, Ms. Mechling has written articles promoting vocal jazz, which were published in the Southwest American Choral Director's Association "Common Times" from 2006-2010.
Ms. Mechling was the State Fine Arts Chair and received the Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching, State Multi-Cultural Teacher of the Year for 2011-2012. Ms. Mechling received the Oklahoma Music Educator's Association Exemplary Music Teacher Award for the State of Oklahoma 2011 and 2012. She is a member of the Oklahoma Music Educator's Association, Oklahoma Choral Director's Association, Central Choral Director's Association, Oklahoma Music Educator's Association, Southwest American Choral Director's Association and American Choral Director's Association.
Ms. Mechling has been very involved in community service, having served as an adjudicator for state solo and ensemble contests, civic events with Sweet Adelines and Music Center Barbershop Group. She has served as a mentor for student teachers, student observers and new Mid-Del District vocal music teachers. She conducts fundraisers for Mid-Del Food Pantry, entertains at Martin Luther King Prayer Breakfast, performs with students annually at the Del City Rotary Pancake Breakfast, the Del City Christmas Tree Lighting and other events. She has received numerous Del City High School Golden Eagle Awards. Ms. Mechling and her husband, George, live in Midwest City. They have 5 grown children and 8 grandchildren.
Roger Stuart
Hall of Fame Honoree Roger Stuart attended Del City High School from 1966-1969. After graduating in 1969, he attended the University of Oklahoma, where he received his Bachelor of Arts in English Literature. He received his Juris Doctor Degree from the University of Oklahoma College of Law in 1978. He practiced law for many years handling state and federal cases involving federal criminal prosecutions, appeals, medical malpractice defense, federal civil litigation and class action lawsuits.
In July 2011, Governor Mary Fallin appointed Judge Stuart as a District Judge for Oklahoma County District Court. During the appointment ceremony, Governor Fallin stated that Judge Stuart is an astute legal mind and that she was proud to appoint him as District Judge. Judge Stuart previously served as a Special Judge for the Oklahoma County Juvenile Court from 1995-2011. Judge Stuart was Assistant General Counsel for the Oklahoma Department of Human Services from 1983-1995. He was an Assistant United States Attorney for the United States District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma from 1981-1983. He was Assistant General Counsel in the Litigation Division for Kerr McGee Corporation from 1980-1981 and he served as an Assistant District Attorney from 1978-1980. Judge Stuart served as an Adjunct Professor of Law for Oklahoma City University School of Law from 2007-2012. He has also served as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Central Oklahoma.
Judge Stuart has received numerous awards, including Child Advocate of the Year; Award of Excellence: Oklahoma Judge of the Year by the State CASA Board; Champion of Children Award, State Foster Care Association; Service Award for Interdisciplinary Team Program, Child Abuse and Neglect, by the University of Oklahoma Health Science Center; Medal of Merit Award by DHS; Certificate of Appreciation by Cherokee Nation; Guardian Angel Award by the Latino Agency; Buddy Ray Foster Court Room Excellence Award presented by Oklahoma County CASA.
Judge Stuart Co-Authored "Children With Sexualized Behaviors" published in Volume 59 of the Juvenile & Family Court Journal. He has been rated 1st among 35 judges in the district by lawyers in surveys over 16 years by the Oklahoma County Bar Association. Judge Stuart was appointed by the Oklahoma Supreme Court to sit on the committee to rewrite the Juvenile Code on abused and neglected children. He was selected by the Oklahoma Supreme Court to sit on the committee to write Uniform Jury Instructions for juvenile cases.
In addition, Judge Stuart has made presentations in at least 10 annual judicial conferences to all judges in the State of Oklahoma dealing with juvenile law. He was also selected as a member of the Juvenile Justice Oversight Committee. Judge Stuart and his wife Jan have 3 children and 3 grandchildren.
2013 Inductees
The 2013 inductees are: Tari Vickery, Class of 1969; Roger Stuart, Class of 1973; Brenda Mechling, Class of 1975; and Brian Putnam, Class of 1987.
Tari Vickery
Hall of Fame Honoree Tari Vickery attended Del City High School from 1966-1969.
Prior to moving from Oklahoma, Ms. Vickery was a third generation business owner.
Ms. Vickery attended Stanford University in Paris, France in 1994. She attended Stanford University in Palo Alto, California, from 1992-1996, where she received her Bachelor of Arts and her Master of Arts Degrees in 1996. She also received the James Lyon award at Stanford for creating a program to help non-traditional students assimilate into the university. Ms. Vickery has founded two businesses, one in Oklahoma City and the other in California. She is the Founder and President of Life Matters Financial Group, founded in January 2001. She is the Founder, Chief Financial Officer and Director of Operations of KVTV, Ltd.
Ms. Vickery was the Director of Business Operations for Plato Networks, Inc. from January 2004 to July 2010. She was the Director of Business Operations at SiliconBlue Technologies from September 2006 to February 2007. Ms. Vickery was the Director of Business Operations at XStream Logic, Inc. from July 1998 to January 2000. She also served as Chief Operating Officer for Join Systems and served as an Independent Management Consultant for a number of years. Her vast business experience gives her an innate ability to understand complex financial situations and simplify them for her clients.
Ms. Vickery lives in Palo Alto, California, with her husband Kent. Although Ms. Vickery moved away from Del City, she treasures her Del City roots, especially since her grandparents came to Del City when the streets were dirt roads. Ms. Vickery's passion for education stems from having grandparents who were both educators in Western Oklahoma in the 1930's, where her grandmother taught school and made breakfast for her students in a one-room school house. Ms. Vickery began serving on school boards when her daughter, Heather, attended New World/Elmhurst School in the late 1970's. Her daughter is now a middle school teacher in Nairobi, Kenya. Ms. Vickery has served on private school boards and public school site councils for over 30 years and currently serves on the School Board at Keystone Adventure School & Farm located in Edmond.
In addition, Ms. Vickery serves on the Board of the Palo Alto Players, which is 83 years old -- the oldest community theater in the San Francisco Bay area. She returns to the metro area every six weeks to attend board meetings and meet with her Oklahoma clients.


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What is Urban Hacks?
Urban Hacks is a hackathon bringing together over 150 students from across the GTA to use Hamilton open source city data to prototype and design solutions to major urban challenges.
December 8-9, 2018
Hamilton Public Library Central Branch
Urban Hacks is a hackathon bringing together over 150 students from across the GTA to use Hamilton open source city data to prototype and design solutions to major urban challenges.
A hackathon is best described as an "invention marathon". Anyone who has an interest in technology attends a hackathon to learn, build & share their creations over the course of a weekend in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.
Nothing :). We will provide you with a weekend worth of swag, meals, snacks and drinks, free of charge.
Not a problem! It's entirely irrelevant what your experience is going into a hackathon, it's more about your interest in technology. If you're wanting to learn how to code outside of a hackathon, try places such as Codeacademy, Sololearn or Scotch.io tutorials.
Teams can have up to 4 people. You can solo if you desire to, but we have found that hackathons are more fun in a team.
Unfortunately this year, we are unable to provide busses or travel reimbursement for our hackers. However, we encourage all our attendees to use public transportation!
Any High School and University student is eligible to attend.
Registration is open! Look for the "Register Now" button at the top of the page
Yes, since we are an MLH member event we will be following the MLH Code of Coduct here
You'll need: A laptop and charger. Everything else is optional. However, we encourage you to bring a sleeping bag, pillows, toiletries, and a couple of changes of clothes. You won't need: An idea, or a team. You can create your own team during the hackathon, and generate some amazing creations along the way. You also don't need to worry about food, we've got you covered. Please do not bring: Firearms or other weapons, alcohol, illegal drugs, animals (no matter how adorable).
You can register on Eventbrite by clicking the button belowRegister Now
Interested in helping make Urban Hacks a reality?
Working with us as a sponsor provides you with the wonderful oppurtunity to connect with the next generation of programmers, designers, entrepreneurs and engineers. There are multiple levels of sponsorship availible, the details of which can be found in our package.
Send us an email at firstname.lastname@example.com to get involved!


