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I've only recently gotten into dosing. Aside from the free samples, I purchased Nitrous, A-Bomb and Divinorum, the first two since they're recommended for beginners, and the last one since I've always been very interested in Diviner's Sage, but never got the opportunity to actually try it out for real. I also got Condition, since it's supposed to help me focus on the dose I want to do.
To dose, I'm using a sleeping mask, which covers my eyes completely, but still allows me to open them if I want to. I'm also sitting in a comfy chair since my headset cable isn't long enough to reach my bed from my desktop. The headset I'm using is a Plantronics GameCom 777. I'm not sure if said model is ideal, but they're very comfortable to wear at least, although I'll probably replace them soon, since I need a more portable set of headphones, anyway.
Now to my problem. Whichever dose I listen to, no matter if I choose to do Condition first or not, no matter if I close my eyes or leave them open and just look at the inside of my sleeping mask - my eyes get dry to the point that it hurts in a matter of minutes. Every time. The only way to stop said pain at least temporarily is to rub them, which obviously breaks my concentration and isn't exactly healthy to do regularly, either.
My eyes as such are fine, I don't wear glasses or contact lenses and I'm careful not to strain them too much.
Does anyone have any experience with this, and knows what to do about it? Dosing is fun, but it's not going to work out this way. Who knows what kinds of consequences this might have.


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If all goes well, I'll be seeing in this coming Saturday. Don't care if it's gonna rain, bringing umbrella and well, hostess cupcakes ;)
The Swearing Jar
AK-47 Sing-Along
part of
The New York International Fringe Festival
Theatre Review by Matthew Murray
Hewlett does not offer easy answers to these questions, and working through the various troubles these four people have communicating with and about each other takes her every minute of the play. But Hewlett also doesn't introduce any complications merely for drama's sake — everything that happens (and the above précis covers almost the entire plot) happens for a very good reason, and you never feel you're being misled or misdirected as much as being placed into the confused, questioning, and yearning states of mind of the characters themselves. Nappo, Stanton, and Quillin derive so much comedy, hope, and pain from the people they play that feel you're surrounded by decades-old friends rather than folks you've known for barely an hour.
Hewlett is likable as the lead, bouncing easily between familiar banter with hubby, Simon (Vince Nappo), and bumbling flirtations with a painfully awkward bookstore clerk, overplayed by the rosy-cheeked Christopher Stanton
Preview by Dustin Olson, producer
What is your show about?
The Swearing Jar is about Carey and Simon, an otherwise perfect married couple with a swearing problem. Simon's mother Bev is quitting smoking by switching to menthols and Owen would be a very helpful bookstore employee if only it weren't for his flare pants...
What is exciting and/or unique about your show?
Kate Hewlett, the playwright and lead, has a loyal following. She appeared in four episodes of the sci-fi hit Stargate Atlantis alongside her brother David Hewlett, and recently wowed Toronto audiences in a revival of Assassins. Her quirky and big-hearted plays Humans Anonymous and The Swearing Jar have both won awards at the Toronto Fringe Festival. Kate was also featured in a 2007 nytheatre.com podcast during the NYC run of Humans Anonymous.
Video interview with Kate Hewlett.
Review of Kate Hewlett's play 'The Swearing Jar' in NYC (various links)
If all goes well, I'll be seeing in this coming Saturday. Don't care if it's gonna rain, bringing umbrella and well, hostess cupcakes ;)
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Welcome to the blog for the Confederate Veteran magazine, the official journal for the Sons of Confederate Veterans. The Veteran is published six times a year as a service to our members. Membership is open to all male descendants of veterans who served honorably in the Confederate armed forces. For more information visit our web site at www.scv.org.
Visit the Confederate Veteran magazine blog periodically to check on announcements, current events and information relevant for all SCV members. Feedback is welcome, please e-mail me your comments. Thanks!
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Nov/Dec '09 Update
The November/December issue is in the mail and should start showing up in mailboxes late next week (last week of October). The deadline for the January/February 2010 issue is November 1.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
November/December 2009 Issue
The November/December 2009 issue is at the printers. This issue pays final tribute to Past Commander-in-Chief Eble who recently passed away. A complete review of the Oakwood Cemetery project in Richmond, VA, is included. Richmond's Oakwood is the largest known Confederate cemetery. Plus, the recently uncovered papers of Brigadier General Paul Jones Semmes are shared with our readers. And more!
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A leading pharmacist has warned that certain tablets and pills can become dangerous if they are crushed before being swallowed.
Dr David Wright, senior lecturer at the School of Pharmacy, University of East Anglia and chairman of the Guidelines Working Party said that when he heard that some patients died as a result of crushing their pills he was not surprised.
If a doctor crushes a patients pills for them or breaks a capsule, then they will be legally liable if the patient is harmed as a result, Dr Wright said.
Speaking on BBC Radio Four's Today programme, Dr Wright said: "The crushing itself could get rid of coatings which are there to protect the medicine or to slow-release the medicine into the body and also putting into a cup of tea which is quite warm will also end up making the drug not work."
Concerns have been raised by doctors both in the UK and in other countries about patients crushing their pills, especially when using slow-release pain killers like morphine, Dr Wright added.
Patients that are unable to swallow tablets and pills should ask for the drug in inhaler, patch or cream form, Dr Wright continued.
A full 60 per cent of the elderly have trouble swallowing their medication, according to the BBC.
© Adfero Ltd


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Ramon Bruin's optical 3D illusion of drawing & photography combination
Ramon Bruin, a Netherlands based artist, has invented his own artwork style with the fusion of drawing and photography, which he calls "Optical Illusionism" or "Multi Layered Illusions" for a more complex work with multiple sheets of paper. The process is quite simple. He would create a drawing on a sheet of paper and photograph it at a certain angle. And the result — amazing 3D picture!
Simple, eh? Not so fast. There is a hard part — the creative talent and imagination. But he obviously has no problem with it. 🙂
Artist's Statement (in part):
Ramon Bruin, born in 1981 in Alkmaar, The Netherlands, graduated in 2010 at the Airbrush Academie in Lelystad, The Netherlands.
In 2012 Ramon made a worldwide breakthrough with his own invented style which he calls 'Optical Illusionism'.
Optical Illusionism is a combination of drawing and photography. He creates drawings that come to live when photographed from the exact right angle.
By stretching the boundaries of Optical Illusionism, Ramon also invented his 'Multi Layered Illusion' style. The multi layered illusions are drawn on paper or multiple sheets of paper. The sheets of paper are interactive with each other and photographed from an angle the illusion appears they are stacked on top of each other.
For the drawings Ramon mostly uses graphite pencil, but in some pieces he also uses color pencil, ink or acrylics.
All images courtesy of Ramon Bruin, and are published with permission.
To see more of his work, please visit his: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
For print purchase, please proceed to JJK Art Shop


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Discussion in 'General Gallery' started by tr0gd0o0r, Jul 31, 2003.
I know we've all played this game, but only us pack rats still have it around
Nice photo. Why not try it with some coins.
I never got into the whole Pog scene when it was popular for a year...
Nice photo though
wow, have not seen any of those in a long time. I had tons of them, but never got around to playing the game (there was a game right???!?) nice shot. I like the DOF and light
I think if you moved to the right a little more, like from the side just so more sunlight was shining on them. Everything else about it is perfect.
Separate names with a comma.


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YBEPL is serving towards renewable green energy and sustainable development of renewable natural resources (Bio Fuels) and through the adoption of environmentally friendly technology that favours net reduction of green house gas emissions for use in vehicle for public and private transport as well as various equipments and Gen Sets.
At YBEPL we have created facilities of manufacturing Bio-Diesel with a manufacturing capacity of 100,000 KL per month from Multi Feedstock at the Isharwada & Padgol Tarapur.
Yamuna is positioned as a socially responsible entity in that it has a Zero Discharge in terms of Effluents.
Looking ahead and planning ahead is our company Focus, we are examining plans to create large capacities by setting up similar plants being ventures globally either on a standalone basis or as Joint Ventures as required.
YBEPL looks to the future in being a responsible and meaningful force in the field of BIOFUELS.


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Thursday, June 24, 2010
soba workshop
your ess-ness,
taking a soba making workshop this saturday and hoping i've mastered it in time for your visit so we can slurp together.
who am i kidding?
between world cup, shopping, restaurants, bars, your birthday celebrations, and fourth of july, when will i be rolling out noodle dough?!!
will keep it in my repetoire for next visit up to vancouver.
i'll bring up the special buckwheat flour along with my rollerskates.
those girls look fine don't they?
can't believe it is already thursday...
where did this week go?
o x
j bird
Posted by open to cool at 2:44 PM
Labels: soba workshop
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Business infrastructure to manage international expansion
Globexs provides expanding businesses with a (virtual) office. This is the only way to create the right image for your business in the new market. We provide the following business services:
- Virtual office :We give your business a prestigious physical address.
- Work and office spaces :Meeting rooms, private desks, coworking spaces per day, week, or month.
- Virtual recepcionist :We take and transfer your phonecalls.
Globexs offers your business the right tools and infrastructure to be successful abroad.
Globexs business center in Valencia
The main Globexs business center is located in Ruzafa, Valencia. Through our network of local partners we offer the same business services Barcelona, Madrid, Paris, Antwerp and Brussels.
Get inspired by related articles:
- How to make a success of your business abroad. Read the article
- The key to being successful abroad. Read the article
- Setting up for remote work in Spain with Globexs. Read the article
- The state of remote work 2018. Read the article
- The travelling coworker – how to see the best of Europe. Read the article
- We asked 3 remote work influencers about their experience. Read the article


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(Date: 21.5.2013 – 24.5.2013)
Different stuff I can't remember.
Probably some of these:
- Work together with summer student on problem. Define tasks and goals for him.
- Expand Computing Flow model.
- Code more CPU Hough class.
- Do other, time consuming but unimportant stuff.
I translate my old Riemann Track Finder Theory How To paper into English for my summer student. He corrects and expands it a bit. It's now online as Notes on the Theory behind the Riemann Fit at the PANDA wiki. It's part of my effort to document the different algorithms floating around the software framework.
On Friday, right at 14:45, there's an online meeting on Online Event Filtering / Tracking and Algorithms. It lasts until 18:00, which is not a nice thing to start the weekend off on. But content-wise it's very interesting to hear what the others are doing on a really similar topic of research in our collaboration. I spontaneously speak about our stuff in Jülich as well.


