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On Tuesday, January 13, 2015, Indiana State Representative Todd Huston (R – Fishers) introduced House Bill 1275 ("HB 1275") which, if passed, would provide several changes to gaming regulation in Indiana, including expansion efforts.
HB 1275 seeks to make significant changes to the Indiana gaming industry by allowing various forms of gaming expansion. The most significant change to the state's gaming industry laws is the removal of the requirement for casinos to be located on riverboats. Under the new legislation, the law would make no distinction between riverboats and land-based facilities, allowing for land-based gaming options in the future.
The legislation seeks to make the following key changes to the state's regulation of gambling:
1. Removes requirements for casinos to be located on riverboats,
2. Removes restrictions on the total number of slot machines that can be operated at a racetrack casino,
3. Removes live racing requirements for racetrack casino licensees, and
4. Repeals the riverboat admissions tax.
These changes are reflected throughout HB 1275, including removing several tax allocations to local governments in connection with the proposed repeal of the riverboat admissions tax and by removing local approval requirements related specifically to riverboat gaming. Importantly, the bill currently has an effective date of July 1, 2024. Thus, the legislation in its current form would not be immediately effective.
The legislation follows an Interim Study Committee on Public Policy recommendation for several changes to the state's gaming industry aimed at making the industry more competitive with neighboring jurisdictions. The Committee has recommended land-based options for existing operators, reconsideration and study of state admissions taxes and levies on free play, and to allow live dealers at racetrack facilities. It has been reported that State Representative Tom Dermody (R-LaPorte), who headed the Interim Study Committee, is also planning on introducing legislation that would incorporate the Committee's suggested changes.
HB 1275 has been referred to the Committee on Public Policy. For more information on the legislation, including a copy of the full text, please visit the Indiana General Assembly's website at: https://iga.in.gov/.


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It has always been amazing to me, scandalous sometimes, the way Paris allows itself to slow down to a near-halt in August when the whole city goes on vacation. It's a
time-honored tradition (established in 1935) that gets everyone involved – from shop keepers to civil servants to government officials. It's probably the one single thing that opinionated Parisians agree upon – their need, their undeniable right to a month's holiday. Good for them. Or at least that's what I thought.
However, this year, I have noticed a "condition" with some French vacationers that could be disabling and potentially dangerous. I'm going to call it OVD (Obsessive-Vacation Disorder). Here's a little summary of its symptoms and side effects.
First of all, the concept and the word "Vacation" laces everyone's conversations from the month of May to the month of October. In May, it's in the planning stages.People are obsessed with getting the best deal; repeatedly searching for bargains for holiday destinations online (and often at work). Coffee breaks are longer as colleagues discuss where they might go and what they might do. They leave work early to shop for their snorkels, walking shoes, tents, golf clubs, etc. The French need extra time to plan and prepare. Any boss can understand that a good vacation doesn't just happen – he or she is probably using some of his work hours to do exactly the same thing.
The second stage of OVD occurs as the vacation date approaches.
The employee needs to leave his office in a reasonably organized state for his back-up. And that is anxiety-provoking. I have witnessed French colleagues stress out so much in this pre-vacation period that they drop sweat beads on their computers and forget all kinds of important details (such as passwords, essential documents, etc.). Huge computer snafus usually happen in August, just like the one Delta Airlines is experiencing this year. Could the root of that technological disaster be human error? Was that human getting ready to go on holiday? Remember, OVD is chronic, uncontrollable and potentially disabling.
Now, when a Parisian is on holiday in August, someone takes his place who is just returning from their four-week July holiday. One would think that that person would be recharged and ready to go, looking forward to showing off their efficiency. But no, OVD strikes the returning vacationer as well. There are several ways the French "handle" their total lack of productivity upon returning to work post-holiday. The most common one is to
complain – constantly, repeatedly, obsessively. I went to the bank last week and listened to my banker tell me how overwhelmed she was because there were only three people working in her office. She couldn't even give me an appointment because of all the frenzy going on at her job. She told me to stop by and she would "try to fit me in." This lady spent at least ten minutes talking about how understaffed they were during the August vacation period; how another colleague was on maternity leave; how that colleague forgot to leave her the information she needed for my account; how the new software they were using was slower than the old one and on and on. When she finally shut up and did what she had to do, it took five minutes. Five minutes.
Another OVD sign for post-vacation stress is the French art of using vacation as an excuse for inefficiency. It happened to a friend of mine during a recent medical visit. She had seen the same nurse for her ongoing cure – once a week every week in the month of June. The nurse had completely forgotten who she was and began treating her as a brand-new patient at her August appointment. She had my friend's file in her hands but had not thought to read it. When she finally realized her mistake, she apologized by saying, "Oh, I'm so sorry, I just got back from vacation a few days ago. You'll have to excuse me." That's it. That's an excuse that this professional thought was a reasonable one. So, just how much time does an OVD-sufferer need to get back to the real world? Shouldn't you be a better worker when you return from holiday? Isn't that why vacations exist in the first place?
Is there a cure for OVD? I doubt it, at least not for any Frenchman worth his salt.
This ritual, these leisure habits are engrained in the French culture. I simply can't imagine any Parisian going to an Obsessive-Vacation Disorder support group. For them, obsessing about vacation is just Business as Usual. And, like I said earlier, good for them.

subset: commoncrawl


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Welcome to the Model Engineers Digital Workshop
Watch this space. Still spending far too much time fixing the web servers and not enough on productive work, but I hope that I've now got a framework I can roll out to all of the client websites and get back to something productive in the workshop!
Now the outside is sort of tidy again I'm back in front of the computer and Living with CAD-CAM today is a start at getting away from always firefighting all the daily software updates and back to actually doing something productive. Getting the wheels on the Burrell would be something nice to achieve next year!
Must update the website a little more often! Most kits are back in stock, and we have a few new pictures on the installation gallery.
The Model Engineers Digital Workshop is the home of all things electronic for the Model Engineer. CNC drivers and interfaces along with stand alone packages such as the DivisionMaster rotary table controller and the Shumatech Digital Readout Displays form the base on which we plan to develop a more complete range of products. The next kit which needs more complete development is the Electronic Lead Screw, which needs to be packaged as a finished unit much like DivisionMaster.
We supply boards and kits for a number of well established tools for the workshop, and are building the site into a repository for all the information necessary to support that. We provide a library of the relevant data sheets on the components used in the kits, and links to other related site where supporting projects can be found.
In support of the main components, a range of smaller kits and finished assemblies allow a customer to cherry pick just the elements they need or go for a fully packaged system such as the fully CNCed Mill-in-a-box. Full support is provided to get a client to a fully working system and return to based, or on site support can be provided against evrything we provide.


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NCL Food Issues
Are shipping pallets exposing our food to contamination?
Government, health groups, and the food industry are all working together to improve the safety of America's food supply, from laws and regulations at the factory and farm level to promoting good cooking and storage practices at home. But what about the steps in between: could the sanitation of our food transportation be improved?
The government, consumer, public health, and victims groups, and even members of the food industry all recognize the need to improve the safety of the food sold and eaten in the United States, at every step of the way along the path from "farm to fork." Regulations and inspections help ensure food safety at the farm and factory stage, and restaurant workers and consumers can do their part to reduce cross-contamination and unsafe cooking practices inside and outside the home. But the area in between – the transportation of food from production to purchase point – remains largely overlooked and under-regulated.
The pallets used to ship our food across the country play a crucial role in that food transportation system; however, several different aspects of pallet use and storage present potential food safety concerns. If a pallet is absorptive – i.e., has the capacity to absorb water and harbor bacteria – or difficult or impossible to fully clean, it could contaminate food products like fresh produce or meat. A pallet that carries raw seafood on ice to a given destination, then is used to transport heads of lettuce or apples to the next, could potentially contaminate that produce and lead to foodborne illness.
In late April 2010, NCL conducted exploratory testing of pallets to determine whether they are potential carriers of pathogens, as concerns grow about the link between pallets and contamination of food and pharmaceuticals. We tested pallets for foodborne pathogens, including E. coli and Listeria. The findings were alarming: 10 percent of the wood pallets tested had E. coli present (though not the most virulent strain, E. coli O157:H7). In a letter to the FDA, NCL described the results of its testing of wood and plastic pallets used to transport food in the greater Houston, Texas and Miami/Tampa, Florida, areas. In all, NCL tested 70 wood pallets and 70 plastic pallets. NCL shipped the samples overnight to an independent microbiology lab that provides testing services for a wide array of commercial, industrial, regulatory, and law enforcement clients.
No matter what they're made from (wood or plastic), any pallet that is not properly cleaned between trips increases the likelihood of cross-contamination. Storing a pallet outside, in unsanitary areas, in places accessible to vermin, or near potential contaminants increases the chances that the pallet could harbor dangerous pathogens. In conducting our testing, we observed that wood pallets – which we found to have a higher incidence of pathogens – are more often stored outside and exposed to weather, rodents, bird droppings, and insects. Among additional considerations is the use of damaged wood pallets; splinters or sharp points can damage the packaging of products, creating an entryway for pathogens from which sealed products would otherwise be protected.
In addition to the presence of E. coli, 2.9 percent of the wood pallets tested positive for Listeria, and half of these, when further tested, contained Listeria monocytogenes, one of the most virulent foodborne pathogens. This strain of Listeria is linked to a 20 to 30 percent rate of clinical infections resulting in death and causes approximately 2,500 illnesses and 500 deaths in the United States every year. Listeriosis is more likely to cause death than any other foodborne bacterial pathogen. Of the 70 plastic pallets tested, 1 – or 1.4 percent – came back positive for E. coli. None of the other plastic pallets tested positive for pathogens. Finally, high aerobic plate counts, which reflect unsanitary conditions of the pallets, were found on approximately one third of the wood pallets and one fifth of the plastic pallets.
In its letter to FDA Commissioner Margaret Hamburg, NCL urged the agency to do its own testing and called on FDA to set standards that will help to ensure that pallets are cleaned and stored properly, thus minimizing the possibility that they will be implicated in the spread of foodborne illness.


