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Frequent Links
Mark Prior
|Mark Prior
Prior with the Chicago Cubs
Born: September 7, 1980
San Diego, California
MLB debut
|May 22, 2002 for the Chicago Cubs
Last MLB appearance
|August 10, 2006 for the Chicago Cubs
Career statistics
|Win–loss record
|Earned run average
Career highlights and awards
Mark William Prior (born September 7, 1980) is an American former professional baseball pitcher. He pitched for the Chicago Cubs from 2002 to 2006 in a career that was marred by injuries. His repertoire of pitches included a mid-90s mph fastball, a curveball, a slurve, and a changeup. He is currently working in the front office of the San Diego Padres Organization.
Amateur career
Prior graduated from the University of San Diego High School. He was originally drafted by the New York Yankees in the 1998 amateur draft, but the team was unable to sign him to a contract.
Prior attended his father's alma mater, Vanderbilt University for his freshman year. He transferred to the University of Southern California (USC), where he played college baseball for the USC Trojans. In 2001, Prior won several collegiate player of the year awards, including the Dick Howser Trophy,[1] the Golden Spikes Award,[2] and the Rotary Smith Award.[3]
Professional career
Chicago Cubs
In 2001, Prior re-entered the draft, and was considered by some to be the top prospect, but the Minnesota Twins, who had the top pick, were warned that Prior did not want to play for them. Fearing signability problems,[4] the Twins opted to take local talent catcher Joe Mauer, leaving Prior to be taken 2nd overall by the Chicago Cubs. The Cubs had also been considering drafting Georgia Tech third baseman Mark Teixeira, who went fifth to the Texas Rangers. The Cubs signed Prior to a contract for $10.5 million, which stood as the record amount for a draft pick until 2009.[5]
In 2003, Prior finished third in the National League's Cy Young Award voting after compiling an 18–6 win-loss record despite missing three starts after an on-field collision with Atlanta Braves second baseman Marcus Giles. Prior and Giles had both been chosen to play in the All-Star Game, but were forced to miss the game as a result of their injuries. Prior and fellow right-handed pitcher Kerry Wood were dubbed "Chicago Heat" by Sports Illustrated, and the name stuck, as the twosome were dominant in leading the Cubs to an 88-win season and a division title. However, sportswriters and fans began to criticize Dusty Baker on the high pitch count of the two pitchers. Despite the concerns, Prior and Wood continued to pitch high counts throughout the season. In 2003, Prior averaged 113.4 pitches per starts in regular season. In the month of September, Prior recorded 126 pitches per start. Prior averaged another 120 pitches in games in the postseason and struggled with an injury the next season. Pundits often blame Baker for ruining the careers of both pitchers.[6][7]
After Prior's stint on the disabled list came to an end, he compiled a 10–1 record, and pitched against former Cub Greg Maddux in the first round of the playoffs. The Cubs beat the Atlanta Braves in the first round, but lost to the eventual World Series Champion Florida Marlins in the NLCS, a tightly contested seven game series. Prior, who was the winner in Game 2, was on the mound for the infamous Steve Bartman/Moisés Alou foul ball incident in Game 6. At the time, the Cubs were nursing a three-run lead in the 8th inning, and were only five outs away from playing in the World Series. Prior struggled with his command and gave up the lead with the aid of poor defensive play, most notably the booted double play grounder and error by shortstop Alex Gonzalez. The Marlins scored eight runs in the 8th inning, winning 8-3 in Game 6, and also went on to win the deciding Game 7 of that NLCS and ultimately beat the New York Yankees in the World Series.
Prior was forced to miss the first two months of the 2004 season due to an achilles tendon injury. There were published reports stating that Prior would need reconstructive Tommy John surgery on his elbow, but both Prior and the Cubs denied this, saying that his Achilles tendon injury is the only reason he missed time in 2004. After coming off the disabled list Prior did not pitch up to expectations, leading to more speculation about the health of his arm. However, towards the end of the 2004 season, Prior seemed to return to form. He struck out a career high 16 Cincinnati Reds in his last start of the season. Prior finished 2004 with a 6-4 record and a 4.02 ERA in 21 starts.
Prior's 2005 season was again marred with missed games due to injuries. After starting the season on DL again, he returned and pitched well in the early part of the season. However, on May 27, Prior was hit on his right (pitching) elbow by a 117-mph comeback line drive off the bat of Brad Hawpe, giving him a compression fracture. This sent him to another stint on the DL. Coincidentally, Hawpe, when playing for LSU in the 2000 College World Series, had hit a three-run home run off Prior that eliminated USC from contention that year. Prior finished the 2005 season with an 11–7 record in 27 starts.
During the 2005 off-season, after Nomar Garciaparra left the Cubs via free agency, Prior was mentioned as part of a possible deal for Baltimore Orioles's shortstop Miguel Tejada, but this trade did not come to pass. His bad luck would continue in Spring Training of 2006 when he was put on a slow throwing program. After feeling stiffness in his throwing shoulder, he was diagnosed with a strained shoulder. He was placed on the 15-day disabled list, missing the first two months of the 2006 season. His debut came on June 18, when he was shelled by the Detroit Tigers, giving up six runs in the first inning and lasting just 3.2 innings before being pulled. Prior was 0–4 in four starts with a 7.71 ERA, until he was once again put on the disabled list July 14, after straining his left oblique muscle while taking batting practice. He returned on July 21 to play against the Washington Nationals. He pitched only 3.1 innings before he was pulled out of the game. On August 14, Prior was placed on the disabled list (tendinitis) for the remainder of the season. He finished 2006 with a 1–6 record and a 7.22 ERA.
In the offseason, the Cubs reported that Prior suffered from a "loose shoulder" which could lead to injuries and meant he had to do more conditioning work. Eligible for arbitration, Prior proceeded to ask for a pay raise from his 2006 salary of $3.65 million to $3.875 million for 2007. The Cubs avoided arbitration with Prior when he settled for a one-year $3.575 million contract for 2007.[8]
After one start in the minors, in which he gave up three runs and got the win, Prior had James Andrews, a noted orthopedic surgeon[9] perform exploratory surgery on his right shoulder, which showed Prior to have structural damage. Prior missed the rest of the 2007 season after going through season-ending surgery. Cubs GM Jim Hendry said that anything provided by Prior or Wood would be "gravy" and he hoped that this would come to fruition.[10] Prior was non-tendered on December 12, 2007, ending his tenure with the Chicago Cubs.
San Diego Padres
On December 26, 2007, Prior agreed to a $1 million, one-year, incentive-laden contract with the San Diego Padres.[11] Prior had hoped to pitch again by May or June of the 2008 season, but a shoulder tear during his rehab at the end of May 2008 required surgery that forced him to miss his second consecutive season.
On January 13, 2009, an elated Kevin Towers announced "Ladies and gentlemen, we're bringin' em back." Prior agreed to a one-year minor league contract with the San Diego Padres.[12] The minor league deal included a $1 million option that would have been lifted if Prior pitched in the major leagues in 2009.[13] He was released from his contract on August 1, 2009 after not having been called up all season.
Independent baseball
On June 30, 2010, Prior returned to USC to perform a workout for major league scouts,[14] but the workout was judged as "just all right" by a veteran scout.[15]
On August 3, 2010, Prior agreed to an independent league contract with the Orange County Flyers of the Golden Baseball League.[16]
Texas Rangers
On September 3, 2010, he signed with the Texas Rangers on a minor league contract.[17] Prior stated his desire to return to the big leagues, four years after last being on a major league squad; he hoped to catch on with the Rangers as a long/middle relief pitcher.[18]
New York Yankees
Prior signed a one-year minor league contract with the New York Yankees for the 2011 season.[19] Prior was assigned to start the year with the Class A Tampa Yankees in Florida rather than joining the colder weather Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees in order to work on his transition to a relief pitcher.[20] His year would end after the promotion to AAA with a groin injury.[21] He was granted free agency on November 2, 2011.
Boston Red Sox
Prior signed a minor league contract with the Boston Red Sox on May 2, 2012.[22] Prior pitched in their extended spring training program. He was added to the Pawtucket Red Sox roster on June 1 while shortstop José Iglesias was added to the disabled list with an injured back.[23] Prior was released by the Red Sox on August 18.[24]
Cincinnati Reds
Prior signed a minor league contract with the Cincinnati Reds on March 1, 2013. Prior was released by the Reds on June 28, 2013. He announced his retirement from baseball in December 2013.[25]
Pitching mechanics
Prior's pitching mechanics were the subject of much attention throughout his career. As a prospect, his symmetrical, seemingly effortless delivery was widely regarded as mechanically efficient and sound. Prior's former personal pitching coach Tom House labeled the right-hander a "can't-miss" prospect.[26] However, after Prior suffered a series of debilitating arm injuries, many experts re-examined Prior's delivery.
As easy and flowing as Prior's pitching mechanics seemed to be, his arm action contained elements that some analysts believed to be hazardous. According to Chris O'Leary, a pitching mechanics analyst, Prior's injury problems were largely derived from his arm action. More specifically, they were due to Prior's Inverted W arm action,[27] in which he lifted his elbows above and behind the level of his shoulders, with the forearm pointing down. According to O'Leary, this created a timing problem that placed an undue stress on the muscles and ligaments of the shoulder and elbow because the arm got up to the "cocked position" too late.[28]
Similarly, Dick Mills, a former major league pitcher and co-author of The Science and Art of Baseball Pitching and Pitching.com, speculated that Prior's injuries were a result of a movement known as scapular loading. Scapular loading is a movement in which a pitcher's shoulder blades are pinched together and elbows are taken behind, and sometimes above, their shoulders. The idea that scapular loading is dangerous has been disputed by some in the field of athletic training.[citation needed]
After becoming a professional baseball player, Prior continued his education on a part-time basis and received a business degree from the USC Marshall School of Business in 2004.[29]
- ^ "Prior claims Howser Trophy". Wilmington Morning Star. Associated Press. June 9, 2001. p. 4C. Retrieved October 1, 2012.
- ^ "Prior wins Golden Spikes Award". The Beaver County Times. December 11, 2001. p. B7. Retrieved August 5, 2012.
- ^ http://testupgrade-pac12.xosdigital.com/ABOUT/News/Pac12News/tabid/905/Article/17130/mark-prior-wins-2001-rotary-smith-award.aspx
- ^ "Twins patient to draft Mauer". Freewebs.com. Retrieved 2010-09-03.
- ^ Bill Ladson / MLB.com (August 17, 2009). "Nats come to terms with top pick Strasburg". Mlb.mlb.com. Retrieved 2010-09-03.
- ^ Lederer, Rich (April 16, 2007). "Prior and Wood: Dusty Track Records". The Baseball Analysts. Retrieved 2010-09-03.
- ^ Friedell, Nick (September 3, 2009). "Did Dusty Baker learn nothing from Mark Prior and Kerry Wood? - Big League Stew - MLB - Yahoo! Sports". Sports.yahoo.com. Retrieved 2010-09-03.
- ^ "ESPN - Cubs, Prior agree to one-year deal - MLB". Sports.espn.go.com. January 31, 2007. Retrieved 2010-09-03.
- ^ Anderson, Steve (2002). "Blading for real: Dr. James Andrewsthe surgeon to the superstarstalks about how he puts all your favorite wrestlers back together again". Wrestling Digest.[dead link]
- ^ "ESPN - Prior out for season after shoulder surgery - MLB". Sports.espn.go.com. April 27, 2007. Retrieved 2010-09-03.
- ^ "MLB - Padres add Prior to pitching mix". ESPN. December 26, 2007. Retrieved July 21, 2010.
- ^ "Padres agree to terms on Minor League contracts with Prior, Burke". Sandiego.padres.mlb.com. Retrieved 2010-09-03.
- ^ Chris Burke (January 13, 2009). "San Diego Padres agree to deals with RHP Mark Prior, INF". ESPN. Retrieved July 21, 2010.
- ^ "June's latest MLB news and notes - MLB News - FOX Sports on MSN". Msn.foxsports.com. June 30, 2010. Retrieved 2010-09-03.
- ^ "Mark Prior workout "just alright"". Digitalsportsdaily.com. July 1, 2010. Retrieved July 21, 2010.
- ^ Spencer Fordin (August 3, 2010). "Prior signs independent league contract". MLB. Retrieved August 3, 2010.
- ^ "Rangers agree with Mark Prior". Sports.espn.go.com. September 3, 2010. Retrieved 2013-03-05.
- ^ Henson, Steve (August 30, 2010). "Former phenom Prior is pitching to be noticed - MLB - Yahoo! Sports". Sports.yahoo.com. Retrieved 2010-09-03.
- ^ "Prior signs one-year deal with Yankees | MLB.com: News". Mlb.mlb.com. June 19, 2012. Retrieved 2013-03-05.
- ^ "Eric Chavez, Eduardo Nunez make Yankees' roster | yankees.com: News". Newyork.yankees.mlb.com. Retrieved 2013-03-05.
- ^ "Yankees promote Mark Prior to Triple-A … and put him on DL | HardballTalk". Hardballtalk.nbcsports.com. April 20, 2011. Retrieved 2013-03-05.
- ^ Yellon, Al (May 2, 2012). "Mark Prior Signs With Boston Red Sox - Baseball Nation". Mlb.sbnation.com. Retrieved 2013-03-05.
- ^ "Boston Red Sox sign Mark Prior to minor league deal - ESPN Boston". Espn.go.com. May 3, 2012. Retrieved 2013-03-05.
- ^ @unexpectedbass (August 18, 2012). "Mark Prior Released By Pawtucket". Over the Monster. Retrieved 2013-03-05.
- ^ "Ex-Cubs phenom Mark Prior retires". ESPN.com. 10 December 2013. Retrieved 11 December 2013.
- ^ Couch, Greg (2002). "Cubs' Mark Prior has all the ingredients to be a winner: blessed with the tools to succeed, former first round draft pick must learn from his experiences to master the art of pitching in big leagues - 'Can't-Miss' Phenom? | Baseball Digest | Find Articles at BNET". Findarticles.com. Retrieved July 21, 2010.
- ^ "Inverted W". Chrisoleary.com. July 26, 2007. Retrieved 2010-09-03.
- ^ "Mark Prior's Pitching Mechanics: A Different Perspective". Chrisoleary.com. Retrieved July 21, 2010.
- ^ Muskat, Carrie (14 May 2004). "Notes: Prior gets business degree". MLB.com. Retrieved 11 December 2013.
External links
- Career statistics and player information from MLB, or ESPN, or Baseball-Reference, or Fangraphs, or The Baseball Cube, or Baseball-Reference (Minors)
Template:Pacific-12 Conference Baseball Pitcher of the Year navbox