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2016 Confucius Institute Scholarships
Six Categories of Eligibility Available!
In order to support development of Confucius Institutes, facilitate Chinese language promotion and Chinese cultural transmission in the world, cultivate qualified Chinese language teachers and talented students of Chinese language, Confucius Institute Headquarters launches the "Confucius Institute Scholarships" program for providing sponsorship to students, scholars and Chinese language teachers of other countries for pursuing a study in relevant universities in China.
Application Procedure: Click Here


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About Business Systems Integrators
A premier software firm specializing in the sales, support services and implementation of EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) and supply chain automation. We focus on delivering high-quality product and expert-level services to meet the integration, best practices and onboarding requirements of Distributors and Manufacturers. Our dedicated team of professionals has extensive expertise in EDI system implementation, supply chain, process automation, data integration, training, and custom solutions.
The BSI Difference
The importance of selecting the right EDI partner is often overlooked when planning new initiatives. Choosing the wrong partner can lead to budget overruns, missed deadlines, compliance issues and worst of all: costly chargebacks. Bottom line, choosing the right partner will be the difference between a successful initiative and complete chaos. That's why it pays to have an experienced partner – one that's been there before. BSI takes pride in becoming part of your team and gaining a deep understanding of how your business runs. Our in-depth knowledge of EDI as well as ERP truly sets us apart from other partners. We value relationships and your goals become our goals.
Our company delivers EDI solutions that enable business growthlearn more
best practice
We will always advise as to best industry practices and present best options so you can make optimal business systems decisions.
Team Work
We assign the best team to your project to optimize project planning and execution.
We are always looking for seasoned professionals with experience in ERP, Supply Chain, EDI and Project Management.More Info >>
Raise efficiency, cut downtime, and keep your EDI projects on time!learn more
"At BSI, we pride ourselves in a consistent, corporate focus on solution delivery ... reliable, expert knowledge and solid technology is what we provide.Jon Reifler, VP of Sales


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The Smartest Waterless Airlock System On The Market
We have been fermenting in mason jars for years, so naturally we have tested every type of solution that's out there.
And the truth is, most of them do an alright job of doing what they do. They help keep the oxygen out, but let the carbon dioxide escape. Problem is, that's all they do and they are a real pain to use.
After using these solution for hundreds of ferments, we became increasingly fed up with them. They required multiple pieces, were clunky to assemble and needed to be filled with water. They are also large and difficult to store while fermenting.
We knew there was a better way, we just had to invent it.
Our waterless airlock valve is a one way breathable valve without any of the hassles of the conventional airlock. Our lid is designed specifically for fermenting so you never have to deal with those clunky airlocks again.
The Built In Date Tracker Helps You Keep Track Of All Of Your Ferments
Fermenting isn't hard. It can be intimidating for some, but anyone who has the right equipment and a couple of ferments under their belts will tell you, it's actually pretty easy.
You just follow a recipe and let nature work some lacto fermenting magic. Just watch how salt turns the sugars in the veggies into deliciously good fermented food.
The challenge, and what makes a successful ferment is getting the timing right. Too soon, your batch is salty and raw, too long it's sour and not eatable.
The biggest challenge we always faced was keeping track of our ferments.
There is often more than one batch going and it gets difficult to keep track of when each batch started or more importantly when they were supposed to be finished.
That's why we decided to integrate a date tracker into each lid, so you know exactly when that batch is nearing the end of its fermenting cycle. You can then begin to taste and determine if it's finished.
Problem solved. No more soured batches
The Easy Tab Handle Helps You Open Stubborn Jars
There are few things as frustrating as those jars that just won't open. You waited patiently for 30 days for your batch of sauerkraut to finish, only to be held hostage by a lid that's jammed.
Your delicious fermented batch sitting on your counter top and you can't get it open.
We know the feeling well.
So we incorporated an easy twist tab into the Easy Fermenter. This ensures you have the leverage to open those hard to crack jars.
We think you are going to love it.
A Minimal Profile Makes Storing Easy And Out The Way
We are always fermenting. Once you get your groove, we know you will be too.
As much as we love fermenting though, we don't really want our fermenting jars always on display.
With those clunky 3 piece water airlock systems, the jars are just too tall to be properly stored. It drove us nuts.
They were always on our countertop. We knew we needed a lid that could be easily put away while some of those longer 30 day batches go to work.
The low profile of the Easy Fermenter Lid ensures that you can store it just about anywhere you can fit your mason jar.
Another reason we know you will choose to ferment the easy way.
What's Included
3 Wide Mouth Mason Jar Lids(Jars not included)
1 Oxygen Extraction Vacuum
(The lids were designed to work with wide mouth mason jars from Ball, Kerr, Bernardin, Kilner, Orchard Road, Jarden, Quattro Stagioni, Golden Harvest, Atlas, and Legacy jars. Or any jar with an outside dimension of 3 3/8".)
Recipe and How To's
Right after your purchase we will send you your e-books to get you started. With over 60 pages covering everything you need to know about fermenting as well as 19 of our favourite recipes.
Fermenting Club Access
And For a Limited Time Get Access To Our Fermenting Club. Get Our Knowledge Base Resource And Access To Our "Ask The Experts Forum". There, Our Team Of Fermenting Pros Will Answer Your Questions.


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CIT – An introduction to Collagen Induction Therapy
What is it? CIT (Collagen Induction Therapy), also known as 'Microneedling' is a minimally invasive skin treatment that creates tiny punctures in the top layer of the skin using micro-fine needles – a treatment that's virtually painless and incredibly effective. It also allows for controlled induction of the skin's self-repair mechanism by creating micro-injuries which trigger new collagen synthesis yet doesn't pose the risk of permanent scarring. Collagen is the protein that helps give our skin strength and elasticity, along with replacing dead skin cells. This procedure induces the production of collagen in the skin, making it beneficial … Continue reading


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And Now For 2017: I can't stop thinking about all that has happened in 2016. It was a major landmark year in my life. I am still overly emotional about it. But, now it is time to face 2017.
Musically there are some great opportunities on the horizon. The completion of the new 'Into The Black' album being one of the most challenging and exciting.
There is also the new RokChix project, which should be immense fun, and more Houses Of The Holy, True Spirit & Dark Universe shows.
Personally, I face more mountains to climb. The highest being the one I place before myself.
My expectations often exceed my capabilities, and lofty ideals have many times led to disappointment. The first step is to be rational and set realistic goals.
Setting the bar too high has its benefits, but sometimes you have to be happy with smaller wins or else end up in that 'dark' place yet again.
That also goes for my new post transition life. If only I could relax and smell the roses, to slow down and just be for a while. Alas, that is never moi, but it is a lesson I must learn.
A new year's resolution there may be in that last statement.
"Don't try so hard and let what will be, be".
J – Jan 3, 2017 (Diary Excerpt)


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German fashion house Hugo Boss Thursday announced record-high sales and earnings in 2012 and said it would improve on this performance next year despite a "challenging" economic environment.
Hugo Boss said group sales grew by 14 percent to 2.346 billion euros ($3.0 billion) last year and underlying profit, as measured by earnings before interest, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA), rose by 13 percent to 529 million euros.
Net profit was up eight percent at 307.4 million euros.
"In spite of the challenging economic environment, Hugo Boss posted significant increases in sales and earnings in 2012 and thus achieved the targets it had set itself," the firm said in its annual earnings statement.
"We also see major opportunities to continue to grow profitably and further enhance the perception of our brands in 2013," said chief executive Claus-Dietrich Lahrs.
Hugo Boss said it was forecasting "high-single-digit" sales and earnings growth this year after all its business regions contributed to the strong 2012 performance.
The group said it would open around 50 new stores worldwide as it attempts to expand its own retail business further.


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Hearing aids are made to amplify sounds to help with hearing loss. The technology consists of a microphone to receive sound, an amplifier to strengthen the sound entering the hearing aid, the receiver that brings the amplified sound to the ear and a battery which is necessary to power the hearing aid. With digitally programmable hearing aids, it's like wearing a tiny computer in the ear!
How do hearing aids work?
July 3, 2013 By


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GLOW Goals
1- To engage girls within an open forum to share and listen to their peers during discussions of relevant life themes, topics and values.
2- To connect girls of various beliefs, cultures and socio-economic backgrounds.
3- To provide each girl who completes the GLOW program with a 'backpack' full of strategies to deal with challenging situations when encountered.
4- To expose girls to a world of fitness opportunities the outcome being enhanced strength, trust and confidence when participating in a variety of fitness activities.


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I thought this would be an appropriate post to follow the coconut cake recipe yesterday!
I enjoy reading books about ways to make healthy eating choices. Love Food and Live Well by Chantel Hobbs encourages readers to recognize their relationship with food and realize that food is not an enemy. The terms calories, carbohydrates, proteins, and fats are defined and discussed and a few recipes are given. Exercising and the benefits of interval training are mentioned; photos of some specific strength training exercises are included.
I appreciate that the book is written from a strongly Christian perspective. The author explains the importance of surrendering to God – initially in salvation, then in all areas of life – and asking for His help in dealing with weight issues.
The book had an uplifting and positive tone which I enjoyed. It is not as much a how-to book as it is an explanation of the author's philosophy about how excess weight can be lost and a healthy body maintained through proper attitudes toward food. The author is very transparent in sharing her struggles with obesity and dieting. While there are more instructional books available about habits for healthy eating, I do think Love Food and Live Well provides some helpful tips along with motivation for considering your food choices.
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book by Waterbrook Multnomah. All of the opinions expressed in this post are my own and I was not compensated for this review in any other way.


