text: Share: Comments Print January 7, 2014 at 10:48 AM A few links and notes … Edgar Martinez's hall of fame chances, Mariners' caravan opens today Posted by Ryan Divish The Mariners caravan opens today in Pierce County with Dave Sims and Danny Farquhar doing some private appearances at local schools. Charlie Furbush was supposed to be there, but he's stuck in Maine because of the weather. Here's an updated schedule. I've had a few people ask me about Mariners Fanfest, but the team still hasn't released a list of who is attending. I'm guessing that comes sometime this week. The Hall of Fame announcement is tomorrow at 11 a.m. (PST) on MLB Network. It doesn't seem likely that Edgar Martinez will get in. A candidate must be on 75 percent of the ballots to garner induction. He was on 35.9 percent of the ballots last year, which was a decrease from 36.5 percent in 2011. And with the addition of Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine, Mike Mussina, Jeff Kent, Frank Thomas and others to the group, it further dilutes the vote. As I said before, I'm not eligible to vote by BBWAA and Hall of Fame standards (10 consecutive years as a BBWAA member), I have a four more to go. As such, my thoughts are pretty irrelevant. Do I think Edgar Martinez deserves to be in the Hall of Fame? Yes. It's that simple. But my opinion matters little at this point. The Hall of Fame voting has received plenty of criticism, much like the baseball award voting, largely because the BBWAA is the deciding organization. I understand it. I even agree with plenty of it. The system is far from perfect. Some changes need to be made. Thinking needs to be different. Until that happens, the criticism will continue. I've asked Larry Stone and Geoff Baker (both voters) to send me their ballots and brief explanations, or even just post them on here themselves. Larry posted a picture of his on twitter, but I'm hoping a little more from Mr. Columnist, if he can pry himself from opining about the Seahawks. So hopefully we will have those in the next few days. Ballots are starting to leak out now publicly. Of the 17 eligible voters at MLB.com, only Tom Singer voted for Martinez. Not sure how Ken Gurnick can vote for just one guy, and leave out Maddux or his reasoning behind it. But it's his vote. ESPN had 17 eligible voters and Edgar got votes from three different writers, including Jim Caple. Edgar did pick up three votes from former Mariners writers – Bob Sherwin, Jim Street and Kirby Arnold. I will try to talk to Edgar tomorrow about the vote. Geoff tweeted out this link this morning to a Forbes.com story about the idea of the Cano contract not being crazy and a look at baseball's finances. I'm not going to lie and say I understand every little detail about his business stuff. But it's a worthwhile read. I'm kind of holding off on the Mariners' payroll and any complaints about supplementing the roster around Cano until the offseason is actually over and the Mariners are done making moves. Speaking of the roster, the Angels are apparently in on Masahiro Tanaka. Could they get him? At this point, you can't really underestimate Arte Moreno's willingness to spend money. I really think this comes down to where Tanaka wants to play and feels comfortable. The money and contracts from most suitors are going to be pretty similar to each other. Peter Gammons talked with Scott Boras about free agency and other things. David Murphy of Philly.com takes a look at the Phillies' new TV deal and what it means. Ubaldo Jimenez, who like Matt Garza and Ervin Santana, appears to be a consolation prize in the Tanaka sweepstakes wants $14 million a year, according to Ken Rosenthal. Comments


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Hobby Master McDonnell Douglas USAF F-4D Phantom II Tail No 67-0550 13th TFS, 432nd TRW Maj Dan Cherry Udorn RTAFB 1972 1/72 diecast metal and plastic parts. Fully assembled. Includes compliment of AIM-7 and AIM-9 missles. HA1938B
The F-4 Phantom II first entered US Military service in 1960. It was designed as a fleet defense fighter for the US Navy but by 1963 it was adopted as the US Air Force primary fighter-bomber. Despite the size and weight of this Cold War icon the F-4 broke 15 world records and continued to hold five of them until 1975.
Produced from 1960 to 1981 there were 5,195 Phantom IIs manufactured. Eleven countries other than the USA had the Phantom II in their inventory.
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For many people reading this the first thought that pops into their heads will be; what the hell is that? For others it will be an all too familiar state of affairs that seems to be spreading through the car world and it is a state of affairs that leaves people either apathetic or apoplectic. Personally I was aware this silly idea existed but it was only this week where it arrived at my house in two forms and my feelings following this close brush with synthetic engine noise are not good.
Dirty Little Secret?
The idea of augmenting engine noise and even faking it completely is not new and its not strictly a secret but nor is it something overtly public either, it is not something you see talked about on a flashy car advert and it's oddly not at the top of the list when people review cars either. BMW, VW and others have all been messing around with this idea and now Ford claim their system will actually help lower emissions because people will back off the throttle when they hear lots of revs? What a ridiculous state of affairs that is! The idea you can trick people into driving more like my mother by blasting fake sounds into the cockpit is horrific, and sadly probably true for lots of people. For those of us who live for the sound of an engine it is almost insulting however, and it is not a road that will end in a happy place for us.
Close to Home
My first brush with synthetic engine noise was in an Audi S3 a friend's new man popped over with recently. She rather enthusiastically told me about the fact it had special sounds that came through the cockpit. To be fair, its an amazing car an both the owner and other half were very happy so I am not here to spoil their party but inside I felt sad that car sounds had become such a disposable thing like so many recommended play lists on Spotify. It just didn't make any sense, why would you be happy hearing a sound, no matter how good, if it wasn't real? It's like owning a fake Rolex…you will always know it's fake and unless you are more interested in what other people think than what you think of yourself that it simply not acceptable.
Two in a Row
After the S3 experience I was then faced with a second round of this synthetic nonsense as Peugeot delivered the new 308 GTi for me to test over a week long period. I never read up too much about cars before testing so I have an open mind so I had no idea the car used this kind of tech. However, when I popped it in sport mode and booted it I was stunned at how good it sounded, but I could not accept that was the noise of a 1.6 straight 4 and it turns out I was right. I performed a very simple test; I drove at 4500 RPM in sport mode, held it there and turned it back to normal mode and the sound was so different it was almost funny. It went from an induction roar type growl to a revvy kind of tiny sound. The real sound is actually pretty good but in direct comparison to the big bore sound coming through the cabin in sport its just sounds silly.
Get Over It!
OK so the 308 GTi is actually rather good, in fact even after a day I think its probably brilliant but why oh why did they have to taint my experience with fake engine sounds in the cabin? It has immediately taken the shine off the car and I feel cheated. Do other people care about this? Should I shut up and get over it? The answer is probably no and yes in that order, but that doesn't mean I have to agree. I was not overly aware of all this rubbish prior to the last couple of days and I should have been, but now I'm surrounded by it I am not going to suddenly like it, the car industry might feel like big brother but this is not new speak and I do remember how a car should sound and if the boot of synthetic engine noise is coming towards my face I will push it away with everything I have got!


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Muv™ 29.5'' W x 20'' D x 35'' H Three Level Adjustable Printer Stand - Cherry
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Detailshttps://www.churchchairs4less.com/1881-SAF.html Muv™ 29.5'' W x 20'' D x 35'' H Three Level Adjustable Printer Stand - Cherry
Item # 1881-SAF
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About Product
Create a more functional and efficient workspace with a Muv that's right for you! These Muv printer stands are a great addition to any work area, creating a mobile center where you can store your printer, paper, other office machines and office supplies The three and four level printer stands around our workspace to hold not only printers, but we have also added desktop organizers and other accessories to ensure we have everything we need within easy reach.
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- Bottom shelves adjusts in 1'' increments
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- Some assembly required
- Manufacturer's Limited Lifetime Warranty
Product Specs
- Width 29.5"
- Depth 20"
- Height 35"
- Weight 49 lbs
- Color Black
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- Adjustable Yes
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- Brand Safco
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Friend's Email:
Subject: I have found a CD that I think you would enjoy
|Various Artists
24 G.H. Of All Time
Genres: Pop, R&B, Rock
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Not all surf city, not all una paloma blanca
(4 out of 5 stars)
"funnily enough, i started listening to this album before i even reached adolescence, after expressing to my parents an interest in dion and the belmonts. most of the time, i would just listen and laugh at some songs' silly or over-serious treatment of otherwise serious occasions - "love potion #9" always tickled my funny bone, as did "who's that lady?" and especially "bang bang." other songs were heavier: ike and tina's two-faced "proud mary," and "the glory of love," which always seems to linger, to dwell in my ears in a way similar to fats domino's slow and penetrating croon. and somehow, "walk don't run" alone managed to instill in me the ability to see beauty and fun in a song that doesn't have well-known choruses to carry it through.Not all 24 of these sweet songs are really legendary in style, presentation and content. they did not cause shifts in musical paradigms or provoke deep contemplation. there is nothing here that you won't be able to hear on your local oldies station, if you wait around long enough. but, to dismiss this stuff because of its relative simplicity would be too hasty a move for lovers of sound.this is a great album when you are in the mood for the kind of sounds produced before rubber soul blew brian wilson's mind (and yes, a little bit after, as well): lightweight, simple, often though not entirely upbeat...i have found that it is good to unwind to. and it never fails to provide the same laughs and smiles as when i was a kid, all the way from eddie cochran's visit to his local congressman, to cher falling off her imaginary horse, to the highwaymen's perfect, quieting closing.in the words of jan and dean: "it's not very cherry, it's an oldie but a goody"..."