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For Adults Also: Why College Students Watch Cartoons
This study aims to understand the reasons why college students watch cartoon programs and whether watching cartoons affect their sense of identity. Focus group discussions were carried out to gather the necessary information. Each discussion was divided into three parts: Part I focused on the needs that college students sought to meet in watching cartoon programs; Part II dealt with the gratifications that they got from watching; and Part III looked into whether watching cartoons affected the formations of their identities as adults. People watch to fulfill certain needs. Adults watch primarily for entertainment, just like young children. They also watch for diversion, establishment of relationship with others, surveillance, and formation of personal identity. The personal identities of the young adult respondents who continue to watch cartoons are not affected.
Subject Index: Cartoons and children, Self-perception, Individuality, College students--Philippines
View Thesis in flipbook: Why College Students Watch Cartoons (UP Webmail Account required)


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Following are landing pages for the ROCKSTAR Expos, or read all the details below:
NEWPORT BEACH, FRIDAY, JULY 13th:
LOS ANGELES, SATURDAY, JULY 14th:
PROPERTY REHAB TOUR, JULY 15th:
Discover Realty411 read more:
In life and business, action takers are the ones who are rewarded.
Whether it's real estate, finance, education, medicine or law, the "Rockstars" of an industry who are making an impact are constantly seeking new knowledge, advanced skills, and potential opportunities.
It is in this spirit that Realty411, the nation's only real estate investing magazine owned by a California investor and journalist, will unite hundreds of people for their Rockstar Real Estate Investor's Weekend on Friday, July 13th and Saturday, July 14th.
The Rockstar REI Weekend consists of two complimentary events.
First, a conference and networking summit will take place in Newport Beach on Friday, July 13th, held at the Balboa Bay Resort and Spa. The complimentary event begins at 9 am with a networking breakfast mixer. The resort is located at 1221 W Coast Hwy, Newport Beach, discounted valet parking is available.
Next, Realty411 will host their Rockstar Real Estate Investor's Expo in Los Angeles on Saturday, July 14th at the Westin Hotel by LAX, located at 5400 West Century Blvd.
What else can guests expect at this jam-packed weekend?
Both expo/conferences are open to the public and will host speakers from around the nation and from Northern, Central and Southern California. Inside the Balboa Bay Resort and The Westin LAX some of the most timely and important topics will be revealed — information that savvy investors simply cannot afford to miss.
Highlights Include:
A complimentary breakfast mixer for early-bird guests, multiple breakout sessions with different topics for guests to choose the information that best suits their interest, complimentary investment books for early-bird guests,* highlights of our TV pilot, Property Pitch, real estate education on many levels – from beginner to advanced, best markets and local "sweet spots", diversification tips so investors do not put all their eggs in one basket, passive income ideas and models, networking opportunities with investors from around the nation; plus, meet the leaders of local REI clubs and networking groups who can help you succeed further in your pursuit towards financial freedom.
Our new fashion stylist and makeup artistry team, who have been in the fashion industry for over 30 years, are joining us to give YOU tips on how to get the business edge with your wardrobe. Not a fashionista? No problem, get simple tips to always look your best, and make sure you make a great first impression.
Folks, you can't afford NOT to show up!
Want that million-dollar listing? You better learn how to LOOK like a million bucks, but guess what? It doesn't have to cost you $1M.
These classic tips will make you look like you stepped out of a Vogue magazine — Insider: Our new style team finished working for a shoot in Vogue recently; they consult with many celebrities, Top producers, studios, and fashion publications.
Here are just a few topics that will be covered at these incredible events, which are uniting Hundreds of Investors from throughout California and around the nation:
- Rehabbing, Flipping and Wholesaling
- Lease Purchase, Lease Options, Rent to Own
- Buy and Hold investing
- Commercial Property Investing
- Foreclosures, Short Sales, Real Estate Owned (REO)
- Probate Investing
- Creative Real Estate Investing and Financing
- Private and Hard Money Lenders
- Investing in Discounted Notes
- Real Estate Negotiating Techniques
- Asset Protection and Tax Strategies
- Self-Directed IRA's
- Wholesaling & Creative Deal Flow
- Landlording and Rental Properties
- Mobile Home and Self Storage Investing
- Latest Real Estate News
- Subject To Deals
- International Investing
- Investing in Land
- Tax Lien Investing
- Negotiating Techniques
- Finding Motivated Sellers
- Latest Real Estate News
- Hot Markets & Highlights
- And So Much More!!
To learn more about these phenomenal events produced by the only real-estate investing magazine published in California, and the longest-running one owned by the same owner, be sure to visit: Realty411expo.com or call 310.994.1962 or 805.693.1497.
Following are landing pages for the individual events, showcasing our amazing speakers and participating sponsors:
NEWPORT BEACH, FRIDAY, JULY 13th:
LOS ANGELES, SATURDAY, JULY 14th:
PROPERTY REHAB TOUR, JULY 15th:
Discover Realty411
We provide the resources that investors and real-estate professionals need to know about.
*Please note the number of free books and magazines available is LIMITED to the first 200 EARLY-BIRD guests only, thank you. These events begin promptly at 9 am and open with a networking breakfast mixer. For information or to sponsor the Rockstar Weekend, please call our office in Santa Barbara County: 805.693.1497.
We appreciate your support, please spread the word.


