text:
Independent Community Bankers of America ICBA
December 11, 2002
Jonathan G. Katz
RE: File No. S7-40-02; Proposed Rule Regarding Disclosures Required by Sections 404, 406 and 407 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Dear Secretary Katz:
The Independent Community Bankers of America ICBA1 welcomes the opportunity to comment on rules proposed by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to implement sections of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act that would require a number of new disclosures regarding "financial experts" that serve on a public company's audit committee, annual internal control reports, and adoption of a code of ethics for certain corporate officers.
The ICBA recognizes the importance of implementing the controls that Congress called for in the Sarbanes-Oxley Act to ensure that investors are protected from a repeat of Enron and WorldCom bankruptcies. However, the ICBA is concerned that the SEC has proposed a rule much more stringent than Congress had intended, with elements that will present serious compliance difficulties for a large segment of institutions that file financial reports with the SEC and/or are have publicly traded securities subject to SEC oversight. We are particularly concerned that the definition of "financial expert" is too narrow and institutions, particularly smaller ones, will not be able to attract and retain independent directors to serve on the audit committee who will fit the definition.
In considering the impact of the proposal on the banking industry, it is important to recognize that banking is a highly regulated industry. In response to financial problems in the banking industry, over a decade ago Congress passed the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act of 1991 (FDICIA) to address auditing and accounting issues that contributed to financial problems that hit the banking industry. Banking regulators followed FDICIA with implementing regulations (12 C.F.R. Part 363). Bank accounting and auditing functions are scrutinized by banking regulators as part of regular bank examinations. Thus, the banking industry has been far ahead of corporate America in its attention to accounting and auditing issues.
The typical SEC-reporting community bank is locally owned and operated. Many are located in smaller communities or rural areas. Some have securities listed on a national securities exchange. Many, however, do not have listed securities but have more than 500 shareholders making them subject to SEC reporting. Yet, these small, thinly traded institutions would be subject to the same requirements that the SEC proposes for the largest corporations in America, public traded companies whose stock may be held throughout the world. We urge the SEC to make accommodations in its proposal to recognize the differences in the institutions that must comply with a final rule.
Summary of ICBA Positions, Recommendations
The following is a summary of major ICBA positions on elements of the proposal:
Financial Expert Definition
The Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires publicly traded companies and issuers of SEC-registered securities to disclose whether their audit committees include a "financial expert" and if not, why not. The SEC is required to adopt rules defining the term "financial expert" and the Act enumerates several attributes that the agency should consider in crafting the definition. In establishing the definition of "financial expert," the Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires that the SEC consider whether a person has, through education and experience as a public accountant, auditor, principal financial officer, controller or principal accounting officer of an issuer, or from a position involving the performance of similar functions:
In the preamble of the proposed rule, the SEC notes that it has historically encouraged companies to establish independent audit committees to oversee the work and independence of auditors. In 1999 the agency adopted rules requiring that companies disclose whether their audit committee members are independent. Banking regulators also strongly encourage all banks to establish an audit committee with a similar role consisting, if possible, entirely of outside directors. Bank examiners may criticize a bank for not doing so.
The SEC proposes that to qualify as a "financial expert" a person must have all of the qualifications listed above. In addition, the SEC lists the factors the board of directors should consider including the level of the person's accounting or financial education, such as whether the person has: earned an advanced degree in finance or accounting; is a certified public accountant in good standing and the length of time of their practice; has served as a principal financial officer, controller or principal accounting officer of a company that was subject to SEC filings; and other qualifications regarding the person's experience and expertise in understanding and evaluating the company's financial statements and their ability to make knowledgeable and thorough inquiries about the statements. In addition, the SEC proposes to require that the financial expert's experience be related to companies that were publicly reporting companies at the time the person held the position.
The definition of "financial expert" proposed by the SEC goes significantly beyond the guidance contained in the Sarbanes Oxley Act, and is so narrow and restrictive that few companies will be able to find such a person. Sect. 407(b) of the Act does not mandate that the SEC require all of these characteristics. The Act only offers factors for consideration such as experience in the preparation or auditing of financial statements of generally comparable issuers; and the application of such principles in connection with the accounting for estimates, accruals, and reserves. It does not require that a "financial expert" have experience with comparable accounting issues and application of principles regarding estimates, accruals and reserves. In our view, by expanding the requirements as the SEC has done in its proposed rule, the SEC has turned the "financial expert" into an "accounting expert." We do not believe that this was the intent of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.
ICBA is greatly concerned that institutions, particularly smaller ones such as publicly traded community banks or those that are not publicly traded but must file financial reports with the SEC, will not be able to attract and retain directors who will fit the SEC's proposed definition of a financial expert. Community banks polled by the ICBA indicated that very few have a director currently on their board that would qualify as a financial expert under the narrow definition proposed by the SEC. Community banks serving smaller rural communities have told ICBA that it would be very difficult for them to find someone in their area who would qualify as a financial expert. Often outside directors of community banks are CEOs or CFOs of area companies, hospitals or other organizations; attorneys; certified public accountants; or other individuals experienced in developing and successfully running corporations. Community banks often select as directors people from their community that have business backgrounds that can help direct the bank in service to its community. Indeed, the Manual of Examination Policies of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation notes that bank directors are not only responsible to the stockholders who elect them, but they must also be concerned with the safety of depositor's funds and the pervasive influence the bank exercises on the community it serves. These responsibilities go beyond those of a typical corporate director.
Particularly onerous is the proposed requirement that the individual have experience auditing or preparing financial statements for an organization similar to the one on whose audit committee they would serve. Some observers have noted that Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan would not meet the qualifications to be a financial expert. Recently, WorldCom announced that that the former chairman of the Financial Accounting Standards Board Dennis Beresford would be added to its board of directors. While he clearly has most of the qualities that the SEC has proposed for a financial expert, does he truly have experience in preparing or auditing the financial statements comparable to those of WorldCom? Individuals whom banking regulators may find suited to serve as bank directors may not be certified public accountants with experience preparing or auditing financial statements generally comparable to those of the issuer.
If this requirement is retained, a community bank located in a small community that seeks a qualified financial expert according to the SEC's proposed definition is likely to find the only person available is a senior officer or CFO of a competing community bank. Not only is this an unpalatable proposition, but the Depository Institution Management Interlocks Act (12 USC Sec. 3201-3208) would likely prohibit such service by one individual at competing institutions. The community bank could not seek someone from its own audit firm and might seek someone from another audit firm with experience auditing community banks, an option that may not be readily available in a smaller community. America has a very diverse economy when both large and small organizations can thrive. In our view, it may be very difficult for smaller or relatively unique larger institutions to attract individuals to serve on their audit committees that have experience with "comparable" organizations.
Nor is such experience necessary for the members of the audit committee to effectively acquit their responsibilities. In the view of ICBA, companies should seek individuals to serve on their audit committees with the knowledge and expertise appropriate to the complexity of the organization, not a hard and fast set of requirements for all. Community banks have suggested that whether a director holds a certain degree or professional designation may be less important to their effectiveness as a member of the board or audit committee than their ability and willingness to ask the right questions and challenge management's actions. The members of the audit committee are not the preparers of the financial statements or auditors of the company. Their job is to monitor performance and oversee the process. Individuals should not be required to possess all the attributes of the proposed definition to be effective audit committee members.
Likewise, we see do not see the need for a financial expert to have experience in the preparation and auditing of financial statements; experience in reviewing and analyzing statements should be sufficient. It should not be necessary for a financial expert to have experience with public companies as proposed. As noted above, many community banks that would be subject to this rule do not have listed securities but are subject to SEC reporting because they have more than 500 shareholders. Most community banks have relatively simple financial statements, yet the SEC is proposing the same standard for them as for the largest, most complex financial institutions and corporations in America. For the largest, most complex organizations, the SEC proposed standard may well be appropriate, but is the same education and skill level truly necessary for directors on the audit committee of the smallest, least complex?
Mandating that individuals serving on the audit committee as a financial expert meet all the qualifications contained in the proposal will be particularly onerous for smaller companies, and those in rural areas that do not have people in their community qualified to serve. The SEC recognized the difficulty smaller institutions would experience in seeking qualified accounting expertise when it issued its final rule on auditor independence. In the case of community banks, these are institutions that are already heavily regulated and examined. Attracting people from outside the area will be expensive. For community banks that are under heavy regulatory scrutiny already, the increased cost is not likely to be offset by increased shareholder benefits. The qualifications specified in the Sarbanes-Oxley Act should be used as a guideline, not a requirement.
The Sarbanes-Oxley Act does not specifically require disclosure of the number or names of financial experts or whether the financial expert is independent2, but the SEC believes that it is appropriate to require these disclosures. Community bankers have expressed concerns that when a company discloses that it does have a financial expert on its audit committee and identifies that person, he or she may be perceived to be the primary person responsible for accurate and proper reporting of the institution's financial condition and events that may affect it. The focus may move from the entire board and management to the financial expert. Not only is this wrong, as all of the board and management must share this responsibility, but who would be willing to serve as a financial expert, knowing that he or she carries such a heavy burden of responsibility? We believe that being publicly identified as a company's financial expert is a strong disincentive to accept such a position. Companies already disclose the names and other information about members of their board of directors. We believe that a company should simply be required to disclose that it has a qualified financial expert who is independent. Also, the SEC should specify the degree of responsibility and obligation along with limits of liability for financial experts to encourage a willingness to serve on the part of qualified individuals.
We also urge the SEC to allow institutions that do not have a financial expert on their board to be permitted to disclose the steps they are taking to increase the education of their directors and why they believe that the directors currently on the board are well qualified to serve investor interests even though they may not meet the narrow SEC definition of financial expert. This would permit them to move towards a goal of increasing the financial expertise on the audit committee without undue consequences of declining stock value or depositor scrutiny for not having one. We ask that the SEC provide at least one reporting year as a transition period from the time that a final rule is published until the first disclosure. This would permit institutions time to search for directors that could qualify as a financial expert and appoint them to the board or identify the qualifications of current board members.
Code of Ethics
The Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires that the SEC issue rules requiring companies subject to the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act to disclose whether they have adopted a code of ethics for senior financial officers that applies to the company's principal financial officer and controller or principal accounting officer or persons performing similar functions. Companies must also disclose amendments to, and waivers from, the code of ethics relating to any of those officers. If it has not adopted a code of ethics, the company must explain why it has not.
For the purposes of this disclosure, the SEC proposes that "code of ethics" means a codification of standards that are reasonably necessary to deter wrongdoing and to promote honest and ethical conduct, including the handling of actual or apparent conflicts of interest between personal and professional relationships; avoidance of conflicts of interest, including disclosure to an appropriate person of any material transaction or relationship that reasonably could cause a conflict; full, fair, accurate, timely, and understandable disclosure in reports and documents that a company files with the SEC and in other public communications; compliance with applicable laws, rules and regulations; the prompt internal reporting of code violations to an appropriate person; and accountability for adherence to the code.
We agree with the SEC that ethics codes should vary from company to company and that decisions as to the specific provisions of the code, compliance procedures and disciplinary measures for ethical breaches are best left to the company. ICBA does not object to including CEOs among those subject to the code of ethics, as proposed by the SEC. Most community banks already have codes of ethics for directors and officers, and frequently all employees. Insured depository institutions are already governed by regulations that address conflicts of interest and insider transactions. For example, Regulation O restricts the amount and terms of loans from banking institutions to their insiders, including prohibition against preferential lending, prior approval by a bank's board of directors for loans above a certain size, restriction on loans to executive officers and reporting and disclosure requirements on such loans. Bank officers, directors and other related parties may be subject to civil penalties for violations of Regulation O. In addition, bank examiners inquire into bank policies and procedures designed to bring conflicts of interest to the attention of the board of directors when they are asked to approve loans or other transactions in which an officer, director or principal stockholder may be involved. Board minutes are expected to clearly reflect deliberations on any matter involving a potential conflict of interests.
We recommend that smaller companies only be required to disclose annually whether they have a code of ethics, and provide information as to how to obtain a copy of the code as part of its annual report. This disclosure should include the procedures for obtaining a waiver. Requiring only annual disclosure for smaller companies will alleviate much of the regulatory burden attendant to the requirement for periodic reporting of events related to the code of ethics. An annual disclosure of these events for smaller companies should be sufficient. We do have concerns about individual privacy should organizations be required to disclose the identity of individuals who have received waivers along with specific information about why a waiver was needed. We do not see a need to state when the code of ethics was adopted. The key issue is whether or not a company has one, not how long it has been in existence. We suggest that the SEC specify that the disclosures must begin with annual reports beginning December 31, 2003; companies may voluntarily disclose the information prior to that once the final rule is published.
Management's Internal Controls and Procedures for Financial Reporting
The SEC proposes to define "internal controls and procedures for financial reporting" as the controls that pertain to the preparation of financial statements for external purposes that are fairly presented in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles and addressed by the Codification of Statements on Auditing Standards 319 or any superseding definition or other literature that is issued or adopted by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board. The ICBA views this as an appropriate definition, as Statement 319 has already been adopted by banking regulators.
Section 36 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (as added by FDICIA) and the FDIC's implementing regulations (12 CFR Part 36
3) applies to insured depository institutions which have at least $500 million in assets and requires that an institution prepare an annual report containing a statement of management's responsibility for establishing and maintaining an adequate internal control structure and an assessment of the effectiveness of internal controls for financial reporting. The FDIC permits each institution to determine its own standard for an internal control structure and procedures for financial reporting. Any assessment by management should include sufficient information to enable the independent public accountant to separately examine and report on management's assessment. The assessment must include all significant items. Section 36 requires management to assess its own control structure and procedures for compliance with designated laws and regulations. Thus, the banking industry already has requirements regarding management reports established by law.
The SEC states that it is coordinating with the FDIC and other federal banking regulators to eliminate, to the extent possible, any unnecessary duplication between the SEC's proposed internal control report and the FDIC's internal control report requirements. We commend this and strongly urge the SEC to continue its work with the FDIC and the other banking regulators to ensure that the SEC's rules are consistent with the rules established for banking institutions. We particularly urge the SEC to maintain the $500 million threshold for this requirement for depository institutions and their holding companies. The banking industry is already a heavily regulated industry. For over ten years, a law and regulations have been in place to govern the auditing and reporting requirements for insured depository institutions with at least $500 million in assets, some of which are public companies while others are not. With the passage of FDICIA, Congress established a framework to protect public depositors and taxpayers, a framework that has worked well. In addition, all insured depository institutions, regardless of size, must follow a specific set of guidelines for reporting financial information through Call Reports and Thrift Financial Reports. All are subject to regular comprehensive bank examinations (every 12 to 18 months) which includes review of the institution's record keeping; internal control procedures; accounting controls, standards and treatment; external audit; and internal audit, to name a few.
The SEC proposes to amend its rules to require quarterly and annual certifications and quarterly evaluations of internal controls and procedures for financial reporting. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act does not require quarterly evaluations and in our view, a quarterly reporting requirement is overly burdensome. An annual evaluation is adequate as it can address any significant changes during the period covered. Banking institutions are required to make an internal controls assessment annually and we do not see sufficient justification to change the reporting timeframe.
The SEC proposes that its rules for reporting requirements would apply for companies whose fiscal years end on or after September 15, 2003 to give the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board time to adopt standards for attestation engagements as well as for companies and auditors to prepare for the expected increase in workload. We believe that companies will need more time to prepare for this change and suggest that companies be given at least another 6 months beyond the date proposed by the SEC.
The SEC also believes that the effectiveness of changes to certifications by management in a company's annual reports also should be delayed until the company has had the opportunity to perform the comprehensive evaluation of internal controls and procedures for financial reporting contemplated. Management would not need to provide the proposed amended certifications until the first annual report in which the company includes the internal control report that is required. ICBA supports such a delay.
ICBA is concerned that many community banks will not have, and will find it difficult to attract, an independent director for their audit committee that meets the narrow qualifications of a "financial expert" proposed by the SEC, qualifications more stringent than those called for the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. The SEC should not require that a financial expert have all of the proposed qualifications contained in the proposal. We urge the SEC to recognize that smaller community banks and other institutions, particularly those serving smaller communities, will face significant challenges complying with the proposal regarding the definition of financial expert.
Smaller companies should only be required to disclose annually whether they have a code of ethics and provide information about how to obtain a copy. Annual reporting would alleviate much of the reporting burden for these institutions.
We strongly urge the SEC to work closely with the banking regulators to coordinate its internal controls reporting requirements with existing rules promulgated by the banking regulators, including an exemption for depository institutions with less than $500 million in assets. The banking industry is subject to substantial regulatory scrutiny of their auditing and accounting functions. A final rule issued by the SEC should not conflict with those currently in force.
We appreciate the opportunity to comment.