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Two Features You Do Definitely Not Understand In Relation To LASIK Eye Surgical OperationThe eye can be examined with relative ease as to both its function and its structure. A practical examination consists of the capability to move in the orbit and the reaction of the student to light and lodging.
The function of the eye might be evaluated in numerous ways. The client may be asked to identify illuminated letter or things of differing sizes on exactly what is called the Snellen chart.
Conversely, the evaluation of the structural part of the eye may be made in several ways. Stress within the eyeball is determined by a "tonometer." In particular diseases, specifically in glaucoma, the tension in the eyeball is increased markedly.
It needs to be well kept in mind that a patient with an eye issue may have other problems. Typically other physical conditions are main and affect the eye as a effect. The appearance of the eye can signal the client and the doctor to difficulties in some disruptions of other parts of the body even before other symptoms provide themselves.
As a result, one's reliance on sight is stressed when one faces a temporary or possible permanent loss of this important sense. When restorative steps are sought, particular forms of vision correction such as contact lenses or eyeglasses are recommended.
On the other hand, some individuals are troubled with the reality that they have actually some framed lenses or contact lenses in front of their eyes.
For this factor, advanced surgeries were developed to motivate decreased usage of contact lenses or glasses. One of which is the now popular LASIK eye surgical treatment.
Essentially, LASIK eye surgical treatment is the short term for "Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis." Like its tangible equivalent, LASIK eye surgery is another type of vision correction. The only difference is that with this type of surgical treatment, one's vision is remedied completely.
With LASIK eye surgical treatment, the refractive errors in the cornea are completely changed. This can be done utilizing an "excimer laser."
The primary function of this surgical treatment is to create a threadlike, rounded "flap" in the cornea using a blade understood as "microkeratome." In a series of unfolding and laser processing, visit the website the cornea is finally reformed, permitting better the eye to direct more light into the retina.
Appeal vs. Disadvantages
In the middle of the growing popularity of LASIK eye surgery, there are still disadvantages that people need to understand. Probably, the primary reason why this type of eye surgical treatment has actually become well accepted is since many of its cases had achieved success.
However, in spite of its success, there are still some disadvantages. Here is the list:
1. It is an operation applied to the most delicate part of the eye
Due to the fact that LASIK eye surgery includes the operation of the retina, which is among the most sensitive parts of the eye, a lot of people say that the operation can be very dangerous.
To puts it simply, a basic mistake could nearly trigger an person's lifetime blindness. For this reason, it is essential to consider lots of aspects prior to deciding whether LASIK eye surgery is the ideal restorative step one has to go through.
2. It is not a perfect procedure
LASIK eye surgery may correct your vision but it does not necessarily suggest that it can give you a ideal vision. Even if analytical reports show that 70% of the patients may have 20/20 vision, this does not necessarily mean they have perfect vision.
Offered all these things, it can be deduced that, in spite of the appeal of the operation, LASIK may not constantly be the ideal eye surgery the method the majority of people view it
On the other hand, the assessment of the structural part of the eye might be made in numerous methods. It should be well kept click for info in mind that a client with an eye issue might have other problems. Typically other physical conditions are primary and affect the eye as a consequence. The appearance of the eye can inform the client and the doctor to troubles in some disturbances of other parts of the body even prior to other signs present themselves.
Like its tangible equivalent, LASIK eye surgery is another form of vision correction.


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After the delicious appetizer (which we snacked on while cooking the rest of our dinner), it's time for the main course! After my clue, I'm sure it's no surprise that we had a piece of rich and tender rib eye steak paired with a baked potato (fully loaded!) and an arugula and pear salad. There are a few reasons why we chose this dish as our date-night dinner. First, it's probably one of the most ordered dishes from a restaurant's menu, second Justin really wanted a "piece of meat", as he called it, and third, I got a brand new cast iron skillet for Xmas and I needed to try it out! So without further ado here are the recipes:
Baked potato:
* 2 large baking potatoes
* 1 tsp olive oil
* 2 tbsp plain Greek yogurt
* 2 scallions, chopped
* 2 slices turkey bacon, diced and crisped
* salt
* 2 large rib eye steaks, about 1 inch thick
* steak seasoning (or just salt and pepper)
* 3 cups baby arugula
* 1 pear, thinly sliced
* 1/2 red bell pepper, chopped
* 1/2 cup roasted pumpkin seeds
* light raspberry vinaigrette dressing
Baked potatoes:
1. Wash and scrub potatoes under cold water. Pat dry with paper towel.
2. Pierce each potato with a fork all around in 1-inch intervals. Coat with olive oil, arrange on a baking rack and bake at 360F for 90 minutes.
3. Slip potatoes across with a knife, gently open up, sprinkle with salt and top with a spoon of a Greek yogurt, crisped bacon and scallions.
Steak (medium):
1. Take steaks out of the fridge and let them sit in room temperature for about 2 hours.
2. Pat dry, brush with a little bit of vegetable oil and season with a steak seasoning on both sides.
3. Preheat the oven to 500F and place the empty cast iron skillet inside to heat it up (for about 10 minutes). Transfer the skillet onto a hot stove, put steaks in it and cook for 2 minutes on each side (it will smoke like crazy, but it's all good!).
4. Transfer the skillet together with steaks back into a 500F oven and bake for 3 minutes. It's very important to stick to the exact times (if you want the steak to be medium), so that the steak is not overcooked
5. Transfer cooked steaks onto a plate, cover with aluminum foil and let it rest for 8-10 minutes before serving.
1. Combine arugula with sliced pear and chopped pepper. Drizzle with the raspberry vinaigrette dressing (or any you like) and top with toasted pumpkin seeds.
Do you see the size of this steak? Thank God we ate it at home, because we had to unbutton our pants not even half way through it! It's a very simple and rustic meal... and so American too! Wait until you see the dessert...
See you in a few days,


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Too Long Ignored
Bob Herbert with a powerful op ed on the "tragic crisis of enormous magnitude…facing black boys and men in America":
A tragic crisis of enormous magnitude is facing black boys and men in America.
Parental neglect, racial discrimination and an orgy of self-destructive behavior have left an extraordinary portion of the black male population in an ever-deepening pit of social and economic degradation.
The Schott Foundation for Public Education tells us in a new report that the on-time high school graduation rate for black males in 2008 was an abysmal 47 percent, and even worse in several major urban areas — for example, 28 percent in New York City.
The astronomical jobless rates for black men in inner-city neighborhoods are both mind-boggling and heartbreaking. There are many areas where virtually no one has a legitimate job.
More than 70 percent of black children are born to unwed mothers. And I've been hearing more and more lately from community leaders in poor areas that moms are absent for one reason or another and the children are being raised by a grandparent or some other relative — or they end up in foster care.
That the black community has not been mobilized en masse to turn this crisis around is a screaming shame. Black men, according to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, have nearly a one-third chance of being incarcerated at some point in their lives. By the time they hit their mid-30s, a solid majority of black men without a high school diploma have spent time in prison.
Homicide is the leading cause of death for young black men, with the murderous wounds in most cases inflicted by other young black men.
This is a cancer that has been allowed to metastasize for decades. Not only is it not being treated, most people don't even want to talk about it.
August 20, 2010
Too Long Ignored
By BOB HERBERT