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Claims: capture (D-K): foreign bank account request (Info)
Customers may require Working Tax Credit (WTC) and Child Tax Credit (CTC) payments to be made into a foreign bank account.
Foreign accounts held in countries which are Transcontinental Automated Payment Service (TAPS) / TAPS Information Database System (TIDS) compliant will allow payment to made into them. Although, if a customer needs to open an account, then it's preferable you advise them to open an account based in the UK.
If a customer is resident abroad and they haven't provided bank account details then you must contact the customer for the information. If the customer gives you details of a foreign account and they don't have a UK account, you must pass the claim to Bank Liaison (This content has been withheld because of exemptions in the Freedom of Information Act 2000) .
If a customer contacts you with any foreign bank account queries, you must contact the Bank Liaison Team. To refer any foreign bank account queries, complete form TC687 and fax it to the team(This content has been withheld because of exemptions in the Freedom of Information Act 2000) .
There is an Action Guide for this subject, select TCM0064120 to access it


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Tales from the Shed is back at the Chickenshed Theatre this Summer!
It's a hilarious, interactive show that's perfect for anyone under-7!
One of the cool things about this show is that the performers and actors are in and around the audience, not just on stage! This means you get to be a big part of the show too.
It's always very silly and if you go along you get to make lots of noise to get the story going!
Click here to find out more and book tickets!
Event Info:
When: Until 6th July
Where: Chickenshed Theatre, Southgate
Time: Varies (Click here to check the website for specific times)
Run Time: 50 – 60 minutes
Age: 0 – 7 Years


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Our wholesale relationships are very important to us. We welcome those who share the same values as Blue Dog Provisions when it comes to healthy dog treats. We are looking for pet stores and others who want to prepare & sell high quality dog treats, because dogs are worth it! Click here to fill out our wholesale application.
You must be logged in as a wholesale customer to view these products.


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MSC Cruises recruits Tea and Cake taster as Yorkshire Tea is announced winning brand
Following a nationwide vote, MSC Cruises today announces the brand of tea the British public have chosen to be served onboard MSC Magnifica in 2018 – and it's a victory for Yorkshire Tea.
Over 1,000 people voted in the online poll on the MSC Cruises Facebook and twitter pages, which led to the selection of the popular brand. The tea will be available in all on board bars and restaurants and in a first for MSC Cruises, also in cabins, along with a kettle, coffee, milk and sugar, so guests can enjoy hot drinks in their cabins.
Antonio Paradiso, MD of MSC Cruises for the UK & Ireland said 'We are so pleased to announce that the winning brand, selected by the British public, is Yorkshire Tea. In order to make a 'proper brew' it's attention to detail that counts, which is something we pride ourselves on at MSC Cruises. As a family owned Company we understand how important home comforts are, and are pleased to be able to add this special touch in order to make MSC Magnifica home for guests while they are exploring the Mediterranean and Northern Europe in 2018.
'MSC Cruises is dedicated to the UK market and homeporting a ship in Southampton, and the enhancements we've made to the onboard product based on feedback from UK guests and travel agents, is testament to this'
There are many other enhancements being made to the product onboard the ship which carries 3,200 guests, ready for the Company's first full season sailing from Southampton. MSC Magnifica will sail from the port to Northern Europe and the Mediterranean from April – October 2018. Other additions to the product include British & Irish beer and cider on draft, a British comedian and Cruise Director joining the entertainment team and all the favourite big-brand condiments including HP Sauce, Colmans Mustard and Marmite will be available.
To celebrate the announcement, the cruise company is recruiting a Tea and Cake taster to sail on the ship and ensure that guests are getting a proper brew, and the cakes are practically perfect in every way. The successful applicant, who will need an exceptional palate and a sweet tooth, will be invited aboard MSC Magnifica sailing from Southampton in April 2018 to rigorously taste-test the ship's tea and cakes. During the 7 day contract, a daily wage of tea and cake will be provided, and accommodation for the successful applicant and an assistant is also included as part of the job.
For more information on the MSC Cruises Southampton sailings or to apply to be the Company's first Tea and Cake taster visit www.msccruises.co.uk.


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Call for Studies: Evidence Base for Home Visiting Programs
Deadline for Submissions: Jan. 2, 2018
Mathematica Policy Research seeks studies for a comprehensive review of the evidence base for home visiting programs. The review is being conducted for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to help inform federal policy and initiatives. Home visiting programs are invited to submit their model if they meet these eligibility requirements (from the DHHS release):
- Studies that have not previously reviewed, including unpublished manuscripts (past or recent), conference papers, and new publications.
- Studies that focus on home visiting programs that target pregnant women, expectant fathers, and families with, or caregivers of, children ages birth to kindergarten entry.
- Studies that focus on programs in which home visiting is the primary service delivery strategy. Programs that are primarily center-based with infrequent or supplemental home visiting will be excluded. Home visiting services should be offered to most or all participants and be integral to programmatic goals.
- Studies that have been prepared or published in 1979 or later.
- Studies that provide the name and a detailed description of the home visiting program being evaluated and the study methods employed.


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How We Build This Capability
Workshops That Engage
Are your teams so swamped with emails, meetings, and processes that they have zero time for truly valuable work? This workshop arms them with simplification techniques used by Fidelity, NBC, and Accenture to kill complexity daily and prioritize the work that matters.
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Understand the four types of complexity in this Accelerated Learning session and master the same simplifying tactics used by Google, Airbnb, Sprint, and more.
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The most dangerous phrase in the workplace is "we've always done it this way." Challenge the status quo in this Accelerated Learning session by killing off annoying or outdated rules in your org using one simple exercise.
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Get teams aligned on behaviors that kill complexity and breed simplicity so everyone starts doing more work that matters. In this Accelerated learning session, you'll discuss which habits are holding people back from simplifying and gain commitments for changing those behaviors immediately.
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Keynotes That Inspire
Unproductive meetings, endless emails, and reports-for-the-sake-of-reporting aren't the definition of meaningful work—they're the result of complexity. To create a workplace where there's actually time and space to innovate, you'll learn from CEO and TED-talk veteran Lisa Bodell how to become your own chief simplification officer. Get the techniques used by the nimblest of companies to save time, kill rules, and boost productivity on the work that matters. By killing complexity, you'll increase customer trust, staff retention, and innovate faster.
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Tools That Empower
Ideal for
- Organizations with a culture of meetings, emails…and little else.
- Teams who want actionable tactics for simplifying daily tasks.
- Leaders who need to free up their time for strategic and innovative thinking.
Skills You'll Learn
- Simplification
- Problem-solving
- Better productivity
- Improved decision-making
With what FutureThink taught us, I've figured out ways to immediately save my team thousands of dollars.EY (Ernst & Young)
Results from FutureThink Clients
99% of NBC Universal participants began applying simplification methods within 1 week.
McGraw-Hill participants collectively reclaimed 40 monthly hours of their time.
All the Cool Kids Are Doing It
Subscribe to our e-letter for advice from Yoda, interviews with disruptors, and more free samples than your neighborhood Costco.


