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Preparing Your Organization and Your Donors for Shifts in the Charitable Tax Deduction
Posted by Feb 16, 2018 0 comments
Americans for the Arts members can join our staff on a member-exclusive briefing call February 20, 2018 at 3 pm ET, where we will update you on the Charitable Giving implications of the 2018 Tax Cuts & Jobs Act and the proposal to defund the National Endowment for the Arts and other federal cultural agencies. We firmly believe that our member network is one of our strongest resources, so after our update, we'll open the floor up to your questions, comments, recommendations, and lessons learned—we hope you'll take advantage of each other's expertise! Register now on ArtsU.
On January 1, the 2018 Tax Cuts & Jobs Act went into effect, a substantial change to the U.S. tax code which has the potential to negatively impact arts and culture nonprofit organizations in a variety of ways. One of the most significant impacts will come in changes related to the thresholds and amounts associated with the charitable tax deduction. This 100-year-old provision was designed to stimulate giving to charities and other organizations serving the public good by providing an opportunity to claim a deduction as a reduction in an individual's tax burden.
While the repercussions of the federal tax code changes are still emerging, and corresponding shifts in state-by-state tax policy may impact your situation, the notes that follow are an introductory primer. If you have questions about state-level implications, we recommend you reach out to your state comptroller or state association of nonprofits.
So, what's changing, and how (and who) will it impact? And, most importantly, what can artists, arts and cultural organizations, and the nexus organizations who support them, do about it?
What is happening?
Charitable contributions can only reduce your tax bill if you itemize your taxes. Taxpayers generally only itemize when the combined total of their anticipated deductions—including charitable gifts—add up to more than the standard deduction.
The new tax bill doubles the amount of the standard deduction to $12,000 for individuals and $24,000 for married couples. The effects of this change include reducing the number of filers who use incentives such as the charitable tax deduction, by some estimates, from 30% of all filers to 5%.
People who itemize (across all levels of income) are much more likely to donate than people who don't, and also donate substantially more, on average. We won't know the complete repercussions for years of people choosing not to itemize, but there is prevalent concern that many people, lacking the incentive of a reduced tax burden, will reduce their contributions or even choose not to donate.
Average total charitable giving by annual income
Under $50,000
$100,000 and up
Data provided by Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy
In the short term, taxpayers who were used to getting a deduction for their charitable gifts may not realize their contributions will not reduce the burden of their 2018 taxes. These donors may be surprised when they fail to hit the itemized deduction threshold and receive no tax benefit for those gifts, and may reduce their charitable giving in subsequent years on the assumption they will not be able to itemize in the future, or may choose to group multiple donations into a single year (more on that below).
How may these changes impact donors?
- For those who have an annual income of $50,000 or less, the impact of these changes will be minimal—3 out of 4 were not itemizing in the old system, and so were not claiming any charitable deductions. IRS data indicates that these households give on average $1,800 to $2,500 per year to charities.
- Middle-class donors with annual income of $50,000-$100,000 will be particularly impacted, as they are the most likely to shift from itemizing to taking the standard deduction. In the old tax code, approximately 50 percent of taxpayers in this category itemized. The shift in tax law may reduce charitable giving among this group by up to 6.9 percent, per the Lilly School of Philanthropy at Indiana University. IRS data indicates that these households give on average $3,000-$3,300 per year to charities.
- Other donors, in the highest tax brackets, will see their taxes go down and the cap on what they can claim in cash charitable tax deductions go up from 50 to 60 percent of their Adjusted Gross Income. This may lead them to feel they have more disposable income to contribute to nonprofits and charities, and more incentive to do so.
- Most corporations will also see a decrease in their tax burden. This may lead corporate donors to also increase giving because of a lower tax burden.
What can I do about these tax changes?
Should my organization include language about the tax bill in our fundraising appeals?
Probably not. Your case for support needs to be stronger than ever. Messages focused on the tax-deductibility of donations will not be as strong now. There are differences of opinion on this in the fundraising field, but we agree with the Association of Fundraising Professionals, which says: "It's important to keep an optimistic tone and perspective moving forward. While many charities may focus on the difficult challenges ahead, it's important that they balance that sense with optimism about how they're still making a difference and changing the world. Donors need to know about the obstacles charities face, and organizations should be realistic about their situations and the needs of communities. But donors don't want to be overwhelmed all the time with negative images. People will always want to help, and charities need to inspire them to action more than ever."
Our donor brochures indicate the tax-deductible amount of donations at each donor level. Do we need to change it or eliminate this language?
No! Donations are still deductible, there will just be fewer donors who can take advantage of the deduction on their tax returns.
Our donors tell us their donations aren't dependent on the tax deduction. Does that mean we're safe from the impact of this change?
Most donors will tell you that their giving isn't dependent on the deduction, and won't change. For some, this will be true. Many arts donors are motivated by donor benefits like donor lounges, member preview events or exclusive publications, which reduce the overall deductibility of their gift and may diminish the connection between their donations and a tax break. But for most donors, the data shows that itemizing and receiving the charitable tax deduction increases the likelihood and level of giving. This may mean level giving in 2018 and a reduction in 2019 as diminished incentives become more apparent. Some donors who continue to give may give smaller amounts, or opt not to increase their donations over time.
What can I tell donors or prospective donors about how they might still donate and receive a deduction?
While Americans for the Arts does not offer tax advice and is not a professional tax service, there are certain giving options that you might want to consider sharing with your donors, particularly those on the cusp between taking the new standard deduction or itemizing. These include:
Bunching. Some tax advisors are suggesting "bunching" to donors, a strategy of giving larger donations every other year in order to itemize their deductions in giving years, while taking the standard deduction in off years. You can help smooth this donor experience by:
- Offer multi-year memberships in donor programs. Give your donors the opportunity to make a two-year commitment now, by calling out the opportunity on your materials and providing a place to select this option on reply forms.
Highlight a mid-tax-year fiscal year end. If your fiscal year ends in the middle of the tax year (June, for example), offering annual donors who typically renew at the end of your fiscal year the opportunity to bunch donations by giving again at the start of the new fiscal year with dedicated messaging (in July, for example).
- Donor Advised Funds (DAFs). These funds allow donors to make charitable contributions in to their fund when it is convenient for them (receiving the prospective deduction all at once), and recommend grants to charities over a period of time. Already growing in popularity before the tax bill passed, many donors accelerated their contributions to DAFs or opened new DAFs at the end of 2017 as a vehicle to "bunch" their contributions. The good news is, as long as your organization is a 501c3 nonprofit, your organization doesn't have to do anything to be able to accept these donations. Donations typically arrive as a check directly from the DAF. That said, you can help encourage these gifts:
- Have gift processing protocols in place for these gifts. Donors to a DAF receive a tax deduction (if they're taking one) at the time they put the money in to the fund, not when the donation comes to your organization. That means that you do not need to and should not issue a tax receipt to the donor for this gift. You can, however, send a thank you letter to the donor for recommending the grant, if the DAF has provided you with contact information.
- Get familiar with the rules and regulations associated with giving through a DAF. Remember that donors recommending grants through a DAF cannot receive any goods or services for their donation and must "decline benefits" if your donor program has them—including things like gala tickets.
- Consider making it easier for your DAF donors to direct grants to your organization by installing a widget from DAF Direct on your website. This free tool for charities allows donors with DAFs at some of the largest fund management organizations to recommend grants to your organization immediately online.
- IRA Contributions. While not all long-term investment types can aid in pursuing a tax deduction, disbursements from Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs), in some cases, can. You can support those efforts:
- Flag the option to your older donors. Donors age 70½ or older can contribute up to $100,000 of assets from their Individual Retirement Account directly to your organization and have the gift count toward their annual required distributions from the IRA and removed from their taxable income. These donations will typically arrive directly from the IRA manager on the donor's behalf.
Gifts of appreciated stock. Gifts of stock (specifically, appreciated securities) are still exempt from the capital gains tax, which means that even donors who are now taking the standard deduction on their income taxes will see a tax benefit from donating appreciated securities.
- Be prepared to provide donors with instructions to donate stock to your organization upon request. This will require your organization to have an account to accept stock. Small organizations can consider a third-party service that facilitates stock donations for a small fee, such as Stock Donator.
How can I learn more?
Want to learn more? Try taking a look at these references and resources:
- How to Write Off Donations Under the New Tax Plan: Consider 'Bunching' (New York Times)
- Tips for Giving After the Tax Bill (Association of Fundraising Professionals)
- How the 2018 Tax Law INCREASES Charitable Giving Deductions (LinkedIn)
- Tax Policy and Charitable Giving Results (Lilly Family School of Philanthropy/Independent Sector)
- The House Tax Bill Is Not Very Charitable to Nonprofits (Tax Policy Center)
- The Average American's Charitable Donations: How Do You Compare? (The Motley Fool)
- 21 Million Taxpayers Will Stop Taking Charitable Deductions Under the New Tax Law (Forbes)
- Online Giving Trends (Network for Good/Chronicle of Philanthropy)
- The Final Tax Bill: What Nonprofits Need to Know (Venable LLP)