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No Man's Sky is finally getting a major update soon. Hello Games have just announced the 'Foundation Update' on their website. The update will feature base-building and will set the stage for further updates.
A release window for this update has yet to be announced and more details for the patch will be coming soon. Hello Games have stated that this will not be the games "biggest update, but it is the start of something."
Hello Games also commented on the criticism that No Man's Sky has been receiving since launch, stating that "The discussion around No Man's Sky since release has been intense and dramatic," and that the team "have been quiet, but we are listening and focusing on improving the game that our team loves and feels so passionately about."
"Positive or negative feedback, you have been heard and that will truly help to make this a better game for everyone."
It has been stated by Hello Games that the upcoming 'Foundation Update' is a step toward winning back some of the fans they have lost since the game launched back in August. This new update will be the first update the game has received since the 24th of September.

subset: commoncrawl


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Mission Statement: To protect, preserve and restore the Brooklyn Creek Watershed through community stewardship and education.
- Ecological: our ecological values are represented in our logo. BCWS projects and activities focus on native terrestrial and aquatic animal and plant species within the Watershed.
- Economic: BCWS strives to maximize all financial, material and volunteer resources provided and ensures these resources are accounted for.
- Social: The BCWS is committed to the promotion of the diverse social values within the Watershed and ensures ongoing maintenance for future generations.


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National Bank of Georgia (NBG) and China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission have signed a memorandum on cooperation. The memorandum was signed by NBG vice president Murtaz Kikoria and Zhu Shumin, vice president of China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission. Under the memorandum, the partiers have agreed to ensure information …Read More »
Daily Archives: October 15, 2018
We should Better Use Potential of Georgian Embassies for Attracting Investments
Georgia should employ the potential of its embassies abroad to draw more investments to the country, Nona Mamulashvili, president of Georgia-Swiss Business Association, told BM.Ge when appraising the institute of commercial attaches. The president of Georgia-Swiss Business Association thinks that the potential of Georgian embassies should be used more effectively …Read More »
HUAWEI's Innovative Smartphones – Shoot the Best Moments
The World in Vivid Colours – this is a key inspiring idea of cellular phones manufacturing companies. AI technologies have brought entirely new standards in mobile photography. In this respect, smartphone manufacturing companies care more for the customer's comfort and try to embody absolutely innovative features into their devices. In …Read More »
Regional Innovations Center to be Build in Kaspi
Regional Innovations Center will be build in Kaspi. According to the tender announced by the Municipal Development Fund, the estimated cost of procurement is 2 156 093 GEL. The project is funded by the European Investment Bank (EIB).Read More »
Rehabilitation of Romanov Palace and Likani Historical Complex begins
Rehabilitation of Romanov Palace and Likani Historical Complex begins – "Partnership Fund" presented the project at the territory of the Likani complex on Friday. The purpose of the complex rehabilitation is to create a large-scale tourist location on the territory of the Likani complex. "For the first time, the Palace …Read More »
MMP International Forum to be held in Tbilisi to Promote Business Tourism
The National Tourism Administration is trying to develop business tourism in Georgia. For this purpose, the International Forum for MMP – Hotel Hotels & Preference will be held on October 19 in Tbilisi. Head of National Tourism Administration Giorgi Chogovadze will open the forum. MMP Forum (MEETING MICE PROFESSIONALS) is …Read More »
Exports Grow, Imports Decline in September
In September exports increased and imports declined. Consequently, negative trade balance has been improved. According to official statistics, in September exports made up 301.7 million USD, imports constituted 711.4 million USD. The negative trade balance made up 409.7 million USD, up 82.6 million USD. As to the January-September indicators, Georgia's …Read More »
EU, in Partnership with UNDP, Promotes Youth Engagement in Rural Development
More then 150 young people from five municipalities of Ajara Autonomous Republic took part in the Youth Forum on 14 October 2018 that focused on the youth leadership in rural areas. Aiming to boost the role of young people in rural development, the Youth Forum provided its participant with the …Read More »
Gurjaani Wine Festival Featured Products of 80 Wine Cellars and Companies
Gurjaani Wine Festival was held in the frames of Georgian wine days "Gvinobistve 2018", featuring 80 wines, family and small wine cellar product, chacha and other drinks. The festival was attended by the Minister of Environment Protection and Agriculture of Georgia Levan Davitashvili and local government representatives. According to the …Read More »
Levan Davitashvili: Georgian Wine Festival is Celebration of Successful Vintage
Georgian Wine Festival 2018 " was opened by the Minister of Environment Protection and Agriculture of Georgia, Levan Davitashvili. The festival is held on Shardeni, Sioni Street. According to Levan Davitashvili, wine festival in October has become a tradition. "Within the framework of the wine festival, various activities are held …Read More »
Financial Institutions Receive 4 610.9 million GEL Incomes
A total of 2379 financial entities were operating in 2017 and their declared incomes made up 4610.9 million GEL. According to Geostat, national statistics service of Georgia, the bulk of these incomes (74%) comprises interest and related yields, 10.4% comprises commission fees and the remaining 15.6% came from other incomes. …Read More »
International Day of Rural Women
The United Nations' (UN) International Day of Rural Women celebrates and honors the role of rural women on October 15 each year. It recognizes rural women's importance in enhancing agricultural and rural development worldwide. International Day of Rural Women will be celebrated in Telavi, alongside with the first regional presentation …Read More »


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Events of 24 June in numbers:
The police caught five people and took another eight to various police stations in Hajdú-Bihar County on 24 June 2017.
Five perpetrators were caught in the act of committing crimes and four people were taken to police stations as suspects. Security arrangements were made in eleven cases.
There was one traffic accident that resulted in minor injuries.
Source: debreceninap.hu


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This is an answer to Umi Sufira's Question..
"how to make a search box" :)
Simple je..
I actually followed from here
But to make things simpler...
Here's how..
Log in to your account..
Find Layout..
Click Page Element..
Add a Gadget..
Click Add HTML
now, you can write anything as the Title.. (Search This Blog etc..)
and the code is this:
SO, just edit the bold and itallic ones..
start with your blog URL..
The name of your blog..
Size (30 is quite long.. 20 is just nice)
Hit It! (if nak tukar kepada "Search Now" pun boleh..)
SO, once you have edited all those things, just save it! :)
DOne! hope it helps ya!
*Oh ya, Tips for new blogger website really helps me a lot during those times.. time saya baru mula-mula belajar edit layout.. :)