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Disability Solutions
I am pleased to be able to offer electronic copies of Disability Solutions to visitors to my site. This work represents 10 years of investigation, learning, and collaboration with many talented professionals and parents. The articles, are provided here with the same mission as originally intended: To do good for, and with, people with Down syndrome and related disabilities. Many of the topics are timeless and some are one-of-a-kind!
The work related creating, editing, and publishing Disability Solutions was key to my growth as a professional and, more importantly, as a Mother. Every issue touched my family directly, and still do. I hope they will continue to inspire you as well.
Many people put in hours of time, free-of-charge, to create these issues. If you are interested in reprinting any of the articles, please honor the following guidelines:
- Do not change the article.
- Cite the author fully.
- Cite the source : reprinted from, Disability Solutions, Vx,Issue X. Accessed at www.DownSyndromeNutrition.com on (insert date of access).
- You may not use any content in any issue of Disability Solutions for profit. That means, you may not reprint articles in a book or any other publication you plan to sell for profit.
Thank you!
Joan Guthrie Medlen, MEd, RD


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Customize the More Tag on WordPress
The More tag is a very useful WordPress feature. It allows you to select a "cut-off" point, and only the content above that point will be displayed on the Homepage.
The More tag will also insert a "Read more" link after the excerpt to encourage the reader to continue reading the article in question.
Personally I am not a big fan of "Read more." You can see on the Homepage that I am using "Continue Reading…". Maybe you want to use yet something else, so how do you customize that link on the More tag?
It is pretty simple, just go to your WordPress control panel, then "Presentation," then "Theme Editor."
Now you need to open the file that governs the Homepage, which is usually called "Main Index Template" (or index.php).
Once you have that file open you will need to find the line that calls the posts. It looks like this:
<?php the_content(__('Read more'));?>
Just replace "Read more" with the text of your preference and you are done!
You can also style that text by creating a class on the stylesheet. The result would look like this:
<?php the_content(__('Your text here'));?>
Browse all articles on the WordPress category
22 Responses to "Customize the More Tag on WordPress"
Looks like this article is a few years old. If you are using WordPress 2.8 or higher you can filter on the the_content_more_link hook to change the continue text. If you have a little PHP knowledge you can customize it to your heart's content.
I have an article on how to do it on my site or you can just do a search on that hook name. My article is here.
Hi there – what if you actually don't want the words READ MORE (or anything like that) to appear at all on SOME posts? Is it possible to customise?
Yohan Perera
This is a cool tutorial. Thanks for the great post… =)
Clearly explained.. Even wordpress not doing that.. Keep rock on..
Pali Madra
There is a class called "more-link" that is added to the more content. This is after the code that have you given has been changed in the index.php. Can help me in finding out what is happening since I think the class that should be assigned needs to be moretag.
Is there any way you can use the "MORE" tag on a static front page with multiple posts?
good tip but i could not got it.
Another cool tip used, or will be when I get in and edit the file.
Turk Hit Box
I always use it, and display ads with read more as well 🙂
Hi There,
I heard that using "Read more" prevents of duplicate content but why big blogs don't use this function???
All the best,
nice one, i've been looking for an article like this to personalized the read more link on my upcoming blog.
JTPRATT's Blogging Mistakes
would be nice to have an entire page of tips like this, to replace default things and customize your site as your own. Like for instance – how do you get your copyright into each post…
and for god's sake don't you have a 'subscribe to comments' option?
William Profet :: OneJobTwoSalaries.com
Very useful! Thank you! I have always used this opportunity to change my "Read more" links and it works great!
I used to put this break in my posts. But, now, I'm not doing it because, for some reason, it makes my feed into a partial feed in which only content till the "break" is shown. Any bright ideas ?
Yeah HTML is fine.
engtech @ internet duct tape
You can also do it inline to change only one post.
<!–more Text goes here–>
might be a WordPressMU only thing.
I've actually been looking around at how to do this, but my theme is weird and didn't have the normal tag. I got it figured out though, thanks!
well, i've created my own theme from scratch, yes.. but I don't remember editing any files inserting that CSS style for "read more" link..
Maybe just my memory fails me, sorry.. 🙂
And the nickname is "Hairgel_Addict", not just "Hairgel" 😉
Hairgel, WordPress does not come with a stylesheet, you are probably referring to your own theme, right?
If your theme does have a class for the more link than yes you can just change that for the styling part.
Doesn't wordpress allready have a CSS class assigned to "ream more" link? Anyway, I did not insert any additional things into "the_content()" and edited CSS class ".more-link" – and it works fine 🙂
But if you want add additional stuff there, then "the_content()" editing will be useful 😉
You can even add pictured to the More Tag, I will it to see how it looks.
This is a simple but useful customization. We changed our blog a long time ago to read "More >>". Simple, but it gets the point across.
Comments are closed.


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If you think taking selfies is selfish and narcissistic, you might as well stop reading now. Photographer Verotica shares her exclusive #selfietorial in collab with vintage store Dandy Horse Berlin.
Selfies can be a tool of self-discovery, of radical love, of reclaiming ownership over your own body, of just saying a loud and proud fuck you to everyone who's ever called you ugly or weird or any other stupid slur. Swedish-born photographer Verotica decided to embrace the art of taking a selfie in her latest editorial, turning herself into a true renaissance woman standing both behind and in front of the camera, flexing her body in super cool outfits provided by Dandy Horse Berlin. Make sure to check out the Berlin-based store if you want to score yourself a piece of the freshest vintage clothing, support local fashion labels, get yourself a new bike, or just to have a lovely chat with the shop owners Laura and Maurizio.
Open your camera app, set the timer, strike a pose, review, edit, pick a filter, upload. Repeat daily for best results.
Verotica: Instagram
Dandy Horse: Website, Facebook, Instagram
Photo Assistant: Linda Pochinda
Text: Anna Wim
( y )


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A meeting room modernly equipped to accommodate up to 30 people in school setting, with view on the lake is the best premise for a successful event. Ideal for seminars, conferences or exhibitions, with our gastronomic offerand with the various sports, cultural and recreational activities of the region you create the ideal conditions for an exceptional event.
We are ready to welcome you with all the professionalism and experience gained over the years, from the offer to the end of the event to your service..
Seminar package
Take advantage of our package for your meeting:
|Half day
|Whole day
|Sala Azzurra
|CHF 19.- p.p.
|CHF 33.- p.p.
|Incl.1 coffee break
|Incl.2 coffee break
Water at discretion always included in the room rental as well as a flipchart
Other technical material on request with a surcharge
To complete your event:
|Light lunch 2 courses
|CHF 28.- p.p.
|Main dish and dessert, a coffee offered
|Business Lunch
|CHF 39.- p.p.
|3 courses menu, a coffee offered
|Simple aperitif
|CHF 16.- p.p.
|Salatini, chips, olives, sparkling wine bowle
|Classic aperitif
|CHF 21.- p.p.
|like the simple one but with canapees and white wine
Of course these are just a few possibilities to quickly organize your event. For a personalized service do not hesitate to contact us!