text:
Much like in the lead-up to the Brexit vote, "experts" predicted that an electoral victory by President-elect Donald Trump would shake the stock market to its core and result in an economic crash of epic proportions.
Also akin to after the Brexit vote, markets have most definitely not tanked, but instead have soared to never-before-seen heights, closing Monday with a record high for the fourth straight day of trading following Trump's win.
But now those same experts at CNN Money who were proven wrong in their predictions of what would immediately happen to the stock market if Trump won are at it again, this time warning that his election has caused the market to rise too high, too fast, or something like that.
Advertisement - story continues below
Noting that there are reasons for the market to cheer a Trump presidency, such as lower tax rates and reduced regulations, as well as the likelihood of increased spending on things like infrastructure and defense, CNN nevertheless fretted that investors and traders had become too "complacent" in overlooking the "uncertainty" surrounding the incoming Trump administration.
"It is worth asking whether investors are, yet again, underestimating uncertainty," proclaimed David Kelly, chief global strategist with JPMorgan Funds. "While Mr. Trump's tone has been conciliatory since the election, his many changes of position during the election campaign beg the question of how aggressively he is going to pursue his stated agenda."
TRENDING: Report: AOC Indicates McConnell Was Dodging Her, Doesn't Mention She Went to Wrong Office Looking for Him
CNN noted that industrial, financial and healthcare-related stocks had all risen after Trump's win, but worried about the losses suffered by a number of tech stocks, suggesting that Trump could be set to decimate the tech industry.
They did hedge their bets a bit though, stating that they didn't necessarily believe that a massive market crash was imminent, only that it remained a possibility.
Advertisement - story continues below
However, they also urged investors to "take a step back" and think through the ramifications of their investment decisions as they relate to the uncertainty around what Trump will actually accomplish once in office.
Prior to the election, the media smiled upon market rallies as a good thing, indicative of the market's acceptance of Hillary Clinton's inevitable victory and a sign of economic strength.
After the election, market rallies are now worrisome and a signal that a devastating crash is near for our weak economy, most likely because "we are winning too much," to use a Trump-ism from the video below.
Sadly, it would appear that CNN has not learned a lesson from the election and has persisted in its efforts at fear-mongering and demonizing Trump as virtually the worst person ever who just has to destroy the economy because he's a racist sexist bigot, or something like that.
Advertisement - story continues below
Meanwhile, the rest of us will enjoy this market surge while remaining keenly aware that markets are always in flux and can rise and fall for any reason, or sometimes no real reason at all.
Please share this on Facebook and Twitter so everyone can see CNN's about-face on what a rallying stock market really means.
What do you think of CNN's shift on what the record-setting rallies of the stock market mean? Scroll down to comment below.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Benedict Cumberbatch had Victorian Sherlock doubts
- Bang Showbiz
- 25 November 2015
Benedict Cumberbatch revealed he first thought returning BBC 1 drama Sherlock to the story's original Victorian setting was 'madness'
Benedict Cumberbatch thought returning 'Sherlock' to the story's original Victorian setting was "madness".
The 39-year-old actor has played the modern day version of the English detective for three seasons, but the Christmas special 'The Abominable Bride' - which airs on New Year's Day - is set back in 1895 when author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle first wrote about the famous sleuth, and Benedict was not happy with the idea at first.
He confessed: "I thought they'd finally lost the plot, jumped the shark, all the other clichés of television gone mad with itself. I thought it was madness."
However, the 'Black Mass' star, who is joined by Martin Freeman as sidekick Dr. Watson, was soon won over by the show's writers and producers.
According to Mirror Online, he said: "They expanded the idea and pitched it to me properly and I think it's fantastic. Absolutely brilliant.
"I don't really know how the fans are going to react to it. I think that's one of the joys of doing it like this."
The festive episode sees London's Baker Street filled with top hats, steam trains and old fashioned cabs, and the actor marveled at delving into the past.
He recalled: "To muck around with a pipe and a deerstalker for real is wonderful. And then, as far as the background goes, the setting, the scenery, all the rest of it, it's just a delight. It always is with period drama. You kind of marvel at it."