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Massage has innumerable benefits, it works mainly on two levels, physiological and psychological.
Regardless of who you are, a sports person or just doing your usual work sitting at a desk all day long, everyone will have immense benefits in including sports massage into their lives. Sports massage as the name suggests is an excellent form of massage for people involved in any kind of physical activity.
More Active
Maintains Blood Pressure
Removes waste
can be pretty agonizing.
Fully Effective
Trigger Point Therapy:
This type of therapy focuses on trigger points or tight areas in the muscle tissue that causes distress in different regions of the body. This massage reduces pain through repeated, isolated cycles of pressure and release of the trigger points.
Deep tissue massage
Deep tissue massage: This is just like Swedish massage however here deeper pressure will be given on chronic muscle tensions. Muscle tissue, ligaments and defensive layers encompassing muscles, bones and joints are focused which helps in getting to the core of your problem.
Myofascial Release
(Myo: muscle, fascia: connective tissue) is a safe and very effective hands-on technique that provides sustained and gentle pressure into myofascial restrictions to eliminate pain and restore motion by relaxing the deep tissue of the body providing lasting and effective pain relief.
PNF stretching is a more advanced form of flexibility training that involves both the stretching and contraction of the muscle group being targeted.
PNF stretching is a very effective form of rehabilitation, It is also excellent for targeting specific muscle groups, and as well as increasing flexibility, it also improves muscular strength.
When should you get a sports massage?
With such clear benefits from sports massage such as increase circulation, speedy recovery, prevention from injury, and many more, you shouldn't wait to get one. A proper Sports massage program can enhance your performance and endurance and muscle flexibility. With regular Sports massage, you will notice a change in your physical pattern and recovery time.
Sports massage is an excellent form of massage if you have a certain specific problem in your body, where the massage can be directed at and tailored to your needs.
Athlete or non-athlete we all do some form of physical work every day, and there's no harm being prepared for it.


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- Rebecca St. Goar
- UC Foundation Professor of Music, Applied Voice
- Department of Performing Arts
- DMA Vocal Performance and Pedagogy, University of Southern Mississippi (1981), MM Vocal Performance, University of Southern Mississippi (1977), BS Education, Concord College (1975)
- firstname.lastname@example.com
- www.rebeccastgoar.com
- (423) 425-4596
- (423) 425-4603
- 210 Cadek Hall
Dr. Rebecca Tate St. Goar, UC Foundation Professor, has been teaching at UTC since 1982. She received both the Doctorate of Vocal Performance and Master of Music from the University of Southern Mississippi and her Bachelor of Science in Music Education from Concord College. She has studied with master teachers Florence Kopleff, Martial Singher, Isabel Penagos, Patricia Hays and James Fleming.
With the Chattanooga Symphony and Opera, she has performed Siebel in Faust, Cherubino in Marriage of Figaro and the mezzo solo in Prokofiev's Alexander Nevsky. Other significant roles include Rosina with the Nashville Opera and Ramiro in Mozart's La Finta Giardinara at the Music Academy of West. Dr. St. Goar was a Fellow at the Bach Aria Institute in New York. Twentieth century endeavors have included Schoenberg's Pierrot Luniare, Crumb's Ancient Voices of Children, a premiere of both Peter Temko's Still Voices and Jan Swaford's Iphigenia, and Jonathan McNair's A Divine Image.
Dr. St Goar has twice been a national finalist in the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) Artist Auditions. She is a former winner of the Palmai-Tenser Competition of the Mobile Opera, placed second in the Mu Phi Epsilon International Competition, and has been a regional finalist in the Metropolitan Opera Auditions.
Dr. St. Goar has received several grants to study Alexander Technique and the Estill Voice System. Dr. St. Goar has a special interest in training singers to do different styles of singing including classical technique, but also musical theatre, belting, jazz and other contemporary styles without injury to the vocal instrument. She is a frequent adjudicator for competitions including Metropolitan auditions, NATS Artist auditions, and the MTNA State auditions.


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In ancient Roman religion, the god Consus was the protector of grains. He was represented by a grain seed.[1] His altar (ara)[2] was located at the first meta of the Circus Maximus.[3] It was either underground, or according to other sources, covered with earth, which was swept off during the two Consualia, his festivals on August 21 and December 15 and on July 7 when the pontiffs held a sacrifice there.[4] He was thus a chthonic god.[5] The Flamen Quirinalis and the Vestals officiated at his rites.[6]
The etymology of the name Consus is uncertain. It may be of Etruscan or Sabine origin. In the allegorical etymology[7] of antiquity, the name was related to the Latin verb conserere, "to sow," as was the title of the goddess Ops as Consivia or Consiva. The late Republican theologian Varro said that the Consualia were named for Consus.[8] Georges Dumézil[9] and G. Capdeville consider verb condere, to store, to be the best etymology: Consus would be an archaic verbal noun denoting the action of storing grain. Capdeville states that Consus cannot be related to conserere and adjective consivius and advances the hypothesis that condere might have to be taken in the meaning of to found.[10]
The festivals of Ops (Opiconsivia or Opalia) followed his closely, being held every August 25 and December 19, at the time of reaping and the seeding of crops.
Consus became a god associated with secret conferences, as his name was also interpreted allegorically in relation to consilium ("council, assembly"). Servius says that Consus is the god of councils.[11] This fact stems from the role played by Consus in the abduction of the Sabine women, which took place on the occasion of the Consualia aestiva and was considered to have been advised by the god himself. Moreover, Tertullian relates that on one of the metae of the circus maximus an inscription read: "Consus consilio, Mars duello, Lares coillo po[tentes".[12] which may be archaic considering co[v]illo and external factors. This is close to hide too cf. abdere, (abs)condere. This derivation is certain, but on the other hand, as De Vaan[13] writes on the etymology of consilium, it is very uncertain whence consulere-solere, the head word, comes, although very probably not from con-sideo. The ancient sources were very fond of the connection Consus-consilium, Festus included. This power of hidden counselling held by Consus seems to be related to the concept expressed by Dionysius and Plutarch that he is the "holder" of the Earth, an idea that makes of him a parallel to Poseidon. So although it is certain that condere and consulere are from two different roots, it looks the character of Consus as hidden master of the Earth was at the basis of the identification with Poseidon, as well as the strict affinity of the two gods with the horse.
According to G. Capdeville, it was a customary event that games were held at the foundation of a new settlement. These were connected with rituals that included athletic games such as footraces and marriage games along with invitations to settle in the new town: he mentions the instances of Caeculus at Praeneste and other in Crete (Dreros, Hierapytna, Praisos, Lytto, Cnossos). These events had all a religious meaning. In Crete as well as in Rome it looks the god involved was Vulcan (Bελχάνος), i.e. the Cretan Great God, later interpreted as Zeus. In Rome the relationship of Vulcan with Consus is apparent in the dates of their festivals and the fact that the flamen volcanalis officiated at the Kalends of May the sacrifice to Bona Dea.
Consus is perhaps to be identified with "Equestrian Neptune" (Neptunus Equestris). Mule or horse races were the main event of the festival.[3] During the festival horses and mules were garlanded with flowers, and given a rest from work.[3] This fact is ascribed by Capdeville to the fact that Poseidon was the successor of the unknown god of the Arcadian Hippocrateia mentioned by Dionysius of Halicarnassus, who himself was perhaps the successor of a horse god.[14] A close connection of Consus with the two Pales and of both with the horse looks apparent.[15]
- ^ https://www.thecolchesterarchaeologist.co.uk/?p=16928 Missing or empty
- ^ Michael Lipka, Roman Gods: A Conceptual Approach (Brill, 2009), p. 42.
- ^ a b c Aldington, Richard; Ames, Delano (1968). New Larousse Encyclopedia of Mythology. Yugoslavia: The Hamlyn Publishing Group Limited, 209.
- ^ Tertullian De Spectaculis V 7.
- ^ Lipka, Roman Gods, p. 42.
- ^ Lipka, Roman Gods, p. 57, citing Tertullian, De spectaculis 5.7.
- ^ On which in general see Davide Del Bello, Forgotten Paths: Etymology and the Allegorical Mindset (Catholic University of America Press, 2007).
- ^ Varro, De lingua latina 6.20: Consualia dicta a Consus.
- ^ G. Dumézil La religione romana arcaica Milano 1977 p. 241.
- ^ G. Capdeville "Les épithètes cultuelles de Janus" in MEFRA 85 2 1973 p . 434; "Jeux athletiques et rituels de fondation" Publications de l' École Française de Rome 1993 p. 177 n. 140.
- ^ Servius, note to Aeneid 8.636: Consus autem deus est consiliorum.
- ^ "De Spectaculis" V 7.
- ^ M. De Vaan Etymological Dictionary of Latin and Italic Languages Leyden 2010 s. v.
- ^ "Jeux athletiques et rituels de fondation" Publications de l' École Française de Rome 1993 p. 178 n. 141.
- ^ Above p. 180 n. 149 also citing G. Dumézil article on the mare Viśpala of the RgVeda in Eranos 1956.


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35,000 children have been successfully treated for malnutrition; the number of children treated yearly is dropping due to lessening demand.
10 separate agricultural programs have been successfully implemented to teach sustainable practices and to provide food and a source of income to over 1,500 families.
70 Haitian CFFL graduates are currently using in their respective vocations and in their communities; all students belong to the first generation in their families to receive a formal education.
Learn More
Find out more about our work by keeping up with our blog.Read Our Blog


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OLATHE, Kan. (AP) _ Jurors who convicted a white supremacist of killing three people at Jewish sites in suburban Kansas City will now hear more evidence before deciding whether to recommend a death sentence.
The penalty phase of Frazier Glenn Miller Jr.'s trial gets started Tuesday after jurors convicted him Monday of capital murder and five other charges in the August 2014 shooting rampage.
The 74-year-old man from Aurora, Missouri, may be permitted to present some evidence about his beliefs that he was barred from discussing during the guilt phase of the trial. He is acting as his own attorney.
Miller's standby attorney, Mark Manna, said Miller had witnesses coming in throughout the week, including relatives, a veteran with whom Miller served in Vietnam and two experts on the cost of the death penalty.