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Horrors in the Closet: Transgressing All Boundaries
David Cronenberg and Clive Barker constantly pushed the boundaries of representations of sexual identities, yet their films feel not condemning, paranoid, or xenophobic -- but alluring and fascinating.
Men, Women and ChainsawsPublisher: Princeton University Press
Subtitle: Gender in the Modern Horror Film
Author: Carol J. Clover
Length: 288
Formats: Hardcover
US publication date: 1992-04
Previously, in Horrors in the Closet: A Closet Full of Monsters, we analyzed the literary origins of the four archetypes of horror culture, Frankenstein, Dracula, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, and Dorian Gray. And in Horrors in the Closet: Horrifying Heteronormative Scapegoating, we discussed the cinematic genre up to the 1960s. This is the final installment that explores the varied ways in which horror films construct non-heteronormative sexual identities as monstrous.
By the early '70s, the lesbian vampire subgenre had already exhausted the sleaze potential of its steamy premise involving evil female bloodsuckers corrupting virginal girls. As previously discussed, these movies had a clear moral agenda, and were very explicit in their presentation of lesbianism as monstrous. But nevertheless, the most disturbing and abject representation of non-heteronormative sexual identities is found in the horror films directed by David Cronenberg during the '70s and the '80s.
Just consider, during these years the oeuvre of Cronenberg is characterized by the showcase of unusual and truly bizarre modes of sexual behavior. Furthermore, Cronenberg constantly presented horror and monstrosity as the results of the mutation, metamorphosis, disease, and decay of the human body. In spite of their transgressive and visceral content, Cronenberg's flicks proved to be extremely influential. Indeed, such has been the extent of Cronenberg's influence in the horror genre, that his movies are often considered to be the quintessential image of the "Body Horror" subgenre.
In his debut film, Shivers (1975), Cronenberg envisioned grotesque phallic parasites that produced an uncanny sexually transmitted disease. Quite appropriately, those infected by these parasites feel a relentless and uncontrollable form of sexual desire. In addition, these parasites are able to reproduce and infect other people. The contagion occurs in a rather visceral way: the parasites penetrate their victim through any of the natural orifices found on the human body, regardless of the gender or sexual orientation of the intended host.
As a consequence of their bizarre physiology, these parasites clearly multiply through bisexual intercourses. As such, Shivers can be read as a metaphor of non-heteronormative sexuality as a terrifying infectious disease. This was a rather remarkable achievement, considering that this film was released years before the emergence of the AIDS crisis that emerged during the '80s
After the critical and box office success of Shivers, Cronenberg explored the issue of transsexual horrors and their ensuing gender politics in Rabid (1977) and Videodrome (1982). In Rabid, a radically new medical procedure has the side effect of generating a protruding phallic parasite in the armpit of Rose (played by Marilyn Chambers, the voluptuous porn star). Similarly to the creatures in Shivers, this organism induces an uncontrollable sexual desire in Rose.
Believe it or not, the abnormal sexuality induced by the disease in Rabid is far more explicit, graphic, and ideologically meaningful than the parasites of Shivers. Indeed, during sexual intercourse, Rose's new appendage grows erect and injects her victims with a poison that produces madness. As Rose infects people, she creates a devastating plague that quickly engulfs the entire city of Montreal. The allegory cannot be more evident: Rose is masculinized, and then she goes on a sexual rampage raping everybody that crosses her way.
In Videodrome, Cronenberg reverses the equation of the transsexual subtext. Here Max (James Woods) is infected with a TV signal that induces a nasty brain tumor that induces violent hallucinations involving torture, sadomasochism, and mutilation. The tumor also produces a vaginal opening in Max's abdomen. Max is then turned into a programmable killing machine when the creators of Videodrome forcefully insert videocassettes into his newly acquired 'vagina'. Thus, allegorically, Max's enfemalement turns him into a victim of rape.
Videodrome (1982)
In general, most of Cronenberg's films tend to portray sexuality, normative and non-normative, as monstrous and nightmarish. But perhaps most important, non-heteronormative sexual identities are always presented as the result of inescapable biological processes, rather than the product of psychological or cultural forces acting on the individual. But then again, perhaps these subtexts are an expected reaction to specific sexual ideologies, social discourses, and gender politics of the era. For instance, in those years a variety of scientific studies were performed to try to determine the genetic and neurophysiologic bases of homosexuality.
Another important film that presents non-heteronormative sexual identities as aberrant, but nevertheless natural biological process, is Alien (Ridley Scott, 1979). A timeless classic, Alien aptly exploits male fears of penetration and pregnancy, which can be translated into homosexual and transsexual anxieties respectively. Indeed, the facehugger is a crablike monster that orally rapes Kane (John Hurt) and impregnates him with an even more terrifying creature.
During the '80s, artist/writer/director Clive Barker emerged as one of the most important figures in horror culture. Barker's fame first skyrocketed when Stephen King publicly acclaimed his delight for The Books of Blood (1984), which was Barker's first published collection of short horror stories. And later on, Hellraiser (1987), Barker's debut feature as a film director, became an instant classic with a strong cult following from all over the world.
Barker literally came out of the closet when he confessed in an interview to The Advocate magazine that he was gay. Such an admission was not a real surprise for those familiar with his work. For instance, the short story In the Hills, the Cities found in The Books of Blood, has a rather explicit gay sex scene. Also, several of his paintings explicitly show male genitalia and other overtly homoerotic situations.
Furthermore, Hellraiser explores a sadomasochistic world of entities dedicated to the search of pleasure beyond any type of sexual or social boundaries. Nevertheless, the most notable gay subtext in Barker's oeuvre is to be found in Lord of Illusions (1995). This little known movie has a narrative that boils down to a homosexual triangle between a powerful cult leader with enigmatic supernatural powers, and two of his most devoted disciples. Homoerotic scenes of a half naked Scott Bakula just add to the overall homosexual tension portrayed in the film. At this point it's worth noticing that, in spite of Barker's sensibilities, all his films and books continue to portray non-heteronormative sexual identities as monstrous.
But nevertheless, considering that a large segment of American society is conservative and homophobic, Barker's confession of his sexual orientation was a bold move. If you think about it, Barker may well be the first declared gay horror director since James Whale. In addition, perhaps because of their common sexual orientation and interest in the macabre, Barker has often confessed a personal connection with Whale. As a tribute to the former master of horror, in 1998 Barker produced Of Gods and Monsters (Bill Condon), a fictionalization of Whale's last days. Not exactly a horror flick, this movie placed special emphasis on the suffering that Whale endured in a homophobic society.
It is truly remarkable that, even though Cronenberg and Barker have constantly pushed the boundaries of metaphoric representations of non-heteronormative sexual identities, their films do not feel condemning, paranoid, or xenophobic. If anything, the bizarre visions showcased in these movies feel alluring and fascinating. On the other hand, many slasher flicks that feature gay killers are utterly homophobic.
In this regard it is important to recall that slasher flicks are remarkable because of the unique way in which they engage male heterosexual audiences. Such an issue is discussed to great detail by Carol Clover in his influential analysis of the slasher film: Men, Women and Chainsaws: Gender in the Modern Horror Film (1992). According to Clover, the appeal of slasher films stems not from their misogyny, but from a cross-gender identification with the resourceful "final girl".
But if you think about it, Glover's proposition creates a rather perplexing situation when talking about slasher flicks featuring gay killers. Indeed, these flicks present homosexuality as monstrous and evil, and as such they clearly resonate with the homophobia inside conservative male heterosexual viewers. But at the same time, these films require the viewers to be positioned as females and to root for the final girl to survive.
Perhaps because of their intrinsic complexities, a considerable number of distinguished directors have made violent films that portray gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transvestite killers. Some of the most notable examples of this trend include Psycho (Alfred Hitchcock, 1960), Dressed to Kill (Brian De Palma, 1980), Deadly Blessing (Wes Craven, 1981), Basic Instinct (Paul Verhoeven, 1993), Silence of the Lambs (Jonathan Demme, 1991), and Hostel (Eli Roth, 2006). But arguably, the most disturbing, provocative, and controversial gay serial killer film ever made is Cruising (William Friedkin, 1980).
Cruising (1980)
In Cruising, Al Pacino plays Steve Burns, a heterosexual rookie cop attempting to catch a gay serial killer who viciously mutilates homosexuals. To hunt the killer, Burn goes undercover into the underworld of gay bars in New York. However, in a rather vague manner, Cruising suggests that there are many killers, and that their murdering rage is some sort of disease that passes from gay to gay. Therefore, Cruising not only presents homosexuality as monstrous, but it also reminds us of Friedrich Nietzsche timeless meditation: "whoever battles with monsters had better see that it does not turn him into a monster".
Looking back to those years, Cruising was a ground-breaking and controversial film reminiscent of Friedkin's two previous films, The French Connection (1971) and The Exorcist (1973). In comparison to other flicks from the '70s, Cruising featured an unparalleled amount of sexual situations, graphic violence, and foul language. And even though Cruising did not show any male genitalia on the screen, there were explicit scenes with simulated gay sex, fellatio, and sadomasochism.
As the story goes, in order to avoid a dreaded X rating, many scenes were trimmed and others were optically darkened. Allegedly, nearly 40 minutes were cut from the film to appease the traditional sensibilities of the MPAA and Hollywood executives. Unfortunately, to date, all the censored footage remains lost and unavailable. But nevertheless, even in a censored edition Cruising managed to generate strong public outcries from members of the gay community who charged that homosexuality was being portrayed in a negative way. While the true identity of the killer remains ambiguous, and maybe of supernatural origin, this film indeed portrays homosexuality as a contagious disease linked to malice, murder, and perversion.
From Mary Shelley and James Whale to Clive Barker and David Cronenberg, the horror genre has invariably constructed non-heteronormative sexualities as monstrous and dangerous. At this point we have to remember that horror narratives have a very unique cultural function. That is, horror films and books are partially sanctioned public venues where we can safely discuss, negotiate, and articulate our fascination and/or dread of difference. Therefore, love them or hate them, the monsters that haunt us from inside the closet are plastic entities that ultimately convey our deepest sexual fears and anxieties.