text:
emWave2 launches this week
We have reported on the emWave before, a personal stress reliever that I have tried out for myself. The user puts his or her finger on the emWave sensor, and a red light or a green light tells the user where he or she is relaxed. Even though most devices would have a second generation by now, the emWave2 by HeartMath is better late than never.
The emWave2 works in the same manner as its predecessor with the finger sensor, and the user must develop a breathing sequence based on heart rhythms and emotions. I'm not certain if this is new to the device, but it also features Quick Coherence, an emotion-refocusing technique, to help "increase coherence levels as well as sharpen one's ability to transform stress on-demand".
The emWave2 also has the option of computer interface, so that the user can track his or her progress through storing session information. You can store and review session information for comparing coherence levels over time to see if your stress levels go down.
The price of the original emWave was $199. Yes, that could be a source for stress, and I can't help but wonder if the price of the emWave2's $229 price tag can protect you from the greater stress on your wallet. You can pick it up on the HeartMath site now.


text:
Financial Planning & Analysis
The Financial Planning & Analysis performs the following activities:
- Coordinates and administers a system-wide operating budget.
- Prepares special studies and financial models that support financial decision making and planning activities for all Purdue campuses.
- Compiles system-wide revenue and expenditure forecasts.
- Prepares the biennial operating budget request to the State of Indiana.
- Supports Office of Governmental Relations and other senior administrators in advancing the institution's need for State support.
- Responds to requests for financial information from state, federal or other agencies and organizations.
Also provides oversight for:
Business Management
Business Management coordinates and supervises all business aspects of the University's academic departments, schools, and administrative units. Business Management is the link between academic departments or units and other areas of Business Services. More than 100 staff, including Directors of Financial Affairs, Business Managers, and Research Support Specialists at the West Lafayette Campus support and serve the University's Vice Presidents, Deans, Department Heads, Faculty, and other staff.
ComptrollerThe Comptroller area manages a variety of financial procedures through the departments highlighted below:
- Accounting and Reporting Services
- Payroll Services
- Student & Receivables Business Services (formerly University Collections Office)
Freehafer Operations
Freehafer Operations Provides services to customers, both internal and external to Freehafer, with timely and accurate response to requests.
Office of Financial Affairs, Executive Offices
The Office of Financial Affairs, Executive Offices manages the business affairs of the following administrative offices and programs:
- Office of the Provost
- Secretary of Faculties
- Center for Instructional Excellence (CIE)
- Space Management and Academic Scheduling (SMAS)
- Latino Cultural Center (LCC)
- Oral English Proficiency Program (OEPP)
- Undergraduate Studies Program (USP)
- Office of the Board of Trustees
- Office of the President
- Institutional Research
- Office of the Executive Vice President and Treasurer
- Internal Audit
- Office of the Vice President for Ethics and Compliance (VPEC)
- Affirmative Action Office
- Diversity Resource Office
- Women's Resource Office
- Dual Career Assistance Program
- Office of the Vice President for Governmental Relations
- Washington Office
- Indianapolis Office
Procurement Services
The goal of Procurement Services is to purchase goods and services from reputable and qualified vendors at the lowest cost and on a timely basis. Purchasing fulfills these functions:
- Works directly with campus customers to assist them in product selection and to offer advice on procurement-related activities
- Develops and maintains standards for items commonly used on campus
- Complies with various state and federal procurement guidelines
- Houses an interior design studio that works with campus customers to accommodate their remodeling and furnishing needs
- Travel
Sponsored Program Services
Sponsored Program Services facilitates the fiscal management of externally funded sponsored programs at Purdue University by performing these functions:
- Coordinates the development of University policies and procedures for sponsored programs
- Approves project budgets prior to submission to potential sponsors
- Negotiates contract and grant agreements with sponsor organizations
- Provides oversight to ensure effective administration of sponsored projects
- Maintains a liaison with contract and audit representatives of individual sponsors
- Participates in contract and grant issues at the national level
Office of Treasury Operations
Banking, cash management and payment card solutions for today's operations; Financing for tomorrow's growth.
Our Mission
- Develop and maintain high quality, cost effective cash management and banking solutions
- Forecast the cash needs of the university and ensure appropriate liquidity exists to meet those needs
- Deliver payment card and e-commerce solutions in an innovative, cost effective and secure manner
- Minimize the cost of borrowing
- Manage the best and highest use of debt capacity to support institutional priorities


text:
CENTRAL, LA (WAFB) - It's been under construction since 2007, and as of Thursday morning, the Central Thruway is now open for drivers.
The road project has been called the most complex project in East Baton Rouge Parish. The man who first had the vision for the roadway calls the opening the best thing to happen to Central in a long time.
Former Metro Councilman/Mayor Pro Tem Joe Greco says more than 20 years he tried to get the project going. Greco says after moving to Central, the area flooded and residents were left with only one way out. At the ribbon cutting, he finally saw what his determination developed.
Most who ride the four miles on the new roadway will notice it's a more convenient way to get from Sullivan Road to Florida Boulevard. But the $64.5 million project represents more for the man known as the father of the Central Thruway.
"I moved to Central, everything was flooding," said Greco. "[I] couldn't get out. I said we had to build some kind of road to get out."
But because of the size and cost of the project, it never happened, until now.
Mayor-President Kip Holden says the project has been badly needed for some time.
Heavy rains cause flooding on sections of Greenwell Springs Road, forcing residents to all travel in one direction, taking some 25 miles out of the way to reach Baton Rouge.
"The only way out was to go north through Zachary. That's the only way out," said the mayor of Central, Mac Watts.
The thruway not gives residents there another travel plan.
Following Thursday's ribbon cutting, Greco was a passenger in the second car on the new road. Mayor Holden was the first. But for Greco, it's the name on one of the new bridges on the four-mile stretch that has more meaning than all the concrete.
"The only person that's missing is my wife...wish she was here," Greco said through tears.
Joe Greco's wife, Joan, died in 2007 from cancer. Many remember she worked behind the scenes with her husband to take the thruway from dream to reality. The Joan R. Greco Memorial Bridge is named in her honor.
Copyright 2013 WAFB. All rights reserved.