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Mountain biking has never featured prominently on the list of Coromandel Peninsula must-do's, but thanks to a few dedicated and passionate local mountain bikers, that's all changed.
On the doorstep of three major cities, The Coromandel has a reputation as a playground for those who love to fish, dive, surf, hunt or hike. You can now add mountain biking to that list!
About Us
Find out more about the Thames Mountain Bike Club and our new trails.
Become a Member
Join today to enjoy the benefits of being a Thames Mountain Bike Club member.
Photo Gallery
See all our latest photos and check out our progress photos from the building of the trails to people just getting out there & enjoying it.


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Traveling Safely With Type 2 Diabetes
Safe travels with type 2 diabetes can be in your future with smart pre-planning. Use these tips to make managing type 2 diabetes easy when you're away from home.
"Have type 2 diabetes, will travel" can be your motto if you plan carefully to ensure your safety throughout your trip. Traveling can disrupt your regular diabetes management routine, but with some advance preparation you can stay healthy and enjoy your vacation — whether you're getting away for the weekend or traveling abroad. The key is to tailor your planning to where you're going and the length of time you'll be away.
If you're planning a longer trip or a trip abroad and you're not a seasoned traveler, take a test run, says Tami Ross, RD, LD, CDE, past president of the American Association of Diabetes Educators and author of What Do I Eat Now? A Step-by-Step Guide to Eating Right With Type 2 Diabetes. "Go away for the weekend and see what went well and what you need to do differently for a bigger trip."
Pre-Travel Checklist
Seasoned traveler or not, you'll want to check off all the boxes on this to-do list:
Get the OK from your doctor. Make an appointment with your doctor to be sure your type 2 diabetes is under control. Give yourself enough time before your departure date in case your doctor wants to adjust your medications and see if the changes are working well before your trip. If you're traveling abroad and need immunizations, get them at least a month in advance in case you have a reaction and need time to recover, the American Diabetes Association advises. Research doctors and hospitals at your destination should you need them during your trip, Ross says.
Get a written copy of your type 2 diabetes care plan. Ask your doctor for a letter that details your type 2 diabetes treatment plan along with duplicate prescriptions for your medications. Both will be invaluable in case of an emergency.
Wear a medical ID tag. In an emergency, such as a severe episode of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), an ID bracelet or necklace will alert medical personnel of your type 2 diabetes.
Research healthy food options at your destination. Look for restaurants that post their menus online so you can choose wisely or call ahead to see if the chef will accommodate special meal requests. Almost every restaurant is willing to serve gravy, sauces, and dressings on the side. If you're taking a cruise or heading to a resort, find out if you can request diabetes-friendly foods in advance.
Packing Supplies
To avoid spending your vacation searching for a drugstore, follow these tips for packing wisely:
Do a double take. "Take twice as many supplies as you think you'll need," says Rose Mader, RN, CDE, of the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. This way, you won't run out if your trip gets extended unexpectedly. "Extra travel supplies won't go to waste," she says. Simply take the extras home with you.
Keep your supplies close at hand. Pack your type 2 diabetes supplies in a carry-on bag so you have easy access to them at all times, particularly on your way to and from your destination. You don't want to put these supplies in checked luggage that could get lost or delayed, Mader says.
Place your type 2 diabetes supplies in a separate pouch. If you're flying, you can take insulin and other medical liquids that are more than 3.4 ounces on board a commercial airplane, but you'll need to remove them from your carry-on bag during airport security screenings to show them to officials. Check the Transportation Security Administration website for the latest information about traveling with medications before your departure, Mader says.
Pack for safety and comfort. Also include:
- Glucose tablets and an emergency glucagon kit for low blood sugar
- Healthy snacks, such as peanut butter crackers and protein bars, in case a meal is delayed and you must eat on a schedule
- An extra pair of comfortable shoes: "You may be doing extra walking when you travel, and you want to be sure you don't get blisters," Mader says.
Traveling Safety Tips
Take these additional precautions for safe travel with type 2 diabetes:
Alert those traveling with you. Loved ones may already know how to respond if you have a diabetic emergency, but if you're traveling with a more casual acquaintance or a group of people you don't know, be sure to tell your companion or group leader that you have type 2 diabetes and explain the signs of low blood sugar and how to treat it, Mader says. "You need to set up community support around you," she says.
Account for time changes. If you'll be crossing time zones, you may need to revise your type 2 diabetes medication schedule. "If you go east, the day is shorter. If you go west, the day is longer," Ross says. "Talk with your doctor before you leave about the best times to take your medication when shortening or lengthening the day."
Check your blood sugar more frequently when away. If you'll be trying new foods or eating differently than you do at home, check your blood sugar 90 minutes after you eat. "You'll have a better idea how your travel diet affects your blood sugar and what adjustments you may need to make to your medications," Ross says.


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Manitoba groups step up to help victims of deadly Beirut explosion
Lebanese army soldiers stand guard in front of destroyed ships at the scene where an explosion hit on Tuesday the seaport of Beirut, Lebanon, Thursday, Aug. 6, 2020. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla)
WINNIPEG -- Groups across the world and in Winnipeg are stepping up to help support Beirut after a deadly explosion.
The explosion rocked the Lebanese capital Tuesday, killing more than 130 people, wounding thousands of others, and blasted buildings across the city.
In the aftermath of the explosion as crews continue to search the rubble in Beirut, here in the province the Manitoba Islamic Association has started collecting donations for the Lebanon Relief-effort Fund.
The Islamic Association says it is working closely with the local Lebanese community and establishing charities operating in Lebanon to direct donations to support the victims of the tragedy.
"I'm appealing to all of them to come and be generous and giving and give as much as you can – nothing is too small, nothing is too big an amount," said Abdo Eltassi of the Manitoba Islamic Association. "The amount is very important. We have to stand in solidarity with all Lebanese."
Eltassi said the association will match up to $5,000 in donations.
The association is not alone. A Winnipeg café is stepping up to help as well.
The Yafa Café on Portage Avenue posted on Facebook saying its thoughts and prayers are with the people of Lebanon.
It said it will donate 50 per cent of its sales for the week to the Lebanese Red Cross.
More information about the two groups' fundraisers can be found online at the Lebanese Red Cross and the Manitoba Islamic Association.


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2K Games launched a DLC-bundled Complete Edition of Firaxis' life-consuming strategy game Civilization 5 today, serving up a meaty collection of expansions and map packs alongside the core Civ 5 experience.
Civilization 5: The Complete Edition includes the previously released Gods & Kings and Brave New World expansion packs, along with every add-on map pack released for the game to date. Featured content includes the Explorer's Map Pack, a trio of Civilization and Scenario Pack add-ons, and several entries in the Cradle of Civilization series of playable maps.
The compilation also includes the new Conquest of the New World Deluxe Scenario, which challenges players to relive Christopher Columbus's 1492 voyage across the Atlantic. The Deluxe Scenario is available as a free upgrade to players who previously purchased the Brave New World expansion pack on Steam, and will be bundled with all Brave New World purchases going forward.
[Image: 2K Games]


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Who was/is Sister Hazel ? - CDs, Vinyl LPs, DVD and more
Sister Hazel
The band was formed in Gainesville, Florida, 1993 under the name of a famous Gainesville citizen, an Afroamerican woman who founded 'Sister Hazel's Rescue Mission' in the 1970s against any kind of racism. Their music is basically solid Southern Rock paired with either modern Pop, Blues or Funk or even acoustic.
The first two albums ('Sister Hazel', 1994 and 'Somewhere More Familiar', 1996) were self-produced but their immense success was followed soon by a contract with Universal Records. A year and a half later they switched contracts and went to Rock Ridge Music, a small independent label to get back the band's self-control over their productions.