text: BOX OFFICE NOW OPEN FOR WYRD SISTERS It's the moment you've all been waiting for… the box office is now open!!! Our next production will be an amateur performance of WYRD SISTERS, written by the late, great Sir Terry Pratchett OBE, adapted for the stage by Stephen Briggs. Directed by Clare Sweetapple, you'll get to see some of your … Continue reading


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Moving house is one of the most significant logistical tasks most people undertake. It involves packing your entire life into boxes and moving it anywhere from up the road, to interstate. It's little wonder, then, that a lot of people find moving stressful. Normally, there's a pretty long period of uncertainty – a transitional period where you don't really have any permanent storage available. That is, if you don't have a self storage unit. Self storage units are the key to stability in your moving experience. With self storage, you can get rid of the stress that too often comes with moving house. That'll leave you free to focus on what is likely to be a profound life event!
So how stressful is moving? The answer might surprise you. Here's what you can do
We all know moving is stressful, so is this overstating it a little? Well, no – not really. On the Holmes and Rahe Scale of stress, moving house rates a considerable 25. Let's put that into perspective: a mortgage or loan of up to $150,000 rates at 17 on that same scale. A minor violation of the law comes in at just 11. This tells us that the stress you're feeling about moving is warranted, and you're not alone! It's not a question of whether moving is stressful; it is a question of what you can do about it. And one answer to that question is simple: get a self storage unit!
Act early: booking self storage early on will reduce the emotional stress of moving
Stress compounds on itself – it gets worse at an exponential rate. As a result, there is a lot to be said for preventing it early. In terms of moving house, that could mean lining up a self storage facility as soon as you make the decision to buy a new home. This gives you one of the most powerful stress-busting tools: time. If you have time to get your belongings together without having to rush, you can really take a weight off your shoulders. You can pack your things at your own pace, and make sure everything is well labelled and safely stored. Then, when it's time to move, you will be able to do so with ease.
When you decide to move, visit a self storage facility and stock up on boxes. Here's how that can reduce stress
Of course, before you pack your things you're going to need boxes. Luckily, most self storage facilities offer boxes. That means you can visit a prospective storage facility and check it out prior to renting it. And if you decide it's right for you, then you can bring home the boxes you need to make an immediate start.
Don't let the stress of moving follow you: ask your self storage providers how to properly pack your belongings
Self storage should prevent stress, not cause it. So if you're likely to worry about your possessions while they're in self storage, then there are some things you can do to alleviate that worry. The first is ask for advice. Ask your storage providers about the correct way to store certain items. Supplement that with your own research, and rest assured that your goods are in it for the long haul.
Here's how to move house without stress: aim to store your belongings for the long term, not just the moving period
Finally, don't give yourself a deadline. Deadlines breed stress, and when it comes to self storage they're simply unnecessary. Self storage is a long term solution that you can utilise well into the future. So if you aren't ready to fill your new house just yet, or if you just need some time to rest, leaving your possessions in self storage will work wonders.
Contact us for more great tips.


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In the swirl of drama surrounding mass firings at B.C.'s health ministry, a critical fact has gone unnoticed. The strongest drug-management program in the country has been all but wiped out, and the damage may never be repaired.
Five employees in the ministry's Pharmaceutical Services Division have been dismissed, and three researchers with crossover appointments at the University of Victoria have been suspended without pay or had their contracts terminated.
Nothing like this has ever happened in Canada. Nearly all of the ministry staff were respected, long-term employees. Dr. Malcolm Maclure, one of the university researchers suspended, is an adjunct professor at Harvard with an international reputation.
Much of the public concern has focused on the vague explanations for these firings. Several of the workers say they have no idea why they were let go. At a minimum, the government's communication effort has been woefully inadequate. But this wasn't just a cleanout of some dust-filled backroom. The ministry has gutted an essential front-line service.
In Canada, the federal government is theoretically responsible for licensing pharmaceutical products. But in practice, most provinces carry out their own assessment to decide if new drugs are safe or cost-effective.
In B.C., two groups handle this responsibility. One is an independent watchdog agency at the University of British Columbia called the Therapeutics Initiative. But the province withdrew its funds last year, and staff have been given layoff notices.
The second line of defence lay with the ministry researchers who have just been fired or suspended. When the axe fell, they were investigating an Alzheimer's medication, an anti-psychotic drug used on children and a preparation intended to help smokers give up the habit. At a stroke, both components of the drug-review apparatus have been crippled. Who will do this work now?
If the question is left up to drug companies, the answer is, no one will. This kind of research is fiercely opposed by the industry. They take the view that once Health Canada has granted a licence, that is the end of the matter. It was a decade-long campaign by the industry that got the Therapeutics Initiative killed. And there are numerous instances around the country where the industry has used its clout to stifle similar research.
Yet B.C.'s drug-evaluation process is widely recognized as enormously successful. B.C. spends less on medications than other provinces, because our drug researchers weed out marginal performers. And several times in the last decade, researchers here have given warnings that saved lives. The anti-inflammatory drug Vioxx caused thousands of deaths worldwide before it was withdrawn in 2004. But B.C. drug researchers saw this danger from the outset, and kept Vioxx on the sidelines. Their insight saved scores of lives.
How is this essential task to be performed, when the government shows so little commitment to it?
It may indeed be the case that the minister of health, Dr. Margaret MacDiarmid, has evidence that necessitated these firings. In that event, she would be well-advised to demonstrate, at least in general terms, the nature of her case. For the treatment she is dispensing has all but killed the patient.
Moreover, actions like these make waves. Fairly or otherwise, the message is that taking on the drug industry in B.C. is now fatal to one's career.
In short, there are much bigger issues at stake here than indiscretions, real or alleged. The question is how to rebuild a credible drug-assessment program, once the dust has settled.