text: Concerts coming up in Slough; Saturday October 25th. 7.30pm An evening concert given by members of the Guildhall School of Music, London. Programme tba, tickets £5 (£4 conc) Saturday November 1st. 12 noon admission free Euphonium Recital no.12 by Charley Brighton with Malcolm Stowell, piano & organ Saturday December 6th. 12 noon admission free The Equale Low Brass Quartet (Baritone, 2 euphoniums & tuba) Saturday December 13th. 12 noon admission free Tuba & Euphonium Recital given by David Elliott Smith & Charley Brighton Coming in April 2004, Th Hendon Band of The Salvation Army ! www.euph9.freeserve.co.uk/Stmarys.htm


text:
Lecture and Demonstration of Rapid Prototyping Techniques for the Plastics Industry
The host for the first SPRA meeting of the SPRA 2010-11 programme was the Department of Design, Manufacture and Engineering Management (DMEM) at the University of Strathclyde. David Cunningham, Technical Support Officer for the Rapid Prototyping and Manufacturing Facilities within DMEM, gave an overview of rapid prototyping before he and his colleague, Jim Fox, provided a tour of the facilities.
Most of the rapid prototyping techniques fall into the category of 'layered manufacture', in which a 3D CAD model is first converted to STL files as thin slices which are then used to control the different machines during the step by step build up of a solid model or prototype.
The universal inkjet printing principle has been adapted to print a water-based binder onto a bed of powder, again building the model up layer by layer. This is a fast and inexpensive technique but prototypes have poor mechanical strength. However the cost of 3D inkjet printers is dropping rapidly.
David then went on to show examples of metal prototypes, produced by direct metal laser sintering (DMLS), electron beam melting (EBM) and laser engineered net shaping (LENS). These techniques appeal to the aerospace and automotive industries, where there are vast material savings compared to conventional metal removal techniques for prototypes and short run production.
The Strathclyde facility also has 3/4/5 axis milling and laser cutting for subtractive rapid prototyping. Vacuum casting, using layered manufactured masters and silicone rubber moulds, is attractive for producing up to 50 prototypes.
Report by C Geddes, Hon. Secretary October 2010


text:
Woe Unto You, Scribes, Pharisees, Hypocrites
Then began he to upbraid the cities wherein most of his mighty works were done, because they repented not: Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works, which were done in you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. But I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the day of judgment, than for you. And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted unto heaven, shalt be brought down to hell: for if the mighty works, which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. But I say unto you, That it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment, than for thee. Matthew 11:20-24, Luke 10:13-15
And he said unto them, In what place soever ye enter into an house, there abide till ye depart from that place. And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear you, when ye depart thence, shake off the dust under your feet for a testimony against them. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city. Matthew 10:11-15, Mark 6:10-11, Luke 9:4-5, 10:10-12
Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh! Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire. And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire. Matthew 18:7-9
Then said he unto the disciples, It is impossible but that offences will come: but woe unto him, through whom they come! It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones. Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him. And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him. Luke 17:1-4
But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in.
Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows' houses, and for a pretence make long prayer: therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation.
Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves.
Woe unto you, ye blind guides, which say, Whosoever shall swear by the temple, it is nothing; but whosoever shall swear by the gold of the temple, he is a debtor! Ye fools and blind: for whether is greater, the gold, or the temple that sanctifieth the gold? And, Whosoever shall swear by the altar, it is nothing; but whosoever sweareth by the gift that is upon it, he is guilty. Ye fools and blind: for whether is greater, the gift, or the altar that sanctifieth the gift? Whoso therefore shall swear by the altar, sweareth by it, and by all things thereon. And whoso shall swear by the temple, sweareth by it, and by him that dwelleth therein. And he that shall swear by heaven, sweareth by the throne of God, and by him that sitteth thereon.
Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone. Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel.
Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess. Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also.
Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness. Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.
Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because ye build the tombs of the prophets, and garnish the sepulchres of the righteous, And say, If we had been in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets. Wherefore ye be witnesses unto yourselves, that ye are the children of them which killed the prophets. Fill ye up then the measure of your fathers. Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell? Wherefore, behold, I send unto you prophets, and wise men, and scribes: and some of them ye shall kill and crucify; and some of them shall ye scourge in your synagogues, and persecute them from city to city: That upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel unto the blood of Zacharias son of Barachias, whom ye slew between the temple and the altar. Verily I say unto you, All these things shall come upon this generation. O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not! Behold, your house is left unto you desolate. For I say unto you, Ye shall not see me henceforth, till ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord. Matthew 23:13-39
And as he spake, a certain Pharisee besought him to dine with him: and he went in, and sat down to meat. And when the Pharisee saw it, he marvelled that he had not first washed before dinner. And the Lord said unto him, Now do ye Pharisees make clean the outside of the cup and the platter; but your inward part is full of ravening and wickedness. Ye fools, did not he that made that which is without make that which is within also? But rather give alms of such things as ye have; and, behold, all things are clean unto you.
But woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass over judgment and the love of God: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.
Woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye love the uppermost seats in the synagogues, and greetings in the markets.
Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are as graves which appear not, and the men that walk over them are not aware of them.
Then answered one of the lawyers, and said unto him, Master, thus saying thou reproachest us also. And he said, Woe unto you also, ye lawyers! for ye lade men with burdens grievous to be borne, and ye yourselves touch not the burdens with one of your fingers. Woe unto you! for ye build the sepulchres of the prophets, and your fathers killed them. Truly ye bear witness that ye allow the deeds of your fathers: for they indeed killed them, and ye build their sepulchres. Therefore also said the wisdom of God, I will send them prophets and apostles, and some of them they shall slay and persecute: That the blood of all the prophets, which was shed from the foundation of the world, may be required of this generation; From the blood of Abel unto the blood of Zacharias, which perished between the altar and the temple: verily I say unto you, It shall be required of this generation.
Woe unto you, lawyers! for ye have taken away the key of knowledge: ye entered not in yourselves, and them that were entering in ye hindered. Luke 11:37-52
Beware of the scribes, which desire to walk in long robes, and love greetings in the markets, and the highest seats in the synagogues, and the chief rooms at feasts; Which devour widows' houses, and for a shew make long prayers: the same shall receive greater damnation. Luke 20:46-47
Now when the even was come, he sat down with the twelve. And as they did eat, he said, Verily I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me. And they were exceeding sorrowful, and began every one of them to say unto him, Lord, is it I? And he answered and said, He that dippeth his hand with me in the dish, the same shall betray me. The Son of man goeth as it is written of him: but woe unto that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! it had been good for that man if he had not been born. Then Judas, which betrayed him, answered and said, Master, is it I? He said unto him, Thou hast said. Matthew 26:20-25, Mark 14:17-21, Luke 22:21-23, John 13:21-30
But woe unto you that are rich! for ye have received your consolation. Woe unto you that are full! for ye shall hunger. Woe unto you that laugh now! for ye shall mourn and weep. Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets. Luke 6:24-26


text: Hey guys, in need of some help on how to set my Time Capsule as static IP? I'm finding that my Apple TV is stopping from streaming my movies through my Mac Mini, I unplug my Time Capsule from power wait a few seconds, plug it back in and then there are no disconnections from streaming my movies.... So obviously has got to do with my Time Capsule, by setting this to static I'm hoping it will stop this problem occurring? Just don't know where to start and make changes to make my Time Capsule static?


text:
|Image: Entertainment Film
Joe Carnahan's career has had its ups and downs. After justifiably being showered with praise for the gritty cop drama Narc, he received a critical pasting for Smokin' Aces and his very enjoyable update of The A-Team failed to make enough money to warrant a sequel. He's reteamed with his A-Team star Liam Neeson for this gritty survival thriller.
Ottway works at a remote Alaskan oil-rig with other "men unfit for mankind". Their plane goes down in the wilderness and he must lead the survivors to safety when they realise they have crashed into the kill-zone of a ravenous wolf pack.
The Grey has been marketed to appeal to fans of Neeson's recent action movies. Trailers have emphasised shots of the actor readying himself for a mano-y-mano scrap with the wolves and spitting tough guy dialogue. But the film is quite a different proposition. Yes it's a thriller, and a very effective one. But it's also a dour, bleak study of men faced with the fact that their lives are about to end. Ottway is suicidal at the start of the film and surprises himself by finding purpose helping these men to safety. But any heroics have a minimal effect. Despite his best efforts, the team are persistently picked off one by one. If anyone falls behind, falls asleep, or turns their back, they die.
Given Carnahan's track record, it's not exactly a surprise to find The Grey is a film about masculinity. It's interesting that the majority of the survivors are family men with pictures of their loved ones in their wallets and are all quite happy to follow Ottway's lead, with the exception of the abrasive Diaz (Frank Grillo). The men spend as much time discussing their families and their spirituality as they do running and fighting. They agonise over the greater wisdom that allowed them to miraculously survive a plane crash, only to be killed by something else.
This is not to say that The Grey is not a thriller. The chase is unbearably tense at times, with plenty of jumps and scenes of expertly orchestrated suspense. This is Carnahan's best since Narc by quite some margin, and he repeats that trick of taking a B-movie premise and presenting a gritty, bleak character study.
The cast do solid work in fairly typed roles, with Dermot Mulroney (Zodiac), Dallas Roberts (3:10 to Yuma) and Nonso Anozie (Conan the Barbarian) as the nice guys and Grillo (Warrior) and Joe Anderson (The Crazies) as the mouthy troublemakers. But it's Neeson's show and he's on excellent form. The role allows him to sink his teeth into a character as well as throw himself into the physical action, which is something that's been missing from many of his recent roles. The character's a familiar but powerful contradiction and the actor brings him powerfully to life: a man who's given up on life and God but keeps fighting.
The Grey manages to be a highly effective thriller as well as a surprisingly affecting journey. While it may not appeal to all audiences, Carnahan's unfussy but calculating style makes for a gruelling, grim film.
An expert thriller with unexpected depths and a great turn from Neeson.