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don't ask about love
casual sex is the consolation you get when you can't have love
'Darling, may I ask you a question?'
'Of course, ask me anything…..'
'Have you ever been really in love?'
'Like, in love, who with?'
'Me, for a start…..'
'Not really, not ever…..'
He took away the keys to her German sports car right after that.
She poisoned his designer coffee.
jack collier
never trust a woman who smokes in the bedroom
Islamic Terrorism Escalates
Terrorism is a significant threat to peace and security.
In some places I could be prosecuted for a hate crime, or at least be accused of racism, for even using the term Islamic Terrorism. The simple fact is, the number of unspeakable acts of violence perpetrated by Muslims purporting to support Radical Islamic organisations such as ISIS / Daesh, has increased exponentially in recent months. It's terrorism, done by Muslims, and just lately a lot of innocent men, women, and children have died because of it. The Muslim Terrorists are proud of what they do, and have no sympathy for the people they kill and maim.
Whether most Muslims are peaceable is irrelevant. The fact is that fanatics rule Islam now and act-out what the Qur'an truly says… maul, march, murder every infidel if they won't convert. ~ Gary Patton
Since the horrific events in Paris on Friday November 13th 2015, when 130 people were killed, there have been terror attacks right across Europe, America, and the Middle East. These terribly memorable events go on, and on, and on.
On 19th December 2016 a truck was driven into crowds of innocent shoppers at the Christmas Market in Berlin.
On Wednesday March 22nd 2017, an SUV raced through pedestrians walking across Westminster Bridge in London, before crashing into the gates of the Houses of Parliament.
On Saturday April 8th 2017, a hijacked heavy truck was deliberately driven through a crowd of pedestrians, including young children in Stockholm, before crashing into a department store.
The left-leaning, and ever so tolerant, Metropolitan Liberal Elite keep to their mantra that Muslims are not terrorists. Tell that to the families of those killed in the Twin Towers, the Pentagon, and aboard the four hijacked airliners on September 11th 2001.
Or come to London and tell that to the families of those killed and maimed on Public Transport on July 7th 2005.
It's not just in Europe and North America that Muslims kill the Kafir. Yesterday, Sunday April 9th 2017, Palm Sunday, two bombs exploded in Chuches in Egypt. Many Muslims in Egypt and all across the Middle East hate their own Coptic Christian minority populations just as much as they hate other Christians. Egypt is a popular tourist destination, but the whole country is quite dangerous, up to and including your flight out of it.
The list of terror attacks committed by Muslim extremists goes on, and on, and on. Civilised Peoples cannot ever appease extremist religious terrorists, we cannot negotiate with extremist religious terrorists, and we can never win their hearts and minds.
Right now, there are some places in the world I would not like to visit, unless my trip was essential. Among these countries are; Turkey, Syria, Israel, Jordan, Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, and the soft tourist target of Morocco. If I was unfortunate enough to have a non-essential trip booked to any part of the Middle East, I would seriously reconsider my options. Going on a vacation isn't worth risking my health and life on a bad bet. Neither would I be keen on travel to Berlin, Brussels, or Stockholm for a while. At the moment I would only go into parts of Central London if I had to.
This world has always been a dangerous place. I am afraid that it's becoming more and more dangerous by the hour.
Let's all be careful out there.
jack collier
Make Your Overseas Trip Safe
The world is a dangerous place. Travel is dangerous. Overseas travel is very dangerous.
I've been to more countries and more cities than most people ~ both on business and as part of my personal vacation time. From food poisoning in Paris, to being propositioned by a transexual hooker in Moscow, to being held up at gunpoint in Nassau, I've had my share of unpleasant excitement overseas.
Here is some of the soundest advice I can offer, which will hopefully reduce the dangers of travel to the far-flung parts of the world.
Avoid the Mosquito. There is a big chunk of the planet where this annoying little insect will wake you at night with its manic high-pitched buzzing. By the time you hear it the damn thing will already have tasted your blood. If you are mildly allergic to the mosquito you will get a blister where it's bitten you. If you are bitten by the wrong mosquito it can be a lot worse than an unslightly blister. Much in the news is the Zika virus, which can shrink babies' brains in the womb. This virus is now endemic in 24 countries, mostly in Central and South America. You know what? The Zika virus isn't so bad, unless you're a pregnant woman all you'll get from Zika is a light fever. Much, much, nastier diseases spread by the mosquito include; a half-dozen types of encephalitis, dengue fever, malaria, black water fever, rift valley fever and yellow fever.
The map shows the areas in which the mosquito carries yellow fever, but one can be bitten by the damn insects anywhere from Italy to India. What I didn't know is that one can get yellow fever and the Zika virus in California.
Avoid All Animals. Rabies is endemic in many parts of the world. Trust me, you do not want to get rabies. Don't go near dogs anywhere, even a friend's dog is not safe. Bats, cyotes, skunks and foxes also carry rabies. The most likely animal you will get rabies from is your local raccoon. Almost all wild animals can give you all kinds of deadly infections and most wild animals can kill you. Even supposedly 'tame' animals can easily kill you, especially a 'tame' elephant can kill you without even breaking sweat.
Avoid Africa. From Algeria to Zimbabwe all African countries are deadly dangerous. The whole continent should be avoided by anyone who does not actively seek stupid risks. You can suffer every sort of crime anywhere in Afrca from being ripped-off to being sexually assaulted, raped and / or murdered. There is terrorism, revolution and all-out wars going on across half of Africa. Africa is also filled with lethal wildlife and worse diseases.
Don't Go To India. I've been to India, it's backward and mostly lawless. Just do not even think about going there. India is a shocking place. 'Foreign' women are always in serious danger in India, even if they are accompanied by a man. If you go to India you will become very ill, sooner rather than later. Indian cities are as crowded as an ants' nest, which is disturbing to Western eyes.
Be Careful Of Local Food and Water. If you do go to India or Africa you will get sick, probably from either drinking the local water or eating local food. In the third world even bottled water cannot be trusted, it could actually have come from a faucet in a dirty kitchen. 'Delhi Belly' isn't a joke. Local street food may look interesting and fun, but a few days laid up vomiting and crapping your guts out is no fun at all. In the third world only eat at your hotel, and only drink light beer or gin and tonic ~ be wary of the ice…
Do Not Go Out Alone At Night. Especially if you are female, Do Not Go Out Alone At Night. This applies everywhere from London to Los Angeles. You may think you are a brave and independent feminist ~ in reality you are a potential victim, prey for criminally unscrupulous, violent, and sexually active males.
Do Not Have Casual Sex. Only bastards and sluts travel to have casual sex. Especially do not have sex with a local ~ sexually transmitted diseases are very unfunny. (You can easily contract Zika and several other parasitic and viral diseases from unprotected sex.) And, Never Ever Pay For Sex when you are overseas ~ excepting in Amsterdam. If you are a woman just don't be a loose slut unless you want to suffer anything from forced marriage to murder. Sexually available and morally lax women and girls are asking for really serious grief in every part of the world. Acting like a tart will get you into trouble whether you are male or female.
Avoid Central and South America. From the United States / Mexican Border south to Cape Horn the whole of Central and South America is a violently dangerous, drugs ridden, shit-hole. You are in danger of robbery, rape, and murder anywhere in Central and South America. If you don't speak fluent Spanish / Portuguese then forget it. If you do go there do not leave your hotel unescorted and do not get separated from your properly organised tour. All that is in addition to the danger of being bitten by some virulently infections bug or animal.
Do Not Get Drunk. Getting drunk in a place you don't know is incredibly dangerous. If you get drunk you are at risk of everything from robbery to rape. Do not take illegal drugs, you may get arrested, or you may die. Also, do not gamble, do not lose your temper, and Never, Ever, argue with a uniformed official. Take notice of the advice given by the Foreign Office and State Department. Make damn certain you have all the appropriate documentation for the countries you are visiting. Make certain you have proper travel insurance. Make certain you have more than enough cash and credit on your plastic. Watch the news and don't turn up in a country that's just had a natural disaster. Make very certain you have had all the myriad of injections you need for whichever disease-ridden hell-hole you're visiting.
The more adventurous and younger travellers may ignore some or all of this advice. In which case ~ Good Luck. Personally, and these days, I will only ever visit Western Europe and the various countries of the English Speaking World. I especially like California, where my favourite thing is to take a long road trip.


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Election officials in Zambia said Saturday that Edgar Lungu had narrowly won the country's presidential race. His rival, however, charged that the election had been "stolen."
The election commission said Lungu, of the ruling Patriotic Front, won 48.3 percent of the vote. Hakainde Hichilema of the United Party for National Development (UPND) finished second with 46.7 percent.
The election was triggered by the death in October of President Michael Sata. Vice President Guy Scott, who has served as acting president, was ineligible to run for the top office because his parents were not born in Zambia. He is the son of Scottish parents.
Lungu, who heads Zambia's justice and defense ministries, will serve out Sata's term until elections next year. He said he wanted to complete economic development projects Sata initiated.
The voting began January 20 but was extended because of heavy rains in some areas. Turnout was light at around 32 percent, blamed in part on the bad weather, but observers told the Reuters news agency the election was fair.
Hichilema, however, alleged the election was "stolen" and did not reflect the will of the people. He said Lungu would be an "illegitimate president" if sworn in.
The UPND had earlier called on the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) to verify all results of the election, citing what it said was evidence of voter irregularities.
Canisius Banda, deputy president of the UPND in charge of politics, said the verification had to be done in the presence of all the political parties, stakeholders and the independent election monitoring groups to ensure the winner represents the will of the people.
"We have evidence that this election has been rigged. There are gross irregularities, which the Electoral Commission of Zambia itself is aware of and has admitted that a number of results had been adulterated by people they don't know. But we know the people. Some of them are workers within the Electoral Commission of Zambia," Banda said.
The ECZ is the only body that's constitutionally mandated to organize and declare the winners of elections.
Banda said the election results being released by the ECZ should not stand.
"We have engaged the Electoral Commission of Zambia that for the sake of the growth and maturity of democracy, for the sake of national unity and peace, we must verify the results thoroughly — all the results," Banda said.
Zambia's electoral law stipulates that any political party that disputes the outcome of the election can petition the Supreme Court within 14 days of the declaration of the final results of the vote.
But Banda said the UPND would not wait to legally challenge the outcome.
"We want the verification to be done first. The winner must only be declared after the verification. We do not want to go to court after the declaration — that would be a waste of time," said Banda.
The electoral commission routinely provides all political parties with verified results as part of its transparency policies.
Banda said the electoral commission has room for improvement.
"The Electoral Commission of Zambia should be commended. It's an institution that must be strengthened collectively," he said.
The UPND, "given a chance," would make the ECZ independent, he said.


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Sensory bins are such a great way for toddlers, preschoolers, and even kindergarteners to learn about their senses.
While kids are touching, smelling, listening and even sometimes tasting they're exploring and learning without even realizing it. You can change out your sensory bins all the time because we have over 200 different bin ideas for your kids to play with!
Sensory Bins:
Water beads are a blast! Here are over a dozen ways your kids can play with water beads.
I love light table play, and this light table sensory bin is perfectly fun! Via Where Imagination Grows
Use water beads instead of water to make a sensory bin that is super cool. Via B-Inspired Mama
Make a solar system sensory bin for out of this world excitement. Via 1 + 1 +1 = 1
This garden sensory bin would be great when you're learning about planting. Via Mama Papa Bubba
Make a monster sensory bin. Via B-Inspired Mama
A summer sensory bin is even more fun when you put it in a small blow up pool! Via The Chaos and The Clutter
If you want to make a sensory bin you can easily change the contents of, check out this awesome Ikea Hack sensory Bin. Via Pink Oatmeal
Check out the Over 200 Sensory Bins Below!
You can even add your own ideas! Remember, by linking up you give permission to anyone to grab a picture and feature you on a site they write for, Facebook, or Pinterest. If we share your link, we will always credit you, send people to your original post, and use only ONE photo.


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I thought I would share this with you. I wrote it when my baby boy was just 9 months old. It's quite soppy, but I wrote it one night when I was feeling particularly emotional…
At the end, our labour was not quite as planned,
But all would work out ok,
We kissed and held you skin to skin,
You took our breath away (and showed your affection with a little poo)
You are so loved, my beautiful blue eyed boy,
You're so very often happy and occasionally coy (or you pretend you little monkey)
Each day is an adventure,
We find out something new,
Sometimes I stop and wonder who is entertaining who (with silly noises and faces)
It's sometimes scary being your mummy, questioning what's right and best for you,
But I hope you'll always be patient if I make a mistake or few (or lots)
You're only 9 months old but so many stories made so far,
Like when only weeks old & an emergency M56 feed in mummy's car (on the hard shoulder, police appeared)
First smiles, giggles, rolls and babbles,
We have photos and recordings,
Mummy posts them daily on Facebook,
Hopes others don't find them boring (well you don't have to look at them anyway )
Making memories every day,
I hope we'll always treasure,
You are my baby now, and my gorgeous son forever
Love you baby boy. Right up to the moon..and back.