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Nabokov to start for Lightning against former teamby John Kreiser
LIGHTNING (13-4-2) at ISLANDERS (11-6-0)
UNIONDALE, N.Y. – One night after three of his Tampa Bay Lightning teammates had a homecoming, it's goaltender Evgeni Nabokov's turn Tuesday.
Defenseman Anton Stralman and forwards Ryan Callahan and Brian Boyle got applause and a video tribute Monday in their first game back at Madison Square Garden. Callahan was the New York Rangers' captain until being traded to the Lightning in March; Stralman and Boyle were part of the team that made the Stanley Cup Final last spring.
Nabokov figures to get a warm welcome Tuesday at Nassau Coliseum, where he was the New York Islanders' starting goaltender for the past three seasons before signing with the Lightning during the summer. He's expected to be in goal when the Lightning go for their third straight win and second against the Islanders in a four-day span.
"The old guard is coming in to protect his turf," Lightning coach Jon Cooper said with a laugh Tuesday morning when asked if Nabokov would play against his former team.
Nabokov undoubtedly would like to have the same kind of success as Callahan, who scored two goals against his former team in a 5-1 victory.
Cooper said there was no question Nabokov would start this game.
"I know this is a big night for him," Cooper said. "I know he had a twinkle in his eye when he looked at the schedule. We knew all along he's be playing this one. We're really excited for him, and I know the guys will play hard for him."
This will be the fifth start of the season for Nabokov and his first since Nov. 8, when he got the win in a 7-4 road victory against the Columbus Blue Jackets. Ben Bishop has started the past five games, including a 5-2 home win against the Islanders on Saturday and the victory against the Rangers on Monday.
The Islanders were glad to have the chance to renew acquaintances with Nabokov on Saturday, but forward Josh Bailey said the smiles and good feelings will disappear when the puck drops.
"He's a super guy," Bailey said. "He's a great teammate, a great goalie and he was a great veteran presence for our team for the time he was here, and definitely a great friend of everyone in this room. That being said, we're going to want to put it to him tonight, and I think he's going to want to do the same to us."
Islanders captain John Tavares said he's excited to face Nabokov.
"He was a great teammate. He fit really well in this locker room and made a big impact on a lot of us, especially myself," Tavares said. "He's an extremely hard worker and played on some pretty good San Jose teams that had success for a long time, so you'd try to pick his brain about some of those things.
"He definitely taught me a lot, especially about goaltending and the other goaltenders in the League. I'm excited to go up against him, and I know he's probably excited to play against us and show he's still got a lot left in the tank."
Nabokov is expected to face his successor as New York's starting goaltender, Jaroslav Halak, who will be going for his fifth consecutive victory. Tavares said the Islanders will have to step up their play after having their five-game winning streak ended by the Lightning.
"We want to play a little more aggressive, be a little better in our own zone, especially early in the game," Tavares said. "In the last game, we were a little sloppy. We have to be good defensively and not make things easy; they have a lot of guys who can make plays, so we have to make smart puck decisions and try to create a little bit more on the forecheck and on the cycle."
Here are the projected lineups:
Valtteri Filppula – Steven Stamkos – Ryan Callahan
Ondrej Palat – Tyler Johnson – Nikita Kucherov
Jonathan Drouin – Vladislav Namestnikov – Alex Killorn
Brenden Morrow – Brian Boyle - Cedric Paquette
Matthew Carle – Anton Stralman
Scratched: J.T. Brown, Eric Brewer
Injured: Victor Hedman (fractured finger), Brett Connolly (lower body)
Nikolay Kulemin - John Tavares - Kyle Okposo
Josh Bailey - Frans Nielsen - Mikhail Grabovski
Anders Lee - Brock Nelson - Ryan Strome
Matt Martin - Casey Cizikas - Cal Clutterbuck
Calvin de Haan - Travis Hamonic
Thomas Hickey - Lubomir Visnovsky
Scratched: Matt Donovan, Brian Strait, Cory Conacher
Injured: Matt Carkner (back), Michael Grabner (lower body), Eric Boulton (lower body)
Status report: Hedman is on the trip and has been skating but is not ready to return. Connolly is closer to a return but isn't expected to play Tuesday, though he could be back by the weekend. … Grabner, who had hernia surgery, has yet to play this season but skated at practice Monday and Tuesday, though he wore a non-contact jersey. He could be back within a week, which will force the Islanders to make a roster move. Clutterbuck will return after missing the loss at Tampa Bay with a lower-body injury.
Who's hot: Stamkos has points in six straight games (four goals, five assists) and nine of his past 10 (six goals, eight assists). … Johnson has 20 points (five goals, 15 assists) in his past 16 games. … Callahan has nine points (four goals, five assists) in his past six. … Nelson scored his eighth goal of the season on Saturday; he had 14 goals in 72 games last season. … Halak has allowed five goals during his four-game winning streak.


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About the Conference and Education Committee
The main responsibility of the committee is the development of the material to be presented as part of association annual meeting. The committee is also charged with the yearly review & recommendation of the approval of possible education material to be distributed by the association.
The Conference and Education Ctte will convene at the direction of the committee chair at least quarterly or as needed from time to time.
Reports To:
Committee will report their recommendations to the IPhA Board of Directors on a quarterly basis.
Selection of the main theme of the meeting
The choice of the meeting educational topics
Choice of speakers
Avenues of funding


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BraZen Warrior 2.0 Bluetooth Surround Sound Gaming Chair
The BraZen Warrior 2.0 Bluetooth Surround Sound Gaming Chair is a essentially a large pedestal chair with speakers.
The chair is delivered unassembled but with easy to follow assembly instructions.
This product is fundamentally a piece of furniture which has the added gadgetery to enacle it to operate as a gaming chair, music chair, cinema chair or the like.
The chair is covered with a black leather-like material complimented by a stylish red pipping edging.
The chair is mounted on a robust black pedestal base.
The chair is delivered with a selection of audio cables.
- 2.0 wired and bluetooth audio
- DC5V BT Control Panel
- Fabric: BS5852 Black PVC for front and back. BS5852 foam. BraZen embroider.
- Black pedestal base
- Audio cables and adaptor
- Approx Assembled Measurements: Height 101 cm; Width 48 cm; Length 79.5 cm
- Approx Carton Size: Length 68cm; Width 57.5cm; Height 52cm
- Approx Weight : 17.5 kg
- BraZen branded headrest, front of seat and control panel
- Suitable for ages 6 and above
- Please be aware that it is the responsibility of individual customers to ensure that the gaming chair is compatible with any device or surface it is connected to. We do not accept any responsibility whatsover, except for negligence and death, for any problems arising with other devices or surface from use of our products.
UK customers*
Standard Deliveries (excluding Gaming Chairs - see below **):
Standard Delivery: from £3.95 – 3 to 5 working days
Next Day delivery: from £5.95 – order before 1.00pm for delivery the next working day (Monday to Friday)
Saturday delivery: from £9.95 – order before midday on preceding Friday for delivery on Saturday
** Standard Delivery for Gaming Chairs:
Standard Delivery: £6.95 – 3 to 5 working days
Standard Delivery (Playseat): £9.95 – 3 to 5 working days
Next Day delivery: £11.95 – order before 1.00pm for delivery the next working day (Monday to Friday)
Next Day delivery (Playseat): £12.95 – order before 1.00pm for delivery the next working day (Monday to Friday)
Saturday delivery: £14.95 – order before midday on preceding Friday for delivery on Saturday
Please note:
- For your security all orders require a signature on delivery, our couriers cannot leave the goods without a signature
- We'll email you when you order is shipped and you can the track the progress of your delivery online
- *Highlands and Islands deliveries can take longer and delivery times may exceed the times stated above, full delivery details shown here Terms and Conditions apply
International customers:
International orders can only be paid via PayPal. We recommend that International Customers order as early as possible to ensure their goods arrive in good time for Christmas.
Full details on International deliveries shown here Terms and conditions apply
Please email us at email@example.com if you need more information before ordering


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The Model 458-LM-E1-30-04+ Multi-Standard Local Loop Simulator is the ideal solution for ADSL, ADSL2, ADSL2+, G.shdsl and VDSL2 chip/modem/DSLAM testing. This single-pair loop simulator can simulate either 0.4mm PE for ADSL, ADSL2, ADSL2+ and VDSL2 or PE04 for G.shdsl. Optional noise sources may be ordered that add in AWGN on the CO and CPE side that may be independently controlled.
This versatile local loop simulator is plugged into our Model 458-3SLB (3-Slot) or 458-CC-16 (16-Slot) chassis where settings are controlled by a convenient keypad located on the front, RS-232, Ethernet or IEEE-488(GPIB). In addition, the user-friendly 458 Universal GUI may be used for remote control. The modular design of Telebyte's products allows the 458-LM-E1-30-04+ to be combined with other line modules for a wide variety of test configurations.
|Ordering Options
|Multi-Standard Local Loop Simulator
|Local Loop without noise
|Multi-Standard Local Loop Simulator
with (2) AWGN Generator Modules
| Local Loop with independent noise
sources at the CO and CPE end
|Model 458-LM-E1-30-04+ Multi-Standard Local Loop Simulator with Optional AWGN Generator
|Accurately simulates attenuation and impedance
Full bidirectional operation at all specified frequencies
0.4mm PE as specified in ETSI TS 101 388 or PE04 as
specified in G.991.2 Annex B (G.shdsl) and ETSI TS 101 524
Optional White Noise (AWGN) Generator
|0.4mm PE: DC to 30 MHz | PE04: 5 KHz to 2 MHz.
|Attenuation Accuracy
|0.4mm PE: MAE < 1 dB 20 kHz to 30 MHz (when source and load
impedances are 100 ohms)
PE04: MAE < 1 dB 5 KHz to 2 MHz (when source
and load impedances are 135 ohms)
|Maximum Attenuation
|> 90 dB
|Impedance Accuracy
|Typically +/- 10%
|Maximum Voltage Tip ?Ring
|Maximum Current
|130 mA
|2 RJ-45' on front
|Optional White Noise (AWGN)
Generator (factory-installed
|-90 dBm/Hz to -145 dBm/Hz in 0.25 dBm increments
Specifications are subject to change without notice. Made in USA