text:
The midsize diesel SUV segment has never been this insanely competitive. What originally used to be a three-way fight between the Ford Everest, the Mitsubishi Montero Sport and the Toyota Fortuner has now expanded to include the Isuzu Mu-X and the Chevrolet Trailblazer, the latter having just been loaned to me over the long Halloween weekend.
I won't set out to establish the Trailblazer's place in my hierarchy of preferences in this segment. I will, however, point out the merits of this vehicle as a stand-alone model—it has many in spades—and the specific purpose I believe it serves.
First, let me explain the appearance of the unit lent to me. The color you see here is officially called—I kid you not—"Pull Me Over Red." To be fair, the paint job does grab your attention from a mile away. As in you walk into the parking lot and you won't need to activate your remote alarm to locate your car in case you're having another senior moment. Its color will locate you, trust me.
Then there are those hood decals à la Camaro, with a "Z71" sticker complementing them. The code refers to the top-of-the-line variant in the 2017 face-lifted range. Z71 off-road packages have long been offered by Chevrolet in the US market, and have been available in such models as the Suburban and the Silverado. The alphanumeric code is also stitched in the front-seat headrests so you won't forget you paid a premium for this variant.
The cosmetic gimmick is a hit-and-miss affair. It doesn't work for me, and removing it would be the first thing I'd do if I bought this SUV. I'm not one for screaming my car's spec sheet. And since we're on the topic, the Z71 variant gets you these following extras: 18-inch gunmetal alloy wheels, LED headlamps with daytime running lights, power-folding side mirrors with turn signals, automatic rain sensor, backing-up camera, jet-black interior panels and moldings, power driver seat, jet-black leather seat material, illumination for the overhead console, automatic climate control, 8-inch touchscreen display for the MyLink system (which is compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), seven speakers, electrochromic rear-view mirror, front and rear park assist, and remote engine start.
You're probably thinking: "Didn't you say Z71 is an off-road package? None of the extra features you just rattled off can help you in an off-road situation."
Wait, the list isn't done. Let me continue: traction control, hill start assist, hill descent control, trailer sway control, brake assist, and electronic stability control. There's more: forward collision alert, lane-departure warning, blind-spot alert, and rear cross-traffic alert. A standard feature you will certainly appreciate when you're rolling in the mud is the rotary knob for 4WD activation.
This externally revised Trailblazer has the same engine specs—a 2.8-liter Duramax turbodiesel rated at 200hp and 500Nm—although Chevrolet claims to have improved its fuel economy and emissions. I wasn't able to test for that claim, but I can attest to the massive power delivery of this motor. On paper, the Trailblazer engine remains to be the most robust mill in its class (still slightly mightier than the Everest), and your right foot will definitely feel it.
I like the look and feel of the cockpit. It gives off a classy and well-crafted vibe. I approve of the layout for the instrument cluster, as well as that for the center console (featuring piano keys for controlling several electronic driving aids). Overall, it's a visually appealing interior.
Pickup-based underpinnings and a 253mm ground clearance result in a somewhat jarring ride sensation, especially when the cabin is near-empty. Chevrolet attempts to mitigate this with what it dubs a "soft ride" suspension system that consists of rear coils.
The rubber floor mats then remind you that this is okay—that the Trailblazer isn't designed to provide car-like riding comfort. This SUV exists for adventure, to accompany you while you have fun and get dirty. I particularly like the easy, one-touch process of folding the second- and third-row seatbacks into the floor to create an expansive cargo space the size of Donald Trump's ego. I used this to transport my mountain bike, whose front 27.5-inch wheel I didn't have to take off. The Trailblazer swallowed my bicycle whole. Who needs expensive bike racks when you have this SUV?
On my way to UP Diliman to join my riding buddies, I was able to enjoy all the cheap music on my iPhone (Sheena Easton, anyone?) because the MyLink system let me sync my iOS device seamlessly to the entertainment setup via Bluetooth.
At nearly P1.9 million, the Trailblazer 4×4 Z71 is a good value proposition, considering all the toys that come with it. In a segment that's as crowded as this, it's the little thoughtful extras that deserve serious consideration from the buyers. Let the other brands position their SUVs as elegant and luxurious transporters. The Trailblazer Z71 is my bet if you want to have a good time. You'll be hard pressed to find a more willing playmate than this.


text:
What better way to choose a great book for your weekend escape than by reading a sexy excerpt?
Hence my feature, CABR Presents Temptation Thursdays
A When Honey Got Married… Novella
Eve hoped to make one last play for the groom-who-got-away…but instead the down-on-her-romantic-luck actress instead found herself in dark corners with his successful, seductive cousin.
BUY Links:
Amazon | B&N | Kobo | iTunes |
Anna Cleary's introduction to her TEMPTATION THURSDAYS excerpt from "Eve Met Her Match":
This is the tale of Honey's and Brent's Wedding Rehearsal Dinner. All Eve cares about is the groom. Some gossipy folks in Bellefleur may think of Eve as a heartless siren, but they don't know the real Eve.
She's loved Brent for so long, watching him marry Honey will break her lonely heart, unless she can find a way to win him back. Eve has a shaky plan, but then she meets Brent's cousin Rainer. Rainer is pure, undiluted devil.
Rainer was scanning her face, his eyes gleaming with a warmer light than usual.
"Cheer up, now, gorgeous. You can't win 'em all. Flirtini," he told the barman. "Make mine bourbon." He smiled at Eve. "You look like a vodka woman to me."
Eve made an effort to pick herself up off the floor.
"I don't know why you would assume that. I hardly drink at all, except at wakes. Train crashes. Tragedies." She swiveled her chair so she could keep Brent in view, though it was hard to keep Brent and eliminate Honey at one and the same time. "Times of mourning and terrible heartbreak."
"Must have to do with those Fifth Avenue shoes you're wearing."
She noticed Rainer's gaze drift down to her Louboutins. At least it was gratifying someone had noticed them. Almost automatically she crossed her legs, but then—damn—her skirt rode up too high and she needed to uncross them. Then she dangled a shoe from her toes and let her foot swing some.
Maybe it seemed flirty, but her heart wasn't in it. It was a mere primitive reflex. With so many of the town gossips present, it seemed a pity to disappoint her public.
And she could tell Rainer wasn't minding one bit. He scanned her knees, a smile playing on his mouth. "You know, it was touching, that little sigh you gave."
She glanced warily at him. "What sigh?"
"When Brent pecked your pretty cheek. What were you for hoping for? Something more significant? Maybe a kiss full on the lips? Deep and soulful? Tongues?"
Her spine stiffened in shock. This guy was up-front. Did he have any respect for a woman's tender feelings? If one of the Dixon sisters hadn't sidled up to the bar right then and ensconced herself a couple of spots along, Eve might have forgotten her manners and slammed him for his nerve.
As it was, she kept her words to a stern murmur. "You are rude, mister. I don't know what you're talking about."
"Yes, you do. You know. Don't think I don't sympathize. I know what it is to lust." His gaze rested appreciatively on her mouth.
"Shh." Frowning, she darted a glance along to where Jenna Mae Dixon was stretching her gawky neck, straining to listen.
Forced to lean closer to Rainer, Eve lowered her voice to a whisper. "Don't even say that word. There's never been anything like that between Brent and me."
His black brows lifted. "No? Didn't I hear him say you were his secretary?"
Beneath his black lashes his eyes were alert, amused, and unnerving. The faintest of scents teased her nostrils. A mix of woody cologne, clean clothes, and distilled essence of man. It was annoying how that trifled with her concentration. It nearly threw her off the track of her thoughts.
"What's your point? I assure you," she retorted, pulling herself together, "Brent is a very professional guy who would never break his code of ethics."
"Never?" His mouth quirked in disbelief.
Unless, of course, a kiss could be counted. Tongues at midnight. Hands.
"We—e—ell. If you say so." Rainer pressed his lips together, then gave his bourbon a meditative sip. His mouth was really very stirring and expressive, the lower lip pleasingly cushioned, suggesting an arousing resilience if a woman happened to…
She gave herself a mental shake. For Pete's sake, she wasn't thinking of kissing him. "Why look so doubtful, Rainer? Brent is a very focused person. Even if he felt strongly and irrevocably attracted to an employee, even if he longed to kiss her, yearned to caress her soft skin, itched to put his hand on her…on her…he wouldn't dream of…"
"He must have the resistance of a saint." His voice was darker than the night.
His glance met hers, sensual, bold, then slid down her throat to where her breasts were innocently longing to expose themselves. Against all the odds, her skin tingled as if singed by a naked flame.
It threw her off-balance, if the truth be known. On the one hand there was Brent across the room, holding a piece of her heart in his hands, and now here was Rainer. Powerful, masculine, and entirely confusing to the senses.
She couldn't ever remember this degree of confusion before. Being held captive by the sheer force of a man's physical aura. It was a whole new experience, and strangely exhilarating.
Maybe it was the drink affecting her brain. She composed her face to appear more stern. "He didn't need the resistance of a saint. I don't know what you expect from your women em—"
She'd meant to say "women employees," but before she could finish he cut in smoothly, his voice as deep and dark as the devil's. "Loyalty undiluted and passion uninhibited." He smiled.
That smile reflected in his eyes with a message that was nothing short of bad.
"Oh, please." She gave a mocking laugh, but a sultry shiver slithered down her spine to the backs of her knees. It was hard to deny that the guy had impact.
"I'm not criticizing you, Eve." His wolfish gaze flicked to her throat, then drifted southward. In spite of their proud history of aloofness, against all the odds her nipples stood up and quivered shamelessly. "I totally understand. If two very attractive people are forced by circumstances to be together in close confinement, bumping into each other, hips occasionally touching, he accidentally brushes her breast, she grazes his thigh with hers, it's only a matter of time before…"
"But nothing did happen." How she wished people wouldn't always leap to conclusions. She'd been hung for so many sheep in the past, when she'd hardly ever done more than pet the woolly heads of the little lambs who'd pursued her.
And purely out of kindness, so as not to hurt their feelings. "Well, nothing much," she felt forced to amend.
"Ah." Rainer's eyes lit with a knowing amusement that riled her.
"Oh, what's with that 'ah'? Look—I freely admit, I admired Brent's stance on environmental issues."
Rainer broke into a laugh. "His stance?" It was amazing to see how a laugh lit up the man's face and warmed his gray eyes. She could see why that Dixon cousin had gone so entirely overboard from the bridge.
Rainer was a stunner.
Anna Cleary is an affectionate Australian who discovered that writing is an even more powerful means of escape than reading. To this end she writes romance novels that are flirty and funny, sometimes weepy or dramatic, always emotional, and often piping hot.
Anna enjoys her family and friends, adores music and the arts, has an ongoing love affair with Italy, and is kept under constant surveillance by a thoughtful and deeply sensitive cat.
She loves to hear from readers.
Website | Facebook | Twitter @annaclearybooks | Amazon Author Page |