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BlizzCon 2013
BlizzCon is an annual convention held at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, California. Since 2005, Blizzard has held their convention here and unveiled major gaming announcements. There is one notable exception. In 2012 and 2006, BlizzCon was not held. Each year that the convention is held it is flocked by thousands of Blizzard fans and tickets usually sell out in minutes. This convention has become a mecca for Blizzard fans. So what is in store for BlizzCon 2013? Well before we can answer that we should take a look at what happened in previous years.
2005: The Burning Crusade was announced
2006: No convention
2007: Wrath of the Lich King was announced
2008: Starcraft II and Diablo III announcements
2009: Cataclysm announcement
2010: Diablo III class announcements
2011: Mists of Pandaria announcement
2012: No convention
2013: ?
It should be made clear at this point that BlizzCon conventions are not just places where new games are announced. This happens, but the convention also hosts competitions, Q & A panels, lore panels, beta testing, and product testing. It is also an open convention that anyone can attend -if you have bought a ticket. However, the biggest pull for fans is gaming announcements. So what will happen in 2013?
Current Franchises
BlizzCon will be held November 8-9th and it is expected that during these two days there will be several new announcements for the Blizzard franchises. Before we examine what these possible november announcements are let's look at what the current gaming franchises are.
Credit: Google ImagesHearthstone: Hearthstone is a new Blizzard product that is being rolled out as we speak. It is currently in beta testing and that means in four to eight months it should be released. Heathstone is going to be an online card game based around the popular World of Warcraft franchise. Basically you will collect a deck of cards and battle opponents in one vs one deck battles from your computer.
Credit: Google ImagesDiablo 3: Diablo 3 is about to get a whole lot bigger with the nex expansion Reaper of Souls which is expected to launch in 2014. However, there is no confirmed launch date. The game is expected to overhaul the loot system and improve dungeon crawling. It will also introduce a new class, the crusader. Recent announcements also show that Blizzard is ready to remove real money auction houses which will improve the economy of Diablo and make the game better for it.
Credit: Google ImagesStarcraft II: The Starcraft franchise has grown since the first sequel game launched in 2010. Blizzard has planned three Starcraft II games. The first was launched in 2010, the second in 2013, and the final should be around in the next year or so. There has been little concrete information about the next sequel, titled Legacy of the Void, so BlizzCon may be a good place to showcase it.
Credit: Google ImagesWarcraft: World of Warcraft is Blizzard's cashcow. They make millions of dollars monthy off of this game and since it is a theme park MMORPG it is important to provide updates to it. Since Mists of Pandaria is ending with the siege of Orgimmar patch it will be important to roll out a new expansion in 2014 to keep fans happy.
Warcraft Movie: There is also news that a Warcraft movie is brewing. There is nothing known about the movie other than it has a release date for 2015. Blizzard may unveil an early trailer or give a synopsis to what it is about.
Big Announcements
As we have examined so far in this article announcements are key for BlizzCon and I expect that BlizzCon 2013 will make a few headlines. It is likely that we will see a trailer for a new World of Warcraft expansion. It is also likely that there will be Hearthstone and Diablo 3: Reaper of Souls launch announcements. Finally, there is always a mystery to BlizzCon. For years they have been working on a top-secret MMO that is designed to replace World of Warcraft. This MMORPG is codenamed Project Titan. It is possible that they could release details or officially announce Project Titan.
November 8th and 9th can't come soon enough!
Try World of Warcraft Today
Amazon Price: $39.99 $22.45 Buy Now
(price as of Oct 16, 2013)


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Les: I almost went to Silver Creek this past week but last minute cancelled. Have fished it 3 or 4 times and my wife loves the area and towns. It is a wonderful place to take pictures and simply look around. One of my favorite places to fish; maybe favorite! I like your picture of horse bend or I think it is called the oxbow. I have spent many days fishing it and pt of rocks area as could bring my dog with me. Of course the preserve area is spectacular. Great post.ReplyDelete
Bob, it would have been quite the coincidence had our paths crossed so far from home. I'll have to devote more time on my next visit. You likely know the photo locale, off of the North Picabo road. Maybe we'll meet up next time......Delete
Love that place. Awesome pictures! Was thinking of how thick the bwo's would have been there the last two days.Delete
Believe it or not the BWO's were thicker on the "Fork" on Tuesday. I'm surprised that we didn't run into each other. Saw your vehicle/trailer in the parking lot though. Looks like you really got into the fish that day. In retrospect, you should have been rubbing Ben Gay on your sore casting arm from horsing in all of those big fish!Delete
Glad you liked the post and photos. It's a neat place, one worth re-visiting. Can't get enough of those spring creeks.
Oops, I was there (on the Henry's Fork) on Wednesday (not Tuesday).Delete
Thanks for sharing this beautiful location with us. You even brought a few of its famously persnickety trout to net, no small accomplishment. And that Hemingway fellow, "Earnest" as all get out, and quite a writer, too!ReplyDeleteReplies
A most beautiful spot it is Walt. Bob and Jim (above) are the guys who really know how to catch 'em!Delete
Hello Lester ~ My lack of visiting does not mean that I have not thought of you. I'm trying to do better.ReplyDelete
I am a Facebook friend with Hemingway's grandson, a marvelously creative artist named Edward Hemingway. Speaking of Facebook, I am going to see if I can find you there.....
All best to you!Replies
Hi Lydia...hope all is well for you too. I've yet to sign up for Facebook, but thanks for looking....Delete
Really lovely Les..what a great spot..ReplyDeleteReplies
Hi Mike, I hope fall is shaping up well for you "Down East"....Delete


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ATLANTA, Oct. 9, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Primary care physicians say dermatologists are better qualified than other specialists to perform skin cancer surgery as well as a variety of cosmetic procedures, according to a new study published in the October Dermatologic Surgery journal.
The study, supported by a Cutting Edge Research Grant from the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS), found a majority of primary care physicians choose dermatologists as the best trained to do the following:
"The majority of primary care physicians recognize the expertise of dermatologists in these areas because of the large volumes of these procedures they perform," said lead author Dr. Omar A. Ibrahimi, director of the Connecticut Skin Institute in Stamford, Conn., and Visiting Assistant Professor at the Wellman Center for Photomedicine at Massachusetts General Hospital. "They also recognize the innovations that dermatologists have made in skin cancer surgery, laser procedures as well as injectable cosmetic treatments."
The study asked 561 physicians in primary care, family medicine and internal medicine residency programs in the United States to select who are the most qualified to perform different cutaneous cosmetic and surgical procedures: dermatologists, plastic surgeons, otolaryngologists (ear, nose and throat specialists) or ophthalmologists.
As suspected, study respondents said dermatologists are the best qualified to evaluate and biopsy a worrisome lesion on the skin (95 percent) and perform skin cancer surgery (56 percent). By almost a 3-to-1 margin, respondents said dermatologists also are the best trained to perform laser treatments for cosmetic treatments, hair removal, tattoo removal and birthmarks.
Almost two-thirds of respondents also chose dermatologists over plastic surgeons as the most qualified to perform cosmetic procedures for wrinkles (e.g., Botox, Dysport) and skin rejuvenation (e.g., Restylane, Juvederm, Radiesse).
"Because primary care, family care and internal medicine physicians are trusted sources of information and referral for patients, it is important to understand their opinions on which specialist is the optimal provider for specific procedures," said Dr. Ibrahimi. "We also wanted to see how dermatologists compare in terms of their perceived expertise for cutaneous surgery and cosmetic procedures because of the overlap with other surgical subspecialties."
Confusion may arise in dermatology referrals because of that overlap and the diversity of dermatologic surgery procedures, Dr. Ibrahimi said. A 2011 ASDS Survey on Dermatologic Procedures reveals the range and scope of procedures performed by its members, including 2.6 million skin cancer treatments and more than 5 million cosmetic procedures ranging from wrinkle-relaxing injections, laser and light procedures, soft-tissue dermal fillers, vein treatments, body sculpting and laser hair removal.
"This is an important study because little was known about physician perceptions of dermatologists, and we know referring physicians want the best qualified specialist for their patients," said ASDS President Susan H. Weinkle, M.D. "This study shows dermatologic surgeons understand the special needs of skin through every stage of life and are skilled providers of advanced surgical and non-surgical methods for both medical and cosmetic procedures."
The study, titled "Perception of Expertise in Cutaneous Surgery and Cosmetic Procedures: What Primary Care Physicians Think," was published in the October Dermatologic Surgery journal, available through Wiley Periodicals Inc. It is being presented on Friday, Oct. 12, during a Scientific Session at the ASDS Annual Meeting in Atlanta.
Co-authors include Dr. Haider Bangash, Dr. Lawrence Green, Dr. Murad Alam, Dr. April W. Armstrong and Dr. Daniel B. Eisen. The survey was administered to physicians in internal medicine, family medicine and primary care medicine residency programs in the United States. No mention of the specialty of the study was mentioned to minimize bias.
About the ASDS
The American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS) is the largest specialty organization exclusively representing dermatologic surgeons who have unique training and experience to treat the health, function and beauty of your skin. ASDS members are pioneers in the field. Many are involved in the clinical studies that bring treatments to revitalize skin and fill and diminish wrinkles to the forefront. Their work has helped create and enhance many of the devices that remove blemishes, hair and fat, and tighten skin. Dermatologic surgeons are also experts in skin cancer prevention, detection and treatment. As the incidence of skin cancer rises, dermatologic surgeons are committed to taking steps to minimize the life-threatening effects of this disease. For more information, visit www.asds.net.
SOURCE American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS)


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Brecksville Ohio Single-Family Homes For Sale
As a Accredited Buyer's Representative (ABR) and a REALTOR with strong negotiating experience, I would be happy to assist you with your next home purchase or sale in the Brecksville Ohio real estate marketplace.
View the February 2010 Brecksville Real Estate Market Report.
Various Brecksville Neighborhood Real Estate Market Reports:
- Echo Hills
- Chippewa Hills
- Heather Hills
- Bradford Village
- Chapel Hill
- Preston Village
- A Stone's Throw
- Crane Creek
Brecksville Ohio Rated #2 of 20 Best Affordable Places to Retire.
View a few of my favorite Brecksville local businesses:
- Honey Hut Ice Cream Shoppe
- Paul Duda Gallery
- Frankie's Wok Chinese Restaurant
- Clip-ity Clop Horse Tack
- Brecksville Donut & Coffee Shop
Fun things to do in and around Brecksville Ohio:
- A day in the Brecksville Reservation and the Cuyahoga Valley National Park
- Hiking in the Brecksville Reservation and the Cuyahoga Valley National Park
- Brecksville Recreation Center
- Annual Brecksville Kiwanas Horse Show
- Brecksville Center for the Arts
- Brecksville Annual Memorial Day and Christmas Parades
- Brecksville Little Theatre
- Brecksville Lands Rare Bald Eagles for 3rd Year in a Row
- Brecksville Reservation
- Brecksville Public Library
- Brecksville Ohio
There are currently (as of 3/29/2010) 128 single-family homes for sale in Brecksville Ohio.
Happy searching!
View all the homes for sale in Brecksville Ohio at Olsen Ziegler Realty
A $marter Way to buy and sell your Brecksville Ohio Home


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Welcome to the ...You Mod It We Sell It site
This website is a new and easy method for you to sell your modified cars. It saves the hassel of people trying to search for it on other car websites with standard cars for sale, Its a cheap method also.
Why dont you check out our facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Modified-Cars-for-sale-Ireland/270276006457211. Here we post your cars for all our fans to see, also check out www.facebook.com/user/Republic.ofirelandcarscene.