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As far as we know, it hasn't occurred to the FBI to monitor activists of the extreme right -- who, after all, were responsible for the destruction of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City. And I'm sure that they haven't sought out good ol' Charlie Duke who, while serving as a state senator from Colorado Springs, opined that the feds themselves had blown up the building.
Meanwhile, Gov. Bill Owens has refused to call a special session of the Legislature to deal with the Colorado's citizen-created fiscal crisis. Simply put, the Doug Bruce-authored TABOR Amendment to the constitution restricts state revenues, while Amendment 23 mandates increased spending on education.
Absent some sort of fix, we're in for a California-style fiscal train wreck -- that's the one thing that most Democrats and Republicans in the Legislature can agree on. But, surprise! They don't agree on the precise nature of the fix. Republicans want to alter Amendment 23, and Dems want to revise TABOR. Any fix has to be approved by voters in November, so without a special session to hammer out a deal, nothing can be done. So why doesn't Gov. Owens call the Legislature back in session? Because, he says, there's no agreement among legislators, so why bother?
Excuse me, Governor, but isn't that your job? Do you think that Arnold Schwarzenegger would sit passively by and let a bunch of girlie men tell him what to do? Leaders lead, Bill. They threaten, they twist arms, they make deals, they cajole, and they get it done. They don't just sit on their butts in their mansions and whine. And suppose you can't make it happen? Well, you're getting paid to at least try.
Of course, there's a cynical political reason for doing nothing. Given that the ill effects of the TABOR/23 combo platter have yet to hit the voters where it hurts, maybe it's best to let Colorado take a hit, and then try for a fix. That's like burning down your house to prove that the fire department is incompetent -- but that's politics as usual.
And speaking of politics as usual, I was hanging out with my geezer homies at the usual coffee shop last week when the subject of the Bush-sponsored Kerry-bashing ads came up. You know, the ones wherein a bunch of right-wing Vietnam vets accuse Kerry of not being a war hero at all; why, he didn't deserve those medals! Those weren't real bullets! He's just a girlie man! The geezers were amused; I was indignant. We argued; surely the geezers knew that the ads were partisan nonsense. But then a quiet guy standing nearby interrupted us.
"I was in Vietnam," he said, "and let me tell you, those Swift Boats were the worst place to be. They were always under fire. Anyone who was there, they were in combat, they were in danger, and they deserve our respect. It was a bad time."
We shut up. But I wondered why politics, at every level, has become so raw, so personal and so brutal. Look at the recent contests, featuring push polls, character assassination and unrestrained mudslinging -- and this was between Republicans!
Locally, this is a new phenomenon. In 1991, Wayne Fisher, an incumbent running for re-election to City Council, would preface his remarks at candidate forums by praising his opponents, and saying that he believed that any of them would make a good council member. Indeed, all of the candidates were civil and cordial and took care to emphasize issues, not personalities. None of 'em raised much money; one successful candidate, Randy Purvis, only raked in three grand.
So where did the nastiness start? Nationally, it began with Newt Gingrich, who taught Republicans to fight like pit bulls, and give no quarter. Locally, it began with the arrival of Focus on the Family, which, by commingling religion, politics and morality, created a very different Colorado Springs.
Not that everything was perfect in 1991-- note that Wayne Fisher, after running an exemplary campaign, lost to a fresh-faced hustler who would later run, unsuccessfully, for mayor as "The Colorado Conservative."
And for all you students of local history, a cuppa joe at Wooglin's to the first five correct answers: Who was that fresh-faced hustler?
-- firstname.lastname@example.com


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All of us have thought, at one point or another, and possibly more than once, "I wish I knew then what I know now." It's been famously said that "hindsight is 20/20". Our clarity of thought with respect to what we should have done is frequently much more acute than was our thinking in those past irretrievableRead more
20/20 Vision
Category: Newsletter Library, Wellness
Your Health Account
Category: Newsletter Library, Healthy Tips
Everyone wants to grow their bank account. We know our financial health is usually estimated by the level of our resources. The more money in the bank, figuratively speaking, the more secure we feel. If our resources include stocks, bonds, and property, we are even more secure. We can use such fiscalRead more
The Next Ten Years
Category: Newsletter Library, Staying Motivated
What does the future hold in store? None of us can know with certainty, although some predictions are possible. Stock market indexes will rise. Then they'll fall. Then everyone will hope that the indexes will rise again. Hemlines will fall. Then they'll rise. Then in two or three years they'll fall again. TheRead more
The Long View
Category: Newsletter Library, Staying Motivated
In general most people pay close attention to auto maintenance. Whether the concern is tires, brakes, transmission, or windshield status, people make sure that their cars do what they need them to do. People count on their cars to perform effectively. No one wants a surprise, especially in a criticalRead more
The Fast Lane
Category: Newsletter Library, Staying Motivated
Driving fast is not necessarily a good thing. We want to get where we're going as quickly as possible, but we also want to arrive safely. If we drive too fast, we may encounter all sorts of problems. If we drive too slow, we're wasting time and may be causing traffic problems behind us. These competingRead more
Drivers Education
Category: Newsletter Library, Injury Rehab & Prevention
We all know someone who has suffered a serious driving-related injury that had nothing to do with being involved in a motor vehicle accident. For example, turning your head suddenly and swiftly for a last minute check of your "blind spot" before changing lanes on the interstate could result in a painfulRead more


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Bruce Davis: Still not blogging – Part Deux
It's the end of February of 2006. Bruce Davis, the ex-Chairman of the Guilford County Commissioners and one that I dislike due to these acts that we the taxpayers are paying for, still doesn't have time to blog even though he's being paid an outrageous amount of money to represent Guilford County. Heck, I as a taxpayer, am paying for his "roaming" cellular bills.
Apparently there just isn't enough time to blog with his first, and last post dated Oct. 21st of 2005. There were many follow-ups, such as this one in November and this one in December.
This is exactly why I dislike politicians. Everything is a farce when it comes to reaching out and communicating to the people. I'm also fairly amused that back during that time with the whole cellular fiasco, there were three people with County paid cell phones. Mr. Davis, Mr. Alston, and Ms. Coleman. Currently, Mr. Alston doesn't have his cellular phone posted on the County Commissioners website (2/28/06). Did he turn it in? Anyone?
This is also the reason I love my city Councilwoman, Sandy Carmany. Communication galore! Talk about not shirking responsibilities. Bravo Sandy!
So when are we as a community going to get down to business and oust these people that supposedly represent "us" but voted to give RFMicro $800k+ as the fourth incentives package without paying any attention to what we have to say? I'm not one to get corrupted by the political realm, but there are others that are strong enough to withstand the pressure. Hoggard? Wanna give it a shot? It pays well.


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Sunday, March 6, 2011
Have a Fabulous Sunday!
2 comments:
- Sandy at Ooh La Frou Frou said...
Love the big pink hat ... so very Dior! And you can never go wrong with a little George Clooney ... unless you're looking for marriage! xo
- March 8, 2011 at 11:21 AM
- Posh Girl Couture said...
I LOVE Dior. I WANT this outfit!!!
This is POSH GIRL STYLE ; )
George Clooney does it for me. lol
You have no idea... LOL
NEVER rule out marriage. You just never know what can happen! ;)
Have a Fabulous weekend sweets!!!
Miss all you glamour girls. I'm so behind but working on things.
Talk soon xoxo
- March 12, 2011 at 1:12 PM
Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)


text:
This section contains 1,826 words
(approx. 5 pages at 400 words per page)
"Interpreter of Maladies" Summary
Mr. and Mrs. Das are arguing at the first rest stop about whose turn it is to take their daughter to the toilet. Mr. Das complains he bathed her the night before. Mrs. Das gets out of Mr. Kapasi's car to take Tina. It is a Saturday in mid-July. Mr. Kapasi is driving the Das family from their hotel to the Sun Temple at Konarak. He is assigned to pick up foreign tourists because he speaks English. The Das' also have two boys, Ronny and Bobby. The parents are under thirty and look Indian but dress like foreigners. Mr. Das squeezes Mr. Kapasi's hand greeting him like an American. Mr. Das holds a tour book titled "INDIA" and wears shorts, T-shirt, sneakers and camera around his neck. Ronny exits the car to see a goat. Bobby stays...
(read more from the "Interpreter of Maladies" Summary)
This section contains 1,826 words
(approx. 5 pages at 400 words per page)


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Customer Reviews
All reviews are from people who have redeemed deals with this merchant.
What You'll Get
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Students seeking advice, assistance, and information concerning the full-time graduate programs should visit the Graduate Programs Office, 203 Alfiero. There you can set up an appointment to meet with your specified advisor. The office phone number is 716-645-3204.
Graduate Programs Office
School of Management
University at Buffalo
203 Alfiero Center
Buffalo, NY 14260-4010
Tel: 716-645-3204
Fax: 716-645-2341
Meet our Team