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With iOS 10, the Health app has gotten a major overhaul. The iPhone is a great device for fitness enthusiasts of all types. For average people, the Health app provides enough data- about steps, walking distance, flights climbed, etc. Whereas for the fitness enthusiasts the Apple Watch & apps like Instant, Strava, etc can provide a deeper insight.
The Apple Watch is great for wheel chair users and also swimmers with the new water resistance feature. But overall, if you are a runner, cyclist or even just go on brisk walks, the iPhone has a bunch of features and apps that can track your fitness activities effectively.
The New Health App
The Health app is now divided in four categories- Activity, mindfulness, nutrition and sleep. You can learn more about the new Health app here. It is interesting to see a new focus around mental health with mindfulness. For basic fitness tracking if you just walk or jog, the Health app is great.
Instant app
The new Instant app tracks your steps, walking time, running time, cycling time and even your sleep automatically! It is great whether you are looking for simple or slightly more complex fitness tracking. You can even add it's widget to your home screen and get daily reports.
3rd Party Apps for Fitness Enthusiasts
If just knowing your steps and walking time doesn't cut it for you you can get on of these apps to track your workouts in finer detail.
– Nike+ Running: Track your runs with a route on the map and intensity of the run
– Strava: For runners and cyclists, this is your to go app. Get routes, details of the workout and also interact with friends on Strava's social network.
– 7 minute workout: If you are limited by time, you should do a quick seven minute workout which will keep you agile and healthy.
If you're looking for a great fitness companion, an Apple Watch is strongly recommended. With the new features in the Series 2, it is the next frontier for fitness tracking. So, whether you are new into fitness tracking or a long-time fitness enthusiast, iOS 10 offers you some great features and apps to keep in shape.
Get Instant – Automatically keep track of the time spent on your phone, while travelling, at places, while sleeping & on fitness activities.


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Honor your graduate with a gift
to the PEF Endowment
As proud parents of the class of 2020, we believe that Millennium High School and Piedmont High School have prepared our students for success in life. That's why our Senior Gift Committee has committed to making a donation to the Piedmont Education Foundation's Endowment in honor of this senior class. We would like to encourage you to join us in this tradition.
There's a reason why our schools consistently rank in the top-tier of public schools in California. This reason goes beyond our qualified and compassionate teachers and administrators, and beyond books, technology and athletics.
This reason is our community. Together, we serve hot lunch, attend sporting events and art fairs, plan proms and picnics, sit on our parent club boards and help out in the library. We also dig deep to raise the funds needed to help make our schools some of the best in the state.
For fifteen years we have been asking the parents of graduating seniors to contribute to PEF's Endowment in honor of their student, who has benefited from the endowment distributions funded by the generosity of past senior parents. Now it's our chance to acknowledge the value of the education our students have received and help future generations of MHS and PHS students. A donation to the Endowment will pay dividends in perpetuity to support Piedmont's public schools. Please consider a gift in honor of the extraordinary education your student has received; gifts of any amount are welcome.
Make your gift soon to have your senior recognized in PEF's Patron publication And feel free to ask proud grandparents to contribute as well!
Thank you so much for your generosity. We are grateful to have you in our community.
Parents of the Class of 2020


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Fish Kofte
(Balik Koftesi)
Kofte Ingredients:
200 gr sole or any kind of white meat fish you like
1 onion, sliced
1 carrot, grated
3 tbsp bread crumbs
1/4 cup parsley, chopped
1 lemon's zest
2 tbsp currants, (soak into the hot water for 10 minutes)
2 tbsp pine nuts, lightly roasted
1 egg
1/2 tsp paprika
1 egg, beaten
1/2 cup bread crumbs
1/2 cup sunflower oil
Place the fish, onion and carrot in a sauce pan. Cover with the water and cook for about 10 minutes, drain well. Mix all the Kofte ingredients in a bowl with the spoon that makes 7-8 koftes. Leave it in the refrigerator for 15 minutes. First soak into the beaten egg, then roll them with the bread crumbs.
Heat the oil in a pan at medium heat. Place all the patties in it. Fry both sides until golden colour. Place on a plate with a paper towel to soak up extra oil. Arrange them on a service plate with the lemon edges. Serve while still warm as a hot appetizer.
7-8 Fish Patties.
Labels: Seafood


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november, 2020
26novAll Day28Dancercise BreakDancercise
Event Details
If Body Pump leaves you feeling deflated and Body Combat has you fighting to get away, then why not join us for a unique dance break in the luxury surroundings
Event Details
If Body Pump leaves you feeling deflated and Body Combat has you fighting to get away, then why not join us for a unique dance break in the luxury surroundings for which we're so renowned.
This two-night break promises to be just the inspiration you need to help you on the journey to a fitter, slimmer you, while having fun every (quick) step of the way!
Dance has been scientifically proven to produce a wide range of health and weight loss benefits while also taking way the monotony of more traditional exercise formats. Our activity timetable already includes a number of very popular dance workouts but this is your chance to be among a friendly group to try your hand (or is that feet?) at some new ones too, all choreographed specifically for this event by our amazingly creative team, led by award-winning trainer, Dean Hodgkin, who has headed up dance projects for top brands such as Nike and Reebok.
Of course, there will also be plenty of time for relaxation and pampering in true Ragdale Hall style so you'll be able to indulge yourself in our Thermal Spa, Rooftop Infinity Pool, indoor and outdoor pools, cosseting relaxation areas – and enjoy a 40-minute treatment.
You don't have to be a budding Fred or Ginger to join our chorus line, as all our classes will feature non-complex, easy to master routines – and you can even dress up too! You can even bring your two left feet if you wish, as the emphasis is simply on getting your body moving. With some never-seen-before classes being launched during this event, who knows, you could be witness to the next fitness craze… and keep your new-found twinkle toes moving long after you leave us! And as we always say, our aim is to not only put a little sweat on your brow, but also to put a big smile on your face!
Click here for more information and prices.
november 26 (Thursday) - 28 (Saturday) GMT
Ragdale Hall Spa
Ragdale Hall Spa