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Untapped potential: Engaging Basotho diasporas in the South for national development
Nombre de pages:
Électronique copie seulement
As a landlocked country with high rates of emigration, Lesotho widely relies on the resources of its migrants. This study seeks to analyse how Basotho emigrants in the South can become more engaged in the human development of their home country?
In the framework of the development of a new migration policy, the Government of Lesotho has requested the ACP Observatory to explore potential ways to enhance the contribution of diasporas.
This publication reviews the existing evidence on Basotho diasporas in the South and proposes key elements of a diaspora policy, in line with practices implemented in other contexts and major recommendations emerged from international migration debates.


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How to Install a Sealtight Chimney Damper
- Feb 7, 2018
Install a Sealtight Chimney Damper to save on energy costs - don't let your heat out and cold air in! Follow this guide and you will be installing your chimney damper in no time.
How to Install a Lock-Top Chimney Damper
- Aug 1, 2016
Install a Lock-Top Chimney Damper to save on energy costs - don't let your heat out and cold air in! Follow this guide and you will be installing your chimney damper in no time.
How to Install a Stove Pipe Damper | Stove Pipe Damper Install Video
- Jul 27, 2016
Installing a damper for stainless steel chimney pipe is an easy task any homeowner can do. A stove pipe damper is commonly used for wood burning stoves. By installing the damper into single wall stove pipe, you can have air control to your fire.
Lock Top Energy Saving Damper Operating Instructions
- Jul 26, 2016
Installing a top mount chimney damper is an easy way to save on energy costs. Read this guide on how to operate your Lock-Top chimney damper.
How to Install a Lock Top II Chimney Damper - Installation Video
- Jul 25, 2016
Lock top chimney dampers can be used to halt energy loss up through the chimney. Easy installation process for any do-it-yourself homeowner.
How To Install A Premier Insulated Chimney Damper Instructions
- Jul 20, 2016
The Premier Chimney Damper Cap features terra-cotta pressure bolts that ensure a quick and easy installation. Although the installation is easy, this cap will ensure a tight fit and can withstand temperatures all the way from -85 degrees to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
Fireplace Dampers | Put a Top Damper on the Top of Your To Do List
- Jul 19, 2016
Is there a large hole in your living area that is directly connected to the outside? There is if you have a fireplace with a chimney. The damper is an important part of your fireplace chimney. It does more than just control the amount of heat your fireplace sends into the room.
Removing a Fireplace Damper for Chimney Liner Installation
- Jul 13, 2016
Removing a fireplace damper is a common part of chimney renovation that homeowners come across. You may need to remove the fireplace damper when you are installing a stainless steel chimney liner. When you are installing a wood stove insert, often times there isn't enough room to pass the liner through the damper.