text:
- Embellished front
- Long sleeves
- V-neckline
- Swing fit
- Made from a fine knitted fabric
- 61% Polyester, 30% Viscose, 9% Elastane
- Front length from (approx): 98cm/39"
- Back length from (approx): 93cm/37"
- Wash cold
- Model is 5"9/175cm and size UK 16/EU 44
Plus Sizes: 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26-28, 30-32, 34-36
Fit & Fashion Notes:
Made from a fine knitted fabric, this stylish dress is designed with a flare to the hem to create a flattering swing shape. Team with court shoes and silver jewellery to complete the look.
Why We Love It:
It's super versatile and could easily be worn for formal or casual occasions.
Standard Australia delivery
$18 AUD delivery (8-10 working days)
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Georgia-Pacific Reports Q1 $147 million profit
Friday, April 30, 2004
Press release from the issuing companyATLANTA, April 29 -- Georgia-Pacific Corp. today reported first quarter 2004 net income of $147 million (57 cents diluted earnings per share) compared with a net loss of $30 million (12 cents diluted loss per share) for the first quarter 2003. First quarter 2004 net income was $163 million (63 cents diluted earnings per share) before previously reported pretax charges of $26 million ($16 million after tax, or 6 cents diluted loss per share) for losses on early extinguishment of debt. In addition, earnings in the first quarter 2004 included $36 million ($23 million after tax, or 9 cents diluted loss per share) of stock-based compensation expense primarily due to appreciation of Georgia-Pacific's common stock price. Also, with the announcements of the sale of its non-integrated pulp operations and building products distribution business, Georgia-Pacific ceased depreciation of the related assets, resulting in lower depreciation expense for the first quarter 2004 of $9 million ($6 million after tax, or 2 cents diluted earnings per share). "The exceptional strength across our building products businesses continued to drive significant improvements in our year-over-year earnings for the first quarter," said A.D. "Pete" Correll, Georgia-Pacific chairman and chief executive officer. "We expect to deliver even stronger second quarter results, based on improving conditions in our consumer products, packaging and bleached paper businesses, combined with continued momentum in building products." The company's first quarter 2003 net loss was $5 million (2 cents diluted loss per share) before the following unusual items: A pretax charge of $74 million ($47 million after tax, or 19 cents diluted loss per share) for the impairment of tissue and pulp assets related to the closure of tissue manufacturing operations at Old Town, Maine; A pretax charge of $10 million ($6 million after tax or 2 cents diluted loss per share) for other unusual items, including severance and closure costs; and An after-tax credit of $28 million (11 cents diluted earnings per share) for the cumulative effect of adopting Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 143, "Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations." Georgia-Pacific's net sales were $5.2 billion for the quarter ending April 3, 2004, up 18 percent when compared with $4.4 billion in the first quarter 2003. Net sales for 2004 and 2003 exclude results from the non- integrated pulp facilities, which, as previously announced, are being sold to Koch Cellulose LLC, and are reported as Discontinued Operations in all periods. North America Consumer Products The North America consumer products segment includes the company's retail and away-from-home tissue businesses. Familiar consumer tissue brands include Quilted Northern, Angel Soft, Brawny, Sparkle, Soft 'n Gentle, Mardi Gras, So-Dri, Green Forest and Vanity Fair, as well as the Dixie brand of disposable cups, plates, containers and cutlery. The segment recorded a first quarter 2004 operating profit of $122 million versus $123 million in first quarter 2003. Included in the first quarter 2004 results were pretax charges of $2 million, primarily for employee severance costs at Green Bay, Wis. First quarter 2003 results included a $25 million pretax charge for asset impairment charges at Old Town. "As expected, our launches of improved Brawny paper towels and Quilted Northern bath tissue continued in earnest during the first quarter and resulted in greater advertising, promotions and distribution expenses. The marketplace is responding very favorably to these new products," Correll said. "Our retail tissue shipments were up from a year ago, primarily due to increased sales to fast-growing mass retail, club and dollar stores. "The away-from-home tissue business remained very competitive during the first quarter and prices were lower despite higher shipments than a year ago. Across the North American consumer products business, our costs for raw materials, energy and distribution increased year over year. To help offset these higher costs, we announced price increases set to take effect in the second and third quarters in both retail and away-from-home consumer products, including tissue, towels, napkins and Dixie products," he said. International Consumer Products The international consumer products segment markets both retail and away- from-home products such as bathroom and facial tissue, handkerchiefs and paper towels, as well as tabletop products for foodservice in Europe and other locations. Market-leading brands include Lotus, Moltonel, Colhogar, Tenderly and Delica. The segment recorded a first quarter 2004 operating profit of $58 million, compared with $43 million during the same quarter a year ago. The first quarter 2004 results include a credit of $4 million for the reversal of severance reserves. Changes in the currency exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and the Euro since the first quarter of 2003 accounted for approximately $8 million of the improvement. "The international consumer products business performed better than a year ago, helped in part by our ongoing efficiency and cost improvements. The weakness of the U.S. dollar reduced the segment's pulp costs in local currencies and increased its operating profit. Prices were weaker than a year ago, and shipments were up 5 percent due to seasonal factors," said Correll. Packaging Georgia-Pacific's packaging segment includes four containerboard manufacturing facilities and 57 converting operations. Its Color-Box subsidiary is the leading litho-laminated corrugated manufacturer in North America. The segment recorded an operating profit of $45 million in the first quarter 2004, compared with $59 million in the first quarter 2003. "Box prices for the quarter were lower than a year ago, which was offset somewhat by higher shipment volumes," Correll said. "Prices in this business have consistently fallen since first quarter a year ago, and there are now signs that they reached their trough in the first quarter 2004. Demand showed definite signs of improvement near the quarter's end. "Overall, box shipments rose approximately 5 percent, while prices were about 5 percent lower than a year ago. Operating rates were dramatically better than the same quarter last year." Bleached Pulp and Paper The bleached pulp and paper segment is comprised of the company's pulp, bleached board and communication papers businesses as well as its 40 percent minority ownership in Unisource. The segment recorded a first quarter 2004 operating loss of $20 million, compared with an operating loss of $43 million in the first quarter 2003, which included a pretax charge of $49 million for asset impairment at the Old Town facility. Results no longer include the non-integrated pulp facilities at New Augusta, Miss., or Brunswick, Ga. Those operations are now reported as Discontinued Operations and had an after-tax profit of $5 million in the first quarter 2004. In the first quarter 2003, those operations recorded a $7 million after-tax loss. Results from 2003 have been revised to reflect the discontinued status of these operations. "Conditions in the bleached pulp and paper segment remained tough in the first quarter, with white paper prices down nearly 9 percent from first quarter 2003 in a higher-cost environment," Correll said. "Shipments of white paper were slightly higher than a year ago as many customers made purchases before already-announced price increases take effect during the second quarter. We believe continued gains in office employment and the weaker dollar will help this business during the balance of the year." Building Products Manufacturing The building products manufacturing segment includes the company's structural panels, gypsum, lumber, industrial wood products and chemical manufacturing businesses. The segment recorded first quarter 2004 operating profit of $263 million versus an operating loss of $17 million in the first quarter 2003. Included in the first quarter 2004 results were $2 million in employee severance costs at the Gloster, Miss., and Russellville, S.C., plywood facilities. In the first quarter 2003, the company closed a particleboard facility at Oxford, Miss., and a sawmill at Wakefield, Va., resulting in total pretax charges of approximately $7 million. "Following a strong fourth quarter 2003 performance, our building products manufacturing business achieved record first quarter operating profits this year," Correll said. "Demand for building products remained very strong, especially for the first quarter. Year over year, plywood prices were up 52 percent, oriented strand board prices improved 115 percent and softwood lumber prices rose more than 12 percent. Shipments of these products were higher as well. The record pace of housing starts and strong sales of existing homes, combined with favorable winter weather, continued to fuel this remarkable recovery in our building products manufacturing business. We are not seeing any evidence of inventory building among dealers and distributors. "In addition, we remain very pleased with the growth in our specialty building products, such as the Dens line of gypsum panels, sales of which grew nearly 40 percent compared with the same quarter a year ago. To meet the increasing demand for Dens products, we restarted our gypsum facility at Savannah, Ga., during the quarter exclusively to produce Dens panels." Building Products Distribution The building products distribution segment is the leading business of its kind in North America, supplying lumber and building materials to dealers as well as large do-it-yourself warehouses. The segment reported an operating profit of $58 million in the first quarter 2004 compared with an operating profit of $3 million in the same quarter a year ago. During the first quarter 2004, Georgia-Pacific reached an agreement to sell this segment to a new company owned by Cerberus Capital Management L.P., and members of the distribution business' management team. The overall transaction is valued at approximately $810 million, which assumes $630 million of working capital at closing. Georgia-Pacific also will enter into a six-year agreement for the distribution business to continue purchasing structural panels, lumber and other building products manufactured by Georgia- Pacific. Georgia-Pacific expects the transaction to result in net after-tax proceeds of approximately $780 million, which will be used to reduce debt. Other The company's Other segment primarily includes unallocated corporate expenses and the elimination of intersegment sales. The segment reported first quarter 2004 expenses of $116 million compared with expenses of $68 million for the same period in 2003. Included in the 2004 results were a $26 million charge for the early extinguishment of debt, a $36 million charge for stock-based compensation expenses, and a $15 million translation gain associated with foreign borrowings. Included in the first quarter 2003 results were a $1 million charge for stock compensation, a $4 million translation loss and an unusual $3 million charge for the adoption of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 "Accounting for Stock- Based Compensation." "Looking forward, our building products businesses are well-positioned to continue their outstanding performance as we enter the strongest season for construction. There also are clearly emerging signs that business conditions for consumer products and packaging are improving," Correll said. "Effectively realizing the price increases we have announced to customers will be the key to offsetting the increased costs we're experiencing in our consumer products, packaging and paper businesses. "We are successfully executing our asset rationalization plan, which will generate a significant amount of cash for debt reduction during the second quarter. In addition, we continue to pursue reductions in operating and overhead costs as we stay focused on generating investment-grade financial performance. "As economic conditions strengthen, we are in excellent shape to maximize our opportunities for continued profit improvements," Correll concluded.
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|Normally, I don't review books that have been out for a while, and I rarely (if ever) review technical books, but the two books I'm reviewing tonight are exceptions to the rule. I've been so impressed with these two books, that I felt it would be absolutely criminal to not discuss these books.
Binky Under Pressure
Image Courtesy Kids Can Press
|Written and Illustrated by: Ashley Spires
Kids Can Press, 2011
ISBN: 978-1-55453-504-0 (hardback)
$16.95 Ages: 7 and up
Binky the cat is back, and life is good. He's still an official certified space cat, but the problems he once faced seem so… mundane now. He can defeat alien invaders without leaving his bed, and nothing seems challenging anymore, until one day, a new kitty appears in his space ship. Not one to take occurrences like this lying down, Binky investigates and discovers a frightening secret – one that could get him kicked out of F.U.R.S.T. (Felines of the Universe Ready for Space Travel)! Now, Binky not only has to prove he's worthy of maintaining his status, but must also deal with a surprise alien invasion!
Binky is a character that the majority of kids can immediately identify with. He is charismatic, fun, endearing, and as human as a cat can be. Having to deal with the pressures of being upstaged (and fearing replacement) are topics that a lot of kids experience, regardless of the reality of the situation. Spires has created a series that while on the surface seems to be a silly cat story, really carries some emotional heft to it. Her artwork is clean and inviting, and Binky's expressions have to be seen to be truly appreciated.
|Final Thoughts
Binky is a great addition to any kid's personal library. Public libraries and schools would do well to have at least one copy of this book (it wouldn't hurt to have a copy of the previous book either). Binky is a fun and funny romp with an adorable protagonist who is just too much fun to be read once. This is a definite keeper.