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Judges must dismiss? frivolous lawsuits
News that the Buffalo Bills are facing a lawsuit for three excess text messages to a fan (Nov. 12 News) is another black eye for our legal system. While it is easy to laugh at crazy lawsuits like this, the effect of these lawsuits is very real and no laughing matter. Our businesses, doctors and municipalities are under siege from frivolous lawsuits and most of them are for astronomical amounts.
It is hard to believe that Jerry Wojcik, the plaintiff in the case, suffered any damages from text messages sent; however, he is demanding up to $1,500 per "excessive call violations." Of course, Wojcik is probably hoping the Bills just settle, rather than pay the cost of litigating the case. Sadly, too many companies, municipalities and medical professionals settle bad cases, compounding the problem and encouraging others to file meritless lawsuits. These cases drain our economy by raising the cost of insurance and medical care for all of us. Further, the lawsuits increase our taxes, as schools and municipalities are often the target of litigation.
We cannot expect our legislators in Albany to help stem the tide of lawsuit abuse; they still defend the rights of trespassers to sue homeowners. New York judges need to step up, dismiss these cases and impose fines on those who file frivolous cases and the attorneys who represent them. Unless those who file bad cases are punished, people will keep filing them.
Thomas H. Waring Jr.
Why must bike path ?be so close to road?
I am writing in response to the editorial, "DWI is the problem," regarding the recent bike path tragedy in Amherst. To deliberately place a bike path so close to a traffic lane outside of a sharp curve is something expected of a politically appointed official. Yes, I totally agree that DWI is a problem. That said, more bike paths and sidewalks are seen every day. Judging from The News photo, the path begged for a tragedy. Hopefully the concerns for both drunken drivers and Amherst's civic planners will be addressed in the immediate future.
Joe Coia
West Seneca
Hamas needs to stop ?firing rockets at Israel
Suddenly the media are talking about rockets in Gaza. However, they have said very little about the rocket attacks that have been a part of life in southern Israel since Hamas took over Gaza five years ago. During that time Hamas, recognized as a terrorist organization by the United States and the European Union, has been firing thousands of rockets into civilian, not military, areas – areas that have been an integral part of Israel since 1948.
Houses, schools and public buildings have bomb shelters, and people have 15 seconds to reach a shelter after they hear the sirens announcing another rocket attack. Homes have been hit, people have been wounded and killed. This has been going on so long that it almost seems "normal." It is not normal.
In recent weeks, Hamas has increased the attacks. Israel has showed amazing restraint. The current military campaign is not a "tit for tat" game. It is not another chapter in an endless "cycle of violence." It is the Israeli government doing what any government must do – protecting its people.
Gaza is not "occupied." Israel voluntarily removed its troops and the entire Jewish population of Gaza before Hamas took over. There could have been peace – until Hamas began its unprovoked rocket attacks on its neighbor. Israel's complaints to the United Nations have been ignored, and the press seems interested only now, when the Israelis finally retaliate to protect their citizens and Palestinians are killed.
The current Israeli attacks are aimed at rocket launchers and other military targets, not civilians. The Israelis do all that they can to warn civilians to leave target areas. Unfortunately, there are still civilian casualties – often because rocket launchers are deliberately placed in civilian areas, near schools and hospitals. Using civilians as a shield, as Hamas does, is a war crime.
Maxine S. Seller
Hire a U.S. company ?for driver's licenses
How funny is this? The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles has hired a Canadian company – a contract that is still under review for the amount of $38 million above the next lowest bidder – to issue driver's licenses.
New York, one of the most liberal states in the country, has showed its true colors again. During the last election, didn't Rep. Kathy Hochul and other liberal Democrats cry about outsourcing American jobs and criticize Mitt Romney for overseas investments? Talk about calling the kettle black!
Tony Hammill
It's time for politicians? to get their act together
During local, regional and national elections, we have mud-slinging and now use fact-checkers to uncover misleading or less-than-true information. In essence, we have job candidates who are misrepresenting information during the selection process. In the real world, this disqualifies job applicants.
After the elections, we have officials who seem to forget just why they are in office, or disregard who they represent, or overlook the concept of public servant. The current "fiscal cliff" issue is a serious matter that has the potential to reap financial hardship on the majority of U.S. residents. While reading to stay informed on this topic, one often finds mentioned the terms, "discussion" and "compromise," the behaviors politicians need to display to avert a crisis.
Let's revisit the beginning, though; we have incumbents who survived the fact-checkers, they have no clear job performance expectations, they recently acknowledged (in somewhat disbelief) that our country has become more diverse, their employment comes with unbelievable short- and long-term rewards. On the other hand, we are the electorate, the folks the politicians represent, the stakeholders the politicians are accountable to. If we are worried about going over the cliff, what can we do? Call our representatives in Congress or the Senate. Alas, few people like to hear that they are more part of the problem than the solution.
Joseph F. Salamone
Is attendance rising? in Buffalo schools?
The Buffalo Public Schools now have a new superintendent, a distinguished educator to advise them and the incentive of Say Yes to Education for free college. Knowing that schools keep statistics on attendance, I am wondering if this year has seen any improvement in attendance. This important topic has not been reported on in quite some time. How about a full-disclosure update?
Dorothy Shaw