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The war has been raging on in Gotham City for months now. A mysterious force has been going after prominent organized crime leaders in the city, beating them bloody and leaving them hanging for GCPD to clean up. Often detailed surveillance and evidence left alongside the criminal victims. These cases are all on their way to the Supreme Court, as no judge in Gotham City will render a verdict from evidence provided by, at best, a vigilante.
It was a few days after the Batman's first major blow, his assault on Mayor Klass's dinner party, that GCPD Commissioner Gillian Loeb announced the formation of a special task force dedicated to investigating, and eliminating, vigilante justice in Gotham City. A task force that has been wholly ineffective thus far. A task force that's quickly becoming a stain on the pristine record of it's lead detective, James Gordon.
Night after night the war continues. The vigilante striking at Gotham's criminals. The GCPD failing to turn up a single clue as to who this masked figure might be. The organized crime in Gotham growing more paranoid. More desperate.
For months the newspapers have covered every perceivable angle of this story. The Gotham Gazette insisting this Batman is a menace. The Gotham Chronicle rallying support for Batman's war on crime. The Gotham Weekly sticking hard to the speculation that the Bat-Man is more Bat than Man.
Then the story changed. The Gazette first broke the headline, "GOTHAM'S PRODIGAL SON RETURNS!" The Chronicle got the first quote from the twenty-five year old billionaire, "For years I lived in the shadow of my parent's death. In a moment of weakness I fled and lived abroad. I've returned to help the city my parent's loved. The city that they gave their lives for."
The Weekly, true to form, began questioning Bruce Wayne's sexual escapades for the last decade. What debased behavior has he been engaging in across Europe? How many bastards have been left in his wake?
It wasn't until an interview of Good Morning, Gotham! did someone finally ask Wayne for his thoughts on the Batman.
"A guy who dresses up like a bat… clearly has issues."
Part One: Nate Briggs
It's been a strange couple of months. Stories about Batman are on everyone's lips these days. Most of them are in the vein of "my friend heard from her aunt, who heard from her boss," etc., etc. I have one. But just the one. The Batman hasn't given me any grief lately, but the pressure's on the guys I've picked up for our boss. Lot of them have looked spooked. Or like they took a cinderblock to the face recently.
The task force hasn't seemed too effective from what I hear. Not at catching Batman anyway. They like to set up ambushes for him. In alleyways especially. I've had to go more and more out of my way when I get a "special call." There's not been one of those in a month now. I heard that Batman showed up at our boss's place and threatened to not just beat the bejeezus out of him, but also to eat his kids in front of him, before flying off into the night.
Today, Bruce Wayne came back to Gotham. It's dredged up old memories. He's not a kid anymore. Handsome, got an education around the world apparently. All his parents' money. Why come back here? To this hellhole? Still.. something wasn't right, no Wayne in Gotham. There's a tender spark of.. something.
I got a call. A new "special fare." It's been a month. I say "okay," and get the information. Something has changed. This time, it's a family.
I pick up a mobster earlier on. Another favor. Some street-level goon. We drive a ways. Find an alley. He wants to know what's happening. Where are we going? Shortcut, I say. Why's it stink back here? Just Gotham, I say. I park and he realizes what's happening. Goes for his piece. These idiots fitted my cab with bulletproof glass to prevent this exact thing. Didn't want their marks to shoot their way out of suffocating. He yells, threatens, pleads like all the rest of the people he and his boss have had me kill, amid the choking coughs and increasingly bloodshot eyes. Then, it's over. That family isn't going to get hurt, not by me. No one else. I decide the "special rides" now. I'm going to take my damned life back, one gas-ride at a time if I have to.
Part Two: Christopher Ramsay
It had been months since my run-in with the Batman in WayneTech's R&D Conceptual Labs. I reported it, but nothing ever became of the incident.
The city felt like it was ready to pop. With the Bat waging his one-man war on crime, everybody was on edge. I kept a close eye on what was happening within the GCPD and there was a schism in their ranks. The line seemed to be clear – those who were on Gordon's task force, and those who weren't. Those who weren't were almost always on the take, and were afraid of the Batman coming for them. People said he could fly, that he could turn invisible, that he drank blood, that he wasn't human. Police aggression was rampant, as was the paranoia, and most people had begun to learn if you didn't see those task force uniforms, you steered clear.
A reprieve arrived in the form of the return of none other than Bruce Wayne himself, orphaned son and gajillionaire. Headlines shifted from "crime wave", "gang war", and "Batman" to "Prodigal Son", "Wayne Returns" and "Turning Point for Gotham". My mother, who I ate breakfast with every Saturday morning, was thrilled.
"It'll be like the old days," she said. "When Thomas and Martha kept the peace."
I wasn't convinced. I had been a security guard for years, but I still had a cop's eye. Something about Wayne troubled me. He said he was here to help the city, but there was something about the young man that was dark. I wouldn't have been surprised if it turned out he was involved in the city's underworld. I imagined Wayne Manor housing a high-tech drug lab.
All those thoughts were knocking around in my mind the day that I stumbled upon the wrong scene. Taking a different route home after my shift, I rounded a corner to see three GCPD cops brutally execute a street tough. These guys weren't on the special task force, and I ran. They followed. They shot, and I was hit. I was left for dead in the gutter.
When I awoke in the hospital three days later, I could still feel pain in the arm that was no longer there.
Part Three: Arnold Harmon
It's been months since Detective Gordon made that midnight call to my apartment. We talked about just how deep the corruption ran, laid out all our cards on the table, and confirmed what we both feared the rot ran too deep to fix from the inside. Three days later I was canned by the Gazette, never read the filthy rag anymore. I've moved, got my P.I. licence. I keep in touch with Gordon, he'll steer some clients my way when he thinks I can help in ways he can't. I'll do some off the books investigations for him, mostly on the dirty cops. I don't know what he's doing with the info, 'cause he sure as hell isn't turning it over to I.A. they're dirty as hell too. I'm not about to ask though, he's become my friend, and that's what friends do, trust one another.
I still hear rumors about the Batman, hell I catch glimpses of things out of the corners of my eyes late at night around the city. James says privately that he thinks it's on our side, I say whatever creepy as shit still. Most people don't talk much about him though. Those on the up and up at least are going on about Waynes return, I don't pay that much time. I have bills to pay ain't no billionaire. What I do pay attention to are the ones who whisper about the bat in hushed tones. Thems the ones whose got dirt and blood on their hands.
Part Four: Isabella Fuente
"Hey Fuente, check this shit out." Vega rolls up his right sleeve and shows me the fresh tattoo on his upper arm. I look. I roll my eyes. It's a bat.
"Have you ever seen 'Training Day'?" I ask, double-checking our patient's vitals. Non-critical, bruises and a broken arm. Bleeding's all under control, breathing is even. No broken ribs.
"That movie is the shit. Why?" Vega shakes his arm, causing his sleeve to fall back into place. He turns his attention back to the road.
"Do you remember the scene where Alonzo is asking Jake if he speaks Spanish? And Jake says he only speaks a little?"
Vega spares me a glance out of the corner of his eye, confused. "Si, mija. Cual es tu punto?" The Spanish rolls easy off his tongue. Vega's parents are Mexican, he grew up speaking as much Spanish as English.
I point my chin at his tattoo, now hidden under his sleeve. "That shit'll get you killed."
Vega goes quiet. He's always been impulsive, and probably didn't think about what some of the people in the neighborhoods we roll through would do if they saw his new ink. He doesn't say anything for several minutes. When he speaks again, he's changed the subject. "You see Wayne's back in town?"
Last time I saw Bruce Wayne was when he was kneeling over the still-warm corpse of his parents. Vega doesn't know that — nobody but Officer Toure and his partner knew that, and as far as I know they never told anybody. It takes me a few seconds to calm down, to be sure that I can talk without my voice cracking. "So?" I try to sound disinterested.
Vega looks back at me through the rear-view mirror, another look of confusion. I hesitated, and he noticed. I pretend to be busy with the patient, but she's sleeping. "What, you one of his side-honeys that the Weekly keeps talking about?" He's teasing, trying to make light of it. Vega's a good guy.
I frown down at the patient, take a deep breath, and lean back against the interior wall of the ambulance. "I went to school on a Wayne Foundation scholarship, Nate, so I owe that family a lot. But the money ran out not long after I graduated. I know a lot of people that could have gotten out, people like me, but they didn't. The money ran out because that kid was drinking and fucking his grief away all across the world." I didn't realize I felt so strongly about this until now, until the words came out. I'm angry, and frustrated, and thankful. It's all confusing and conflicted.
"Maybe he'll start the programs back up now that he's back in town. We can hope, yeah?" Vega shifts in his seat, turns his eyes forward again.
I wipe a tear out of the corner of my eye, sniff, clear my throat. "If he does, then he'll be worth talking about."
Part Five: Igantious Gallow
The Stacked Deck is crowded for a lunch hour. No one seems to want to go out at night lately. I catch phrases like "he drinks his victims blood" and "I got a friend who swears he saw him turn into a swarm of bats." It all stops as they collectively turn to look at me.
I know I'm a sight. They just now got my arm out of a cast, but not a sling. Bandages are still around the left side of my head from where the jokers had crushed my orbital. Docs are saying it will be a miracle if I don't lose the eye. Days of stubble darken my cheeks, where I haven't been able to shave. Franky is still in the hospital. He is probably never coming back.
Lana, my usual waitress comes out from the bar to take my overcoat off my shoulders. Everyone pointedly ignores the butt of the gun sticking out from under my left shoulder. "Gallow, baby, what happened to you?" She is walking me towards my usual booth. "Was it the Bat?" She asks in a whisper, but I know they're all listening.
I grind my teeth. "Don't call them that. It isn't one guy. This," I point at my face, "wasn't the work of one guy." I wasn't sure. It could have been one it could have been twenty, but I am tired of all this hokum about a mystical bat vigilante.
I slide stiffly into my booth. No sooner has Lana placed my scotch on the table than Jimmy Malone slide in opposite me. "What do you got for me?" He asks without preamble. Jimmy always reminded me of an overstuffed weasel. If he wasn't related to the Roman I'd probably give him a long walk off a short pier.
"Got what Jimmy? I'm just here for a drink." I growl back at him.
Jimmy leans in. "Word is with Tony out of the picture you're in line to be the new caporegime, so you gotta know what we're going to do about this Bat-Man."
I slam my good first down on the table. I hurt and I'm tired. "There is no Bat-Man. This is just a bunch of freaks with a fetish. Give them time, they'll start trying for turf like the rest of us." I knock back the rest of my drink. "And second, Jimmy, you might have married a Falcone but you ain't Family, so "we" ain't doing nothing."
The air is tense after my little tirade. Someone unmutes the bar's only TV to cover the silence. Some puff piece about Bruce Wayne is running. I glare at the screen. "Little whelp finally decide to come back." Jimmy follows my gaze looking confused. I drum my left hand on the table. Across my fingers is tattooed the letters G A T E. My right hand, which is still bandaged has similar ink. The right set is B L A C K. "Had the high and mighty Waynes not been capped I would have been caporegime a long time ago." Lana slides another drink in front of me. She's heard this story more than once. I pull her down next to me before continuing my rhythmic drumming. Jimmy is watching my fingers. "Ever been up state Jimmy?" I ask coldly. He shakes his head. "Then unless you want to take a little trip, I suggest you forget all about the bat-men." He nods. "Now let me enjoy my drink and some pleasant company." Jimmy shakes his head in agreement and moves off to another table.
Part Six: Marcus Toure
Wayne is coming out of the restaurant and I'm there. The girl with him looks familiar, like from an MTV video.
"Mr. Wayne?" I ask, my recorder in hand.
"A member of the press!" he says, his voice stinking of expensive whiskey. He stops and looks at me. "What can you do—I mean, what can I do for you?"
He stopped. Okay, keep your cool. Remember your line of questions.
"Mr. Wayne, you're the inheritor of the greatest fortune in Gotham's history. How do you plan on using it?"
He gives me a twisted smile, points at the girl on his arm and says, "Am I being subtle?"
"Gotham could use a man like you, Mr. Wayne. A man of resources. An educated man. Your fortune could help turn Gotham's fortunes."
He points at me. "That's a good line," he says. "You gonna use that in your story?" Then, he laughs and falls down. The doorman helps him back up.
"Mr. Wayne, I…"
The doorman gets between us. "That's enough," he says.
I try to talk around him. "Mr. Wayne! There have been over 600 homicides in Gotham just this year! You aren't the only one who lost a family in this city!"
Wayne's getting to his feet when I say that. And for a second, I see something very dark in his eyes. His gaze falls on me… and my knees almost crumble.
"Don't you ever talk about my family again," he says. With a voice that sounds like it crawled out of a grave. Then, he grabs the woman by the arm, throws her into the back of his limo and climbs in himself.
I charge after him, trying to catch my foot in the limo's door. "Mr. Wayne!" I shout. But he slams the door shut.
Hours later, I'm at my apartment in front of the computer. The page is blank. Piles of research on my table. Photos of the crime scene. Photos of a young boy in a tuxedo and a cop's coat. I have rumors and hints from places like Zimbabwe and Tibet.
I write the headline.
Chapters written by Rob Justice
Arnold Harmon written by Artemis Knight
Christopher Ramsay written by Robert Wakefield
Igantious Gallow written by Steven A Skidmore
Isabella Fuente written by Michael Curry
Marcus Toure written by John Wick
Nate Briggs written by Zachary Alan Gourley


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Telcos have backed the concept of net neutrality, but said it should be applied not just to them but to all those who offer similar communication services, while Save the Internet wanted the concept of free Web to be a part of the licence conditions of mobile operators.
While telcos wanted some amount of traffic management to be allowed, backers of net neutrality strongly opposed this, saying they go against the principles of a free Internet and will lead to discrimination.
"We believe the regulatory framework of net neutrality should not be limited to TSP (telecom service providers) only, but apply to all other stakeholders such as website, content or applications providers and handset manufacturers," COAI and Auspi, the two telecom industry bodies, said in response to the pre-consultation paper on the subject floated by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) on May 30.
They said that Trai should define net neutrality holistically, without tackling issues such as discriminatory pricing of data services in a piece meal way and again reiterated that the regulator withdraw the rules barring discriminatory of data services provided over the Internet.
The views were however countered by net neutrality backers Save the Internet and Software Freedom Law Centre, besides software industry body Nasscom. The concept of net neutrality guarantees free and unbiased access to the Web, and is a highly controversial and debated subject globally.
"The regulator and the government must exclude any commercial considerations or issues raised by telecom operators and Internet Service Providers in deciding the usage of spectrum, and ensure that access service providers are not allowed to manipulate access to information and the users ability to express herself via any means," Save the Internet said in its submission.
Nasscom highlighted the need to ensure unrestrained access of users to content and services while devising laws around net neutrality that are critical for the success of government-led campaigns like Digital India and digital literacy.
"Any relation between TSP and OTTs should under no circumstances compromise on free and open access to internet as net neutrality requires the internet not to favour any app, site or service over others," it added.
Software Freedom Law Centre, on its part, said that any rules that are adopted must ensure that user choice is preserved, do not discriminate on the basis of apps, do not restrict freedom of speech and expression, keep the entry barriers low and promote innovation.
The comments come on the last day - July 5 - for submitting views on Trai's pre-consultation paper floated on May 30 in which the telecom regulator rekindled the debate over a free and open internet by issuing a much awaited paper that aims to define net neutrality and identify relevant issues, such as throttling speeds and regulating communication apps that will form the basis of a policy on the subject.
Based on the views, Trai will float a full consultation paper, followed by an open house, before coming out with its recommendations on the highly controversial global subject.
In the pre-consultation paper, Trai sought views from stakeholders on six key questions, including what should comprise the core principles and policy approach toward net neutrality in India.
While seeking views on a policy framework defining the relationship between telcos and apps, especially those, which provide communication services similar to the mobile phone operators, Trai also sought comments on precautions to ensure customer privacy and safeguard national security.
Trai also wanted views on "reasonable traffic management practices" carriers may need to adopt and in what manner these could be misused. Telcos said internet was not meant to be neutral and reasonable traffic management plays a fundamental role in ensuring a good end-user experience, and should be allowed as part of network management, given the increasing Internet traffic.
They added that any principles governing traffic management should take into account challenges like sub-optimal spectrum allocations and constraints in setting up infrastructure that telcos face while offering data and voice services.
Save the Internet countered, saying any traffic management based on speed and content is against the principles of net neutrality.
"We don't need to hardcode definition of Net Neutrality, but define principles, which include: No blocking, no throttling, no paid prioritization, freedom of access and to receive or use content, no discriminatory practices, reasonable traffic management and support for innovation, the need for transparency, prescription of quality of services," it said.
Software Freedom Law Centre said that an approach towards traffic management with the prime focus being provision of better quality of services could lead to telcos discriminating between different income consumers and affecting the neutral character of the Internet.
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- Trai seeks views on traffic management under net neutrality
- Trai to seek views on Net Neutrality compliance soon
- Rolling back net neutrality can spur investments in economies like India: Ajit Pai
- A negative example on net neutrality