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Kumbhargaon, a sleepy village in Bhigwan, is now a bustling birding destination.
Talk to Sandeep, an enterprising young chap from the village, and he will tell you that you can reach in the evening and stay over: for a nominal charge he has a room for you.
He also owns boats – you get to sail over the water for a first hand viewing of many birds the next morning: Flamingos, Black Headed Ibis, Glossy Ibis, Asian Openbill Stork, Painted Stork, Brown Headed Gull, Black Headed Gull, Slender Billed Gull, Grey Heron, Black Winged Stilts : just to name a few.
The weekend crowd will tell you how many folks are driving down to watch/shoot the birds.
The equipment ranges from the little autofocus camera to the massive new 7 lac plus lenses.
In fact they are building 3 new loos to service the ever rising number of visitors.
Business is good.
I do hope they manage to keep the soul intact and not let it become a picnic spot.
In the picture: This Brown Headed Gull caught the fish but couldn't keep a grip on it. Shot from a boat with a Canon 5D mark III camera and Canon 100-400 lens mounted on it. Handheld, of course.
PS: (Sandeep will also offer you a delicious breakfast of Poha. And possibly the nicest cup of tea for miles around.)
©2014 Rahul Jauhari. All rights reserved.
Last Saturday, we set out early AM by road towards Bhigwan. 4-5 hours later we were at Kumbhargaon, a little village....


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Kagan and the Commerce Clause
July 22, 2010
On Tuesday this week the New York Times featured an interesting editorial about the Elena Kagan confirmation hearings. The editorial suggested that the debate over (and Republican resistance to) Kagan's Supreme Court nomination is not so much a debate about Kagan herself as it is a microcosm of the larger issue of the role of the federal government—and what part the Commerce Clause plays in that role.
Yet dozens of Senate Republicans are ready to vote against her, and many are citing her interpretation of the commerce clause of the Constitution, the one that says Congress has the power to regulate commerce among the states. At her confirmation hearings, Ms. Kagan refused to take the Republican bait and agree to suggest limits on that clause's meaning. This infuriated the conservatives on the Senate Judiciary Committee because it has been that clause, more than any other, that has been at the heart of the expansion of government power since the New Deal.
The Constitution generally and the Commerce Clause in particular are not something many attorneys have to research, so when the time finally comes a lot of callers can be unsure how to even pull it up on Westlaw. The Constitution is kept in the USCA database; you can find it near the top of the Table of Contents. Each clause is broken down into its own document, so it's easy to focus your research on a section. For example, looking at the citing references for the Commerce Clause I can see that there are over 25,000 documents on Westlaw discussing it!


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University Dental Cluster
Broken-down/Missing Teeth
Discoloured Teeth
Children's Dental Problem
Facial pain and Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD)
Crooked Teeth, Improper Bite and Disproportionate Jaw Position
Gum Disease
Damaged Tooth Surface
Impacted/Wisdom teeth
Dentofacial Deformity
Maxillofacial Injuries
Dental Decay
Oral Disease and Oral Cancer
Dental decay is an infectious process whereby bacteria damage the hard tooth structure.
The presentation of dental decay is highly variable. Initially, it can start out looking like a small chalky area but as the lesion progresses, it can turn brown and eventually present as a cavity. As the decay progresses towards the centre of the tooth, it can cause pain. The pain may worsen with exposure to heat, cold or sweet food. At times, the decay cannot be seen directly and radiographs are required to detect it.
Dental decay formation is caused by a combination of factors – teeth, bacteria, sugars and time. Bacteria produce acids when exposed to dietary sugars and this acid diffuses into the tooth, dissolving tooth material over time. Saliva helps to repair such damage by neutralising the acid if the acid attacks are infrequent. However, impaired salivary flow and the acidity of the saliva can increase the risk of dental decay.
Diagnosis involves the inspection of the teeth using a good light source. Large lesions can be detected with the naked eye but smaller lesions may be difficult to identify. Dental radiographs may also detect decay that cannot be visually seen, especially decay between the teeth.For small early lesions, topical fluoride is sometimes used to encourage remineralisation of the tooth structure. For larger lesions, the progression of decay can be stopped by treatment. The decayed portions of the tooth are removed and a restorative material is placed to restore aesthetics and function. Restorative materials include amalgam, composite, porcelain and gold. In some cases, root canal/endodontic therapy may be required if the pulp in the tooth dies. If the tooth is too far destroyed for effective reconstruction, extraction may be recommended.
Good dental health can be achieved with proper daily brushing and flossing. The goal of brushing and flossing is to remove the bacteria containing plaque. Intake of dietary sugars should be monitored and regular examinations by dental professionals are recommended.
Copyright © 2010 National University Hospital. All Rights Reserved. Company Registration No. 198500843R Disclaimer Privacy Sitemap
The NUHS group


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Tuesday, July 9, 2013
Potential Customers Flock to Home Expo
David Brown of Stay Dry Basements talks with a potential customer at the 2013 Home Expo. Many exhibitors report good response in obtaining quality leads from the expo. Approximately 15,600 guests and vendors attended this year's expo at the former Sam's Club in Portage. There were 216 exhibitors covering nearly 100,000 square feet of floor space at the event.
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HBA of Greater Kalamazoo
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Azarenka withdraws at Sony with ankle injury
Two-time champion Victoria Azarenka withdrew from the Sony Open
before her opening match Friday because of a lingering right ankle
The third-ranked Belarusian was replaced by lucky loser Lauren
Davis of the United States.
The same injury forced Azarenka to withdraw before her
quarterfinal match a week ago at Indian Wells because of
inflammation and tendinitis.
Earlier this week, the third-ranked Azarenka was optimistic she
would play. On Friday, she released a statement saying she's "been
working very hard to rehab" her ankle, but "it is still not fit
to play."
Azarenka won the tournament in 2009 and 2011.
Azarenka is 17-0 this year with two titles. She's withdrawn from
three tournaments, including the Australian Open before the
semifinals because of a right toe injury.


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Multi-function Twist Choker Necklace
Steel strong quality necklace! With multifunction. Many ways to wear this choker style staple necklace.
Add attachable pendant to necklaces , useful on purses, zippers on jackets and sweaters!
Use to clip long jewelry up short – for another look, and for the useful reason of getting the long jewelry out of the way while doing chores, sports, or dancing of course!
A staple choker necklace, 17.5″ (or note length preferred) Steel strong non allergy quality. Wearable with charms and toggle in front, side or back, or simple attach a charm for a new look. Great for many looks. Comes as is or note any colour heart, or clear crystal designed beside the toggle closure!.
Gorgeous Swarovski Crystal embellished Attachable heart Charm see P1-PI to add! Great on short necklaces, zippers, purses, attach to any loop!
Attachable Charm with many uses see gallery.
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Roka Multi Ring - ROKMR
Like a beautiful rock formation found deep within the earth, the Swarovski crystals form a natural, organic setting that may have been formed millions of years ago. Contrasts in the settings bring out the unique cut and shine of the square cut Swarovski, balanced with a perfectly round crystal to bring a contrast to the eye and highlight the unique setting.View full product details
Parades Strass Cuff - PARSC
The gilded cage like sculpture wraps around the wrist, lines broken by the cool clear Swarovski crystals that shine from between the bars. A hint of trouble that is balanced with beautiful crystals and smooth clean lines. A definite edge and a hint of LA.
Pewter dipped in Bronze
Made in the USA.


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by Malina
Toddlers (age 1-3) mostly want to explore and experience but be near their parents. Instead of parking them in front of the television while you grumble thru making dinner, set them up with bowls of rice or beans and some measuring cups allows them to play in the kitchen while you cook, out of range. Alternative ideas include musical pots and pans, pouring colored water between glasses, eating snacks, playing with cookie cutters and playdough, and "painting" cookies or toast with colored sugar water. One of my favorite books for this age is The Toddlers Busy Book: 365 Creative Games and Activities to Keep Your 1 1/2- to 3-Year-Old Busy.
Preschoolers (age 3-5) will let you know when they are ready to help. Give them simple tasks. Teach them how to measure a level cup of flour and have the bowl right next to the flour for them to dump it in. Have them hold the measuring spoon over the bowl while you put in the vanilla. Help them measure spices. Show them the recipe and how you are adding ingredients. Start teaching knife safety with a butter knife and easy to cut things like celery that don't roll around. Preparing ingredients for a salad is a great activity for these kids. There are also a ton of great cookbooks with simple recipes that you can work thru together. Two of my favorites are Pretend Soup and Other Real Recipes: A Cookbook for Preschoolers and Up and The Toddler Cookbook (which is really more appropriate for preschoolers in my humble opinion). The difficulty at this age is when the child wants to do things that they aren't quite old enough to do. If a child wants to help but refuses all the options offered, ask them to tell you what they want to do to help and modify the task to their capabilities.
Early elementary age kids (age 5-7) want to create their own recipes. They will probably love books and TV shows about food but want to make the recipes immediately so be prepared! They are able to help pretty well at this point and make some things with supervision. At this point you might let them think they are in charge and you are their helper and guide. They are usually able to stir something on the stove with supervision. There are tons of great cookbooks for this age. My favorite is no longer in regular print - Kidscooking: A Very Slightly Messy Manual with Other but there is a great Kids Dish series as well. Holy Guacamole!: and Other Scrumptious Snacks (Kids Dish).
Upper elementary age kids (age 8-11) are ready to do some basic cooking on their own or with a friend. (With you in the room!) Get them themed cookbooks based on their interests and have them be in charge of dinner once a week. The Little House Cookbook: Frontier Foods from Laura Ingalls Wilder's Classic Stories or Wookiee Cookies: A Star Wars Cookbook are two examples. I know my favorite as a child was American Girls Cookbook: A Peek at Dining in the Past With Meals You Can Cook Today. They also are ready to cook their own eggs for breakfast for example.
I have had my kids pick out what they want for dinner at least one night a week from an early age. They help shop for the ingredients and help make the recipe as much as they are able. We check out a new kids cookbook from the library almost every time we go and pick out things to try.
By involving my kids in the kitchen and in cooking, I find it more enjoyable for all of us. They are learning, we are spending time together, and we get delicious food as the result!
How have you made cooking with kids an enjoyable experience in your family?