subset: commoncrawl


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OVERVIEW:We offer reliable, daily scheduled shuttle service to and from the Denver International Airport and Estes Valley Area. We are the only licensed and commissioned shuttle company to offer this service to visitors and residents alike to and from Estes Park, Allenspark, Peaceful Valley and Lyons, Colorado! Our authority is granted by the Colorado Public Utilities Commission and therefore our drivers must pass driving and security clearance checks, all to provide a successful service to you!
With an advanced reservation, we can pick you up at the Denver International Airport, AMTRAK and Greyhound stations in Denver, Lyons, the Millenium Harvest House Hotel or RTD Bus Stop in Boulder or the Super 8 Motel in Longmont and bring you to your Hotel, residence or location in the Estes Valley Area, or vice versa.


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Doris M. (Dyer) Carter of Warwick, died at her home on Monday, January 15, 2018 at the age of 95. She was the wife of the late Everett James Carter.
Born in Cranston, RI, a daughter of the late Charles Jillson Dyer and Bessie L. (Wilde) Dyer, she lived in Warwick for most of her life. Doris was a gifted classical concert pianist who studied at the Providence College of Music. Throughout her life, she taught piano and shared her love of music with her family.
A graduate of Aldrich High School, she was a member of the RI Honor Society. In addition to her musical studies, she attended Anderson University in Indiana. She worked as a bookkeeper and assistant office manager for Harris and Gifford, a former CPA firm in Providence. In addition to teaching piano, she worked for the school department in Indiana and Manpower in Australia.
She was a Mayflower descendant of Francis Cooke and Richard Warren. Her ancestry dates back to Colonial America where her family lines of Hathaway, Jillson and Dyer were Minute Men in 1776 and were involved in the Revolutionary War, Civil War, and WW I, as well as being the military wife of a WW II, 22 year career Army Veteran. A member of Spring Green Memorial Church, she served the church in various ways throughout her years. She was the past Mother Advisor of Cranston Assembly II Rainbow for Girls and member of the Grand Cross of Color. She was a 50 year member and past Worthy Matron of Signet Chapter #21, Order of the Eastern Star, and a past Grand Officer for the Grand Chapter of RI Eastern Star.
She was the mother of the late Everett J. "Jim" Carter, Jr., and the late Sue Carter Nelson. She was the sister of the late Bessie (Dyer) Secor. She is survived by her daughter, Janice Samples and son-in-law Bernie of Barstow, CA and her daughter, Beth Fish and son-in-law Ron of Warwick, daughter-in-law Nancy Carter of Savage, MN; 14 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. She also leaves her long time friend, Raymond Thornton.
Her funeral service will be held on Wednesday, January 24, at 10 a.m. in Spring Green Memorial Church, 1350 Warwick Avenue, Warwick. She will be interred with her late husband at the Rhode Island Veterans Cemetery. Visiting hours will be on Tuesday, January 23, from 4-7 p.m. in the Barrett & Cotter Funeral Home, 1328 Warwick Avenue, Warwick, RI.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to Spring Green Memorial Church or the American Cancer Society. www.barrettandcotter.com


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GEMMELL James married Agnes BARR 1866
Information & Research Journal.
James GEMMELL (born Scotland) and Agnes BARR (born Scotland)
were married in Victoria in 1866.
Possible deaths for James and Agnes.
James. 1904, Narrandera, New South Wales, aged 66 years.
Agnes. 1907 Temora, New South Wales, aged 61 years.
Eight children located Victorian records for James and Agnes.
Anna Maria GEMMELL.
Born: 1867 Avenel, Victoria.
Died: 1925 Ardlethan, New South Wales.
Married: William GARDNER.
Year: 1887.
Place: Victoria.
Alexander GEMMELL.
Born: 1869 Murchison, Victoria.
Died: 1870 not recorded, Victoria, aged 08 months.
Robert Alexander GEMMELL.
Born: 1871 Murchison, Victoria.
Died: 1904 Randwick, New South Wales.
James GEMMELL.
Born: 1873 Dargalong, Victoria.
Died: 1959 Ardlethan, New South Wales.
William GEMMELL.
Born: 1875 Dargalong, Victoria.
Died: 1946 Ardlethan, New South Wales.
Mary Calderwood GEMMELL.
Born: 1878 Dargalong, Victoria.
Died: -
Elizabeth Jessie GEMMELL.
Born: 1881 Murchison, Victoria.
Died: 1956 Ardlethan, New South Wales.
Married: Robert J ELWIN.
Year: 1904.
Place: Narrandera, New South Wales.
Adam Archibald GEMMELL.
Born: 1884 Murchison, Victoria.
Died: 1888 Dargalong, Victoria, aged 04 years.
Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages Victoria.
Registry of Deaths and Marriages, New South Wales.
on 2012-06-12 21:57:07
TONKIN lives in Victoria, Australia.
Please note.
Journals are intended to assist new researchers locate family lines in Australia and should only be used as a guide for follow up research and record searches as intended. Due to spelling and informant errors appearing in the records, typo errors and my misreading of the records mistakes must be expected. Errors will be corrected when detected.


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TwitPic For Android Released - Official Google Play Download Link
Official Twitter app twitpic has been released for android. If you are a twitter user who likes sharing pictures but fear to use apps that are not authorized ones, here's the good news. You can now download and start sharing pictures over twitter using the official twitpic app for android. Twitpic allows you to quickly share pictures and videos over twitter with your followers. You can edit the pictures before uploading them by adding various effects to enhance the images. You can not only manage your photos and videos but also view the media of different popular twitter users like celebrities or people you follow. Twitpic is fast, efficient and simple application for social networking people.
If you are a die hard instagram fan, you should definitely give twitpic a try and compare both the apps. The reviews however clearly say that twitpic cannot compete with instagram and that instagram is much more user friendly and easy to use app for android. It has always been a war in between applications when it comes to gaining popularity in Android. If the application is simple enough for the user to understand and powerful enough to manage all tasks, then it has high potential and there are much chances of that app being selected by majority.
Twitpic Google Play Description
★ Quickly and seamlessly share your photos and videos with all of your Twitter followers
★ Edit your photos with beautiful filters and easy to use enhancement tools
★ Browse your Twitter photo timeline with photos from people you follow in a beautiful interface
★ Browse photos from the most popular Twitpic users
★ Manage your Twitpic photos and videos in your own timeline
Twitpic Google Play Store Download Link