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MyRA Proposal
By Stephen Lendman
Americans don't need another phony retirement scheme. They need employer-provider defined benefits they once enjoyed.
They need guaranteed pensions. They need safe and secure ones. They need Social Security protected. They need it strengthened.
It's not an entitlement. It's not welfare. It's a contractual federal obligation. It's for eligible recipients who qualify.
It's funded by worker-employer payroll tax deductions. Insurance premiums work the same way.
It's America's most important retirement program. It's not going bankrupt. When properly administered, it's sound and secure.
Bipartisan complicity weakened it over time. It needs strengthening. Its original incarnation needs to be restored and improved.
Today it's not what it was created to be. Franklin Roosevelt's vision needs to be reestablished.
On August 14, 1935, he said in part:
"This social security measure gives at least some protection to thirty millions of our citizens who will reap direct benefits through unemployment compensation, through old-age pensions and through increased services for the protection of children and the prevention of ill health."
The law "give(s) some measure of protection to the average citizen and to his family against the loss of a job and against poverty - ridden old age."
It "represents a cornerstone in a structure which is being built but is by no means complete."
Its purpose is to "take care of human needs and at the same time provide for the United States an economic structure of vastly greater soundness."
On January 11, 1944, Roosevelt's last State of the Union address proposed an economic bill of rights.
He didn't live long enough to implement it. He wanted the following guaranteed for all Americans:
employment with a living (not a minimum) wage;
freedom from unfair competition and monopolies;
decent housing;
proper healthcare;
education; and
strengthened social security.
He wanted all Americans freed from the ravages of poverty. Obama is no Roosevelt. He's ideologically opposite.
Obamanomics did more to wreck the American dream than any of his predecessors.
He presided over the greatest wealth transfer in history. He's beholden to powerful monied interests. They own him.
His rhetoric belies his policies. He's pro-business, pro-privilege, pro-war, anti-populist, and against all fundamental values real democracies cherish.
He's waged war on ordinary Americans. He wrecked the lives of millions. His entire agenda is opposite of what's needed. His new MyRA (retirement account) proposal is more scam than solution.
"Today, most workers don't have a pension," said Obama. He stopped short of explaining efforts to eliminate public and private pensions altogether.
"Social Security...often isn't enough on its own," he added. It could be much more than today. It should be. Proper strengthening would improve it greatly.
It's been weakened over time. Bipartisan complicity wants it privatized. Doing so assures wrecking it altogether. Obama's MyRA proposal ignores a problem needing fixing.
On January 28, he said he'll "direct the Treasury to create a new way for working Americans to start their own retirement savings: MyRA. It's a new savings bond that encourages folks to build a nest egg."
On January 29, a White House press release headlined "FACT SHEET: Opportunity for All: Securing a Dignified Retirement for All Americans."
It calls MyRAs "simple, safe and affordable 'starter' retirement savings accounts." Workers earning up to $191,000 are eligible.
Employers willing to participate will make automatic payroll deductions. No employer contribution is required.
Worker contributions are voluntary. An initial $25 is required. Subsequent ones can be as little as $5.
They'll be used to purchase US Treasuries. Yields fluctuate over time. They're rock bottom now.
Treasury bills earn practically nothing. Five year Treasury notes yield about 1.50%. Ten year notes around 2.70%. Inflation is multiples higher. Money invested today ends up worth less.
Savers can keep the same account if they change jobs. They can roll over the balance into a private IRA any time.
Once accounts accumulate $15,000 (or are held 30 years), they automatically roll over into a privately run Roth IRA with no tax loss.
According to Economic Policy Institute economist Monique Morrissey, doing so is bad news.
"The president's plan may serve to channel more savings into a high-risk, high-fee system without first addressing its failings," she said.
His plan is "nothing to get exited about." Savers "already have convenient access to low or no-risk investment options."
They can do it through retirement accounts. They can buy Treasuries or other financial instruments on their own.
Morrissey urges "holding out for a better retirement option." Obama's plan may seem "harmless," she said.
It "distracts from real reform efforts." They're more than ever needed. Obama and Congress ignore them. Obama's MyRA scheme is more smoke and mirrors than needed change.
According to the White House press release, accounts are "offered through an initial pilot program to employees of employers (that) choose to participate by the end of 2014."
Obama claims he's "committed to working with Congress to help secure a dignified retirement for all Americans."
Throughout five years in office, his policies have been polar opposite. Don't expect his MyRA scheme to change things.
According to Social Security Works co-director Eric Kingson:
"Instead of putting forward the MyRA proposal and making some noises about auto-IRAs, I wish (Obama) simply focused on the facts about the impending retirement income crisis, or acknowledged, along with his MyRA and the auto-IRA rhetoric, that these proposals can, at best, only make a small dent in a larger problem."
Crisis looms for millions approaching retirement. Most people haven't saved enough. Many accumulated nothing. They're more indebted than secure.
Obama's so-called "good start" is more sham than solution. It does practically nothing to resolve a festering crisis.
Longtime Chicago financial adviser, Terry Savage, reports the "Savage Truth." She discussed Obama's MyRA proposal.
"What a creative idea," she said. "It sounds so familiar. Wait. We already have that account. It's called SOCIAL SECURITY."
It's how it "was promoted when...enacted in 1935." In the 1980s, "growing surpluses (became) a tempting target "
They were looted to fund government. Wall Street crooks benefitted. So did war profiteers and other corporate favorites. Super-rich elites got wealthier. The trust fund became their piggy bank.
Then Reagan National Commission on Social Security Reform head Alan Greenspan recommended it.
He lied claiming a Social Security "financing crisis." He wrongfully claimed the trust fund could run out of money "as early as 1983."
Congress acted irresponsibly. In April 1983, Reagan signed the Social Security Amendments of 1983 into law.
Doing so claimed to "resolve short-term financing problem(s) and (make) many other significant changes in Social Security law."
The public was scammed. Payroll taxes were raised. Rich Americans were exempted beyond a woefully low maximum limit.
Low-income earners today pay more in payroll than income taxes. Greenspan's commission was supposed to make Social Security fiscally sound for the next 75 years.
People were lied to. They weren't told no problem existed. Changes made transferred wealth to rich elites. Multiple income tax cuts benefitted them more. At the same time, the bottom 11% rate rose to 15%.
It was America's first ever tax cut making low-wage earners pay more. Their income and payroll taxes rose. Transferring wealth to corporations and super-rich elites continues. Inequality today is unprecedented.
"...Social Security was (meant) to be a tax-free return on your contributions," said Savage. It was so until "1983 reforms."
"(W)e've seen this movie before...In offering his new 'MyRa' proposal, the President said: 'MyRA guarantees a decent return, with no risk of losing what you put in.' "
...(A)nd you can keep your doctor, too," remember?
"Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on the voters! That's the Savage Truth!"
Social Security Works co-director Nancy Altman says "(s)trengthen Social Security." It didn't cause the federal deficit. It shouldn't be used to reduce it.
It didn't become law to fund government. It shouldn't be privatized. it shouldn't be means tested. High-income earners should pay the same percentage payroll tax as others.
Benefits should be increased, not reduced. Annual inflation adjustments should be real, not based on phony numbers. Low income Americans should be helped most.
In 2010, Professor James W. Russell discussed America's retirement crisis," saying:
"The great 30-year experiment in 401(k)s and similar retirement financing schemes that depend on stock market investments has failed."
"Even before" 2008 crisis conditions erupted, it was clear. "(V)ery few workers...accumulate enough wealth through these accounts to insure" secure retirement futures.
Until the 1980s, each generation since the 19th century was better off financially than earlier ones.
No longer. Inflation adjusted wages are worth less than decades earlier. Benefits steadily eroded. Inequality is the new normal.
Secure retirements are more myth than reality. Untampered with Social Security works as intended.
Strengthening it makes it work better. Russell calls it "the federal government's most successful and popular domestic program."
The 1978 Revenue Act changed things. Its sections 401(k), 403(b), and 457 let retirement plan contributions be made with pretax dollars.
Employer defined benefit plans became defined contribution ones. They offer no assurance of retirement income. Marketplace uncertainty becomes costly in crisis times.
Financial services industry predators profit hugely through large commissions and fees. They benefit. IRA holders lose out. They're scammed.
Privatized plans often don't deliver on promises. Secure retirements require strengthened Social Security, employer-provided benefits and personal savings.
Russell commented on Obama's MyRA proposal. He called it a "token response" at best to today's festering retirement crisis.
It "perpetuates the very myths and fallacies that caused the crisis." Its roots go back to when defined contribution plans replaced defined benefit ones.
IRAs guarantee nothing. They return "dramatically less retirement incomes than the pensions they replaced," said Russell.
Obama said "most workers don't have a pension." He failed to say they deserve one. Instead of recognizing a failed IRA experiment, he "implied that" crisis conditions only affect non-IRA holders.
He lied claiming they're much better off. MyRA's are another gift to financial predators. "The program will do little to benefit retirees," said Russell.
"No one ever obtained retirement security with savings bonds. Once more," Wall Street crooks stand to benefit most.
"The need remains urgent for a comprehensive public program to address the retirement crisis." Throughout five years in office, Obama proposed nothing to do it.
His MyRA scheme falls woefully short. It bears repeating. It's more scam than solution.
Stephen Lendman lives in Chicago. He can be reached at email@example.com.
His new book is titled "Banker Occupation: Waging Financial War on Humanity."
Visit his blog site at sjlendman.blogspot.com.
Listen to cutting-edge discussions with distinguished guests on the Progressive Radio News Hour on the Progressive Radio Network.
It airs Fridays at 10AM US Central time and Saturdays and Sundays at noon. All programs are archived for easy listening.
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Consequently the ICAM project will develop a child and family support programme to:
A) Increase the awareness of children/young people affected by migration who are potential victims of exclusion and those who enter into contact with them, so that children affected by migration understand and benefit from their rights under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and the European Convention on the Exercise of Children's Rights.
B) Apply lessons learned about the long term effects of displacement and bereavement on children affected by migration during World War 2.
C) Through training and support reinforce the capacities of educators and families to ensure the inclusion of children affected by migration in mainstream schools.
D) Develop the whole school formal and informal curriculum for social and emotional learning (SEL) with additional support that meets the special SEL needs of children affected by migration.
E) Improve inclusion and safe learning in school by improving the whole school environment of convivencia concentrating on 10 areas of school organization which combine to create the climate of convivencia.
F) Develop peer led initiatives for children/young people in schools that will promote their ownership and responsibility for including all students fully in the life of the school.
G) Apply an on-line ICAM school review instrument on SEL and the school's organisation for convivencia and inclusion involving all stakeholders.
H) Reinforce cooperation between schools, families, NGOs and other agencies/organisations that are in contact with children/young people affected by migration.
In 2015 there were already 72 million people classified as migrants living in Europe according to the UNODC. Ongoing migration has accelerated so that, in the year up to October 2015, more than 644,000 people had arrived in Europe from countries such as Syria, Eritrea and Libya. According to the UNHCR 361,678 arrived by sea in 2016, an additional 5,022 were known to be dead or missing on the journey. The total of those arriving in Europe now approaches 1.3 million. The UNHCR reports that this situation has fuelled a rise in racism, xenophobia, gender-based violence and intolerance all of which will result in the exclusion of children and young people from the education and learning which are their entitlement. Because they also face trauma from separation and disruption, the ICAM project includes the children and young people of European migrant workers left behind in their country of birth. In Romania alone there are an estimated 650,000 children and young people affected by migration; left behind by parents migrating for work elsewhere in Europe. There is strong evidence to show that investment in SEL and the creation of a safe and secure learning environment in school is highly cost effective, and that, through the application to improved life skills and the ability to learn of all children and young people, these initiatives bring major economic benefits in the future, both in terms of productivity and in reduced social welfare/criminal justice costs. This project not only meets key needs of the target group, it also benefits countries as a whole by helping to ensure that it is not only CAM who will become fully integrated and contributory members of society.
UNICEF defines SEL as:
A process of acquiring social and emotional values, attitudes, competencies, knowledge and skills that are essential for learning, effectiveness, wellbeing and success in life. These qualities include self-awareness, emotional literacy, resilience, persistence, motivation, empathy, social and relationship skills, effective communication, self-esteem, self-confidence, respect and self-regulation. Research has shown that promoting students' emotional health and wellbeing has a positive impact on overall academic achievement and attainment The ICAM project supports schools in developing the social emotional and civic competencies and understanding of democratic values and fundamental rights of all children and young people and other members of the school community by including an enhanced and comprehensive Social and Emotional Learning programme alongside the UNICEF Rights Respecting Schools programme, in the formal and informal school curriculum. A programme of social and emotional learning is seen by UNESCO, UNICEF and an increasing number of national and international childcare agencies as an essential component of the entitlement curriculum. CAM need additional support to help them restore the damage to their social and emotional wellbeing caused by displacement and the trauma of migration.
Included in the ICAM training programme is guidance and instruction to enable school staff to work with and to train parents/carers. Parents/carers will learn how to support and protect CAM and how to reinforce and extend their SEL and wellbeing in partnership with the school.
UNICEF defines SEL as:
A report for UNICEF notes that approximately 40% of students worldwide regularly experience violence in schools. Bullying accounts for approximately 80% of violence against them resulting in their exclusion from learning. Unless schools take specific steps to protect them, CAM are particularly vulnerable to violence and abuse – mainly bullying (including cyber-bullying), which is notoriously meted out by children, young people and adults on members of any community who are seen as different in appearance, circumstance, or culture. The improvement in convivencia in schools is identified as the most effective and positive way to improve inclusion To achieve this, ICAM applies the techniques developed by their previous AAB project which improves the convivencia in schools by training ICAM school leaders in whole school development of 12 aspects of school organisation shown to have the most direct influence on creating the climate of convivencia. The training, which is cascaded to all staff, includes restorative approaches to conflict resolution.