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Inner-View #39 ...National P astors' P rayer N etwork
Connecting Leaders for Prayer and City Transformation
Guide for Life and Ministry, A: Overcoming 7 Challenges Pastors Face
Phil Miglioratti interviewed David Horner
PM ~ David, you write that you began this book ten years ago - How is it different today than what it might have been had you completed it ten years ago?
DH ~ It's amazing what looking back over ten years does to one's perspective! Many of the issues I wanted to address back then emerged from previous years of experience and shaped to basic categories I knew had the potential to throw my life out of balance. That summer in 1998 when I took about three weeks away to write the outline for the book, I had no idea of knowing how much I would need these principles over the next few years.
As I mentioned in the book, ministry took some hard turns as the Lord refined me through the fires of adversity. Many of the ideas and concepts I included in the initial outline were fleshed later out in real life circumstances. I did not have to rely on stories about the experiences of others in illustrating what I was learning during that time, whether for good or bad.
There is no way I could have known how pertinent these sections on challenges pastors face would be in my own life if had I completed the book before I had been through some of the struggles myself.. Like the Lord often does, He prepares us in advance for what is coming. By having this book in process, the lessons contained in it were valuable beyond words for me as I saw the benefit from them in a very personal way.
PM ~ Most "practical guides" are filled with lists and step-by-step instructions. Your book is laced with words like wisdom, discernment, cultivating, developing, fighting, seizing, running. Chapters include "Owning my mistakes" and "Coming out of the desert." You seem to approach life and ministry (and the challenges they bring) differently than others ...
DH ~ As you noted, I am not sure the term "practical guide" best conveys what I tried to communicate. Hopefully it is practical and does serve to guide our thinking, but I am more inclined to explore the Scriptures for biblical principles and wisdom than a summary of "how-to's" which might suggest that following Christ can be reduced to a series of lists. I hope that is not that different from how others approach life and ministry! I am convinced that walking with Christ cannot always be boiled down to practical terms. There is a need for reflection and contemplation, a time for being still in the presence of the Lord and allowing Him to speak. If those elements are missing, we become Christian technicians checking off our list of "must-do's" instead of relying on and seasoning of our lives with the Word of God so that the flavor of who we are arises from a relationship, not performance.
Now don't get me wrong, there is a very practical side to these things and I am glad when I find it. But like most everyone in ministry, I long to know Christ more and want to cultivate a desire to please Him in all things. That is what fuels my passion to keep my life in a balance of obedience to Him at every point.
PM ~ Why do you label the challenges pastors face as threats? Are you concerned for your pastoral colleagues?
DH ~ The underlying premise of the book is that life and ministry tend to be full of situations that throw us out of balance. I tried to identify those special challenges that tend to threaten our equilibrium, unseat us from the saddle or knock us from the high-wire—pick your own metaphor!
I am very concerned for my pastoral colleagues and for all who pursue ministry. From what I have seen and experienced, there are more models of unbalanced living than there are of stable, balanced ones. Somehow the idea that passion for ministry must lead us to be extra obedient in some areas to compensate for our negligence or disobedience in others has gained wide acceptance. Many pastors are trying to be God's best as a ministry leader but doing so at the expense of their biblical responsibilities in the home. Others are effective at doing ministry but failing to grow the intimacy of their relationship with Christ.
The danger or threat, as I understand it, is to reject the tension between the two and try to excel in one area and pray for grace to cover the others. God never calls us to be disobedient in one place in order to prosper in another. That notion threatens the balance of pastors, young and old.
PM ~ You do not isolate prayer as a topic but it seems to me each chapter is ripe with praying potential. Please give us a sentence or two on how a pastor might apply prayer to each of the seven challenges in your book.
1. Juggling the demands of your calling: Knowing your calling is from the Lord requires wisdom we do not naturally possess. Therefore, James tells us that if we lack wisdom to ask for it. If you are struggling to refine your understanding of your calling, ask the Lord to help you discern between what He has placed before you and all the other ideas clamoring for your attention.
2. Sharpening the focus of your vision: Without vision the people perish, so it is important to make certain our vision is Christ-centered, biblical, large enough for God to get the glory, clear enough to be understood and compelling enough to engage the hearts of others who will follow your lead. Therefore, Jeremiah says that those who would speak a vision from the Lord must "stand in the council of the Lord" and listen for Him to speak. Pray, then, that each point of your vision matches His calling and character.
3. Gaining balance by building teams: As we stand before the Lord in prayer, we are made immediately aware of our dependence on Him. Apart from Him we can do nothing and prayer serves to reinforce that reality as our finitude comes up against His infinite nature. To move from that perspective to the idea that we are sufficient in ourselves violates the biblical design of being a part of the body of Christ. So we pray that God will place us in teams of Christ-like, gifted people who will join us in seeking His best.
4. Cultivating genuine humility: Knowing our own hearts to be susceptible to pride, we pray that God will use whatever means He chooses to remind us to humble ourselves so that He can exalt us Himself if ever He chooses to do so.
5. Learning to grow through your troubles: While we are not inclined to ask for trouble, neither should we shy away from it. Peter tells us not to be surprised when painful trials come our way but to see them as God's way of revealing His glory in us through them. Therefore, we pray that as troubles come we have the eyes of the Spirit to see them from His perspective and not be afraid or anxious. Instead, give thanks for them and in them because they represent another opportunity to trust the Lord and grow.
6. Facing the inevitability of change: Since change comes with the territory when we commit our lives to follow Christ, we pray that we will develop the ability to see change with an openness to go anywhere and do anything that Christ sets before us. We also pray that we will not be quick to race off after unhealthy change nor stubbornly resist healthy change and have the discernment to know the difference.
7. Combating spiritual dryness: Early detection is beneficial not only for certain types of cancer but in recognizing the symptoms of spiritual dryness. Our prayer should be that the Lord would give us sensitivity to His Spirit so that when dryness begins to set in, we will see it for what it is. Then we can pray that the Lord will show us how to overcome it, how to avoid the factors that have produced it and what He has already provided to refresh our hearts.
PM ~ Please comment on these statements in the book ...
"Not all mistakes are sins" – Genuine guilt needs to be addressed with confession and repentance because the guilt arises from those times we have fallen short of the glory of God. Yet there are other mistakes that we make that arise from ignorance (we offend someone by calling them by the wrong name), miscalculation (we budgeted only half as much as we needed for the new copier), misguided enthusiasm (we got excited and failed to consider all the implications of a course of action—we committed to give every six grader a new Bible when there were ten sixth graders but the church now has over a hundred sixth graders and the cost is exorbitant!). So every mistake is not the result of sin, but could be attributed to any number of other factors.
"We have lost a real sense of God's presence in our lives" – The reality of God as the Lord who is a living, real Person gets lost sometimes when we treat Him as a remote Deity who is powerful and wise and ever-present but not near enough in our experience of Him to be personal and intimate. We believe that He is and intends to be, but in our haste or neglect we miss Him and fail to connect with Him in a meaningful way.
"Sound doctrine and orthodox biblical theology have satisfied the appetite of your mind but never penetrated the hunger in your heart to know, love and serve God" -- Being informed about God and having knowledge in our mind, even when it is true and accurate, is never intended to be substitute for loving Him and knowing Him personally. Like the previous statement about the loss of a real sense of His presence in our lives, our knowledge can become academic and impersonal, theoretical and technical. God calls us to know Him in such a way that the "surpassing value of knowing Christ" leads immediately to loving Him. Curiosity about God and a hunger to know and love Him are different longings. He wants us to understand and know Him, to love Him and seek Him, to draw near to Him and walk with Him. Only an intimate relationship with Christ will satisfy the deep hunger in our hearts for God.
"The indispensable quality of humility" – Humility is not optional for those who follow Christ, nor is it reserved for some upper level course in discipleship. To walk humbly before God is to know and experience the wonder of grace—unmerited favor poured out unconditionally from the heart of an awesome, holy God upon a fallen, unworthy creature, a sinful person. No one can stand in the presence of God and maintain a prideful spirit or pretend to be deserving of His good mercy. Therefore, humility represents the normal state of a transformed heart and is "indispensable" in anyone who desires to manifest evidence of the power of the gospel in their lives.
PM ~ How does a pastor begin moving toward a balanced perspective on spirituality and the challenges of ministry?
DH ~ Awareness of the dangers threatening his balance usually starts a pastor on the road toward recovery of this important aspect of his life and ministry. For those who do not realize how easily they can be neutralized for effective ministry by imbalance in their spiritual lives, no move toward balance even occurs to them. But for every pastor who has sensed that life is spinning out of control by forces over which he has no control, the starting point for gaining and maintaining balance is identifying the primary problem areas threatening his equilibrium. Once the problem areas are identified, solutions arise through prayer and careful study of the Scriptures, through reflection and wise counsel from veterans of the same conflicts. The key is never to accept imbalanced living as the status quo for people in ministry. God calls us to faithfulness in every area of our lives and has promised to provide everything necessary for that to happen.
PM ~ David, please write a prayer pastors reading this can pray that gets us moving toward balance and away from the threats of life and ministry.
Great and glorious God of all wisdom,
Merciful Father and Gracious Savior,
Awaken my heart to the completeness
of your design for my life,
in your provisions for my success,
of your calling for my ministry.
There is no want for those who fear you,
no slighting of those who follow you, and
no indifference toward those who trust you.
Your ways are perfect in conception and in execution.
Therefore, when I am feeling overwhelmed
By the weight of my responsibilities,
By my personal insufficiencies,
By a nagging sense of failure,
I will remember that you called me and
that you sustain me;
that you have promised me and
that you have provided for me.
Then I will come to you and call on you
to restore me
to a life of balanced obedience
to the freedom of a confident calling,
to the joy of a Christ-centered priority in all things.
Thank you for the perfect sufficiency of Christ,
for the fullness of His grace,
for the privilege of being His bondservant.
May I never begrudge this honor of service,
Complain about the busy-ness of ministry, or
Act as if your glory depended upon my effectiveness.
Take my
life and ministry and
hold me securely in your hand.
Set my feet on a rock that cannot be shaken,
Secure my stance with a balance that cannot be threatened.
I take my stand in Christ, dearest Lord,
And rest in the stability of His power. Amen.