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Example of a Company Job Evaluation System
As a small business owner, you want to know which jobs are essential to the success of your business and which jobs can be eliminated or scaled back. There are a number of job evaluation systems, but the analytical job evaluation scheme is the most widely used method for job evaluation, according to HR.com, an online resource serving human resources professionals.
The objective of any job evaluation scheme is assessing jobs, not people. Further, job evaluation schemes help small business owners monitor and maintain high levels of employee productivity and employee satisfaction. For a job evaluation scheme to be effective, you must be diligent and make evaluations based on performance and productivity levels.
An analytical job evaluation is a method of evaluating a job using a points system in comparing one job with another, according to the HR Dictionary. The analytical job evaluation seeks to compare all jobs based on four or five major job elements, determining which job possesses the greatest importance to the overall company.
The analytical job evaluation involves identifying key elements -- also known as factors -- of a job, such as skill, mental and educational requirements, physical requirements and working conditions. You must rank each job under each factor and assign points based on the relative importance of each job. The analytical job evaluation scheme takes a less subjective stance, but it can explain why jobs are ranked differently in terms of importance. The use of points makes it easy for small business owners to evaluate a large number of jobs at once.
Small business owners may favor the analytical job evaluation scheme for a number of reasons. The procedure of rating jobs is logical and relatively easy to accomplish. The scheme requires few factors and, thereby, reduces the likelihood of overlapping, which can occur with other job evaluation schemes. You can also assign a monetary value to jobs. By translating the value of a job into money, you can more easily decide which job can be eliminated during an economic downturn or recession.
Photo Credits
- Stockbyte/Stockbyte/Getty Images


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BOULDER – Wunder Capital – a Boulder startup aimed at connecting accredited investors with medium-sized businesses looking to install rooftop solar equipment – closed recently on a $3.6 million Series A funding round that will help the company continue to expand its reach.
Boulder-based Techstars Ventures, Washington-based Fenway Summer and New York-based Fintech Collective led the round.
Sponsored Content
A reminder from Delta Dental of Colorado
Americans lose more than 164 million hours of work to dental disease, and people with dental benefits are 73% more likely to visit the dentist. Regular dentist visits can detect signs of nutritional deficiencies, general infection, or even more serious systemic diseases.
The cash infusion comes as Wunder is fresh off of a move from Galvanize's Boulder campus to a new office at 17th and Walnut. CEO and cofounder Bryan Birsic said the seven-person company will grow by three or four employees over the next couple of months and likely double to 15 by the end of the year – adding to its engineering, design and marketing teams.
"We think even in a very conservative case this gives us two years (to reach profitability or raise another round of funding)," Birsic said in a phone interview. "It's a nice amount of time."
Wunder, founded in 2013 and a 2014 graduate of the Techstars Boulder accelerator, currently offers a pair of funds in which investors can place as little as $1,000 and have immediate diversification across a number of large-scale solar projects.
The company's first fund is aimed at lending directly to businesses installing solar. The businesses essentially receive a 6 percent loan paid back to investors in the fund over 10 years. The second fund, which launched in November, provides shorter-term bridge funding to installers and offers investors 11 percent annual interest over two years.
Wunder originates, underwrites and services the loans, making its money by charging an upfront loan origination fee and an ongoing loan-servicing fee to the borrower.
Wunder has brought in more than $1 million across the two funds that has been used to back an undisclosed number of projects to date. Birsic said the average investment has so far been more than $15,000.
The investment in solar is a strong one for investors, Birsic said, not only because of the increasingly strong market for the industry but also because the asset and structure of Wunder's loans help reduce risk. In the case of the first fund, for example, part of Wunder's original contract with borrowers is to grant the company a $1 per year site lease. So if the borrower defaults on the loan, Wunder still can access the panels to service and operate them, and can sell the power they generate either back onto the grid or to a new tenant of the building they're installed on.
The model gives individual investors who might not have the capital to invest in major utility-scale solar projects an in to the solar industry.
But Jason Seats, a partner at Techstars focused on the organization's investment arm, said the Wunder model also is providing loan capital for solar to businesses for smaller-sized projects for which large institutional investors won't generally bother lending money.
"They're aiming at a segment of the market of commercial solar that is typically understood to be hard to underwrite from a risk standpoint," Seats said.
The model is particularly timely, Seats said, because as the cost of solar decreases relative to retail power costs, the financing payments start to feel more and more just like a monthly utility payment and less like a business is paying a premium for solar power.
"Eventually those curves are going to cross," Seats said. "That's started happening over the last year, and it's just going to get more dramatic. There's a lot of hunger in the market for this type of capital. It's just figuring out the structure."
Birsic, who cofounded Wunder with Dave Riess and Sam Beaudin, declined to disclose revenue for Wunder. He said he believes Wunder is fully capable of reaching profitability within the next couple of years and could stand on its own at that point.
"But my suspicion is we're growing quite well and would like to bring in more capital to grow even faster," Birsic said.
Correction: The original version of this story stated the minimum investment to Wunder Capital funds as $5,000 instead of $1,000.


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League of Legends : Honor Login Screen Animation
I was blessed to creative direct this short animation for League of Legends 2017 log-in screen. My team and I were given the challenge to design and animate this loopable animation in approximately 2 weeks. We went through different phases of design and ended up with this epic sculptural animation that features the sculpture going through 4 different phases that resonate with the ranking system in League of Legends in-game Honor system.
Design by Max Strizich.
Design by Austin Marola.
Design by Austin Marola.


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Customer Service
Shipping & Delivery
All orders are delivered with Canada Post XPress Post service meaning they guarantee a 2-3 business days delivery.
Privacy & Security
When you purchase something from our store, as part of the buying and selling process, we collect the personal information you give us such as your name, address and email address. When you browse our store, we also automatically receive your computer's internet protocol (IP) address in order to provide us with information that helps us learn about your browser and operating system. Email marketing (if applicable): With your permission, we may send you emails about our store, new products and other updates.
Returns & Replacements
We accept refunds and exchanges.
Our policy lasts 30 days. If 30 days have gone by since your purchase, unfortunately we can't offer you a refund or exchange. To be eligible for a return, your item must be unused and in the same condition that you received it. It must also be in the original packaging. Several types of goods are exempt from being returned. To complete your return, we require a receipt or proof of purchase. Please do not send your purchase back to the manufacturer.
Refunds (if applicable)
Once your return is received and inspected, we will send you an email to notify you that we have received your returned item. We will also notify you of the approval or rejection of your refund. If you are approved, then your refund will be processed, and a credit will automatically be applied to your credit card or original method of payment, within a certain amount of days.
Late or missing refunds (if applicable)
If you haven't received a refund yet, first check your bank account again. Then contact your credit card company, it may take some time before your refund is officially posted. Next contact your bank. There is often some processing time before a refund is posted. If you've done all of this and you still have not received your refund yet, please contact us at firstname.lastname@example.com.
Sale items (if applicable)
Only regular priced items may be refunded, unfortunately sale items cannot be refunded.
Exchanges (if applicable)
We only replace items if they are defective or damaged. If you need to exchange it for the same item, send us an email at email@example.com and send your item to: 9248 Tolhurst Street, Montreal, Quebec, H2N 1X2, CANADA.
To return your product, you should mail your product to: 9248 Tolhurst Street, Montreal, Quebec, H2N 1X2, CANADA
You will be responsible for paying for your own shipping costs for returning your item. Shipping costs are non-refundable. Depending on where you live, the time it may take for your exchanged product to reach you, may vary. If you are shipping an item over $75, you should consider using a trackable shipping service or purchasing shipping insurance. We don't guarantee that we will receive your returned item.


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Eurosonic/Buma Cultuur
Buma Cultuur, a branch of the Dutch collecting society Buma, supports and promotes Dutch music copyright in the Netherlands and key export markets. It aims to increase the percentage of Dutch music in the Dutch market and to raise revenue flow by stimulating the use of Dutch music copyright on foreign markets. It organises projects such as the Amsterdam Dance Event and Eurosonic Noorderslag to promote music in the Netherlands, but it also presents awards, contributes to TV and radio programmes, compiles promotional CDs and represents the industry at international music conventions.
Eurosonic is a key European conference and showcase festival organised by the Noorderslag Foundation in cooperation with Buma. It focuses on creating a platform for the European and Dutch music industry and to encourage the exchange of ideas in the sector through live music. It is also broadcasted each year on national radio stations in more than 20 countries.