text:
ICC Champions Trophy 2017 Matches Live Streaming, Telecast (Broadcasting List) Online: – As you all know that IPL-10 just finished and now it's time to play some international cricket. All the teams are ready for the Champions Trophy and surely the whole series is going to be a big blast for sure. Here, if you are looking for the whole detail related to the ICC Champions Trophy 2017 such as Match list, Indian Team Match List, Date, Time and other things then you are on right page. Also, here we are going to talk about the Indian team performance and other things too.
ICC Champions Trophy 2017 Matches Live Online ? ICC Champions Trophy 2017 is going to start from this Thursday, 1 June 2017 and will be played through three weeks where final will be taking place on Sunday, 18th June 2017 at the Oval cricket stadium in London. All people are waiting for this series and yes this series is going to be a pure entertainment for sure. Indian Team is ready with their good ongoing performance of IPL. Also, Captain Virat Kohli already said that their main Moto is playing good cricket in filed so they can give their 100%.
ICC Champions Trophy 2017
As you all know that ICC Champion Trophy is a league where top 8 ODI team tournaments where a total of 15 matches will be played include 12 group games, 2 semifinals, and the big final. All 8 teams are divided into two groups of four each and top two will qualify for the semifinals. Every single team is trying their hard to get this trophy and people are expecting much from the particular team.
You all can watch these matches in live on Star Sports and you the ICC have promised an extensive TV coverage around the world. As you can see that this is not a simple trophy and league. I am sure that this trophy is going to be a big deal for sure because of the competition. If you don't have live coverage in your part of the world here we are going
How to watch ICC Champions Trophy 2017
You all can watch ICC Champions Trophy 2017 On-Air for free channels like Star Sports in India you can watch this whole cricket series on US and Canada on Will on TV channel and even you can stream the whole action live on Starsports.com. You all can watch this whole series in different-2 channels in different countries. This Cricket action is going to be the good deal for sure and I am sure that you all are not in a mood of missing this series.
ICC Champions Trophy 2017 Live TV Broadcasting Channel List (Worldwide)
ICC CT 2017 Live Broadcasting Channels Worldwide – We have already discussed the queries regarding ICC Champions Trophy Live Streaming in India and now we will cover the Live TV Broadcasting Channel List for cricket fans residing in the different country. For people outside India do check the table given below. We have listed all TV Broadcasting channels for ICC Champions Trophy 2017.
|TV Broadcasting Channels
|Star Sports, Geo Super
|Channel 9, Ten Sports HD
|Sri Lanka
|Ten Sports HD
|Sky Sports, Fox Sports
|South Africa
|Super Sports
|Sky Sports, Premier Sports
|West Indies
|Caribbean Media Network
|New Zealand
|Somnet Sports, Sky Sports
|Prime Sports
India: The huge network of channels includes Star Sports 1, Star Sports 3 and much more.
Live Streaming of ICC Champions Trophy
Well, If you are living in Europe and America then it is kind of hard to watch these Cricket Matches on TV. Here, we are going to tell you that how you all can watch the whole series online without any problem. Some good big Websites are providing the live streaming of ICC Champions Trophy and you all can watch this whole series online.
Warm up Match list of ICC Champions Trophy 2017-
Before this action starts all teams needs to warm much and they are going to play these warm u matches against each other. Well, all the 8 Teams which are selected for the ICC Trophy Champions are going to play warm-up match with each other before the series starts. Here we are providing the list of all warm-up matches here so you can note down the time of all matches.
First Warm up Match – Australia vs Sri Lanka (not televised)
Date: 26th May – Time: 10:00 UK time
Second Warm up Match – Pakistan vs Bangladesh Warmup (not televised)
Date: 27th May – Time: 10:00 UK time
Third Warm up Match – India vs New Zealand Warmup
Date: 28th May – Time: 10:00 UK time
Fourth Warm up Match – Pakistan vs Australia Warmup (not televised)
Date: 29th May – Time: 10:00 UK time
Fifth Warm up Match- New Zealand vs Sri Lanka Warmup (not televised)
Date: 30th May– Time: 10:00 UK time
Sixth First Warm up Match – India vs Bangladesh Warmup (televised on StarSports)
Date: 30th May – Time: 10:00 UK time
Note- Remember only Indian Team's warm up matches are going to be telecast on Television.
List of ICC Champions Trophy 2017 List-
Match 1- England vs Bangladesh – Group A
(Date 1 June 2017)
Match 2- Australia vs New Zealand- Group A
(Date 2 June 2017)
Sri Lanka vs South Africa – Group B
(Date: 03 June 2017)
Pakistan vs India – Group B
(Date: 04 June 2017)
ICC Champions Trophy 2017 is going to be live from this June. You all are going to see all Updates of ICC Champions Trophy Live Streaming 2017 on our website. If you really wanted to watch all updates related to the match stay tuned with us.


text:
Ibarionex Perello is a photographer, writer, educator as well as the host and producer of The Candid Frame photography podcast. He is the author of 5 books including "Chasing the Light Improving Your Photography Using Available Light". His latest book is "Portraits of Strangers."
Great having you Ibarionex! For people who may not be so familiar with you and your work, can you tell us your life story and how you got introduced to photography?
I was introduced to photography while attending the Boys of Club of Hollywood when I was very young. The experience of developing film and making prints was a revelation for me. The experience of making photographs that people responded to in a positive way was a very self-affirming experience for me. It was something that I was certainly lacking in my life and photography provided me an opportunity to value myself and the way that I saw the world. That simple emotional response is what did and continues to inspire so much of what I do around photography.
You run one of the most educational and listened to photography podcasts : "The Candid Frame". Can you share how you got the idea for it, and why you do it?
I started the show 8 years ago as a result of listening to other podcasts which solely focused on gear and equipment. I thought what was missing was actual conversations with photographers about photography. Because of my experience as a writer and editor, I knew plenty of photographers and the skills to conduct a decent interview. So, I learned how to create and distribute a podcast and just started putting it out there. Now, the show enjoys thousands of listeners from all of the world and has featured conversations with some great photographers including MaryEllen Mark, Elliot Erwitt, Dan Winters, David Hobby, Zack Arias, Douglas Kirkland and hundred of others. It's been a great source of inspiration for me and the thousands of others who listen to the show.
Tell us more about your interest and passion in teaching and writing on photography. What are some of the most valuable lessons you offer to students trying to find their own vision and capturing light?
As simple as it sounds, it's just to shoot as much as possible. Don't do it just on the weekend or once a month. It's important to make it a daily practice, even if its with a camera phone. The practice of shooting is not just about learning how to use a camera, but developing a unique way of seeing. The camera doesn't make much of a difference with respect to that. The only way to get better as a photographer is to develop a sense of light and composition. Though it's certainly important to know your camera, it's importantly only so far as it becomes second nature to you. Nothing ruins the rhythm of shooting than being preoccupied with camera settings. This is why shooting on a daily basis, if at all possible, helps to both master the gear as well as developing one's way of seeing and making photographs.
You've recently wrote a new ebook on shooting portraits of strangers on the streets. How did your first interest in street photography emerge, and what role does portraiture play in your work?
I've been shooting on the street since I first started making pictures. I remember walking around Hollywood with a camera looking for things to photographs, especially people. So, I was shooting on the street long before I ever became aware of the genre of street photography.
As a street photographer, I produce a lot of street portraiture. As a result, it's something that I'm often asked about. How do I approach people to make their photographs? How do I make the image that I make? So, I wrote the book as a means of answering that question. There is a lot of interest in doing this by photographers, but many people are fearful and anxious about the process. The book is meant to address those fears and I dedicated an entire chapter to contending with those feelings and then moving past them to make great portraits. I hope that it will help people to brave approaching people, because if my experience is any indicator most people respond favorably to being photographed.
What are some of the fears you personally have in street photography, and what are some strategies you've been able to overcome some of them?
My biggest fear currently is simply a concern about repeating myself. I have been shooting for a long time and so there are certain kinds of street images that I am quite adept at making, some of which I see as cliche. So, whenever I go out and shoot, I'm concerned with pushing my personal limits of seeing and photographing. I want to see and making photographs that I've not made before and that can be difficult at times. Ironically, I have to let to go of even this expectation when I go out and shoot in order to get to a place mentally, where I can be open to something new. If I go out with an agenda, I usually fail miserably. When I simply put myself into a state of mind where I just see, react and shoot, I can surprise myself with some great and unexpected results.
You tell us more about your new ebook? Who is the book for, and what are the benefits the readers will get from it?
As I mentioned before, the idea of photographing strangers is something that people feel a lot of fear about. So, they are often asking myself and other photographers how they achieve their images. The book is meant to provide insight and tips on how to photograph strangers whether the image is a collaborative portrait or a candid shot of a moment on the street. There is no particularly secret to it, it's just about developing a personal practice. Every one approaches it differently.
There is a Bruce Gilden approach and on the other extreme is Henri Cartier Bresson. Neither is better than the other, but they each produce significantly different images. It really comes down to finding an approach and technique that serves your own personal way of seeing. The book is meant to inspire to move past whatever personal obstacles they've created for themsleves and to discover the great images that can only happen when you move past your own fear, doubts and insecurities. The images that you produce as a result will slowly diminish those concerns that are based on nothing more than feelings and fear that never really manifest themselves outside of our own minds.
For street photographers starting off and still nervous approaching strangers, what are some assignments you would offer them?
Schedule regular time for shooting. If you have a day job, take part of your lunch break to shoot for 20 minutes. Or find some way to make shooting a regular part of your week. Don't just wait for the weekend to pick up the camera. If you wait for the weekend, that's only 4 times a month that you will actually get out and practice your craft. It's hard to develop and refine your skills with that little practice. Imagine a musician only practicing four times a month and expecting to become a great performer by the end of the year. It's not going to happen. It's no less so with a photographer.
Who are some street photographers you recommend people to check out?
I recommend people check out the work of William Albert Allard and Fred Herzog. They are both masters of color street photography. They are from two different eras of photography, but they both demonstrate an incredible sensitivity to light and color. If you want to see how light and color can be a subject onto itself, these are two great photographers to check out.
Any last words or things you would like to mention?
I heartily recommend people listen to the show if they want to truly be inspired by some amazingly talented photographers. I have not only interviewed several street photographers, but also photographers from other genres, all of whom will inspire and enlighten you.
We now have free apps for iOS, Android and Windows 8 which allows you to conveniently access every episode during to your smart device. I guarantee that you'll be hooked after just a few episodes.
Thank you!