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Please support this! The Pen and Muse and myself as an author are donating goods. Please visit the post here.
We are a worldwide group of independent authors, publishers, filmmakers, and artists rallying to support a fellow writer.
Joshua is the 21-year old son of author, Maxwell Cynn. Max writes speculative fiction, science fiction, and romance. His son has been diagnosed with Acute T-cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia. The cancer has invaded every part of his body: brain; spleen; liver; lymph nodes; and he has a mass in his chest. Joshua has had to suspend his studies while undergoing aggressive chemotherapy and will not be able to graduate this semester. With three-and-a-half years of a 4.0 GPA toward a degree in philosophy, his peers and professors consider him brilliant, as of course, does his father. Joshua would have been the first person in Max's family to graduate college.
To learn more about this amazing young man, read Max's incredible post.


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Jamaica's Birthday Party at Studio 65, Jan. 13, 2008
These Sunday Socials at Studio 65 are a lot of fun. Especially when it involves a special occasion such as birthdays. This night we halped Jamaica celebrate her......uh..uh yeah, 29th birthday, that's it, 29. Anyway, we had a great evening. Some of Jamaica's family was there to help celebrate. Thank you all for coming. Take care. BearRead More


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N Chandrababu Naidu Contact Number, Office Address, House and Resident Address, Mobile Number and Phone Number are listed here with N Chandrababu Naidu contact email id, telephone number, fax number and website. Here in this article we are also sharing the complete contact details of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu contact address and related contact information. It includes house address, Facebook Fan Page, Twitter Account etc.
N Chandrababu Naidu (Nara Chandrababu Naidu) is the most popular Indian politician who had born on 20 April 1950 in Naravari Palle, Chittoor district, Andhra Pradesh. N Chandrababu Naidu served as a Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh. CM N Chandrababu Naidu belongs to Telugu Desam Party Andhra Pradesh.
The many peoples are searching N Chandrababu Naidu contact details on Internet, so as this article we are sharing all required contact information of Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu like CM N Chandrababu Naidu contact office address, official social profiles, email address and official web page with photos, news, etc.
N Chandrababu Naidu Office and Resident Contact Details:
If you are looking how to contact N Chandrababu Naidu, how to meet N Chandrababu Naidu? And are also searching what is the address and contact number of N Chandrababu Naidu, House address of N Chandrababu Naidu, Resident address of N Chandrababu Naidu, phone number of N Chandrababu Naidu? So below you can find all important contact information related to CM N Chandrababu Naidu.
N Chandrababu Naidu Contact Information:
N Chandrababu Naidu Office Address: L Block Secretariat, Opposite Lumbini Park, Hyderabad – 500063, Telangana
N Chandrababu Naidu Resident Address: Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh, and Hyderabad, Telangana, India
N Chandrababu Naidu Office Phone Number: 040 2331 0877, +91 403 069 9999
N Chandrababu Naidu Resident Contact Number: NA
N Chandrababu Naidu Fax Number:
N Chandrababu Naidu Email Id: firstname.lastname@example.com
N Chandrababu Naidu Website: http://chandrababunaidu.com
If you are willing to contact Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu. Then you must go through with the above listed N Chandrababu Naidu contact details of Chief Minister Andhra Pradesh. By using the address, you can send a letter to him. You can also fix your appointment by using the below email ID.
Any person have doubts, suggestions, feedback, complaints etc. related to political and social issues in Andhra Pradesh state. They must check the above details to communicate with Mr. N Chandrababu Naidu's officials.
N Chandrababu Naidu Official Pages:
N Chandrababu Naidu Facebook Fan Page: www.facebook.com/tdp.ncbn.official
N Chandrababu Naidu Twitter ID: www.twitter.com/ncbn