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Sprint HTC Hero :: Battery Drain Mobile Network ErrorJan 11, 2010
I just got my Hero from Sprint last week and I love it! But I have one small problem. When my battery drains and the phone shuts itself off (ie powers down). After I charge it up and turn the phone back on I have no service, if I try to go turn my mobile network back on it wont allow me to open the program and it forecloses on itself. The only way I am able to do ANYTHING on the phone or use it is to reset it to factory settings which causes me to lose EVERYTHING!Has anyone had this problem or know of anyway to fix it when this happens?View 2 Replies


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|author Samantha Brookes
The minute I got to Hofstra University I knew what club I needed to join. As a bisexual, I wanted a place I felt where I belonged, surrounded by people who enjoy what I enjoy and who deal with the same struggles as I do. The Pride Network is Hofstra's only undergraduate lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transexual (LGBT) club. It's a club that not only acts as a support group for youths who come seeking help with everyday LGBT struggles, but educates those who don't know what LGBT is and wish to learn more about the community. Jahmila Smith, the president of The Pride Network here at Hofstra, informed me that the Pride Network is a nationwide organization that began here at Hofstra in 2008. The club has set up multiple communities in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and is currently "working to set up chapters in Pennsylvania" (Smith). The Hofstra chapter takes an active role not just within the university, but within nearby communities, seeking to enlarge the conversation.
In high school, I was confronted with confusion and misunderstanding. Many could not bring themselves to understand or accept my sexuality. Once after having explained my bisexuality to a friend, she burst into laughter. "A river doesn't flow both ways," she told me. Forget that the remark is not even accurate for rivers (the Hudson flows both ways for great distances); human bodies have a lot more choices than do bodies of water. I sat through the rest of lunch watching as what I believed to be two, welcoming friends talk about how my sexuality couldn't possibly exist and I should just choose a side already. On other occasions when I would express my sexual orientation, friends would ask, "Are you hitting on me?" What could I say? I was stunned into silence. Just because I like girls as well as guys, I automatically hit on every girl I saw? I know this lack of sensitivity and empathy for a non-mainstream identity is what many minorities face. However, with sexual bias, it often doesn't stop at jokes. LGBT people are beat up, spit on, hurt, put down and hated. Perhaps the height of homophobia is most appallingly expressed in the denial of allowing LGBT people to be themselves. "One in three LGBT kids will go through some form of 'conversion therapy'" (Sargent) in camps that offer therapies that no human---certainly no child---should ever have to endure. What starts with lies at these camps soon devolves into torture. In "5 Things I Learned at a 'Pray Away the Gay' Camp," J.F. Sargent interviews Sam Brinton, who provides some clear insight into the torture: "My hands were tied down and ice was placed on them while I was shown pictures of men. Later sessions would include copper heating coils, needles in my fingers, and electric shocks" done "while Sam was shown gay porn. Then they'd take the coils away and show . . . men and women holding hands" (Sargent). In these camps, anything and everything is done to scare the gayness out of any one who entered. To think that some parents would put their own children through such indignity is unbelievable but true.
So it isn't surprising that one of the biggest problems LGBT youths face is finding emotional support and becoming comfortable enough to be able to come out to the people they care about. "The period prior to coming out can be a time of significant stress" (Coming Out) and the Pride Network is Hofstra's own support system for such stress. Jahmila told me, "Everyone is welcome to attend our GSA [Gay Straight Alliance] meetings at 8:30 p.m. on Thursdays in the Student Center Room 141" (Interview). Having only attended one GSA meeting in high school, I had understood that, if one went to such a meeting, one was automatically assumed to be gay, so it was a pleasure to see that this was not true at Hofstra's GSA meetings. I am happy to see that the GSA is a place where all forms of sexuality are celebrated. Not only are Hofstra's gay-straight meetings more welcoming, the LGBT club is much more active, too. They recently hosted a Drag Show on campus with a special guest from RuPaul's Drag Race to celebrate drag queens, who stand beautifully at the peak of the LGBT community. Within Native American culture, transgender people are honored as being two-spirited, meaning that "they carry two spirits, that of male and female" (The Way) and are considered the parents of orphans and visionaries who help with relationships between male and females because they are said to understand both the spirit of the female and the male.
In addition, the Pride Network also coordinates, corresponds with and sponsors many of the other clubs that host events on campus. For example, during HIV/AIDS Awareness Week, the Pride Network teams up with the Student Advocates for Safe Sex (SASS) to host events to promote greater understanding of HIV/AIDS. Much to my surprise, they also co-host events with intercultural and religious clubs in order to help integrate the LGBT community into different religions and cultures and ensuring understanding and acceptance in all intercultural and religious clubs on campus. Like my mother, I was raised a Unitarian, a form of Christianity that accepts all forms of religion and people, bringing then together in the "search for truth and meaning" (Unitarian). As soon as it was legal, my mother's church performed a wedding for two elderly women who had loved each other for many years. So I never understood how certain religions and cultures could preach against love and understanding. I know that not every religion and culture is as welcoming to the LGBT community as my own family's. Due to the shaming of homosexuality in many religions, those raised in such environments find themselves tucking away the gay parts of themselves "from the eyes of the world with an inherent fear of judgment and disdain from those who opposed who" they are (Picciano). As Kelsey Picciano (see "Forging a Whitmanic, Post-traditional, Bisexual Identity" at Taking Giant Steps, January 28, 2016) wrote, "How can an openly bisexual female sit through the service of a religion that proclaims her sexuality to be an abomination" (Picciano).
The Pride Network recognizes how disorienting this contradiction can be for LGBT people to face and wisely works with other clubs to ensure that LGBT students can feel welcomed within every space on campus. Perhaps the clearest indication of how serious and skillful the Pride Network can be is that fact that they are in constant communication with Hofstra's administration. Whenever the campus wishes to hold an event that has anything to do with the LGBT community, the administrators go directly to the Pride Network which acts as the face of the LGBT community. When professors are dealing with issues involving lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transexual people, they know that the LGBT club is open to them for any questions or help they may need. The Pride Network also works directly with the Saltzman Center and Public Safety when confronted with a student who may need help beyond what the LBGT club can provide. The Saltzman Center is the place students go when they are struggling with stress and need someone to talk to and help push them through. So when a student is no longer able to deal with the stress and exhibits depression or suicidal thoughts, the LGBT club isn't afraid to go to the Saltzman Center counselors to get the student the help they need. Sometimes, these depression/suicidal signs appear due to harassment some LGBT students may face. In such cases, the Pride Network is willing to be the spokesperson for the student and to go to Public Safety to get the student the protection (s)he may need. Hence, the LGBT club offers not just one service but multiple services, making sure that students are never alone no matter what they may be going through.
Although they do so much already on campus, the LGBT club spreads even further off campus. They are a part of many events throughout New York City. Just in the past month, they have gathered donations for the Trinity Place, a center in Manhattan that has made it their mission to "help homeless lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or queer (LGBTQ) youth and young adults in New York City to safely transition out of the shelter system and grow into independent, positive, and productive adults" (Trinity Place Shelter). Sometimes, when an LGBT youth comes out to their families it isn't seen as an event of joyous discovery but rather an event of devastation. Not everyone is so accepting. In some families, being LGBT is considered sinful, disgraceful and evil, so some youths find themselves on the streets simply for being who they are. The Trinity Place provides a safe haven for youths when these situations arise. Even more recently, the LGBT club has participated in the Out of the Darkness Walk against Suicide to help raise money "for AFSP's [American Foundation for Suicide Prevention] vital research and education programs to prevent suicide and save lives. The walks raise awareness about depression and suicide, and provide comfort and assistance to those who have lost someone to suicide" (AFSP). It turns out that suicide is a growing epidemic among teenagers, especially among LGBT youth. The rates have "increased and by 2013 stood at 12.6 deaths per 100,000" (Facts) in America. For teenagers the rate is 10.9 and "LGB[T] youth are 4 times more likely" (Facts About Suicide) to commit suicide due to the pressure they are placed under. However, suicide isn't exclusive to the LGBT community. The issue of suicide is a problem that is being faced everywhere and deserves the full support of everyone, not just those within the LGBT community. The Pride Network makes it an issue to include anyone on campus who wishes to participate, not just people within the club.
For anyone whose sexual identity has been met with ignorance, fear, and a lack of empathy, the LGBT club is a welcomed haven. Joining this group has been the smartest decision I have made in my life. They deliver more than an escape from the misunderstood world in which we LGBT students live; they manifest the future we hope for in which all forms of ourselves---lesbian, gay, bisexual, transexual, or straight--- are accepted, appreciated and celebrated.
Samantha Brookes and Elexis Gibson
Works Cited
"About." The Pride Network. The Pride Network, n.d. Web. 17 Oct. 2015.
"Coming Out : LGBT.ie." Coming Out : LGBT.ie. LGBT Helpline, n.d. Web. 27 Oct. 2015.
"Facts About Suicide." Facts About Suicide. The Trevor Project, n.d. Web. 08 Dec. 2015.
"Facts and Figures." American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. N.p., n.d. Web. 08 Dec. 2015.
Picciano, Kelsey. "Forging a Whitmanic, Post-traditional, Bisexual Identity," Taking Giant Steps, Web, January 28, 2016.
"Out of the Darkness Walks." American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, 2015. Web. 27 Oct. 2015.
Sargent, J.F., and Sam Brinton. "5 Things I Learned At A 'Pray Away The Gay' Camp." Cracked. N.p., 1 June 2015. Web. 21 Nov. 2015.
Smith, Jahmila. Personal interview.
Smith, Jahmila. "Interview for Comp." Message to Samantha Brookes. 14 Oct. 2015. E-mail.
"The Way of the Two Spirited People." Dancing to Eagle Spirit Society. Dancing to Eagle Spirit Society, 2008. Web. 08 Dec. 2015.
"Trinity Place Shelter." Trinity Place Shelter. Trinity Place Shelter, n.d. Web. 27 Oct. 2015.
"Unitarian Universalists Have Diverse and Inclusive Beliefs." UUA Top Stories. N.p., 09 Feb. 2015. Web. 21 Nov. 2015.


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Polo Shirt by Fila®
Additional Information
Tipping on the collar and cuffs gives this FILA polo a sporty touch but is still versatile enough to wear with jeans or under a sport coat. It's constructed in a piqué cotton that's not stiff yet keeps its shape.
- Relaxed fit
- 3-button placket
- Tipping on collar and cuffs
- 100% cotton
- Machine wash; imported
About FILA®
Since 1911, FILA have established themselves as a fashion leader in quality activewear. Dressed up or dressed down, Fila is designed and manufactured to be worn everywhere and anywhere your next adventure may take you. Cut in roomy fits designed with the big and tall customer in mind. Big up to 6XL; Tall up to 5XT.


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We leaked an early build of the TweetDeck for Android app yesterday, but now it seems the real deal is available to TweetDeck users. To obtain the beta, you must have a TweetDeck account (or create one), sign up here. The instructions for downloading and installing TweetDeck for Android, below (You still need to be signed up for the Beta Preview for the app to work):
Read More
Hi there!
Thank you for your interest in Android TweetDeck.