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« We Could All Use a Lesson in Culture | Main | Spotlight: The Assistant Principalship »
For Educators, "Bully" Is a Serious Conversation Starter
By Dennis Van Roekel, President, National Education Association (NEA)
Your 14-year old son is being tormented by bullies at school and on the school bus. Every day he seems more withdrawn, every day it's harder to get him to go to school.
So you go to the school and talk to an assistant principal. You tell her about the bullying. She tries to reassure you — "We're taking care of it." It occurs to you after the meeting that this person sees you as the squeaky wheel to which oil must be applied.
The bullying persists. You return to the school several more times, talking with whomever is available, and again you hear — "We're taking care of it."
Your son grows more silent, more depressed. You question him — the bullying hasn't stopped. You are afraid he might commit suicide like some other bullied children have done. You are desperate. Fortunately, you find some help for your son outside of the school.
This is one of the true stories told in the new documentary movie, "Bully." The boy's name is Alex and his mother, Jackie Libby, has become a passionate advocate for bullying prevention and for public school employees getting the support and training they need to prevent bullying.
"Bully" gives a voice and a face to bullied students by following three of them — Alex, Kelby, and Ja'Meya — and it tells us about two other children, Ty and Tyler, who were bullied so relentlessly that they committed suicide. I've never seen a film like it. Director Lee Hirsch intended for us to feel what it is like to be a child who is bullied — and he succeeded. He also shows us the adults in these children's lives and their sometimes confused and fumbling responses to bullying.
Here's the thing — despite 48 states now having passed bullying prevention laws, despite a mountain of research documenting the negative impact of bullying on students' health and education, despite intensive media coverage of bullied students' suicides, the myth that bullying is a harmless rite of passage persists.
No one who sees "Bully" will ever believe that myth again. This movie should be shown to every school board and in every middle and high school across America. Every school administrator and every school employee who comes in contact with students should see "Bully." NEA is urging its members to see the movie. Already showing in New York City and Los Angeles, "Bully" opens in more than 45 other cities across the nation on April 13.
What is so very frustrating for educators and researchers who have dug deeply into the issue of bullying is that it is a preventable problem. The tragic suicides of Ty Smalley or Tyler Long could have been prevented. Adults — school employees and students' families — ultimately determine the amount of bullying that occurs in any given school, they create the climate, and working together, the adults can eliminate bullying from the school.
NEA's research shows that public school teachers and education support professionals are ready to act, but many of them lack training in the most effective, research-proven measures to take to prevent bullying. It is the responsibility of school districts, with support from their states, to provide this training — and not only to administrators and teachers, but to the wide array of adults who come into contact with students at school: bus drivers, front office staff, custodians, librarians, and food service workers.
Human connection is the key to bullying prevention. This principle is the foundation of Bully Free: It Starts with Me — NEA's campaign to equip caring adults in students' lives to stand up, and cease being bystanders.
Any effort to create a safe learning environment for all students in a school must start with the adults having a serious conversation, and the movie "Bully" is an excellent conversation starter. This will be a hard one if it is an honest one, especially if downplaying the importance of bullying — "kids will be kids" — is embedded in the culture of a school or school district.
Equally hard will be the action steps necessary to eliminate bullying. They will require relationship building and learning new behaviors. Just because the experts say that the problem is "solvable" doesn't mean solving it will be easy.
But preventing bullying will be far easier than having to deal with another precious child committing suicide because he or she was mercilessly bullied while adults went about their everyday routines.
Views expressed in this post are strictly those of the author and do not reflect the endorsement of the Learning First Alliance or any of its members.


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What is "Telecom"?
Telecommunications ("telecom") is a general term for a vast array of technologies that transmit and receive voice, data, and video information over varying distances through electronic means. For businesses, this can include lines, circuits, and data "pipes" used to access both terrestrial and wireless networks. The utilization of these networks and technologies varies greatly from organization to organization and may include:
- Local, long distance, and toll free voice traffic
- Internet access
- Video conferencing
- LAN's and WAN's
- Call centers
- Converged networks (voice, data, wireless)
Telecom is much more than your "phone bill." Telecommunication technologies change at an extremely rapid pace and most businesses do not have the time to keep track of these evolving technologies. AmTelAudit can help!


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I have sold a property at 2737 Tudor AVE in VICTORIA.
PLEASE READ M2M NOTES. THANK YOU!! Amazing .57 ACRE property with gorgeous ocean views overlooking Cadboro Bay!! Character exudes from this Tudor residence! Original wood floors, charming wood windows, exposed wood beams, original interior doors and hardware. 2bdrm and 4 pce bath on main floor. Huge living room with fireplace and separate dining rm with built ins. Views from all principal rooms. Galley style kitchen that has been updated, with eat in area. Single car garage. Beautiful natural setting with rock outcropping, a zen garden area,pond, lovely landscaping and private!!!


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The quiz "What is Your Philosophical Profile" is based on an original classification* to nine philosopher types, according to the questions each type is most concerned with. The nine types are the dialogic (concerned with interpersonal relationship, intimacy, love, responsibility and care for the other), experiential (interested in the human experience of love, hate, happiness, pain etc.), mystical (concerned with that which is beyond the senses and the mind), practical (whose attention is on action and change in the material world), moral (engaged with concepts such as conscience, morality, good and evil), existential (asking questions related to the "self", the subject, the "I" that each of us is), purposeful (concerned with the meaning of life and purpose in life), consciousness (interested in the ability to know and to know that we know) and sociopolitical (asking questions about equality, freedom, authority and justice) types.
Click here to read more about The Nine Philosopher Types.
* © 2016 Amir Freimann