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Weird searches
100%dhw love dating site in asia country
Apparently they were looking for Michelle malign.
The rantings and ravings of an uppity woman.
Great Blogger of the Week - "The Majority Report" (03/06/06)
what does the bible say about MILF
NTodd is having a NToddathon in an effort to get not quite half a million hits by his blogerversery.
Just read Hilary Clinton's speech about energy and come back and tell me that the Democrats don't have ideas about how to run the country. Then tell me what solutions the Republicans propose other than tax cuts. Despite what Ken Mehlman will tell you, the Republicans are not the party of new ideas. That tax cut idea dates back to Reagan, in other words, the GOP is so 20 years ago.
A 6.3 magnitude earthquake in Indonesia has killed about 5,000 people. It's really a shame that so many died because most of those deaths were preventable. I was living in Lacey, WA when the Nisqually Earthquake hit in 2001, no one died directly as a result of that earthquake and it was a 6.8 magnitude earthquake. Compared with 1994 Northridge Earthquake, 57 people died. Northridge was a 6.7 earthquake.
The NYTimes runs a puff piece about the possibility of a third member of the Bush family running for president. For the love of America, I say STOP IT, JUST STOP IT! We do not need another idiot from this dysfunctional family running the United States. aWol destroyed everything that Bill Clinton did to repair the damage to the USA that Poopy did. Lizzy Bummer thinks that skipping four years will let our memories fade about what an unpopular president aWol is.
"But Republican Party leaders continue to talk seriously about a continuation of the dynasty, a Bush III administration, with Jeb as a candidate in 2012 or 2016, when the memory of the current president's dismal poll ratings will be less of a factor. That, at least, is what happened the last time around: President George Bush's unpopularity at the end of his term in 1992 did not hurt his eldest son when he ran for president eight years later."
Homeowners in Arlington are at it again, homeowners are taking advantage of tax credits and figured out a lower their energy costs and greenhouse emmissions by installing solar panels on their house. They're not the only tree-huggers in Arlington (which is a very urban area) the Pentagon also runs on solar power. You can see the Pentagon's solar panels as you are driving south on I-395 just as you get off the 14th Street Bridge. (One of these days I will post a picture of it, just to prove to Bryan it is not an antenna array. ;)
So the names and social security numbers of millions of veterans (including mine) were missing for 13 days before the Secretary of Veteran's Affairs was notified. And how much longer was it before the public knew? That's how I found out, I didn't get a letter or a phone call to notify me that my identity may have been compromised. Noooo, I had to find out Monday morning when the clock radio went off in the morning and the local NPR station told me. Now I find out that my information had been missing for at least two weeks. Geez, you can't trust this administation with anything.
I think Tim Bono needs to re-read his Gospels. Jesus never said anything about homosexuality. (Nor did he say anything about abortion for that matter.) But Tim Bono (obiviously no relation to Chastity Bono) thinks that his religion justifies him being a bigot and he can deny customer service to someone. I have news for you Mr Bono, bigotry is not a good business plan. And bigotry does run counter to Christian values. See the Bible mentions homosexuality about three times, it addresses taking care of the poor more than a thousand times. Which do you think is God's higher priority?
The Political Compass
There has been a lot of furor over the intelligence community collecting information on US Persons, one controversery has been over the TALON reports. Believe it or not, TALONs are very boring. I use to read them on a daily basis, trust me, they are not worth the scandal. Most of the reports have to do with some poor schmuck getting lost on a military base. Or some idiot trying to get on a military base without the proper identification. The reports are pound-your-head-on-the-desk boring. Well, it turns out that Michelle Malkin got lost on Ft. Meade while visiting the National Cryptologic Museum. I've always wondered what you happen if someone treated her as she wants liberals, immigrants and Muslims to be treated. Apparently, she enjoys it. I wonder how she will feel when that report of her being pulled over by security at NSA turns up at an analyst's desk at CIFA or DHS. Michelle Malkin's family is from the Phillipines where there are two Islamist terrorist groups, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (google the acronym "MILF", I dare you) and the Abu Sayyaf Group. Is she really a batshit, crazy wingnut? Or is she really an operative for the MILF (get your mind out the gutter, not that kind of MILF) or Abu Sayyaf? Or is she a spy like Leandro Aragoncillo?
Great news! Merck's human papilloma virus vaccine just passed the FDA's advisory committee. It was a unanimous vote by the committee. The vaccine has not been without controversy. Some wingnuts believe that the vaccine will magically turn young girls into sluts. But then they believe teenagers aren't interested in sex unless we tell them what it is. I believe that any vaccine that prevents another woman going through a LEEP procedure is worth $500. Considering the double standard between erectile dysfunction drugs and contraceptives, expect to pay for it out of pocket.
My son and I were looking at movie previews online, and the movie he wants to see most this summer is
Today is Mother's Day a holiday originally started as a feminist holiday. It also started as a quest to end war. Julia Ward Howe (of Battlehymn of the Republic fame) issued this proclaimation:
Arise, then, women of this day!
Arise all women who have hearts, whether your baptism be that of water or of fears!
Say firmly: "We will not have great questions decided by irrelevant agencies,
"Our husbands shall not come to us reeking with carnage, for caresses and applause.
"Our sons shall not be taken from us to unlearn all that we have been able to teach them of charity, mercy, and patience.
"We women of one country will be too tender of those of another country to allow our sons to be trained to injure theirs."
From the bosom of the devasted earth a voice goes up with our own. It says, "Disarm, Disarm!"
The sword of murder is not the balance of justice! Blood does not wipe out dishonor nor violence indicate possession.
As men have often forsaken the plow and the anvil at the summons of war, let women now leave all that may be left of home for a great and earnest day of counsel.
Let them meet first, as women, to bewail and commemorate the dead.
Let them then solemnly take counsel with each other as the means whereby the great human family can live in peace,
And each bearing after her own time the sacred impress, not of Caesar, but of God.
If you really want to be depressed about Al Gore not being our President, read this. Of course it's not Frank Rich's column. That guy really didn't cut and paste a NYTimes Select column in his blog. He paraphrased it....really.
Well, SNL's opening skit was kind of a downer. It was about parallel universes and President Al Gore was addressing the nation in one of them.
Yes, conservatives are out of touch with reality. From believing that Plan B and vaccines against STDs promote sluttiness. To thinking tax cuts cure everything. And protecting the interests of rapists and pedophiles. They have the nerve to say that liberals are out of the mainstream of American thought. Until recently, the media has taken the GooPers word that liberals are "out of touch with the mainstream" and that liberals don't know what Americans want. Yet, if Republicans actually ran on the issues that Americans really care about like fiscal responsibility education and health care, they would lose big time. Why? Because the Republicans really aren't in touch with American values. The mainstream media is finally catching on. So what is the GooPers grand strategy to maintain their majority this year? Fear of a Democratic controlled Congress. Yeah, the only problem with that strategy is, most recent polling indicates that Americans want the Democrats to control Congress. That's as good as all the unwanted advice after 2002 and 2004 saying the Dems weren't conservative enough.
For the love of the USA I think two Bushes in the White House are enough. Boy, W really is clueless if he thinks that the United States wants another member of his family to be President. That must be one inpenetrable bubble W surrounds himself with. But then, I've heard Jeb! is actually the smart one.
Taken with a LG CU200 cell phone camera.
The WaPo has an article with Nancy Pelosi stating what the Dems' plans are after they take back Congress. The first priority will be investigations into the Bush administration's misdeeds. It will be nice having a woman as Speaker of the House. And maybe, if the President and Vice President are impeached and removed from office, say hello to Madame President Pelosi.
a Democratic House would quickly vote to raise the minimum wage for the first time since 1997. It would roll back a provision in the Republicans' Medicare prescription drug benefit that prohibits the Department of Health and Human Services from negotiating prices for drugs offered under the program.Now the GOP is spinning this as demagoguery. Only a Republican would think slandering someone's patriotism is reasoned debate on the issues and common sense is demagoguery. The GOP says the Democrats are out of touch with the mainstream. Well, the Republicans are really out of touch with reality.
It would vote to fully implement the recommendations of the bipartisan panel convened to shore up homeland security after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, Democratic leaders said.
And it would reinstate lapsed rules that say any tax cuts or spending increases have to be offset by spending cuts or tax increases to prevent the federal deficit from growing.
I did it. I bought a VW Jetta TDI. It has a diesel engine, manual transmission, satellite radio. It has the features of a luxury car. So far I have gotten 40 miles to the gallon. Who needs a hybrid that runs on ordinary gasoline?