text:
Hi guys,
Just wanted to introduce myself and give a quick back story.
My wife and I bought a 03 Regal 1800GX back in 2005 and kept it until our Son was born in 2010.
We loved it and with a little light tweaking ran 60-61 mph. It would ride better, much faster and use less gas than my friends 21' Baja with a 5.7L V8
We put almost 200 hours on it with nothing other than basic maintenance.
Fast forward to this year, We now have 2 kids. I didn't think we could afford a new Regal so after a little shopping bought a 2017 Yamaha FSH as I figured it would be low maintenance .
Well, first time out, not only did it not have the punch or any kind of giddy up, but the kids did not look safe in the boat and it rode like a Honda Civic with no shocks.
I should have done a sea trial but I was so excited to get back on the water and I jumped too quick.
In 2-3 chop it couldn't hardly get on plain with 2 adults and 2 kids aboard ( 3 and 7 years)
After 5.4 hours of disappointing boating I was at my local Regal dealer ( Quality boats in Clearwater)
We decided to custom order a 1900ES , with the 240HP ( So I don't have to tinker with it ) Newport blue, white bottom, and the ESX custom interior and trade the Yamaha.
The sad part it wont be ready till the end of July, The good part is we'll be back in another REGAL


text:
This Cupcake Mouse Birthday Card is entered into the following challenges:
- Paper Play Sketches: Sketch 007
- Paper Creator: Anything Goes
- The Sisterhood of Crafters: Birthdays
Can't miss with a cute House Mouse image, and this one is darling for a birthday card. Love the fresh greens & yellows. Lovely stitching & scallop details, with the addition of the jute bow. Just delightful. TFS & HugsReplyDelete
Great card Andrea, cute design and lovely spring coloursReplyDelete
Your coloring is awesome and I love your choice of colors and design! Great job! Thanks so much for joining us at The Sisterhood's 'BIRTHDAY' challenge and please come back again soon!
one of the 'Sistahs'
The Sisterhood of Crafters
Completely adorbs! Thanks for linking up at Paper Play Sketches.
DT Janis
The summer colors your selected are perfect -- the little mouse is so cute.... and now I am hungry for a cupcake! Perfect card -- Thanks for sharing.ReplyDelete
What a darling image! Thank you for joining our Sketch Challenge this week at Paper Play Sketches.
Stay Creative,
• Carson's Creations •
Paper Play Sketches DT
So cute!! Love that sweet mouse and your card layers :) Thanks for linking up your project using our sketch at Paper Play Sketches.
Our challenges are every other Wed. Link up as often as you'd like! Have a wonderful day!!
Kimberly, DT Member :)
Kimberly's Craft Spot
Paper Play Sketches, DT Member
Oh how Precious! Adorable Image! Cute Card! Thanks for joining us over at Paper Play Sketches!
Theresa's Crafty Creations
Paper Play Sketches, DT Member
This is darling! I love that sweet image and soft, pretty colors!
Thanks so much for linking up with us at Paper Play Sketches.
Tanya ~ Design Team Member
So cute and I love the sequins! Thanks for linking up your project using our sketch at Paper Play Sketches.
Stacey's Creative Corner
Paper Play Sketches, DT Member
I LOVE to read your comments! Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts. Wishing you a crafty day!!!


text:
Sometimes serious, sometimes funny, always trying to be warmth and light, focuses on parenting, and the unique struggles of raising a large Catholic family in the modern age. Updates on Sunday, Tuesday and Friday...and sometimes more!
Sunday, March 2, 2008
Where did My Inspiration Go...
My son had a project in English.
It was supposed to be a journal of his life and suffering. The premise was to imitate an author who wrote about his life and explained that suffering allowed him to see the world more clearly, to recognize how societal norms perpetuated pain and suffering. The kids were then supposed to look at their own lives for patterns to discern about the nature of reality.
The trouble is, he's fourteen and grew up in a reasonably normal home. He wasn't abused. He's never seen his parents fight where they threw things. He's never done drugs. He has friends. He's had academic and personal success already in his life, getting a scholarship and making honor role consistently in grammar school. We've never lost everything, had to sell his baseball card collection or had more than the emotional equivalent of a skinned knee in terms of life experience that might have traumatized him.
Unless you count the summer of Lyme disease, that rotted, but it was second grade. It's been a while. I think he's over it.
So the topics: The first time I tasted Alchohol, The first time I defied Authority, The First Time He Got in a Fight, the First Day of School, had a sing song element to them that made my son sound like Polly-Anna.
His great conflict to date? Refusing to eat refried beans served by his parents. This was his great suffering.
First day of School? Preschool memory of meeting the person who would become his best friend.
First taste of Alchohol --he made it up, since the teacher said "Receiving the Eucharist didn't count." I said, "Didn't count for what?"
Trying to pull something of depth out of a surface driven life that is essentially at this point unscathed and unscarred, we focused on his blessings. But I pointed out that if his premise was that only through suffering could one come to understand the true nature of the world, I should serve him beans daily.
He said I was full of beans.
3 comments:
- xDashofPanachex said...
haha. At least he accepts he hasn't suffered and isn't just parading around in Marilyn Manson gear, whining about how much life sucks.
- March 2, 2008 at 11:34 PM
Portraying suffering as the path to Heaven should be scrapped forever. Sacrifice makes so much more sense: staying home over the weekend to catch up with studies, to visit a sick relative, such activities are character-forming. This should be the sign of our Faith: Character not scars.
- March 3, 2008 at 10:16 AM
- Larramie said...
What's with the negativity factor? Just think, growing up normal is soon to be labeled as "abnormal." *sigh*
- March 3, 2008 at 8:29 PM
Proud Member
Click Here to Join


text:
We're here for a quick hello (cause we know you have the day off with places to go and people to see!)
Today Amy Lowe is sharing her genius and we can't wait to (re) introduce you to her!
Meet Amy
Hi, my name is Amy and my blog is called Scrapping Mommy (http://www.scrappingmommy.com
). I live in a
little town in central Utah with my loving husband of 14 years and our three
adorable kiddos. I have been paper crafting for about 10 years, but I have been
crafting in one way or another my whole life.....thanks to my grandmother who I
spent much of my childhood with. She was a very talented crafter who taught me
many things about style and details......something that I hope to be able to
pass on to my own children. My style is generally clean and well balanced, but I
like to go wherever inspiration leads me. Because I am a mom to little ones, you
can often find me up crafting into the wee hours of the morning. I also have a
passion for photography, gardening, reading, cooking and baking, and you can
usually find me hiking and fishing up in the beautiful Utah mountains during the
summer months.
Hugs - isn't she just so SWEET - wait till you see her card...
She used the 'kiss me' stamp set that I just can't get enough of!
|Kiss Me
Be sure to head over and visit her blog - HERE - she'll have lots more fun stuff to share!
Have a great Memorial Day!
Happy Stamping,
Pin It


text:
Spain's Popular Party reaffirms backing of Rajoy
MADRID – Spain's acting prime minister has met with his Popular Party to plan a strategy after lawmakers rejected his bid to form a minority government for a second time, pushing Spain closer to a third election in a year.
In a meeting on Saturday, leaders of the conservative party reaffirmed their backing of Mariano Rajoy as their candidate and continued blaming the Socialists for the second failed investiture.
Following a failed first attempt to form a government on Wednesday, Rajoy's bid was again voted down on Friday by 180 lawmakers against 170 in favor, as had been expected.
Parliament now has until Oct. 31 to produce a government or a third round of elections will be called, possibly on Christmas Day.