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Artist Alley Rules:
1. Convention Badges: All artists and helpers who wish to take part in the AnimeNEXT Artist Alley must have a three-day Artist Alley Convention badge to AnimeNEXT. 1 Convention badge is included with the purchase price of your artist alley table. If/When you purchase your table you will have the option to purchase up to an additional TWO Artist Alley registrations at a special artist alley price. We highly recommend you purchase at this special rate. Any questions regarding this could be sent to firstname.lastname@example.com or firstname.lastname@example.com
2. Check in: The person who purchased a table in the AnimeNEXT Artist Alley, i.e. you filled out the form in your name, must 'Check In' at the Artist Alley staff table no later than 1pm on Friday.
– Any tables that have not been checked in by 1pm on Friday will be forfeited and become available on Saturday morning for purchase. YOU WILL NOT RECEIVE A REFUND FOR YOUR FORFEITED TABLE
3. Artist Alley Badges or Artist Convention Badges: All Artists and their table helpers must receive and wear an Artist Alley badge OR All Artists and their helpers must wear an Artist Convention Badge in place of the Regular Convention Badge. There is a limit of 2 assistants for for each table, we ask that you please make your best effort to notify us of your badge needs DURING the registration process, or BEFORE the convention. An Artist Alley badge allows entrance to the Artist Alley during set up and closing times. Anyone found sitting at an Artist Alley table without an AA badge will be asked to leave–squatters will not be tolerated. Please note that while you are allowed 3 people, only 2 chairs will be provided.
4. Table Limits: Individual Artists, Studios or Groups are limited to ONE Six (6) foot table or ONE 10'x10' booth in the Artist Alley.
5.Double Booking: Only ONE person per Studio/Group may submit a Letter of Intent to register for the Artist Alley. Anyone caught trying to get around the table limits by having friends or family also book tables will be given a warning, and then put on a watch list. A second attempt will earn a ban from the Artist Alley.
6. Age Requirement: In order to purchase a table in the AnimeNEXT Artist Alley you must be 18 years of age at the time of check in at con.
7. Copyrights and Fanart: Selling Official Artwork, Copyrighted Materials or Artwork of another Artist without written permission is not allowed. Fanart is allowed so long as it follows the guidelines below:
– Fanart must not be a copy, either by hand or computer, of official artwork. This includes projects consisting of pixel or pixelized artwork.
– Fanart must be an original in design, drawn in your own style with your own poses.
– We do allow a limited amount of upcycled material. Upcycling is repurposing already existing items for a new use or design. For example, using pages from a Manga as part of a piece of artwork. If you use upcycled artwork we ask that you have proof available that the images are from a officially licensed item. For example if using a sticker please include a picture of the sticker sheet it originated from, or if from a Manga a photo of the page before and after the image was removed.
8. Adult Material: Adult Material is allowed, so long as it is clearly marked, covered and supervised at all times. You are not allowed to sell Adult Material to minors under the age of 18, and you are responsible for checking that your customers are indeed legally able to purchase said material. Adult Material is defined as anything sexually explicit, portraying sexual acts either heterosexual or homosexual and nudity. For Example: Nudity is considered showing any body part(s) that would be normally covered by a typical bathing suit–swim trunks/Speedo for males, bikini for females.
9. Merchandise: This is a list of what is allowed and what isn't allowed. Do not panic if you don't see something on either list. If it's not on either list, just email Artist Alley Staff and we'll make a ruling on it. Please remember that the Artist Alley is for both 2-D and 3-D Artists who specialize in self-made Anime, Cosplay or Fandom related merchandise.
Cosplay & Cosplay Accessories
Etched Glass
Chain Mail
Face Painting
FDA Compliant Bath and Body products, including but not limited to lotions, soaps, body oils, and perfumes.
Foam Cosplay Props that meet the Convention Weapons Policy
NOT ALLOWED in the ARTIST ALLEY:
Food and Drinks, this includes prepared or packaged food and drinks.
Store Bought or Wholesale Merchandise
Metal or Wooden Weapons (This includes any Cosplay Props that DO NOT meet the Convention weapons policy)
Flammable items, including but not limited to chemicals and candles.
Convection Ovens
Irons (for pixels-any custom pixels must be Ironed outside of Artist's Alley due to Fire Hazard)
10. Display Materials: All displays must be sturdy and Secure. They must be on the top of your table with the exception of a Backdrop set up 3ft behind the table. At no time are free standing displays allowed to be placed in front of, or to the side of any table. Any displays that fall over, or are deemed to be unsafe by Convention Staff must be removed.
– Displays must not exceed 10 feet in height from the ground (7 feet above the table)
11. Refunds:
Tables: Before you purchase your table you must be absolutely certain you will be able to attend or be okay with losing the money. Table transfers to other artist may occur but will be decided on a case by case basis.
Badges: Badges under certain circumstances can be refunded, transferred or deferred to the 2018 convention. For info regarding badges please email email@example.com.
In extreme cases you may be eligible for a refund. Your refund will be in the form a physical check that will be mailed out after the convention no matter when it was approved.
Repercussions for breaking any of the above Rules:
1. 1st offence–Warning in Writing: You will be given conditions and a time frame with which you must comply. This may be, but is not limited to removing all offending material from sight and never displaying it again, etc.
2. 2nd offence–Eviction from Artist Alley: If you have already been given a written warning and you have not complied in the time frame given, put the offending material back on display or broken another rule, you may be evicted from the Artists' Alley without refund.
3. 3rd and Final Offence–If you are found trying to or have convinced another artist (whether knowing or unknowing) to help you sell the material you can no longer even set up, having already been evicted from your own table, you will henceforth be banned from the AnimeNEXT Artist Alley. Artists found selling the removed artwork will get a warning and/or could also be evicted and banned.
Repeat Offenders: If you have been evicted from the Artist Alley once, you will have a chance to redeem yourself the next year. If you end up being evicted from the Artist Alley a second time, you will be Banned permanently from the AnimeNEXT Artist Alley. Evictions do not have to happen in consecutive years, any and all evictions count towards your two chances.
Though the AnimeNEXT Artist Alley staff retain the right to make instantaneous changes to the Artist Alley policies, every effort will be made to extend artists the courtesy to make announcements of any changes.
As a reminder the Artist Alley staff will consistently monitor and patrol the Artist Alley for policy and rules violations. Any and all observed and reported violations will be acted upon. A single violation of the convention and Artist Alley rules and policies can potentially result in the artist being removed from the Artist Alley and the convention at the discretion of the Artist Alley staff. If an individual is removed, they forfeit all fees and will receive no refund for their table or membership. Additionally, for the safety of the Artist Alley staff, conversations between yourself and the Artist Alley staff may be recorded.