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Having a bad day or facing some kind of life challenges. All you need is some good words that will sooth your soul and lift your spirit up again. Life is a struggle, there is no doubt about that, but you must not allow your spirit to remain down else it might degenerate to something worse, we have decided to help the situation by coming up with this list of words of inspiration to lift your spirit.
See Also: Positive Words That Will Help Express Your Happiness
Inspiring Words Of Inspiration To Lift Your Spirits
1. "Define success on your own terms, achieve it by your own rules, and build a life you're proud to live." —Anne Sweeney
2. "Don't let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do." —John Wooden "If you work just for money, you'll never make it, but if you love what you're doing and you always put the customer first, success will be yours." —Ray Kroc
3. "We cannot change what we are not aware of, and once we are aware, we cannot help but change." —Sheryl Sandberg
4. "Real riches are the riches possessed inside." —B.C. Forbes
5. "A company is only as good as the people it keeps."
6. "Don't be intimidated by what you don't know. That can be your greatest strength and ensure that you do things differently from everyone else." —Sara Blakely
7. "I learned to always take on things I'd never done before. Growth and comfort do not coexist." —Virginia Rometty
8. "All our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them." —Walt Disney
9. "Be patient with yourself. Self-growth is tender; it's holy ground. There's no greater investment." —Stephen Covey
10. "There is no chance, no destiny, no fate, that can hinder or control the firm resolve of a determined soul." —Ella Wheeler Wilcox
11. "The only place where success comes before work is in the dictionary." —Vidal Sassoon
12. "Your time is precious, so don't waste it living someone else's life." —Steve Jobs
13. "I feel that luck is preparation meeting opportunity." —Oprah Winfrey
14. "Please think about your legacy, because you're writing it every day." —Gary Vaynerchuk
15. "Success is often achieved by those who don't know that failure is inevitable." —Coco Chanel
16. "There's no shortage of remarkable ideas; what's missing is the will to execute them." —Seth Godin
17. The art of life is to sustain the feeling of the wish fulfilled and let things come to you, not to go after them or think they flee away. ~ Neville
18. Faith is to believe what you do not see; the reward of this faith is to see what you believe.~ Saint Augustine.
19. A happy person is not a person in a certain set of circumstances, but rather a person with a certain set of attitudes. ~ Hugh Downs.
20. There is real magic in enthusiasm. It spells the difference between mediocrity and accomplishment. ~ Norman Vincent Peale
21. It is a most healthy and productive exercise to daily relive the day as you wish you had lived it, revising the scenes to make them conform to your ideals. ~ Neville
22. Begin doing what you want to do now. We are not living in eternity. We have only this moment, sparkling like a star in our hand and melting like a snowflake. ~ Marie Beyon Ray
23. Don't wait for something big to occur. Start where you are, with what you have, and that will always lead you into something greater. ~ Mary Manin Morrissey
24. Have the courage to say no. Have the courage to face the truth. Do the right thing because it is right. These are the magic keys to living your life with integrity. ~ W. Clement Stone
25. Master your choices, or become the slave of their consequences. ~ Michael Rawls
26. The greater part of our happiness or misery depends upon our dispositions, and not upon our circumstances. ~ Martha Washington
27. An ounce of practice is worth more than a ton of preaching. ~ Mahatma Gandhi
28. The only journey is the one within. ~ Rainer Maria Rilke
29. Every man who accomplishes things sees first in his mind what he wishes to do. He puts away all doubt. It makes no difference how small or how large the thing you want to do may be; if you have an unlimited confidence in your ability to do it, you will do it. ~ Charles Fillmore
30. Great things are not done by impulse, but by a series of small things brought together. ~ Vincent Van Gogh
31. Nothing stops the man who desires to achieve. Every obstacle is simply a course to develop his achievement muscle. It's a strengthening of his powers of accomplishment. ~ Eric Butterworth
32. A belief is only a thought you continue to think. A belief is nothing more than a chronic pattern of thought, and you have the ability – if you try even a little bit – to begin a new pattern, to tell a new story, to achieve a different vibration, to change your point of attraction. ~ Abraham-Hicks
33. The degree of responsibility you take for your life determines how much change you can create in it. ~ Celestine Chua
34. It is our duty as men and women to proceed as though the limits of our abilities do not exist. ~ Pierre Teilhard de Chardin
35. Any fact facing us is not as important as our attitude toward it, for that determines our success or failure. The way you think about a fact may defeat you before you ever do anything about it.
36. You are overcome by the fact because you think you are. ~ Norman Vincent Peale
37. The really great man is the man who makes every man feel great. ~ G. K. Chesterton
38. Don't ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive. ~ Howard Thurman
39. Flowers do not force their way with great strife. Flowers open to perfection slowly in the sun. Don't be in a hurry about spiritual matters. Go step by step, and be very sure. ~ White Eagle
40. I am still learning…how to take joy in all the people I am, how to use all my selves in the service of what I believe, how to accept when I fail and rejoice when I succeed. ~ Audre Lorde
41. If you can see your path laid out in front of you step by step, you know it's not your path. Your own path you make with every step you take. That's why it's your path. ~ Joseph Campbell
42. If someone listens, or stretches out a hand, or whispers a word of encouragement, or attempts to understand a lonely person, extraordinary things begin to happen. ~ Loretta Girzartis
43. Enthusiasm is the yeast that makes your hopes rise to the stars. Enthusiasm is the sparkle in your eyes, the swing in your gait, the grip of your hand, the irresistible surge of will and energy to excite your ideas. ~ Henry Tor
44. Bless a thing and it will bless you. Curse it and it will curse you. If you bless a situation, it has no power to hurt you: and even if it is troublesome for a time, it will gradually fade out, if you sincerely bless it. ~ Emmet Fox
45. Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burned. ~ Buddha
46. If you think well of others, you will also speak well of others and to others. From the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. If your heart is full of love, you will speak of love. ~ Mother Teresa
47. As fast as each opportunity presents itself, use it! No matter how tiny an opportunity it may be, use it! ~ Robert Collier
48. "Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does." ~William James
49. "Learning is the beginning of wealth. Learning is the beginning of health. Learning is the beginning of spirituality. Searching and learning is where the miracle process all begins." ~Jim Rohn
50. "I'd rather attempt to do something great and fail than to attempt to do nothing and succeed." ~Robert H. Schuller
51. "If it is bread that you seek, you will have bread. If it is the soul you seek, you will find the soul. If you understand this secret, you know you are that which you seek." ~Rumi
52. The golden opportunity you are seeking is in yourself. It is not in your environment, it is not in luck or chance, or the help of others; it is in yourself alone. ~ Orison Sweet Marden
53. If you break your neck, if you have nothing to eat, if your house is on fire–then you've got a problem. Everything else is inconvenience. ~ Robert Fulghum
54. Be willing to be a beginner every single morning. ~ Meister Eckhart
55. The man who removes a mountain begins by carrying away small stones. ~ Chinese Proverb
56. Never entertain an undesirable feeling, nor think sympathetically about wrong in any shape or form…to do so is to impress the subconscious with these limitations.~ Neville.
57. Infinite riches are all around you if you will open your mental eyes and behold the treasure house of infinity within you. There is a gold mine within you from which you can extract everything you need to live life gloriously, joyously, and abundantly. ~Joseph Murphy
58. I consider my ability to arouse enthusiasm among men the greatest asset I possess. The way to develop the best that is in a man is by appreciation and encouragement. ~ Charles Schwab
59. Excellence can be attained if you care more than others think is wise, risk more than others think is safe, dream more than others think is practical, and expect more than others think is possible. ~ Unknown
60. "Life is a succession of lessons which must be lived to be understood."~Helen Keller
61. "When you get into a tight place and everything goes against you, till it seems as though you could not hang on a minute longer, never give up then, for that is just the place and time that the tide will turn." ~Harriet Beecher Stowe
62. "You must do the thing you think you cannot do." ~Eleanor Roosevelt
63. "If you don't pay appropriate attention to what has your attention, it will take more of your attention than it deserves." ~David Allen
64. "I find hope in the darkest of days, and focus in the brightest. I do not judge the universe." ~Dalai Lama
65. A child has no trouble believing the unbelievable, nor does the genius or the madman. It's only you and I with our big brains and our tiny hearts, who doubt and over think and hesitate. ~ Steven Pressfield
66. The best portion of a good man's life is his little, nameless, unremembered acts of kindness and of love. ~ William Wordsworth
67. The man who does not believe in miracles surely makes it certain that he will never take part in one. ~ William Blake
68. Opulence is the law of the universe, an abundant supply for every need if nothing is put in the way of its coming. ~ Ralph W. Trine
69. We plant seeds that will flower as results in our lives, so best to remove the weeds of anger, avarice, envy, and doubt, that peace and abundance may manifest for all – Dorothy Day
70. "Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved." ~Helen Keller
See: Words Of Affirmation To Make People Love You More
Words Of Inspiration
71. "It is by going down into the abyss that we recover the treasures of life. Where you stumble, there lies your treasure." ~Joseph Campbell
72. "In essence, if we want to direct our lives, we must take control of our consistent actions. It's not what we do once in a while that shapes our lives, but what we do consistently." ~Tony Robbins
73. "Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time." ~Thomas A. Edison
74. "You are never to old to set another goal or to dream a new dream." ~C.S. Lewis
75. "Even if you fall on your face, you're still moving forward." ~Victor Kiam
76. "Be miserable. Or motivate yourself. Whatever has to be done, it's always your choice." ~Wayne Dyer
77. Anything I've ever done that ultimately was worthwhile initially scared me to death. ~ Betty Bender
78. The optimist pleasantly ponders how high his kite will fly; the pessimist woefully wonders how soon his kite will fall. ~ William Arthur Ward
79. The greatest act of faith some days is to simply get up and face another day. ~ Amy Gatliff
80. "The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be." ~Ralph Waldo Emerson
81. "Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can." ~Arthur Ashe
82. "How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world." ~Anne Frank
83. "When one door closes another door opens; but we so often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door, that we do not see the ones which open for us." ~Alexander Graham Bell
84. "Learn from the past, set vivid, detailed goals for the future, and live in the only moment of time over which you have any control: now." ~Denis Waitley
85. "Do you want to know who you are? Don't ask. Act! Action will delineate and define you." ~Thomas Jefferson
86. "The key is to keep company only with people who uplift you, whose presence calls forth your best." ~Epictetus
87. "Be impeccable with your word. Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean. Avoid using the word to speak against yourself or to gossip about others. Use the power of your word in the direction of truth and love." ~Miguel Angel Ruiz
88. "Perhaps everything terrible is in its being something that needs our love." ~Rainer Maria Rilke
89. "Hold on to what is good, even if it's a handful of earth." ~Hopi prayer
90. "Only the person who risks is truly free"– William Arthur Ward
91. "Always dream and shoot higher than you know you can do. Don't bother just to be better than your contemporaries or predecessors. Try to be better than yourself."– William Faulkner
92. "Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it."– Goethe
93. "There is only one thing that makes a dream impossible to achieve: the fear of failure."– Paulo Coelho
94. "Overcome the notion that you must be regular. It robs you of the chance to be extraordinary."– Uta Hagen
95. "Let your soul stand cool and composed before a million universes." ~Walt Whitman
96. "If you are going through hell, keep going." ~Winston Churchill
97. "Tell you heart that the fear of suffering is worse than suffering itself. And no heart has ever suffered when it goes in search of its dream." ~Paulo Coelho
98. "The secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn for the past, not to worry about the future . . . but to live the present moment wisely and earnestly." ~Buddha
99. "In the midst of movement and chaos, keep stillness inside of you." ~Deepak Chopra
100. "Good humor is a tonic for mind and body. It is the best antidote for anxiety and depression. It is a business asset. It attracts and keep friends. It lightens human burdens. It is the direct route to serenity and contentment." ~Greenville Kleisser
101. "What you thought before has led to every choice you have made, and this adds up to you at this moment. If you want to change who you are physically, mentally, and spiritually, you will have to change what you think." ~Dr. Patrick Gentempo
102. "Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around." ~Leo Buscaglia
103. "Fall seven times, stand up eight." ~Japanese Proverb
104. "Problems are not stop signs, they are guidelines." ~Robert Schuller
105. "We must embrace pain and burn it as fuel for our journey." ~Kenji Miyazawa
106. "By recording your dreams and goals on paper, you set in motion the process of becoming the person you most want to be. Put your future in good hands — your own." ~Mark Victor Hansen
107. "Be patient with yourself. Self-growth is tender; it's holy ground. There's no greater investment." ~Stephen Covey
108. "Would you like me to give you a formula for success? It's quite simple, really. Double your rate of failure. You are thinking of failure as the enemy of success. But it isn't at all. You can be discouraged by failure or you can learn from it, So go ahead and make mistakes. Make all you can. Because remember that's where you will find success." ~Thomas J. Watson
109. "Try and fail, but don't fail to try."– Stephen Kaggwa
110. "Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind."– Dr. Seuss
111. "It's kind of fun to do the impossible."– Walt Disney
112. "Everything you can imagine is real."– Pablo Picasso
113. "Cherish your visions and your dreams, as they are the children of your soul; the blueprints of your ultimate achievements."– Napoleon Hill
114. "This is your world. Shape it or someone else will."– Gary Lew
115. "I don't dream at night, I dream all day; I dream for a living."– Steven Spielberg
116. "Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending." ~Maria Robinson
117. "If we did all the things we are capable of, we would astound ourselves." ~Thomas Edison
118. "Try not to become a person of success, but rather try to become a person of value. ~Albert Einstein
119. "If you don't value your time, neither will others. Stop giving away your time and talents — start charging for it." ~Kim Garst
120. "Don't be afraid to give up the good to go for the great." ~John D. Rockefeller
121. "Life is not about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself." ~Lolly Daskal
122. "All progress takes place outside the comfort zone." ~Michael John Bobak
123. "When I dare to be powerful – to use my strength in the service of my vision, then it becomes less and less important whether I am afraid." ~Audre Lorde
124. "If you don't like the road you're walking, start paving another one."– Dolly Parton
125. "Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world."– Harriet Tubman
126. "You are what you believe yourself to be."– Paulo Coelho
127. "The best way to make your dreams come true is to wake up."– Paul Valery
128. "Be truthful, gentle, and fearless."– Gandhi
129. "The best way is always through."– Frost
130. "There will come a time when you believe everything is finished. That will be the beginning."– Louis L'amour
131. "When I had nothing to lose, I had everything. When I stopped being who I am, I found myself."– Paulo Coelho
132. "You'll never do a whole lot unless you're brave enough to try."– Dolly Parton
133. "Have faith in yourself and in the future."– Ted Kennedy
134. "Fear doesn't shut you down, it wakes you up."– Veronica Roth
135. "Only as high as I reach can I grow, only as far as I seek can I go, only as deep as I look can I see, only as much as I dream can I be."– Karen Ravn
136. "Find your purpose and fling your life out to it. Find a way or make one. Try with all your might. Self-made or never made."– Orison Swett Marden
137. "Risk more than others think is safe. Care more than others think is wise. Dream more than others think is practical. Expect more than others think is possible."– Cadet Maxim
138. "Believe in yourself and all that you are. Know that there is something inside you that is greater than any obstacle."– Christian D. Larson
139. "Walk with the dreamers, the believers, the courageous, the cheerful, the planners, the doers, the successful people with their heads in the clouds and their feet on the ground. Let their spirit light a fire within you to leave this world better than when you found it."– Wilfred Peterson
140. "Most obstacles melt away when we make up our minds to walk boldly through them."– Orison Swett Marden.
Most Powerful Words that Exert Control and Influence
Best Words That Make You Sound Really Smart