text:
Update Galaxy Note 2 N7105 LTE to XXDMA5 Android 4.1.2 Official Firmware
Samsung like for the rest of its product line, has rolled out an update for Galaxy Note 2 GT-N7105 LTE (4G); XXDMA5 Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean Official Firmware. While this update is available via KIES and it is recommended that you get it from there. If for some reason, you cannot access the official update or would like not to wait and get it on your phone right now, here is a guide to update your Galaxy Note 2 GT-N7105 LTE (4G) to XXDMA5 Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean Official Firmware.
Also, read: Guide to Root XXDMA5 Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean on Galaxy Note 2 N7105 LTE (4G)
Disclaimer:This guide will use a tool; Odin to flash the official firmware on your Galaxy Note 2 GT-N7105 LTE (4G). During the process, you might lose all your existing installed apps and personal settings. It is therefore necessary for you to follow the guide carefully. Also, please, do mind that this tutorial is only for Galaxy Note 2 GT-N7105 LTE (4G). Don't try this guide in any other Android device.
Android 4.1.2 XXDMA5 Firmware Details:
Version: 4.1.2
Date: 2013-01-21
Regions: Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Spain, United Kingdom
Update Galaxy Note 2 N7105 LTE to XXDMA5 Android 4.1.2 Official Firmware
- Extract the firmware zip file that you have downloaded using the link above, you will then get a .tar file alongside other files.
- Extract Odin zip file to get Odin3 v3.07.exe.
- Power off your phone. Wait 5-6 seconds to confirm complete switch off.
- Put the Galaxy Note 2 GT-N7105 LTE (4G) in Download Mode by pressing and holding Volume Down and Power button until Samsung Galaxy logo appears in tablet screen. Wait for a few seconds and you will be in download mode.
- Run Odin3 v3.07.exe (see Step 2) as an Administrator.
- Connect your Galaxy Note 2 GT-N7105 LTE (4G) with your PC using USB cable. A message will appear under Odin's message box in the bottom left saying "Added!!". If you don't get it, then try another USB port. If that too doesn't work, then reinstall the USB driver. If you successfully see the "Added!!" message in Odin, you are good to go. Also, check for COM port with a number in Yellow to make sure that you have successfully added your device.
- Select the following files in Odin at their respective tabs from extracted XXDMA5 firmware folder :
- Click the 'PDA' Button, and select the .tar file here with *code* appearing in file-name.
- Click the 'Phone' Button, and select file with *modem* in its name (Ignore, if this file does not file exist).
- Click the 'CSC' Button, and select file with *csc* in its name (Ignore, if this file does not file exist).
- Click the 'PIT' Button, and select the .pit file. Use only if you got it while extracting in step 1 above, otherwise ignore it.
- In Odin window, make sure Auto Reboot and F. Reset Time checkboxes are selected. Please make sure that Re-Partition checkbox is selected, only if you are using a .pit file (see Step 7.4).
Once the flashing process is completed, the tablet will reboot automatically and you will see a PASS message in the top-left-most box. You can now unplug the USB cable to disconnect your device from computer.
If you have followed every point described in the guide, your Galaxy Note 2 GT-N7105 LTE (4G) should now be running Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean build N7105XXDMA5. If there are any issues, feel free to post in the comments section for our staff to take a look at it.


text:
In the true sense of ?green? building, Corona has a long and successful history of relocating structures so that they can be reused and appreciated by later citizens of Corona.? The top photo on the attached flyer shows how home?re-locations?were done in the early days. Corona?s first Santa Fe Depot is seen in the background behind the house and family members that are being towed by a team of horses.
?A Brief History of Relocated Structures
We know that the building now located at 507 Vicentia (Settlement House) [MAP] was relocated three times.? It was built on the original Lincoln School campus at Tenth and Victoria; then moved to Corona?s first High School in the 1200 block of Main Street [MAP]; then to the original Washington School at Second Street and West Grand Boulevard[MAP], where it served as a Kindergarten classroom; and ultimately adjacent to Corona?s Second High School where it was used as the band room. This same building was later became the Police Department storage room for evidence, and currently it serves as the Settlement House at 507 Vicentia Avenue [MAP].? We know that the very earliest structure used by the First Congregational Church was relocated to a spot on the north side of East Sixth Street.
Among the homes known to have been moved are:? Captain Gully?s home on Sixth Street near Victoria was moved to the east side of Main Street at Francis. Dr. Huff?s home on the northwest corner of Washburn at Sixth Street was relocated to the northeast corner of Merrill and Seventh Street [MAP].? More recently, Harmony Antiques (the former Frazer-Dixon residence) once found at 916 W. Sixth Street [MAP], took a short trip around the Circle and found a new home on the East side of Grand Blvd. near Fullerton.? The Call Ranch House was relocated from the west side of California Avenue near Ontario to Corona Heritage Park.? The home of early Corona volunteer firefighter Joseph Brumbaugh was relocated from the south side of Seventh Street near Sheridan and?re-purposed?as a guest house at the rear of another historic property located at 1052 East Grand [MAP]. A historic Victorian ranch house once found amid citrus groves at 2342 Gilbert [MAP], was cut into four sections to be moved and then relocated and reassembled on a lot near Lake Mathews.
In the past, many of Corona?s historic old buildings have met the wrecking ball. ?If uprooted and relocated, these mementos from the past might have been preserved and maintained so that their craftsmanship might still be honored today.
Two homes are in dire need of being moved so that the Corona Regional Medical Center, which is very important to our community, might be able to complete a desired update and expansion. Corona Historic Preservation Society members hope that the buildings that need to be moved will have similar happy landings as those mentioned above.
If you or anyone you know might be interested in this opportunity, please contact Jeff Tupper whose contact information is listed on the flyer.
Did you like this? Share it:
Source: http://www.innercirclecorona.com/then-and-now-moving-homes-in-corona/
andrej pejic steve jobs fbi safehouse brown recluse brown recluse front door alyssa bustamante


text:
Vorinn Frostspear is a bit of an imposter cause his weapon is neither frosty nor is it a spear.
Defeated goblin lord. Leveled up. Successfully scared off remaining goblins.
Found a human being encased inside of a crystal and began melting the crystal.
After waking the wizard up, he told us he was a devotee of Ioun that was preserved in stasis until he was permitted by Ioun to continue his research. He told us all the knowledge in library is too much for us now.
The wizard instructed us to go to Illiander and speak to a cleric called Parmel leader of the Paragon Compact. I must ask about the destruction of the abyssal gate.
Ruins of Ra'zal. Small white flower w/ pink and glitter. Need to bring it back.
"Borrowed" Books from the wizards library on Dragons, specifically breeds of dragons, The Elemental Chaos, Beer Alchemy, Hortaculture and Herbalism, and two books on Craftsmen of Velicia.


text:
9 New Ways To Wear a Braid
Last year, the braided up-do reigned supreme, but now we're seeing a new way to wear a plait: from the runway to the red carpet, this season's braid is totally random. Nine ridiculously easy looks to copy, above.
Photo:Cindy Ord/Getty Images
During Fashion Week Bumble and bumble hairstylist Laurent Philippon gave the models at Karen Walker's show a variety of small braids—some French, some regular—but each one totally unique.
Photo:Aurore Marechal/Abaca/startraksphoto.com
Hairstylist David Delicourt gave Werbowy one of our favorite renditions: a small braid at the nape of her neck for a party in Paris. To cop the style, tease the end of your plait and spritz with hairspray, or pick up a clear elastic, like Goody's Clear Bands ($5).
Hough's go-to hairstylist, Riawna Capri, French braided the back of the actress' hair starting at the nape of her neck, then pulled all her locks into a topknot for an event in Los Angeles.
Photo:Sonia Recchia/WireImage
The Swedish actress wore two teeny-tiny French braids to a screening of The Railway Man in Toronto. Work Fekkai's Brilliant Glossing Sheer Shine Mist ($25) through locks beforehand for a glossy finish.
Photo:Tim P. Whitby/Getty Images
Add texture to your side-parted 'do by adding in a braid, like Watson did at the GQ Men of the Year Awards in London.
Photo:Adam Katz Sinding of Le 21ème
The blogger/photographer/Vogue contributor wore a small braid at the nape of her neck during New York Fashion Week, but paired hers with a messy chignon.
Andy Lecompte gave Klum a tight French braid along one side of her head, channeling a second trend: the faux undercut.
Photo:Jo Hale/Getty Images
The singer/songwriter spiced up her straight locks with a tiny braid adorned with flowers for a charity event in London. A craft store or Etsy is your best bet to find a few tiny buds like Lott's.
Photo:Jonathan Leibson/Getty Images
To cop Fanning's look, create two small braids and secure them behind your head with a small clear elastic, like the actress did at a premiere in Toronto.


text:
Students are likely to rate those teachers whom they regard as being warm with a good sense of humor a little higher than others. While this undoubtedly is due, in part, to the fact they like them, it's also likely to reflect the fact that they learn more from them. They tend to pay more attention to (i.e., are less bored by) and/or are more anxious to please such teachers.
Comments by some of the students whom we interviewed provide a little insight into how teachers behave whom they tend to perceive as being warm with a good sense of humor. I'll be sharing some of these comments with you here. Before doing so, however, we'll look at the potential benefits and losses from a teacher being perceived by his or her students as warm with a good sense of humor.
My primary focus throughout this book has been on maximizing student ratings. The surest way for a teacher to achieve this goal is to be helpful to students. Consequently, it's necessary to consider the following question before going further: Do students tend to gain more than they lose from a teacher whom they regard as being warm with a good sense of humor?
Students would tend to lose more than they would gain from such a teacher if it resulted in their either not paying as much attention to or being less anxious to please him or her. I know of no compelling evidence to support this conclusion. On the other hand, there is considerable compelling evidence in the education literature that supports the opposite conclu-