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Wachovia Corp. on Friday agreed to buy back up to $8.8 billion in auction-rate securities, becoming the latest bank caught in a regulatory crackdown of the bonds.
The Charlotte bank, which did not admit or deny wrongdoing, said the settlement resolved investigations by state regulators led by the Missouri Secretary of State, the New York Attorney General and the Securities and Exchange Commission. Its settlement is similar to those by other big banks, although some banks haven't signed deals with as many regulators.
Missouri regulators said Wachovia would pay $50 million in fines to be split among state regulators. Wachovia could face a fine from the SEC depending on the success of its buyback program.
A widespread investigation of the industry has been quickly wrapping up, bank by bank, since Citigroup Inc. announced at the end of last week that it would buy back $7.5 billion in the securities and pay $100 million in fines to settle with regulators. Since then, UBS, JPMorgan Chase & Co., and Morgan Stanley also have settled with regulators.
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Merrill Lynch & Co. has said it will voluntarily start to buy back the securities, but Andrew Cuomo, New York's attorney general, said Friday that Merrill Lynch should expect a lawsuit from his office soon.
The bonds have proven nightmarish for many investors. Regulators say that Wachovia and the other banks did not accurately represent the risks of the securities to investors, wrongly leading them to believe that the bonds were as liquid as cash. However, most clients have been unable to access their auction-rate investments since February, when banks stopped submitting bids for the investments.
Weddington resident Chris Sutton said he was glad to hear about the settlement. Sutton, who is co-trustee for his mother's trust, invested in auction-rate securities last year, at the suggestion of their Wachovia broker. Sutton told the broker he needed a highly liquid investment because his mother needed to withdraw money for monthly health care expenses. The broker, Sutton says, told him that he'd be able to access his principal almost any time.
"This money's been frozen for months," Sutton said this week. "We're not wealthy people. My mom created a trust, and that's our lifeblood."
Wachovia, under its agreement, will offer to buy back auction-rate securities from any investors who bought into the market before its February collapse. That means the bank could repurchase up to $5.7 billion in securities held by 40,000 individuals, small businesses and charities. It also could repurchase up to $3.1 billion from institutional investors.
The repurchasing program will take place in November for the first group, and next June for the institutional investors.
The bank will also reimburse investors who sold their auction-rate securities at a loss after the market's collapse. Wachovia must provide no-interest loans for customers who need liquidity before then.
If customers have incurred other damages besides a loss of liquidity, they can participate in arbitration overseen by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority. In those cases, Wachovia cannot contest its liability.
"We understand that unprecedented market conditions have created difficulties for our clients, particularly those holding auction rate securities," chief executive Bob Steel said in a statement. "We are pleased to announce a comprehensive solution for the liquidity needs of clients who purchased auction rate securities at Wachovia and to resolve this matter with federal and state regulators."
Wachovia had been in talks over a settlement since Aug. 8. On Monday, the Charlotte bank said it set aside an extra $500 million in legal reserves in the second quarter because of the probability of a settlement, including the cost of writedowns related to auction-rate securities that have decreased in value.
Wachovia said Friday it would add another $275 million to its legal reserves in the third quarter to pay for the settlement. The bank said it does not currently expect the agreement will have a "material effect" on capital, liquidity or overall financial results, although a measure of Tier 1 capital to assets will be reduced slightly.
Also on Friday, insurer Prudential Financial Inc., a joint venture partner in Wachovia's brokerage arm, said it expects to take a $185 million charge in the third-quarter for its share of the settlement, up from a previous estimate of $125 million.
Auction-rate securities are bonds with interest rates that reset periodically - usually every seven, 28 or 35 days. They can be issued by municipalities, hospitals, student-loan companies and other special entities. Banks and brokerage firms package them to sell to the public, and they can also submit the bids that reset the interest rates. If there are not enough bids to cover the securities for sale, then the auction fails and the investors cannot access their principal.
Regulators say banks led investors to believe that these bonds were as liquid as cash. The banks didn't clarify that the auctions could fail, which is what happened in February when banks and others stopped submitting bids amid a tight credit environment. Also, the SEC said, the bank didn't explain that the bonds' liquidity "was premised on Wachovia providing support bids for auctions it managed when there was not enough customer demand …." Some experts say that represents an inherent conflict.
The banks "are on both sides of the trade," said Lawrence L. Klayman, a senior partner at Klayman & Toskes in Florida. "They had their doubts about the market, but they continued to sell these to investors to the very end. They were trying to shift the loss."
The Missouri Secretary of State, Robin Carnahan, lauded the settlement as a way to make investors whole. "I have received hundreds of calls from Missourians and investors around the nation who need their money to make medical payments, run their businesses, or retire as planned," Carnahan said. "I am pleased that six months of uncertainty and worry is over."
Last week, Charlotte's Bank of America Corp. said in a regulatory filing that it has "received subpoenas and requests for information from various state and federal governmental agencies" over auction-rate securities. Bank of America has said it is working with clients and will cooperate fully with regulators.


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Holiday shopping has me realizing there are way too many choices out there. Really, how many Spiderman action figures can there be? Psychology studies show that the amount of choices hinder our lifestyles and add more stress. Bah Humbug! When it comes to handbags, I do not believe it- but when it comes to O shaped cereal, I do! Let me introduce to you Bown designs by the lovely Judy Bown. As for a little background about Judy, she is the British designer behind this exciting new online collection. She previously designed for Mulberry, Asprey and Tanner Krolle in London,and Coach and Tocca in New York, before starting up her own company. And so I bring you the Bown City Tote which is clean spacious, and mixes between business chic and everyday street. Large enough for your laptop, this tote measures 30 × 30 × 15cm. Longer handles are perfect for carrying the bag on your shoulder and there are three internal brass loops to keep all accessories safe and easy to reach. The Rhubarb color is divine, a mixture of pink, red, and cream. Via Bown online for $1274.
P.S. Please consider supporting our small, bag-loving team by clicking our links before shopping or checking out at your favorite online retailers like Amazon, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, or any of the listed partners on our shop page. We truly appreciate your support!


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Jennifer Lawrence has developed a new bad habit: Freaking out on airplanes.
She says, "It's scary not being able to control yourself. I've recently had problems with plane anxiety and it's similar. I'm not afraid of the airplane, I'm afraid of me on the airplane and losing control of myself.
"You know when they hit an air pocket and it feels like you're falling? I did it on a night flight one time. [I yelled]. 'We're going down! It's coming down!'"
She added, "I tried to jump out of an Air France flight once. I can't believe I didn't get arrested. I got really claustrophobic and I had to get out."
It's hard to keep track of all these American Idol rumours…the latest one is that producers could make Selena Gomez an offer to judge. They think she would do a great job of pulling in a younger audience, and would also give the show a great boost through her social media. The goal right now is for them to have all the judges secured by mid-October.
Ryan Phillippe's ex-girlfriend Elsie Hewitt is suing him for $1 million. The 21-year-old Guess model claims the 43-year-old actor assaulted her when she went to pick up her belongings at his home on July 4th.
Ryan's representative issued a stark dismissal of the charges. "As a staunch advocate for the health, well-being and equality of women, Ryan is completely devastated that these false allegations have been made and circulated. Domestic violence is an incredibly serious issue and fabricated and proven false claims should not be used to unjustly slander the falsely accused. The claims are false."
Ryan was married to Reese Witherspoon from 1999 to 2007. They share two children together, Ava and Deacon. He also shares a daughter Kailani with a former girlfriend, Alexis Knapp.
Lisa Bloom revealed yesterday that she will be representing Montia Sabbag, "the woman at the center of the Kevin Hart scandal."
A press conference will be held today where Sabbag and Bloom "will speak out … about the true facts of this situation, and will announce their next legal move."
In related news, Kevin's wife, Eniko, has apparently forgiven him and there are no talks of having a divorce. According to my source, she believes Kevin is a great husband.
Leonardo DiCaprio's foundation has awarded $20 million in grants to more than 100 organizations working to make the world a more environmentally-friendly place. Leo says, "Our challenge is to find new ways to power our lives, employ millions of people and turn every individual into an advocate for clean air and drinkable water."
Former TODAY show co-host Billy Bush and his wife Sydney Davis have separated after almost 20 years of marriage.
Billy and Sydney married in April 1998 and have three daughters: Josie, 18, Mary, 16, and Lillie, 12. Their split comes nearly a year after Bush parted ways with TODAY in the wake of his controversial, leaked conversation with Donald Trump.
Marilyn Manson continued his feud with Justin Bieber yesterday by allowing Howard Stern to read his recent text conversation with Justin. Marilyn claimed that he was making the texts public in an effort to be transparent about the feud between them. "Bro, it's Bieber what's up with that article? I thought we had a pretty pleasant interaction. Also, if anything wasn't squared away with the T-shirts, I'm so sorry," he continued, "Anyway, regardless, it kind of stung seeing that if I came off as an a**hole or was just an a**hole, I'm sorry." When Justin followed the text with a series of question marks, Marilyn responded, "Words." Marilyn further explained to Stern, "That's what I say to girls when they talk."
Marilyn revealed in a recent interview that Justin took credit for making him "relevant again" by wearing a shirt featuring his face during his latest tour.
Rachel Bilson and Hayden Christensen have reportedly called it quits. The couple, who have a 2-year-old daughter named Briar Rose together, had been in a relationship on and off for almost 10 years but never married. According to my source, Hayden is back in Toronto and Rachel is back in L.A.
Jada Pinkett Smith is insisting that she isn't a Scientologist, despite claims made by fellow actress Leah Remini. In a Twitter thread about her interest in a variety of religions, Jada said, "I have chanted and meditated in some of the most magnificent temples on earth… but I am not a Buddhist." She went on to say, "I have studied Dianetics, and appreciate the merits of Study Tech…but I am not a Scientologist."
In Leah's 2015 memoir Troublemaker she alleged that Jada, her husband Will and noted Scientologist Tom Cruise once asked her to engage in an adult game of hide-and-seek they were playing.
Back in 2012, Gawker published a blind item about an unnamed male comedian's habit of masturbating in front of female peers. After comic Jen Kirkman alluded to a difficult male tour mate on a 2015 episode of her podcast (which has since been deleted), everyone jumped to the conclusion that the secret masturbator was Louis C.K.—but now Jen denies that she was referring to C.K., saying, "There are rumors out there that Louis takes his d**k out at women. He has never done that to me. I never said he did; I never implied that he did…I think this might be a case of there's nothing there. If I'm wrong, I'm wrong, and if any women want to come forward and say what he's done, I'll totally back them, because I believe women. But I just don't know any." As for Notaro, Kirkman says, "I don't know why Tig is talking about this stuff."
Avril Lavigne tops this year's list of the most dangerous celebrities to search for online. That means you're more likely to pick up a VIRUS when you search for her than any other celebrity.
For some reason, this year's top 10 is all musicians. Check it out . . .
1. Avril Lavigne
2. Bruno Mars
3. Carly Rae Jepsen
4. Zayn Malik
5. Celine Dion
6. Calvin Harris
7. Justin Bieber
8. Puff Daddy
9. Katy Perry
10. Beyoncé