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Recipe of the Week - Red, White and Blue Yogurt Parfait/
This recipe was made using the Dessert Bullet, which is a must have for anyone who has dairy allergies, is gluten intolerant or for those looking for a healthier dessert option. It turns simple frozen fruits into delicious frosty-treats without the extra sugar, fat, or calories of traditional frozen desserts. By using fresh fruits as your main ingredient, you have desserts that taste just like your favourite ice creams and are actually good for you.
1 cup vanilla greek yogurt, frozen in ice cube trays (You can use cottage cheese, too!)
½ cup fresh berries
1-2 Tbsp slivered almonds
Drizzle of honey, optional
Allow the yogurt cubes to thaw for about 10-15 minutes before running them through the Dessert Bullet chute.
Run the yogurt into a parfait glass. Layer the ice cream with berries and almonds.
Drizzle the top with a little honey and enjoy!!
This recipe is courtesy of High Street TV


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Friday, April 29, 2011
After staying awake for the past two days, we finally had a chance to get a good night sleep. We all checked into the Novotel Hotel in Warsaw and ended the day with a Mifgash, a chance for everyone to take a look back at the day. After visiting the Warsaw Ghetto and the Warsaw Cemetery we a chance to see how big the city of Warsaw is and to think that all of the Jews that once lived here were killed by the Nazi's was very scary. This morning we started the day with Tefiila and I had the opportunity to once again lead an explanatory service. We had a great crowd for a discusision about the meaning of Teffilah and why we pray in the first place. It was so refreshing to see how at any age we can all learn new things and find new ways to grow.
After breakfast we left Warsaw and headed to the Lodz. This is the first time that the March of the Living has ever been to the city so I really dint know what to expect. There was a very impressive memorial to the Jews that once lived in this city and were led to the Concentration Camps. Once of the most important pieces was the catle car that was used to transport the Jews to the CCamps. Theis was a genuine car and not a replica. It was ado important to realize that alyhough you can see a catle car in a number of holocaust museaums in Aneica, there is nthing that can compare to seeing one In the actual place that it was once used. After lunch, we packed up and are headed for Krakow for Shabbat.


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Great Public Schools Criteria for New HampshireGreat Public Schools Criteria refers to the seven elements needed for closing the achievement gaps and raising achievement for all students. The seven elements are: (1) readiness to learn, (2) high expectations, (3) quality conditions, (4) qualified staff, (5) accountability, (6) parental involvement, and (7) funding.
Read more below about the Great Public Schools Criteria in New Hampshire.
Readiness to Learn
Full-day Kindergarten:
- State Policy: Full-day kindergarten is not expressly required or prohibited by New Hampshire state statutes. Districts are not required to offer full-day kindergarten and children are not required to attend. New Hampshire provides less funding for kindergarten than for grades 1-12.
- Definition, District Offering and Pupil Attendance: A definition of the minimum number of hours for full-day kindergarten is not specified in New Hampshire state statutes.
- Funding: New Hampshire offers additional funding to districts offering kindergarten for the first time for a three-year period.
(Education Commission of the States [ECS] Kindergarten Database, 2007)
Quality Conditions
School Safety. The state enacted an anti-bullying statute that specifies that all parents involved in a student bullying incident must be informed by the principal within 48 hours of the occurrence of this incident and must be advised of their due process rights including the right to appeal to the state board of education, although the district superintendent may grant the principal a waiver from the notification requirement if the superintendent believes it is in the child's best interest.
Basis: N.H. REV. STAT. ANN. § 193-F:2, 193-F:3
Parental Involvement
Even Start Family Literacy Program. Even Start is a federally-funded educational program offered in seven urban and rural communities across the state. Each program builds on existing educational resources and is sponsored through a partnership involving the local school district and community-based, non-profit organizations.
Even Start is designed to serve low-income families with low literacy skills. The instructional program integrates early childhood education, adult education, parent and child interactive literacy activities, and parenting education; it also connects families with existing community resources and support services.
Who is eligible? Low-income families with children from birth through age seven, who are most in need of literacy development, are eligible for enrollment. This includes families headed by teen parents who have not yet received a high school diploma, adults who wish to earn their GED, and those who are English language learners.
Core Program Components
- Early Childhood Education:
The program ensures that young children are involved in focused literacy activities in high-quality preschools and kindergarten settings, as well as in elementary schools. New Hampshire Even Start primarily engages infants and toddlers in early language and literacy activities with their parents at home. Curriculum for all children is age-appropriate and based on scientific reading or reading readiness research.
- Adult Education:
Adults enrolled in the program set individual literacy and self-sufficiency goals. They participate in classes which prepare them for GED testing or a high school diploma. English language instruction, academic tutoring, job readiness, and life skill training are also provided.
- Interactive Literacy Activities:
This unique component strengthens parent-child relationships by providing time for enjoyable literacy activities where parents and children talk, read books, learn new skills, and play together.
- Parenting Education:
In Even Start, parents are regarded as their child's first teachers. Parents learn new ways to support their child's early literacy development at home, in group settings, and at school.
Program Design. Families participate in a program that offers flexible, intensive, year-round instruction. In addition to enrolling adults and children in appropriate educational settings, an Even Start Family Literacy Instructor visits each family in their home on a weekly or bi-weekly basis. To help families participate in all four program components on a consistent basis, Even Start offers child care, light meals, and transportation to classes.


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Albert Pujols has given the Cardinals a deadline. If the sides don't agree to an extension by Wednesday, the powerful first baseman will hit free agency after the season. That possibility appears increasingly likely these days; Pujols turned down an extension from the Cardinals about two weeks ago and his agent has since told other teams that the Cardinals have "no chance" of locking Pujols up. Here's the latest, with the most recent updates up top:
- One competing baseball executive believes that the Cubs will offer Pujols the Alex Rodriguez deal, meaning $27.5MM per year over ten years, tweets Jon Heyman of SI.
- Cardinals GM John Mozeliak told Goold that he'd "like to have a term sheet" completed by Wednesday's deadline (Twitter link). Presumably that means the Cardinals would be happy to agree to terms with Pujols, even if the contractual language gets finalized later.
- Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports the precise time of the deadline (on Twitter). The Cardinals asked to shift the deadline to 12pm EDT on Wednesday so as not to interfere with Stan Musial, who will receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom at the White House tomorrow. Pujols agreed to the new deadline.


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As if Amazon wasn't doing well enough with Windows 8 sales, seeing pre-orders dominate it's Best Sellers list, they have decided to sweeten the deal. Now you can pre-order Windows 8 Pro for $69.99 and get a $30 Amazon credit to boot. For those of you who aren't too good at subtraction, that brings the price down to $39.99, the same cost as the online upgrade price for current users of previous Windows versions.
The promotion with the $30 credit also applies to Windows 8 Pro Pack, which will let you upgrade from Windows 8 to Windows 8 Pro. So if you are thinking of building a new PC or upgrading the one you've got, you can find both deals in the source links below.
This post may contain affiliate links. See our disclosure policy for more details.