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Downswept Douglas Fir Medium Pre-lit Christmas Tree, 7.5 ft. Realistic tree offered in several sizes. Full shape for a hearty, but not overwhelming look. Clear lights offer a romantic effect. 450 to 1000 pre-strung bulbs, depending on size. 525 to 3933 tips create an authentic look. If you think this Downswept Douglas Fir Medium Pre-Lit Christmas Tree has a remarkably authentic look, you're right. Thanks to PE construction, the branches of this tree are created from molds taken from real trees. This gives the tree the edge on a natural look. Branches have a 2-inch width and they are brushed downward, creating an elegant look. This medium frame tree is sure to add warmth to any holiday. It's pre-strung with&###xA0; clear lights, and a couple sizes are also offered with multicolor lights. This artificial tree was designed to last for years to come. Specifications for the 7.5-Foot Tree Shape: Full Base Width: 59 inches Number of Bulbs: 750 Number of Tips: 1867. Specifications for the 9-Foot Tree Shape: Full Base Width: 71 inches Number of Bulbs: 900 Number of Tips: 3185. Specifications for the 10-Foot Tree Shape: Full Base Width: 78 inches Number of Bulbs: 1000 Number of Tips: 3933. About National Christmas Products National Christmas Products isn't quite Santa's workshop, but they're getting closer with each passing year. A variety of holiday d&###xE9;cor products are offered by the company, including wreaths, garlands, Christmas trees, and more. Each of the greenery products are artificial for a long-lasting indoor/outdoor design, but feature a Feel-Real aesthetic that's nearly indistinguishable from a fresh-cut tree. Several sizes and colors of trees are available with many pre-lit options. Whatever your need, National Christmas Products is here to serve. PE style means branches are molded from real trees. View more great items. This listing is currently undergoing maintenance, we apologise for any inconvenience caused. The item "Downswept Douglas Fir Medium Pre-lit Christmas Tree, 7.5 ft. Pre-lit" is in sale since Friday, October 13, 2017. This item is in the category "Home & Garden\Holiday & Seasonal Décor\Christmas & Winter\Artificial Christmas Trees". The seller is "hayneedle" and is located in Middletown, Ohio. This item can be shipped to United States.
- Brand: National Tree Company
- Item Width: 14.00
- Manufacturer: National Christmas Products Inc
- Manufacturer Part Number: PEDD1-312-75
- Material: Plastic
- Model Number: PEDD1-312-75
- Size: 7.5 ft. Pre-lit


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In 1994, the figure-skating world was rocked by a brutal attack on US medal hopeful Nancy Kerrigan. The more shocking news was that the attack was allegedly conceived and executed by those close to—and perhaps including—rival figure skater Tonya Harding. You might expect to see a film about Kerrigan, her triumphant recovery, and her silver medal at the Lillehammer Olympics, but that is not the story we get here. This is Tonya's story.
Tonya Harding (Margot Robbie, Suite Française) was the first American woman to achieve figure skating's holy grail move, completing a triple axel in competition in 1991. But success on the ice was not always matched with happiness in her personal life. She grew up constantly at odds with her abusive mother and fought for everything she had. Though an accomplished technical skater, pleasing the judges proved tougher and she was criticized for her lack of artistry and unconventional "trailer park" beauty. When she met Jeff Gillooly (Sebastian Stan), he provided a long-awaited escape from her mother, an encouraging voice in her corner, and fatefully, connections to a sleazy underworld.
Approaching these real-life characters without judgment, Steven Rogers' sharp script and Craig Gillespie's (Lars and the Real Girl) bold direction combine to deliver a shamelessly entertaining film that is part mockumentary and part tragicomedy. With a transformative performance from Margot Robbie as Tonya and an unforgettable turn from Allison Janney as her mother, you will come away with a better understanding of the life behind the tabloid headlines. You might just find you like her, too.
"Despite the darker edges, I, Tonya embraces the surreality of the story and winningly plays it mostly for comedy, with dips into drama, while crucially never mocking the central players." (Kevin Jagernauth, The Playlist)
"It's a serious blast, with a plot that zigs and zags (but only because it sticks, within reason, to the facts), and a cast of characters who are so eccentrically scuzzy no one could have dreamed them up." (Owen Gleiberman, Variety)
"Robbie, for her part, has never been better. She does a brilliant job of skating along the thin line that runs between glory and the gutter. Sympathetic but not too sympathetic, her performance is all that allows the film to maintain its tenuous hold over its queasy tragicomedy." (David Ehrlich, Indiewire)


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Biologically Inspired Materials Institute (BIMat)
The Biologically Inspired Materials Institute (BIMat) was established by NASA under the University Research, Engineering and Technology Institute (URETI) program in August 2002. The principal goal for BIMat researchers is to develop bio-nanotechnology materials and structures for aerospace vehicles. The team combines the talents from five of the nation's leading research universities and institutions to advance biomolecular and biomimetic materials design, synthesis, and processing.
Junior Statesman Summer School - Princeton University
Pre-College at Princeton
Princeton University Campus Recreation Summer Camp
Princeton University Sports Camps
COVID-19 UPDATE: ALL 2020 SUMMER CAMPS ARE CANCELEDPrinceton University Sports Camps offers over 70 sports camps and clinics annually for young athletes. All camps are held on the beautiful and historic campus, located in the heart of Princeton, New Jersey. Overnight campers reside in the University dormitories and enjoy meals from various dining halls around campus. Each camp is directed by varsity coaches from Princeton University with assistance from college coaches and players from around the country. For more information including, dates, registration fees, and camp descriptions, please visit: www.princetonsportscamps.com
Baseball Camps Basketball Camps Cross Country Camps Day Camps Diving Camps Fencing Camps Field Hockey Camps Football Camps Ice Hockey Camps Lacrosse Camps Princeton University Rowing Camps Sleepaway Summer Camps Soccer Camps Softball Camps Sports Camps Squash Camps Strength & Conditioning Swimming Camps Tennis Camps Track & Field Camps Volleyball Camps Water Polo Camps Wrestling Camps


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21 Lorong Telok
Singapore 049033
Love this fusion of strawberry and latte which is palatable. Priced at $7, it's about the same range as a tall size of a Starbucks drink. The shop is an instagrammer's Dream!
Located quite far in from the main road, it took a while before we could find the store. We were finally greeted with store that would satisfy every instagrammers dream with an all pink interior (although it was smaller than expected) We ordered the strawberry latte, but the taste of strawberry faded after drinking a few sips, probably overwhelmed by the strong taste of the latte. I'm not a huge coffee fan so I found it okay, but my friend who enjoys coffee found it nice so to each his own!
Strawberry Latte ($7) and Earl Grey Rose Tea ($6) recommended by my friend.
Hope I can try matcha sunrise next time because that time they just go out of stocks for ingredients.
To me, it's like having a strawberry pocky dipped in a cup of latte, quite delightful!
The shop is really hard to miss, as the exterior and interior is in pink. A good place to have your OOTD taken at.
No, not the strawberry latte cos that's not so secret anymore. LOL.
A juice and coffee place decorated in (millennial) pink and black, a slight spark of hipster element in the buzzing Lor Telok near the Raffles Place CBD.
It is the on the stretch just next to Boat Quay.
The barista and juice staff were wearing bright pink lab coats, a customised pink La Marzocco espresso machine was on the counter, next to a pink flamingo soft toy, with mirrored menus hanging on pink-tiled walls.
From A Juicery at Lorong Telok — a takeaway store that focuses on cold-pressed juices and coffee while also offering wraps for those who are looking for healthy food.
Brewed using beans roasted by Allpress Espresso, the cuppa was creamy with a medium body though a wee bit burnt somehow.