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Nintendo's never been known for its sports &#Array; serious sports anyway. There are certainly plenty of Mario Baseball, Basketball, Tennis and Golf games to go around, but the Big N's focus on more realistic, non-cartoonish adaptations of sports competitions has only ever been fleeting at best. The launch of the Nintendo 64 kicked off an era in the company's history that changed that, for a time, with titles like Wave Race 64. And as that realistic jetski racer was so well received, it was followed up by an equally realistic take on another extreme sport &#Array; 1080 Snowboarding.
Now originally released almost 10 full years ago, 1080 made a huge impact on the games industry at the time of its arrival. Because it was the best &#Array; the best-looking, best-playing, most satisfying interpretation of snowboarding ever released in video game form. Rivals to the throne have certainly come and surpassed its design in the decade since, but in 1998 1080 was No. 1.
Five different board-carrying characters are available to select when starting off in 1080 Snowboarding, each with his or her own unique skills and weaknesses. Kensuke Kimachi is an all-around pick. Dion Blaster is built for speed. Ricky Winterborn isn't as fast, but is tops at completing tricks. And so on and so forth with the others as well &#Array; after you've chosen your rider, you'll also select the board they'll be using (all with their own ratings as well) and their primary stance (either Normal or Goofy), and then it's time to hit the slopes.
1080 Snowboarding's control is compelling right from the start &#Array; even just after leaving the starting line for your first race in the game, you'll be able to appreciate the accuracy and overall feel of its design. It really does feel like you're actually carving through these drifts of snow, with the physics and resistance perfectly balanced to simulate real snowboarding exceptionally well. Wave Race 64 impressed gamers of the day with its phenomenal fluidic physics &#Array; and what that game did for water, 1080 does for snow.
The realism comes with a price, though &#Array; 1080 is unforgivably challenging to get into. Its handling is tight, perhaps a bit too tight, and as a result it's difficult to immediately get a sense of how to best handle the analog stick and keep your rider upright and healthy. It's easy &#Array; before you've passed the learning curve &#Array; to over- or under-correct for twists in the tracks, and you might find yourself sledding face-first into a rock wall or tree trunk more than once. Do that too often and you'll fail the race, as a damage meter keeps track of your collisions and wipeouts and won't let you continue if you falter too frequently.
Landing jumps is probably the trickiest technique to first get a grip on, and things then get even more complicated when you add in in-air trick techniques like getting a grip on your board. And spinning, and one-footing, and all the rest &#Array; tricks are achieved through mastery of button combinations and analog stick rotation. Get good enough and have enough air time to work with, and you can even accomplish the game's titular three full revolutions in a row.
Another aspect to take into account is the game's clear focus in each of its modes. 1080 offers Match Race, Time Attack and Trick Attack modes in addition to more secondary options that let you take on specialized half-pipe and air-make courses. Match Race is the main event, setting you in a head-to-head downhill race against one computer-controlled opponent. Time Attack has no opponents, only the clock. And Trick Attack isn't about racing at all, really &#Array; it's all about how many points you can earn by spinning through the air like a human whirlwind. The clear focus is that if you play any of these modes in an inefficient way &#Array; say, for example, pulling off lots of tricks in a Match Race, where they don't really count for anything and just waste your time &#Array; then you'll find yourself on the receiving end of the "You Lose" screen more often than not.
But even if all of this sounds overly demanding, it's not the kind of overly demanding that makes you want to give up on it all and turn the game off &#Array; it's just the right kind of demanding, the kind that makes you want to keep on going and try one more time. Even when you mess up, you can quickly assess where you went wrong and what you need to correct &#Array; like bearing left instead of right at that one tree, or forgetting about the fancy stuff and just concentrating on the task at hand. It's tough, but it's addictive. And that's why it still holds up after almost 10 years.
The Verdict
1080 Snowboarding is no longer the best-looking, best-playing, most satisfying interpretation of snowboarding ever released in video game form, but it's still incredibly solid and a whole lot of fun even a decade after its original release. Be warned that you won't be able to achieve consistent victory right away if you're new to the 1080 series &#Array; the learning curve for getting a proper handle on how to handle your board takes a while. But once you've mastered it, you'll have a blast. 1080's definitely worth its 1000 Wii Point asking price &#Array; it's the best classic game released on the Virtual Console so far this year.


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From £13.99
Medikoi Wheatgerm with Garlic is a complete feed for all pond fish, ideal for late autumn, winter and early spring feeding. This specially formulated diet has been selected to be easily metabolised by your fish, and the reduced protein results in less waste being produced by fish when their metabolism slows in the cooler months. The high-quality ingredients, including garlic, help to encourage your overwintering fish to feed and help maintain their immune system to readily fight infection. Alternate feeding with Medikoi Health during the cooler months for an even wider range of beneficial supplements to ensure your fish get the right nutrition and support when they need it.
Contains key components:
Recommended feeding:
Are you feeding your fish the right food for this time of year? Check the Medikoi Feeding Guide!
Wheat, Wheat Feed, Wheatgerm, Maize, Maize Gluten, Soya, Salmon Oil, Garlic, Calcium Carbonate.
Protein 21%, Fat Content 5%, Crude Fibre 5%, Inorganic Matter 6%, Moisture 8.5%.
Per Kg: Garlic 11000 mg, A 28875 IU, C 675 mg, D3 2165 IU, E 205 IU, EEC permitted preservatives and antioxidants.
3mm pellets - 750g, 5kg, 10kg.
6mm pellets - 1.75kg, 3kg, 5kg, 10kg.
Find your nearest NT Labs Authorised Retailer.


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Champions League odds are giving Juventus a slight advantage over Monaco in Wednesday's match, and SBR's handicappers believe to have found a few betting options worthy of your backing. Watch to find out how we have decided to place our soccer picks in what is sure to be a close battle.
Click on the link to read the article: Monaco vs Juventus UCL League 2nd Leg QF's:
Find more Soccer Picks here: http://www.sportsbookreview.com/soccer/
Soccer Odds Available here: http://www.sportsbookreview.com/betting-odds/soccer/
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2014 Mini Melbourne
Here lies the details for the 2014 Australian Melbourne Mini.
Mini Christmas Expos 2014
- Melbourne Mini 2014
- May 17-18, 2014
- May 31-June 1, 2014
- June 14-15, 2014
- May 24-25, 2014
- Perth Mini 2014
- No plans for a mini...yet
- Canberra Mini 2014
- No plans for a mini...yet
- New Zealand Mini 2014
- No plans for a mini...yet
When: Sat 17 and Sun 18 May 2014
Costs: To be determined
Where: CNC Design, 1K Marine Parade, Abbotsford, 3167
View: https://www.google.com.au/maps/place/1K+Marine+Parade,+Abbotsford+VIC+3067/
Forum discussion: https://auschristmaslighting.com/threads/2014-melbourne-mini-17th-to-18th-of-may.5327/
Streaming: (tune in from around 9:30 am AEST)
- Day 1:
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bXAMFjn3aMw
- Day 2:
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NlimtduILnw
This year we will have the mini again at CNC Design in Abbotsford. We want to cater for members of all ages and experiences so no matter if you are a newbie or a veteran please come along and enjoy two days of information and discussion sessions on what is new in Christmas Lighting. More importantly get to know other ACL members a passion for this hobby.
We will have this in May so you have lots of time think about and organise new lighting goodies for this Christmas. The Melbourne Mini is one of the feature events for the ACL year.
NOTE Door prize will include:
Other prizes will be added as they come to hand.
- A Shiny new Stellascapes TS-16, complete with 16 sets of 85 node strings. ( these are the 16 bit ones! ), and a set of splitter cables to go. ( Value $AUD2995) OR a set of 4 Stellacapes Sun-12 high power RGBW Light fixtures, with a E1.31 controller / power supply. ( value $1995 ) - To be decided.
- An Advatek Pixlite pixel controller.
- A Hanson Electronics DC controller (TBA when available)
- Goodies and/or a special offer from Minleon LSP
- Lights from Paul Zang ( http://www.aliexpress.com/store/221277 )
Facilities include - Meeting room for 35 people with Projector and Internet access, Warehouse area to set up displays, Electrical assembly area for making displays and plenty of car parking. All just 3km from the Melbourne CBD.
How to get there - Car, Train (Closest station is Collingwood which is 5 min walk) or tram to Victoria Street Richmond (also 5 min walk)
If you plan to come, please add you name to this list or make a comment on the forum link above.
- AndrewA
- battle79
- bjpc2716
- caffeine
- diyer
- Ewan
- gerry
- livetoride
- Maple
- muzzag50
- pipersmall
- Qiang Fu Kiwi
- ԆцряєсϮ
- Snicko
- tuppet
- tuppetsdad
Others - Please let me know if you think you will come as we have to arrange the catering.
To be determined but possibly as follows.
- Explore a show (or two). breakdown of lights/boards required for results
- Planning a show - starting from nothing/converting from static to pc controlled
- Introduction to electronics and how it applies to lights. Watts, volts, current and heat
-Ruprect (possibly)
- Comparison/explanation of the different networks used for controlling lights. E1.31, dmx, pixel, lor
- Hooking things up - a sample of boards and where they fit in the grand scheme of Christmas lights
- Introduction to DMX - start address, wiring
- Introduction to E1.31, Pixels and E1.31 to pixel boards
- Sequencing: LOR
- Sequencing: LSP (with nutcracker)
- Sequencing: Vixen 3
- Hands on sequencing of lsp, lor, vixen. Also P2, P12, DR4 etc setup
- Display marketing - how do you draw in more visitors? (general discussion). maybe including signage, radio tx and licence
- Discussion about Chinese suppliers/ebay suppliers/big W etc. Covering what to specify for custom orders
- Using a Pi for running your show using the FPP
- Basic and in depth discussions on using E1.31 and E1.31 with multicast for your show
--- Qiang Fu Kiwi
- Possible session showing off new boards etc from the vendors Stellascapes, Advatek and Hanson Electronics. These may include pixels, pixel controllers and dmx dimmer boards.
If there is something you specifically want covered, or want to present on, please discus in the thread.
If you have a laptop and want to flash some lights while you're there then bring it along.
What's happening - Saturday
The schedule will be updated or revised close to the event once confirmed numbers are calculated, however, here it is as it stands currently
Presenter Time Activity SATURDAY - 22nd June 0830 Doors Open / Breakfast Time for setup or grab a coffee All 0900 Meet & Greet Welcome and Intro's, meet everyone. AAH 0930 Network and light types Discussion on dumb and smart lights, LOR, dmx and E1.31 networks All 1000 Morning tea Tea/coffee/Coke Zero etc Ruprect 1015 Electronics 101 AAH 1100 Types of Lights - LED Strings, RGB strings and strips, Modules, Pixels 1200 LUNCH L_Tay 1300 Setting up and sequencing with LOR Beacy 1330 Setting up and sequencing with LSP Battle79 1400 Setting up and sequencing with Vixen 3 1500 Afternoon Tea AAH 1530 Installation & Hooking Things Up - Power & fusing, cable sizes, etc Including a quick demo of testing with da_dmx and da_e131 All 1600 Connect up and play Just a short session for anyone to connect up lights and turn them on All 1630 - 1700 Wrap up
What's happening - Sunday
Presenter Time Activity SUNDAY 0900 Doors Open Grab a tea/coffee/coke zero Sean Meighan (USA - via teamviewer) 0930 xlights/nutcracker and raspberry pi All 1000 Morning tea 1015 Buying Lights , controllers and interfaces- Suppliers and specification Beacy 1130 Managing all that Data- Tips for large shows 1200 LUNCH Andrew Fraser 1300 E1.31 including multicast on a DIY network AAH, Andrew Fraser, L_Tay, Devo 1330 Discussion of Different Controllers 1400 Discussion Group based discussion. Got a question about anything at all Xmas light related then ask away. 1500 Afternoon tea All 1515-End of play Connect up and play with controllers pixels and sequencers Categories: 2014 Minis, List of Mini Expos
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Course Codes : MUSC3331
The Norton Anthology of Western Music Seventh Edition
Edition 1st
Publication Date 21 Apr 14
Publisher John Wiley & Sons Australia
Author(s) J. Peter Burkholder
OverviewThe anthologies feature outstanding teaching pieces that reveal the sweep of history through changing genres, styles, conventions, forms, techniques, and materials. The Seventh Edition includes new twentieth- and twenty-first-century works by Adams, Bernstein, Carter, Golijov, Higdon, Revueltas, Saariaho, Strauss, and Villa-Lobos.
Leaves warehouse in 3 - 9 business days
Savings : $13.04 (15% off)
or buy now & pay later with