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Poster / Wallpaper of Sedin Dekha Hoyechilo from official SVF Facebook album
CALCUTTA, Dec 2, 2010 (Washington Bangla Radio) Shree Venkatesh Films of Kolkata have released the first official poster of Shedin Dekha Hoyechilo Bangla movie and indicated that the film will release in December 2010.
Sedin Dekha Hoyechilo will stars Tollywood Hero DEV (Audio Interview) and Bengali film actress Shrabanti as the lead pair. The film is directed by Sujit Mondol, whose Bolona Tumi Amar (buy Bengali movie DVD in USA) released earlier in 2010 starring Dev, Koel Mullick, Tota Roy Chowdhury, Sabyasachi Chakravarthy, Bharat Kaul, Mousumi Saha, Sumit Ganguly, Nitya Ganguly and others with music by Jeet Ganguly was a super-hit. Sujit's 2009 film Saat Paake Bandha (buy DVD online) starring Jeet, Koel Mullick, Laboni Sarkar, Ranjit Mullik etc. also with music by Jeet Ganguly was again a box-office super-hit Kolkata Bangla cinema.
Watch a great audio song promo of Mon Hariye Beghorey from upcoming DEV-Srabanti Tollywood Kolkata Bengali movie Shedin Dekha Hoyechilo released by Shree Venkatesh Films on You Tube. As you will see, obviously there is something menacing about DEV in Srabanti's mind which only the story of the film will reveal - Shrabanti appears to have ambivalent feelings for DEV pretty convincingly!


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Our all-weather aluminum 1000 Series pool table weighs in at a modest 650 pounds, but it's tough as nails. It's also one of our easiest model to ship and install. It arrives in a single box and seperate slate crate. It can be assembled in minutes with help from your friends. Simply attach the two pedestal legs to the body, drop the one piece slate in, attach the rails and level it up with the independent$4,795.00|
2000 Series Outdoor Pool Table2000 Series Outdoor Pool Table
It all started here in the USA, Longwood Florida with the 2000 series and has continued for 25 years. Our tables have withstood the test of time and have a track record better than any other outdoor pool tables in the world. The 2000 Series has our patented unibody, all-aluminum upper rail assembly that is 9 inches in height with a designer accented hip line that allows the upper frame to taper slightly towards$5,095.00|
3000 Series Outdoor Pool Table3000 Series Outdoor Pool Table
This designer style table is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. Corners are rounded to match the curved legs. The upper rail assembly is our patented uni-bodied construction. It is completely welded together with no corner caps, seams or moldings. Our 3000 series tables present the cleanest contemporary lines in the industry. Combine the designer good looks with a slate playing bed, and you$6,495.00|
Tuscany Outdoor Pool TableTuscany Outdoor Pool Table
This new model made of high quality Aluminum, including the lattice panels, lends itself to a more traditional look while still maintaining simple lines. "Rosettes" on the aprons (sides) give the table an old world look. The Tuscany is available in both 7ft. and 8ft. models.$6,495.00|
Cordoba (Limited) Outdoor Pool TableCordoba
The "Cordoba" inspired by European Spanish design takes outdoor pool tables to a new level . It has a hand crafted massive wrought iron base completely powder coated with hand painted accents in gold or silver. Its upper rail assembly is made of all aluminum with our patened uni-bodied construction, then powder coated in a rustic antique finish and accented with hand$11,495.00|


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What Sets Us Apart
When you need a change made now we're here to do it. We pride ourselves on a quick turn-around and unsurpassed reliability. Our clients know that Jumpstart Media is just a quick email, text or phone call away.
Responsive Technology
More people view the internet on their mobile devices than on their desktop computers, which is why we design sites using responsive technology so your site will be optimized for both mobile and desktop viewing.
Content Creation
We'll come to your place of business and capture what makes you unique with eye-catching images and engaging video that can be used on your website and social media accounts (offered in Timmins area only).
Marketing & Branding
We will collaborate with you on your brand and create unique campaigns and strategies to boost your online platform. Let us put our knowledge and experience to work for you.


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Many of us don't "feel" pregnant the moment we pee on a stick. In fact, some women, depending on their pregnancy, all but completely forget they're carrying a child until they've got a huge bump to serve as a daily reminder.
With both my last pregnancy and my current, I didn't feel pregnant until I found out the sex of the baby. Once I learned what I was having, I was able to connect with the little being inside of me and form a much clearer vision. Also, being able to say "my daughter" or "my son" felt much more official than just saying "the baby." Hence, making me feel pregnant.
I asked other mamas what the moment they felt pregnant was -- and some of their answers will surprise you!
1. "The moment I went to pour my evening glass of wine and then went, 'F*ck!'"
2. "When I felt those first kicks. Ohhhhh, kicks!"
3. "I felt pregnant as soon as the jeans I wore every single day didn't fit anymore."
4. "I felt pregnant when everything started smelling differently. The world just smelled utterly different."
5. "I think it was when I told my boss at work and thereby it became official to all my co-workers, and I no longer had to wear baggy sweaters. I had been really sick, and he was really concerned about the quality of my work and overall change in attitude and demeanor. He thought everything under the sun except pregnancy. Typical guy boss, a woman would have suspected pregnancy first thing!"
6. "I felt pregnant when I was on my way to the hospital to have him."
7. "I felt pregnant when I was out with a group of people who were drinking wine, and I was sipping on my Pelligrino."
8. "When I went in for my very first check-up and heard the heartbeat. We had been trying for five and a half years."
9. "When I was leaning over the toilet with morning, noon, and night sickness."
10. "I felt pregnant when my hubby woke up at 2 a.m. because he heard loud noises in the house and thought someone broke in. It was me in the kitchen with a meat tenderizer, crushing up avocados that were not ripe enough because I was CONVINCED that I needed fresh guacamole right then and there!"
11. "When I told my family."
12. "I think I officially felt pregnant when my sister bought me a tiny onesie for my daughter about four months in. It was so cute!"
13. "I didn't feel pregnant until I had a proper baby bump!"
14. "At my baby shower! And then when I came home with a carload-full of baby stuff that I had NO idea how to use!"
15. "When a stranger gave me his seat on the train."
16. "I don't think I felt pregnant until we decorated the nursery. And then every time I'd walk by it, I'd think, 'Oh yeah. We're having a kid.'"
When did you feel pregnant?
Image via Sean McGrath/Flickr