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Wonjin Beauty Medical Group has became a choice of many people from all over the world since 1994 in terms of plastic surgery and beauty. Not only by people from overseas, people from all parts of South Korea also choose Wonjin Beauty Medical Group for plastic surgery.
At the moment, Wonjin Beauty Medical Group has opened two hospital branches in China and Thailand, and an aesthetic clinic in Malaysia. It helps local people who want to know more about plastic surgery and help them to be connected to the main branch in South Korea.
As one of the biggest plastic surgery clinic, Wonjin Beauty Medical Group is not only focusing on plastic surgery but also has dental clinic, dermatology, medinent, which suits the concept beauty-medical all in one place.
Among those plastic surgery, people choose eye plastic surgery and best rhinoplasty in Korea as the most done surgery. But do you know that eye plastic surgery and rhinoplasty are not as simple as it look?
Actually, for best rhinoplasty in Korea, there are actually a lot of types of rhinoplasty, up to 183 types of it. It depends on the size, material, location, angle of forehead and nose, angle of nose and philtrum, etc.
Take a look at the picture below:
All of those factors are the one who determine the result of best rhinoplasty in Korea. Wonjin Beauty Medical Group only uses special implant that has been customizedly designed based on patients' needs. The method of surgery also depends on each patients' case so the result will be even more satisfying.
Wonjin Beauty Medical Group promises to use only safe and stable implants for nose surgery that can last for a long time. It is vital to choose the correct implant type and size for best rhinoplasty in Korea. Since everyone has different nose bone size and skin tissue type, it is best to compare pros and cons of each implant and choose the best one.
Read: [REVIEW] Wonjin Plastic Surgery Clinic Korea
More information about the procedure can be asked through our facebook page and don't forget to subscribe to our channel for more information and video about Korea plastic surgery at Wonjin Beauty Medical Group. And please feel free to PM us on facebook to make a reservation as well!


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Just like us, pets need dental care.
As your pet ages, they will naturally develop a layer of plaque on their teeth, which hardens to become a solid layer over the tooth called tartar. If not effectively managed, this can turn into gingivitis, an inflammation of the surrounding gums. Any inflammation and infection of the gums can have a direct effect on your pet's heart and kidneys.
Taking this one step further, gingivitis can, over time, lead to periodontitis, an infection around the ligament that holds the tooth in place. Your pet may experience loose teeth or tooth loss as a result.
Both gingivitis and periodontal disease can be prevented with regular dental check ups. A simple dental check will grade your pet's dental health from 1 (good) to 4 (urgent action required), as well as anticipate the need for cleaning, polishing, tooth extraction or even just a change in diet.
All dental work carried out on your pet is performed in a sterile environment, with sterile instruments, which have been autoclaved to the same level of safety as human dentistry. This is to prevent the spread of Feline Aids and Canine Tracheitis.
Buzz Strategic Concepts via Nexus Themes | Copyright 2015


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Proudly Serving Baltimore & Annapolis MD
& Surrounding Areas
If so, you should consider taking action. Did you know that over 40% of the air that you breathe on the first floor of the home comes from the basement or crawl space? Because of this, crawl space waterproofing and encapsulation is essential to your family's health.
A crawl space is essentially a small basement. In homes with crawlspaces, the living area is so close to the crawl space that moisture and unsafe air infiltrate the home, causing potential health hazards.
At Maryland Mold & Waterproofing, we help our customers in Baltimore & Annapolis, MD and surrounding areas by getting to the root of the problem.
Crawl space outfitted with encapsulation system, dehumidification system, and drainage system.
For crawl space repairs in your home, contact us today!Free Estimate!


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Has 38-year-old Sarah Braverman (Lauren Graham) finally found her calling? It would appear so, when the play she recently penned generates interest from a theater producer played by Richard Dreyfuss.
"It was really our good fortune," says Parenthood executive producer Jason Katims of having the Oscar winner join the family drama for the last four episodes of the season. "We heard that he might be available and got him the script. I had a conversation with him about the character and he talked about what he wanted to bring to the role, and I was very excited by his ideas."
Showing up tonight as a favor to his old Army buddy Zeek (Craig T. Nelson), Dreyfuss' Gilliam T. Blount gives struggling single mom Sarah the chance at something she's never had before: a career. "What he sees is a woman who has written true genius art, but doesn't know the difference between that and the frou-frou bulls--t that surrounds it," says Dreyfuss. "It's this knockdown, drag-out fight in order to get the play finished."
But as Sarah takes off professionally, Katims says her personal life gets "very tense and dramatic" with teen daughter Amber (Mae Whitman) causing problems on the home front. "There is a major story line that has to do with the results of [Amber's] applications to college. I don't want to give too much away, but... She starts to spin out of control a little bit."
Perhaps Sarah will find a shoulder to lean on in Gilliam? Katims confirms that their relationship "deepens as we go throughout the episodes" — in part because Gilliam has his own reasons for wanting Sarah to succeed. "He was put on this earth to make artists better, and that's what he wants to do with Sarah," says Dreyfuss. "At the very least, he's a great anecdote years from now. And at the most, he helps change her into Arthur Miller." Guess we should say break a leg!
Parenthood airs Tuesdays at 10/9c on NBC.


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Hersey RV Show is RV heaven, our choice for fulltime living
Hershey Rv Show is 13 football fields of RV Heaven. More RVs than I have ever seen at one time. There were so many RVs to visit we had to go three days just see everything. Then we were so tired we took a day off to just hang out at home and went again on the last day just for couple hours to see our favorites. Picking out the right RV for fulltime living Continue reading


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These company green beans are deliciously creamy, flavorful and the perfect addition to any meal. A great side dish for feeding a crowd.
I love to prepare this dish, especially when I'm in a time crunch and having people over for a wonderful dinner.
It's a nice sized dish, serves at least 8.
Can be doubled for a larger crowd and even when you are only having twelve, I assure you both dishes will be GONE.
Delicious and inexpensive – especially if you use coupons or sales!
Company Green Beans
1 medium onion, diced
1/4 cup stick margarine or butter
2 packages (16 ounces each) frozen cut green beans, thawed
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/2 cup sour cream
Paprika, optional
In a large skillet, saute the onion in margarine or butter until tender.
Add the thawed green beans, salt and pepper.
Cook until it is all heated through.
In the original recipes, it said serve with sour cream; but instead, we mix the sour cream INTO the finished dish and then sprinkle with paprika.