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Faith and Family Entertainment
November 2, 2009
Hosted by Patricia Raskin
[Download MP3] [itunes] [Bookmark Episode]
Episode Description
Paul Balelo, Vice-President Corporate Communications for Faith & Family Entertainment will discuss the launch of a subscription-based movie service with Cox Communications. These are original films produced by Faith & Family Entertainment LLC, the leading producer of wholesome, Christian-themed movies and miniseries in Hollywood, today. Movies will be based on stories of faith, love, hope, redemption and family with major stars, such as Katherine Heigl, James Earl Jones, Faith Ford, Shirley Jones, Eriq LaSalle, Meredith Baxter, Ed Asner, Lori Loughlin, Cicely Tyson and Christian Bale.
The Patricia Raskin Show
Monday at 11 AM Pacific Time on VoiceAmerica Variety Channel
Relationships, health, spirituality, finances and community concerns, reclaim control of all areas of your life with the power of positive thinking. Patricia Raskin and her guests will bring you practical, positive solutions for a happy, empowered and successful life.
Patricia Raskin
Patricia Raskin, president and founder of Raskin Resources, is an award winning media producer/host, media coach, speaker and author who interviews nationally acclaimed experts and authors in the areas of self-help, personal growth and inspiration. As a pioneer in the earliest days of cable television, Patricia created "Patricia Raskin Positive People" talk shows. Since then she has gone on to produce and host television talk shows and documentaries that have aired on Fox and PBS affiliates. She moved to radio in 1997 where her "Patricia Raskin Positive Living" show had an eleven year run on WTKF- 107.3FM in Eastern North Carolina. She recently expanded her audience and her programs are currently broadcast on NewsTalk 630 WPRO and WPRV AM790, the Citadel affiliates in Rhode Island. Patricia's weekly call-in "Patricia Raskin Positive Living" radio show on the VoiceAmerica™ Network is in it's eighth year. Patricia is the author of Pathfinding: Seven Principles for Positive Living and Success, Your Dream and You.


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Protestant Episcopal Church in the Confederate States of America.
Journal of Proceedings of an adjourned convention of bishops, clergyman and laymen of the Protestant Episcopal church in the Confederate States of America, held in Christ church, Columbia, South Carolina, from Oct. 16th to Oct. 24th, inclusive ... 1861.
Montgomery [Ala.] Montgomery advertiser job Print. Office, 1861
|Material Type:
|Internet resource
|Document Type:
|Book, Internet Resource
|All Authors / Contributors:
|Protestant Episcopal Church in the Confederate States of America.; Confederate States of America Collection (Library of Congress)
|OCLC Number:
|45 pages, 1 leaf 23 cm
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DIT drama students present challenging new works
16th November 2010
In an exciting development DIT final-year students of the BA in Drama at the Conservatory of Music and Drama will present six short pieces of brand new, challenging theatre.
The plays were devised and will be performed by the students themselves. In their invitation to the public to attend, they say that this is theatre that asks hard questions about our lives, but also laughs at life's absurdities and pursues life's pleasures. "This work confronts issues of madness, media, body image, identity, sexuality and being young in today's ever-changing and insecure world. Don't miss this chance to see new theatre that is raw, dynamic and original!"
The plays are directed by Peter McDermott, drama lecturer in the Conservatory of Music and Drama, and the lighting design is by Ciarán O'Melia.
Date and time: Tuesday 7th December at 1pm (2.30pm finish) and Wednesday December 8th at 7pm
Venue: Theatre, Dublin Institute of Technology, Rathmines
Tickets: €10 - students €5
Booking: places limited - phone 01 402 7815 to book.


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To complete the learning activities, please create a new thread for each theme and identify in the subject line the theme for which you are responding. Students are expected to post to each theme by Thursday and to at least two other students (across all themes) by Sunday.
In responding to both the learning activities and to other students, please be sure to use the course material using in-text citations and a reference list to cite the source(s) used. Remember, an in-text citation cannot exist without having a corresponding reference list and a reference list cannot exist without having a corresponding in-text citation. In learning how to use the course material and your own research, avoid using direct quotes and instead paraphrase.
To respond to Learning Activities, click on the blue hyperlink.
Learning Activity #1: Economics
This learning activity focuses on a variety of economic topics that affect the business decisions we make every day (e.g. law of supply and demand).
Part A: Review the table below. Notice the economic categories across the top row. Select one item from two of the economic categories and explain how the topic exemplifies the principle. Be sure to define the principle and how a business can be affected by the principle.
|Balance of Trade
|Supply and Demand
|New Technology-Obsolesce
|GDP health indicators
|Made in America product identification
|Buying toys at Christmas versus other times of the year
|Ceasing to use a landline in favor of a cell phone
|Aging population
|Rise in Federal Interest Rates
|Buying a Toyota Tacoma or Dodge Ram
|Shovels and generators during a blizzard
|New Bio Gasoline Discovery
|Length of time it takes to get a job
|A downturn in the housing rate
|Buying products at Walmart or the Dollar Store
|Gas prices when OPEC reduces production
|An App that controls you home doors, oven etc.
|Christmas hires
|Christmas Sales
Part B: Select two recent monetary decisions you have made and explain how they affect the economy (e.g. buying a car).
Learning Activity #2: Ethics
Jan and Juan worked in an up and coming solar panel manufacturing firm. The firm started five years ago, and was making a profit, but needed several bigger contracts to expand the business. The firm put in a bid for a city government contract and was one of two businesses up for the government contract. The presentation for the final decision was due in three weeks.
Juan was preoccupied with a sick child leaving much of the work for Jan to do. Having pulled the entire presentation together Jan went over the final presentation with Juan. Since Juan had better speaking skills, they decided that Juan would present most the work and Jan would supplement information in a few areas.
The presentation was a huge hit. The firm was awarded the contract and brought Juan many accolades. So grateful were the owners of the business that they gave Juan a bonus of $5,000. Juan was torn because the bonus money would help with the medical bills for his son, but Juan knew that Jan was more deserving of the money.
Displaying ethical behavior in the workplace comes from the employee recognizing the conflicting issues between what is good for the business and what is morally uncomfortable for the employee. The conflict between these two ideas is known as an ethical dilemma. Three of the most common ethical dilemmas in a business fall in these categories conflict of interest, conflict of loyalty, and honesty and integrity.
In this learning activity, it is important to recognize the issues in conflict or the dilemma that is at stake and decide which of the three categories the dilemma fits into the best.
Task: Explain the three categories of ethical dilemmas commonly found in business and identify which one best fits Juan's dilemma. Be sure to explain the actual issues that would be in conflict (business vs. individual) in each of the categories. Then once you have selected the category identify Juan's dilemma and make suggestions as to how he might resolve the dilemma.


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Q: I made purchase, but why I did not see my subscription on my account?
A: Normally it will not happen. But it may be happened if you were not login when you made the purchase, that usually happen if you were login before but wait for very long time to visit other website a while and come back to continue next page and made purchase, because the system will automatic log you out for data protection. but even that happened, your subscription information will still be saved, but will not saved in your account. but you should still be able to manage your subscription through your email. you can manage your subscription by clicking ''view my invoice online'' link in your email to manage your subscription there.