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Sunday, May 29, 2011
Pyjama Party Sunday
Today is again Sunday! My the weeks are flying past, I can't believe it is almost the middle of the year. Where has the time gone??
I have been creative in my PJ's again but this week it was on Thursday night...
I was in Cairns at Spotlight on Thursday and saw this lovely fleece material. Nice camouflage, just what the boys would love and as it has been getting a bit chilly in the evenings and early mornings I thought this fleece would be perfect for a little project I have had up my sleeve for a while.
I made a QUILT!!!
Well a sort of quilt, it has a front and a back but I have to admit that I didn't sew it!!
Want to see the No Sew Quilt??
Here is how I made it....
What you need:
- fleece material that is the same colour on the front and back, I had 5 metres to make two blankets.
- Scissors
- Ruler
Fold the material in half and cut so that you have two rectangles the same size. I did this twice as I was making two blankets. Lay the fleece on a table with the wrong sides placed together.
Decide how long you would like the fringe around the edge and cut all four corners away to this length. My fringe is going to be 4inches long.
(love how I have combined the imperial and metric measurements, shows my age!)
Sorry the photos are a bit blurry but it was the evening, the light was terrible and I had two eager recipients waiting...
Measure and cut the fringe all the way around. (all sides of the blanket). My fringe is 4 inches long and about a ruler width.
Here is my project manager! How cute is her little face :-)
Now here is the fun part! No Sew....
Just tie the two sides together with a double knot (reef for those who like neatness) and work your way around the blanket until you have finished.
The blanket will bunch up a bit from tying the knots so when you have finished just gently stretch it back to the original shape. It will tear the fringe cuts a bit more but the good thing about fleece is that it does not fray so you can gently ease it out and it looks great.
The first blanket took about 1 hour to make and because it was getting late and the boys were waiting and I am a cheat......I didn't even measure the second one! Just cut and tied. Half an hour tops!!
So do I qualify for making a quilt?? or am I being just a bit too cheeky ;-)
Want to see some more "Sunday Creativity"? Pop over to SunshineParadise for the linky party.
Hope you are having a lovely weekend,
4 comments:
How snuggly do they look ???ReplyDelete
All right now, you - I'm not sure it counts as a quilt if you don't QUILT it. Maybe you'll have to call it a KNOT. Because you knotted it. Or a LOVE because that's what you really made it with. But whatever you call it, those boys' faces tell the story, don't they? Glorious! And quickly done, which counts hugely in my reckoning. Clever girl. And the house looks warm and cozy, which is what ours is right now, with the fire going and on the 29th of May, when the windows should be wide open.ReplyDelete
Love K's comment. I agree I'm not sure whether it's technically a quilt, but gee it's a nice easy throw to make, it looks great, and the boys seem to be very happy with them.ReplyDelete
This is my idea of quilting - quick results with no fuss ;DReplyDelete
It looks great and if the boys love it then that's all that matters.


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TWO Harare men who stole cellphones from revellers during last year's iFlix Victoria Falls Carnival, have each been sentenced to 21 months in jail.
Tatenda Katemanyengo, George Makuvire and Takudzwa Mawire also of Harare who is at large, were found in possession of an IPhone and two Samsung smart phones stolen during the carnival.
Mawire who defaulted after the trio was granted bail in January, has since been issued with a warrant of arrest. Katemanyengo and Makuvire will, however, serve an effective 17 months in jail after four months of their sentence was suspended on condition of good behaviour.
They were also ordered to pay $50 compensation for the property they damaged at the Victoria Falls lodge where they were booked.
The phones were discovered in a torn mattress in their room at the lodge.
Katemanyengo and Makuvire pleaded not guilty to theft of the cellphones and malicious damage to property before Ms Lindiwe Maphosa.
They were, however, convicted of theft and malicious damage to property due to overwhelming evidence against them.
Source: Vic Falls Carnival thieves nabbed (01/03/18)


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World Wide Web Expert Dr. Bebo White to Speak at Lone Star College-Montgomery
Published on: April 18, 2012
Lone Star College-Montgomery will shine some light on the ever-changing world of the World Wide Web through a fascinating presentation by Dr. Bebo White, professor emeritus at Stanford University, on Wednesday, May 2, at 1 p.m., in the college's Health Science Center (Building B), Room 141. The presentation is free and the community is invited to attend.
Presented via Skype, White's lecture, "Preparing for the Web of Things," will explain how our perception of what composes the physical Web is going to change as devices and objects become "first-class citizens" of the Web and communicate via Web protocols.
White has lectured and spoken internationally to academic and commercial audiences. He is the author of eight books and more than 100 journal/proceedings articles. His current research interests are web science, social media in education, and cloud computing.
He has been actively involved with the planning and execution of five major international conference series: The International World Wide Web Conference, The International Conference on Web Engineering, The IADIS International Conference on WWW/Internet, The International Conference on ICT in Teaching and Learning, and The Web Science Conference.
White's lecture is sponsored by LSC-Montgomery's Computer Club, a student group that promotes and increases knowledge in the science, design, development, languages, management and applications of modern computing.
For more information, contact Teresa Fernandez, professor of computer information technology and Computer Club advisor, at email@example.com or 936.273.7349.
LSC-Montgomery is located at 3200 College Park Drive, one-half mile west of Interstate 45, between Conroe and The Woodlands. For more information about the college, call (936) 273.7000, or visit www.LoneStar.edu/montgomery.
With 75,000 students in credit classes, and a total enrollment of more than 90,000, Lone Star College System is the largest institution of higher education in the Houston area, and the fastest-growing community college system in Texas. Dr. Richard Carpenter is the chancellor of LSCS, which consists of six colleges including LSC-CyFair, LSC-Kingwood, LSC-Montgomery, LSC-North Harris, LSC-Tomball, and LSC-University Park, five centers, LSC-University Center at Montgomery, LSC-University Center at University Park, Lone Star Corporate College, and LSC-Online. To learn more visit LoneStar.edu.


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Hello everyone! It's Amber here sharing this colorful water colored card and matching mini tube. I used a bunch of the fun little images from SRM's Just Believe Clear Stamp set to create my background and matching tag.
I started with a large piece of water color paper and starting stamping my sentiments and images in some water color safe ink. I used an over sized piece of water color paper in the beginning because I want to die cut a large rectangle panel for the front of my card and a tag for the mini tube. Once all of my images were stamped I started coloring them and the background in with some Tattered Angles Glimmer Mist and a WaterIn Blending Brush. I didn't worry about coloring all of the images in perfectly, I let some of the colors bleed and blend in with the background. I set aside my finished piece and let it dry overnight before I die cut my card front and tag.
I die cut a large pierced rectangle out of my finished piece and adhered it to my light lime green card base. I made sure to center my sentiment and quote before die cutting.
I wanted to have a matching tag for my Mini Tube so I die cut a little tag right out of the same piece I die cut my card front from. This is why I used an over sized piece of water color paper in the beginning. I added a fun little "God is Good" sentiment sticker from SRM's Shine Your Light Sentiment sticker sheet to the center of my tag and tied it to my mini tube with some black string.
I hope you enjoyed my two projects today. Water colored cards always look complicated and time consuming but their really not.
SRM Sticker Supplies