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Oppo Find 5 Mini: mainstream specs, high-end design
by Jun 26, 2014 12:43 am3
Oppo are making quite a name for themselves, they have very competitive products in all ends of the market from budget to top-end and are establishing themselves as quite a powerhouse. This Oppo Find 5 mini is a mid-spec phone for the mainstream sector and it contains many of the build and design qualities that make Oppo devices so appealing, compensating for the lower specifications of hardware. We spent the day with the Oppo Find 5 Mini and this is how it went.
The phone looks very impressive, the packaging is plain but the phone itself is striking: small and light without feeling flimsy. The buttons are well-designed and the phone is easy to grip. The 4.7 inch screen means the phone fits comfortably in hand. The qHD display is not perfect but coupled with the IPS it is a pretty good effort, and the display is good overall, with no visible pixellation and striking colours.
The hardware is a bit of a disappointment, most notably the MediaTek MT6582 quad-core chipset and 1GB of RAM means the phone lacks power compared to other smartphones of its market. That said, it is able to run the Colour OS, with the only noticeable drop in speed occuring when switching between power-heavy apps and games.
The camera possesses some nice features, the rear is 8MP and has auto-focus, HDR and Panorama shooting modes. The photograph below was taken with the Find 5 Mini and it is of perfectly acceptable quality for the price.
The Find 5 Mini is on the market at a reasonable Rs 19,990 competing with the likes of the Sony Experia M2 Dual, it remains to be seen which of these is the best bet for your money, we haven't seen enough of the Find 5 Mini yet to be sure.


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Last Updated: 1 day ago
Los Lunas, NM 87031
From $244,990
Why 'From' pricing?
New homes can be personalized to your needs and taste.
Builders pricing can vary greatly. Builders display base pricing because you have not selected your options and upgrades yet and some homes may indicate that the land cost is not included.
The property is located at 1512 Valle Vista Rd Nw Los Lunas NM 87031 priced at 244990.00, the square foot and stories are 2428, 2. The number of bath is 2, halfbath is 1 there are 4 bedrooms and 2 garages. For more details please, call or email.
Builder Community Sales Office Map
1414 Valle Vista Rd., Los Lunas, NM 87031
Hours: Mon - Mon: 12PM - 6PM, Sun - Sun: 11AM - 6PM, Tue - Sat: 10AM - 6PM
Las Terrazas at Fiesta
Las Terrazas @ Fiesta is part of a Master Planned community of homes for sale in Los Lunas just south of Albuquerque. The town of Los Lunas is one of the fastest growing cities in the southwest with an increase of new job opportunities in the area. Residents in this community will enjoy nature trails, open spaces,parks, retailers, and major restaurants. With just minutes away from I-25 and the Rail Runner, this makes commuting to the Albuquerque area effortless.Call/ Text 505-750-1209 or click REQUEST INFOto learn more!Visit the website Free brochure
Actual schools may vary. Contact the builder for more information.
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Many Fellows have fed back to us that they want to be able to connect with each other - sharing interests, expertise, activities and project ideas.
With that in mind we are replacing RSA's existing technology with an up-to-date and fully-integrated website which will provide better services for Fellows, staff and the wider public (including our global audiences) who visit our website, attend our events and engage with the work that we do.
At the heart of our new website will be a 'personal portal', where Fellows can record and display their interests, skills and activities and selectively share it with other like-minded Fellows to enable discussion and collaboration on ideas, projects and events. You will also be able to select those areas of our work that you are interested in so that we can provide tailored information to you.
We aim to complete this phase of the work by autumn 2014, but before then we will be testing various aspects as we go along with Fellows (and non-Fellows), so please look out in our newsletters for requests to do so.
In conjunction with this work we are also updating the RSA website to make it easier for users to find what they want. We will also continue to expand the functionality and add extra features beyond 2014 to ensure we continue to improve.
We have a strong commitment to ensuring that the RSA is an enabling organisation where Fellows can interact with each other, sharing ideas, thoughts and initiatives and this project will be a big step forward to enable that to happen.


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Friday, November 24, 2006
IWC watches advertisements
IWC advertisements are really exciting and ingenious. There were some of them that compared IWC watches with women, and it created trouble.This particular advertisement tell us that if the watch stops plesae call the doctor because this means that the owner has not move in seven days, this IWC Portuguese power reserve duration.
Posts connected to IWC advertisements:
- IWC (Pilot Watch)
- IWC (Portuguese)
- IWC (El Reloj de Aviador)
- IWC (El Portugués)
- BMW advertisements
- Apple advertisements
Posted by NAPOLEÓN DE NOTTING HILL at 3:46 AM
Labels: ADVERTISEMENTS
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|I parked my car along the end of the road where the triangle is painted on the road to start my walk. I walked up and through the Wharerangi cemetery.
|In it is Napier's first cemetery dedicated to Returned Services men and women.
|After exiting the cemetery I walked through the countryside. Note the pink wrapped haybales on this farm
|Another farm
|great views of Greenmeadows and other suburbs of Napier
|another farm
These last 2 shots were actually taken a few months ago, However I though you might like to see the view better (at the moment my camera wont zoom in :( ) and my last shot is of some New Zealand sheep. Thankfully the ones I saw today were shorn as it was a hot day.


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Step 3 - interaction: outline of the interaction procedure
In all cases where you have allowed business relief (IHTM25131) or agricultural relief (IHTM24001) in arriving at the value of the estate and you are applying the partly exempt transfer rules (IHTM26071), you must consider interaction (IHTM26101). There are six stages to follow when applying the interaction provisions. These are:
Stage 1
Allow business and agricultural relief as appropriate in the normal way to establish the value transferred by the transfer of value. This is the value for Inheritance Tax purposes of the property devolving under the deceased's Will (IHTM12041) or intestacy (IHTM12101). You should exclude any property devolving under any other title (IHTM26211).
The next two steps involve the application of IHTA84/S39A to establish the value of the specific gifts (IHTM26011) for the purpose of IHTA84/S38.
Stage 2
Identify any specific gift of relievable property. Its value for the purpose of IHTA84/S38 is its value after relief.
Stage 3
If there is any other relievable property in the free estate, reduce all other specific gifts by the IHTA84/S39A (4) fraction (IHTM26103). Their values for the purposes of IHTA84/S38 are their reduced values.
If all the relievable property in the estate is specifically given (and so gets full relief at Step 2), there can be no reduction of other gifts under Step 3.
But, if there is relievable property in the estate which has not been specifically given, all other specific gifts (as defined by IHTA84/S42) should be reduced by the IHTA84/S39A (4) fraction - whether the gifts are chargeable or exempt, pecuniary or of assets such as the residence or chattels. Benefits taken absolutely by the spouse or civil partner (IHTM11032) under the intestacy rules are specific gifts for this purpose.
Stage 4
Where grossing up (IHTM26121) is necessary (IHTM26123), gross up the reduced value.
Stage 5
Calculate the residue using the reduced values.
Stage 6
You can now calculate the extent to which the free estate is chargeable. The calculation is the value transferred (as Stage 1), minus the total of the reduced values of the exempt specific and residuary gifts.
Following all stages
Though it is not strictly necessary to follow all the stages in every case, experience shows that following them reduces the risk of error. For this reason all the examples of interaction in this section of guidance list all 6 stages, even if they are not all necessary or appropriate in a particular case. You should remember to reduce pecuniary legacies, whether chargeable or exempt.


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Whether to cry, laugh, or fall into the depths of despair. When I transferred to work at a different state prison it was never mentioned that I would be the mental health nurse on the weekend. I would be the only one in charge of all the psychiatric inmates. Also, I was in charge of staffing just to keep it interesting.
The prison had four crisis stabilization beds. Which means inmates who are suicidal, unstable, or terribly mentally ill are placed there. Some of them are cutters and have been stitched up and they rip out the sutures routinely. Sometimes they are naked and tied with leather restraints to a mattress. Sometimes they are naked because they want to be (they have paper gowns). An officer checks them every fifteen minutes. The nursing and medical staff checks them frequently as well. Needless to say it is full on electrified chaos. There are an additional twelve step-down crisis beds in another building the mental health staff supervises. The mental health inmate population in this prison averaged around six hundred inmates. The weekend RN can be called to see any of them at any time.
The first weekend I had to work I did have the wisdom to insist that another RN orient me. I had never had mental health training outside of college. Any RN with as many years of experience as I had does have some mental health experience. But still......
My first day, a Saturday, a frequent flyer was there. Let's call him Derrick. He was twenty years old. White, deathly so, as he had not seen the sun in many many months. His favorite distraction was self stimulation. Most inmates do this but Derrick had achieved a special status as a master at this among the staff. Dr. Tice, seventy years old, said one day that he almost envied Derrick this ability. We laughed ourselves silly at our sweet Dr. Tice saying that. I was being oriented by Linda, a RN, a character herself. We walked back to that CSU first thing. I said hello to Derrick through the thick prison glass. He said " Shut the Hell Up You White Motherfiiing Bitch" and threw urine under the three inch space in the door onto my white shoes. I don't recall what I said to him at that moment. I did back out and clean my shoes. Linda was howling with laughter. She said that was typical and not a bad start really. Really? That was when I had to decide on my attitude. I laughed and laughed.
Then I called Joe and he laughed with me, at me, and for me.
The remainder of that day was uneventful. I learned that everything done for the mental health patients had to be written in triplicate. That right there was worse than Derrick by far. Linda and I walked out those six locked gates with satisfaction because we finished on time after that massive stack of nursing documentation and our patients did not hurt themselves, us, or anybody else. Unexpectedly Joe was sitting in the parking lot on his big motorcycle, he took off his helmet, smiled handsomely and said
"I'm here for my Bitch."
joy and peace