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Arlington, VA (February 16, 2007) Nexus Systems' presence at the Realcomm Dallas Conference not only caught the eye of most attendees, but was also noticed by the nationally distributed EXHIBITOR Magazine.
EXHIBITOR magazine is the most widely read magazine among trade show and event professionals for more than twenty-two years. One of the publication's major objectives is to search the market to offer its readers the most cutting-edge trade show marketing examples and ideas. With that said, Nexus' is honored to have its Buried in Paper Invoices exhibit recognized in this month's edition of the magazine in the "Ideas That Work" section, titled "Buried Alive":
Nexus Systems Inc., whose Web-based application, Payables-Nexus, automates the paper-heavy invoice process, wanted an economical way to show commercial real-estate prospects at Realcomm 2006 that it understood their paper pain. Nexus bought two 4-by-2-foot blocks and some Styrofoam tubes from a supplier near the Dallas show site, printed 2,000 pieces of heavy-weight paper to look like invoices, pinned them to the blocks, and stuck a sign on top reading "Buried in Paper Invoices?" With the permission of show management, Nexus placed the Styrofoam sierras near the two hall entrances, and applied 150 footprint-shaped stickers to the show floor, leading attendees from the two paper mounds to its booth. Two pairs of second-hand suit pants and shoes filled with the Styrofoam tubes jutted out from the mounds, so that it looked like some poor office drones had been crushed by paper-work. The artificial Alps cost Nexus just $670, but helped generate 60-percent more booth traffic than previous years.
Please visit the article, with photograph, online: http://www.exhibitoronline.com/exhibitormagazine/article.asp?ID=1159
About EXHIBITOR Magazine
EXHIBITOR magazine is the undisputed authority in all aspects of trade show and event marketing. Its mission is to provide exhibit and event marketing professionals with the tools and education to produce high performance programs with measurable results. Each month, its full-time editorial staff presents cutting-edge trade show marketing ideas that work, case studies that showcase the secrets of the most successful exhibit programs, in-depth how-to articles, and much more. EXHIBITOR magazine sets the standard for recognizing trade show and event marketing excellence. www.ExhibitorOnline.com.
About Nexus Systems
Nexus Systems, located in Arlington, Virginia, is the leading provider of electronic solutions that automate the traditionally cumbersome paper-intensive AP process. Nexus Systems greatly aids financial management by automating the payables process through scanning, electronic approval routing and PO/Invoice management. Nexus' product, NexusPayables, enjoys continued success as a result of its functionality, reporting, user friendly configurations, and ease of use for clients.
For Immediate Release
Contact: Jennifer Shaw


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Dulles State Office Building Theater Renovation
Client: NYS Office of General Services | Location: Watertown, NY | Completion Date: 2019 | Services Provided: Architectural & Structural Engineering
The Dulles State Office Building, in the heart of downtown Watertown, plays a central role in the community as the host venue for many public and private functions. With close to 800 seats, the Dulles auditorium welcomes the community to enjoy concerts by professionals such as the Orchestra of Northern New York and Syracuse Symphony. Many local and regional dance and theater groups consider the Dulles auditorium and stage their home as well.
The theater has not been modernized since the office building was constructed in 1970. The goal of the project is to upgrade and modernize the auditorium to make it ADA compliant and replace outdated seating and lighting components that date back to original construction.
Aubertine and Currier Architects, Engineers & Land Surveyors, PLLC has been given the opportunity to provide Architectural and Structural support for the theater renovation. A&C will also perform NYS Code review and regulatory requirements, identify key issues to be resolved, and provide cost estimating and construction inspection services.
The project will include:
·Replace auditorium floor seating
·Upgrade the auditorium floor
·Renovate the Dressing rooms per ADA and New York State Building Code
·Replace the stage lighting system, which includes the power control sensor dimmer rack, control plug in station, and element control system
·Stage and service lighting with dimmable LED lighting
·Replace winch system and lighting curtains
·Upgrade the auditorium and floor lighting
·Replace Stairwell Lighting
·Provide full stage module and theatrical lighting
·Updated software for lighting controls
·Upgrade sound system


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This post was originally published on this site
The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Center for STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) Research, Education and Outreach continues to be a leader in transformative STEM education programming and community engagement.
Its innovative strategies and best practices will be shared nationally as STEM Center Director Sharon Locke, PhD, has agreed to serve a two-year term on the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU) Network of STEM Education Center (NSEC) Steering Committee.
"SIUE representation on the NSEC Steering Committee reflects the creative ideas of our STEM Center staff, and the dedication to STEM education among the SIUE STEM faculty and administrators," Locke said. "As a member, I will provide guidance and advice on the health and direction of the network."
NSEC currently links 201 STEM education centers at 163 institutions. NSEC research has found that "university STEM education centers often serve as hubs of campus-based efforts to transform undergraduate STEM education, improve the quality of math and science teacher preparation, and increase the success of research grants by attending to broader impacts."
SIUE STEM Center programs have been shared for several years at NSEC conferences, showcasing the ways it strives to be a visionary among STEM centers. Reports have included:
- Findings of its social network analysis, showing how it could be used as a method for evaluating the impacts of STEM centers
- Best practices for sustaining an equipment lending library and developing strategic research plans
- Successful strategies for catalyzing undergraduate STEM education, such as the STEM Center's Faculty Research Fellow program, which provides support for SIUE faculty who have ideas for transforming their courses to increase the use of student-centered instruction
The Network of STEM Education Centers (NSEC)is "an organization of campus-based centers and offices that serve as catalysts for educational transformation in STEM. The network allows center leadership, university and college administrators, and state and national policymakers to have a central hub for their communal efforts."
The SIUE Center for STEM Research, Education and Outreach comprises an independent group of researchers and educators, innovating ways to engage students and the public in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). Within the SIUE Graduate School, the Center brings together research faculty, graduate students and practitioners to conduct education research. The Center contributes educational expertise to SIUE undergraduate classes and provides professional development for K-12 teachers. The Center boasts a significant library of equipment and resources, which are available for loan at no cost to campus and regional instructors. For more information, visit https://www.siue.edu/stem/about.shtmlor contact STEM Center Director Sharon Locke at (618) 650-3065 or email@example.com.
Photo:SIUE STEM Center Director Sharon Locke, PhD.


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The federal budget showdown has eclipsed news coverage of another government having trouble paying its bills. Detroit declared bankruptcy back in July, and analysts are watching the proceedings closely. Which creditors will get paid? I suspect that pension benefits for city workers will be honored before municipal bond debt, as pensioners have a strong claim to first dibs on the city's assets.
But that doesn't excuse the hidden risk-taking on the part of the city's pension managers. Megan McArdle writes about the pension fund's past habit of distributing its "excess earnings" as bonuses to the city government and its workers.
McArdle calls this "madness," and I agree. Public pensions usually claim to manage long-term investment risk by keeping higher-than-expected returns to cover the inevitable down years in the market. Detroit's pension managers instead turned the above-average returns into Christmas gifts for the city, meaning taxpayers were unwittingly put entirely on the hook in case of a financial downturn.
One might wonder how the pension fund could get away with that. It's actually simple—just treat expected returns as guaranteed. By assuming no risk that future returns would be lower than projected, Detroit's pension fund could skim off the top and keep telling the taxpayers that the fund was healthy.
But before dismissing Detroit's corruption as sui generis, keep something in mind: Governments at every level across the nation pull similar shenanigans. Sure, not many are so brazenly irresponsible as to pay bonuses out of their pension funds, but systematically overvaluing risky assets—e.g., pension investments, student-loan repayments, crop insurance plans—is standard practice in the public sector.
"Fair value" accounting would force governments to price market risk into their cost estimates. I know it's one of the more yawn-inducing political movements, but it could end a lot of fiscal abuses.


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Chess in Schools and Communities are hosting our 1st One Day Chess Congress of 2020 for Year 2 to Year 6 pupils and Year 7+.
Broadoak & Smallshaw Community Centre, Broadoak Road, Ashton-under-Lyne OL6 8RS.
Sat 4th April 2020 from 10.00am – 2pm. (Registration from 9.30am)
Please note this will be a qualifier for Delancey Megafinal
The tournament is NOT run on a knockout basis and all competitors will play a minimum of 6 games.
Entry fee payable on the day is £3.00.
Competitors should bring a packed lunch with them although some drinks and sweets will be available to purchase. Parents are welcome to stay.
Prizes and medals will be awarded for Winners, Runners up and 3rd in each section. Queries on the day 07974 952252.
Please send your entry to your school chess coach/TEXT PAUL KEECH on 07986 727146
I require pupil and parent/guardian names, contact email and emergency telephone number, DOB and Name of School Please contact us by clicking on this link.
Alternatively email email@example.com or email@example.com or phone David on 07974 952252


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Financial year ended 31 December 2019
Arnold Clark Automobiles ('the Group') is a UK automotive retail and after sales business with branches throughout the country. Our policy has always been to pay the correct amount of all taxes as they fall due. The Group pays a range of taxes including corporate income taxes, employment taxes, and stamp duty land tax. We also collect and pay employee taxes as well as indirect taxes such as VAT and excise duties.
For the purposes of the Group's tax strategy, tax is defined as all forms of direct and indirect tax charges or levies, and applies to all UK entities within the Group.
The Group Finance Director is responsible for the Group's tax strategy which is approved by the Main Board. The implementation and delivery of the strategy is supported by the group tax and finance teams.
The Group has a low tolerance to tax risk. We are committed to paying the right amount of tax at the right time, and to comply with tax legislation and reporting requirements in the UK. To achieve this, we ensure we have the right procedures, processes and controls in place throughout our business to minimise the risk of non-compliance. These processes and controls are tested on a regular basis. If errors or weaknesses are identified, the potential impact is assessed, and our processes amended. Tax implications are considered. Any required adjustments would be made and disclosed to HMRC as appropriate.
The Group utilises available incentives and reliefs within the UK Tax legislation, such as capital allowances and research and development credits.
Given the complexity of tax legislation, we engage external tax advisers to provide an independent view on our tax compliance in all significant areas.
The Group approaches all dealings with HM Revenue and Customs ("HMRC") in an open and transparent way. We are committed to addressing any tax enquires or audits with HMRC promptly and resolving these in an open and constructive manner.
Arnold Clark Automobiles Limited considers that the publication of this statement complies with the duty set out in Part 2 of Schedule 19 Finance Act 2016.