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It appears Wegmans is ramping up its strategy of opening liquor stores next to its supermarkets.
Wegmans plans to build 15,000 square foot retail spaces adjacent to its Mt. Read and Amherst stores. Wegmans claims it hasn't decided who will lease the stores.
The Democrat and Chronicle reports on the Mt. Read location:
(Spokeswoman Jo) Natale said no decisions about a retailer had yet been made.
"And there's no timeline on what we might build there," she said. "It is our intention, though, to certainly do the roadwork there sometime next year, but we don't have any firm plans for what the retail space would be used for."
The Buffalo News reported on the Amherst location:
"We can't specify what type of retail store it would be, but there are about 20 possible uses for it," Martin Herrmann, of Wegmans Site Development Group, told those gathered in Assumption Church Hall.
One of the operators of Gates Circle Wine & Liquors, a few blocks away at 1430 Delaware Ave., wasn't stumped.
"It's going to be a liquor store," Shannon Carscallen predicted, "and we're going to do what we can to fight it."
It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out these will likely be liquor stores. Companies don't go through the trouble of knocking down houses and getting town approvals to build things for the heck of it.
Wegmans has long rented space in its plazas to liquor stores. Controversy ensues when the stores are owned by Wegman family members. Most recently, the sister of Danny Wegman moved her store, Whitehouse Liquor, from Monroe Avenue to space next to the Marketplace Wegmans.
Critics say the Wegman family is violating the spirit of state laws prohibiting liquor store chains and barring supermarkets from selling wine and liquor. Competitors also allege the Wegman family uses the same liquor reps and could be violating rules prohibiting individual liquor stores from making group buys. Wegmans insist the family members own their stores independently.
Whatever you think of state liquor laws, the little guys want Wegmans to follow the same rules. Wegmans has lost the wine-in-grocery store fight (for now), so the next frontier could be getting the state to allow multiple liquor licenses. In other words – chains.
Links of the Day:
– Wegmans is pushing into the Washington, D.C. market. One store has a very "crab-like" focus.
– Wealth is being redistributed – upward.
– Are we putting too much faith into college rankings?
– Don Alhart is in a Louise Slaughter ad. He had no choice.
– Wanna renew your vows? Rochester is holding a mass ceremony at High Falls.


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♥ Heart to Heart ~ 7.4 Billion Paths ♥
Dearest Brothers and Sisters,
There are more than 7.4 billion people on your world today. This means that there are more than 7.4 billion paths to Enlightenment.
You are entering uncharted territory, so it's time to forge your own path. If you hope to find a guru, teacher, or mentor, may we suggest that you start by looking in the mirror. Now look closer; look deeply into your own eyes and put your hands on your Heart.
There. You have located your internal navigation system. You have also located your internal switchboard, enabling you to reach out to your Guides and Angels as well as other Beings.
Now you are ready to blaze your trail.
All you have to do is follow your Heart!
Enjoy your Journey, Earth Angels!
~ With Love from Our Hearts to Your Heart,
Rain Love and Jeshua
♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
For more info on "Heart To Heart," see: Heart To Heart ~ January 18, 2017.


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Had to post tonight before you thought I had disappeared off the face of Reno...here it is, June 23rd, and I am posting Summer Flower pics...almost two months after my last post! I almost forgot my typepad code:(. I've been busy with lots of stuff; more to follow on that, but here are some quick snaps of the backyard that I had to share...
Pretty cool for a petunia! Direct from Carson City.
Rosebud - the wet spring really benefitted the roses.
Rose - and wow, what a scent!
Another Rose, pretty in its own right
Alpine Strawberry Plant Blooms
Nasinga Purple Whirligig. Serious.
Mock Orange blooms - fragrant!
More to follow on Friday, when I venture into the Front Yard! And hopefully I'll have a new technology solution so I don't have to go to extreme measures to download and post photos.
Have A Creative Day!


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User Summary:
A non-canon fan supplement for Werewolf: The Apocalypse that presents a new form of Garou martial arts (comparable to the Stargazers' Kailindo) based on channelling Gnosis. Included are six combat manoeuvres, two Gifts, and details of the spirit called Windtooth.
From the Introduction:
Mortla is a series of techniques that employ a rapid succession of calculated strikes delivered to the opponent's body; resulting in various effects ranging from maiming to fatal. The art itself is based on the concept of using Gnosis to augment attacks, enhancing a Garou's natural weapons with the damaging effects of long-term exposure to cold weather.
With Gnosis behind each attack, natural weapons become capable of dealing damage that typically manifests as frostbite. After being hit it's possible for an enemy to experience extreme fatigue, degenerative muscle symptoms, tissue destruction, and a whole host of life threatening conditions. The use of Gnosis makes the cutting nature of each technique possible, making them seem more like something of a minor charm; this reflects the harsh and cold nature of Great Wendigo.


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l, for the life of me, cannot understand why no one wants to do 8s. Not even anywhere near closing time of 2am, this bloody second, not an SH T8 in sight. Not 1. MM is so horrendous right now, its the BEST 0PTl0N to do 8s. Heck you can play stock T8s and grind them out. You won't ever have to do a T8 3/5/7 MM game again. Just play strongholds. But no. Because there are no 8s up. And you even make tonnes of money doing it, AND PLAY WlTH FRlENDS. Where are all the 8s? ? ? ? ?
Worse yet, is that even in great clans, 8s seem to have some weird debbie downer effect, where as soon as there is 1 loss - 1 flipping clucking loss, the caller explodes in a womanly hormones effect, starts talking heaps of trash and whatever else putty mouthed ranting, and the team usually disbands 1Omin later. AKA one more game. Really. Adulthood. How about growing a spine, and playing the game, and making some money. Take your PMS and stuff it in a sack, and play the game.
Lastly, adding to the professional strongholders woes, is that WG won't put back 5 legionaries from T8s.


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Table of responsibilities
The following table gives a rough overview of the division of power between the EU and the national and local governments in the UK. It sets out a list of typical responsibilities of the UK government, such as education, agriculture, and the environment, and shows in more detail the specific responsibilities that the UK government has delegated 'up' (UP) to the EU and 'down' (DOWN) to the local authorities.
Although most parts of England have a 2-tier local government system, which divides responsibilities between district councils and county councils, the local tier of the table summarizes their responsibilities under the 1 heading. Since hundreds of EU laws affect a wide range of subjects, the table lists only a fraction of EU law. Also, the table provides only an overview of the typical responsibilities of the UK 'national' government, since EU legislation intertwines a lot with UK law. We could not, therefore, clearly separate specific EU responsibilities from the remaining UK 'national only' responsibilities. Finally, the subjects listed under the 'national' and 'local' headings comprise only the responsibilities for England. The table excludes the delegated responsibilities of the Scottish Parliament, the National Assembly for Wales, and the Northern Ireland Assembly and their respective local authorities.
Table 41: Table of governmental responsibilities (UK)


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Hicat® units come complete with an Install pack containing instructions, fixings & tools so all you will need to install your floor-to-ceiling Hicat® is a stepladder, a drill that can hold a 11mm bit but having a small mirror to hand will also be useful if you've ordered a Tomcat or Fatcat.
Install Instructions
You can download install instructions on our PDF Downloads page before your unit arrives or review step-by-step instructions online for our floor-to-ceiling or wall mounted units.
Polecat Install
Tomcat & Fatcat Install
Wall Mounted Polecat
Wall Mounted Tomcat & Fatcat
Two Pairs Of Hands Are Better Than One
Manoeuvring larger Tomcat & Fatcat units into place can be tricky if you're on your own so we would recommend getting some help when installing these units.
Freestanding Bobcat
We recommend that some ballast is placed inside these units to prevent them toppling over during boisterous play - a couple of 5kg sandbags from the garden centre should do the job - if you've ordered a taller bespoke unit then we suggest increasing the weight to make sure there's no chance of the unit toppling.
Heavier Tomcat & Fatcat Units
These units may need to be raised slightly from time-to-time after they've been installed if carpet compresses down &/or floorboards give so they come with adjustable feet that can be raised using the hex key enclosed in the installation pack.
Safety First
It's important that you read the installation instruction paying careful attention to the safety notes & make sure that your Hicat® is correctly located in the ceiling fixing & stable before you allow your cat/cats to play.


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Today's post is the second in a three part series on moving to the cloud, courtesy of guest contributor Matthew Johnson of Cloud Sherpas, one of CloudLock's technology partners. Matthew Johnson is the Vice President of Global Cloud Advisory Services at Cloud Sherpas. Matt is an executive-level management consultant with 30 years of experience in the fields of sales and marketing effectiveness, strategic planning and business transformation. His background includes a career-long focus on managing changes surrounding the introduction of new technology into the organization. He earned his M.A. and Ph.D. in Experimental Psychology from the University of Vermont and a B.S. in Biology and Psychology from Valparaiso University.
Consider the Opportunities for Business Improvement
Moving to the cloud is an important opportunity for IT. It can improve agility and, as I discussed last week, turn security from a liability into a benefit. But it's also a big opportunity for the business.
The cloud opens a lot of doors for business users, putting applications that can help them work smarter and do their jobs better right at their fingertips. It's up to IT to help the business take advantage of these opportunities.
Think Ahead
In order to truly drive business improvement, you need to look to the future. Focusing on past needs will only maintain the status quo. Use the move to the cloud as an opportunity to imagine what the future holds.
Survey your users and evaluate your current processes to determine where the shortcomings lie and how they can be improved. Additionally, think beyond the "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" mentality. While certain processes may be "fine" currently, will the same still hold true down the line? Take any opportunity you can to bring your processes into the future and stay one step ahead.
Outline Your Requirements
Use this new knowledge to outline your requirements, including desired capabilities, to support these new business processes. As you do so, be sure to clearly communicate these requirements and your end goals to key stakeholders across the business. Ensuring alignment early on will be key to your ultimate success in this transformation.
Based on this outline, you can begin to determine which applications will be best positioned to support your users and these business changes. Whether it's improved communication and collaboration, tighter engagement, better data or anything else, there are plenty of options out there. It's a matter of determining which is the right fit for your business and its users in the long run.
Don't Fear the Unknown
Again, I'd like to take a moment to talk about security here. Every time you introduce a new application, you likely ask a handful of questions regarding security — and you should. Just because security changes in the cloud, doesn't mean this behavior needs to change. What does need to change though are the questions you ask.
As you provide your business users with new cloud applications, make sure you understand what other applications and APIs they might connect to that initial solution and how you can protect the data that solution houses.
While there are countless applications that users might add to the mix here, with the right mindset and data monitoring tools in place, you can think of this as a further opportunity for business improvement, not a threat.
Ready to learn more about the opportunities for business improvement in the cloud? Check out this white paper to uncover seven key cloud transformation factors: Transforming Your Business in the Cloud


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Eligibility Specialist
Do you have contact with non profit organizations? Are you passionate about helping the disadvantaged? If you have done canvassing, outside sales or have contact with low income families on a regular basis then this would be a good position for you. This is a commission based position with potential to earn a substantial amount of money if you are willing to work. You must be dependable, and self driven. Internet access, a windows based computer, printer and email are required. For more information reply to this email to tell us more about yourself and your qualifications or call us to set up an interview.
Updated 6-Apr-2014
Viewed 1 times today


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The Hold Steady coming to the 40 Watt, August 9
This news will excite others more than me, but indie rockers The Hold Steady will be at the 40 Watt in Athens on August 9. They'll be supporting their forthcoming Stay Positive, due July 14 from Vagrant Records. Tickets are available now.
The Hold Steady - Your Little Hoodrat Friend
The Hold Steady - The Swish
The full set of tour dates is available on their Myspace.


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NCBA and the National Pork Producers Council are both furious with EPA for handing extremist groups illegally gathered data on farmers who operate confined animal feeding operations.
NCBA said early this week it was notified by the EPA that the agency had been collecting information from states on CAFOs. The information was requested by extremist groups, including Earth Justice, the Pew Charitable Trust and the Natural Resources Defense Council through a Freedom of Information Act request and was given to them.
The information released by EPA covers livestock operations in more than 30 states, including many family farmers who feed less than 1,000 head and are not subject to regulation under the Clean Water Act.
"When we reviewed the information submitted by the states and released by EPA, we were alarmed at the detail of the information provided on hard working family farmers and ranchers, family operations including my own," said NCBA past president J.D. Alexander, a cattle feeder from Pilger, Nebraska.
"It is beyond comprehension to me that with threats to my family from harassment atop bio-security concerns, that EPA would gather this information only to release it to these groups. This information details my family's home address and geographic coordinates. The only thing it doesn't do is chauffeur these extremists to my house. For some operations, even telephone numbers and deceased relatives are listed."
The problem had recent roots in January 2012 when EPA proposed the Clean Water Act Section 308 CAFO Reporting rule to collect information from CAFOs and make it publicly available and readily searchable through their website.
Beef producers and even the Department of Homeland Security expressed concerns this was a serious overreach of EPA's authority and would create a road map for activists to harass individual families. They also said the proposal would aid and abet terrorism and provide a very real threat to the nation's food security.
The Pork Producers said the regulation was the result of a 2010 "sweetheart" deal between EPA and the environmental groups. It says the deal was struck while EPA and livestock and poultry producers were in the middle of a lawsuit brought by NPPC over EPA's 2008 CAFO rule, which required large livestock and poultry operations that "propose to" or that "might" discharge into waterways to obtain Clean Water Act permits. A federal appeals court ruled that the CWA requires permits only for farms that actually discharge.
EPA withdrew the 308 rule on these grounds but then indicated it still wanted to collect data on CAFOs to "more effectively carry out its CAFO permitting programs on a national level and ensure that CAFOs are implementing practices to protect water quality and human health."
NPPC said EPA then gathered the data from state water agencies without informing them about its intention to share the information with outside groups, including through a searchable national database.
NCBA said it has since learned that EPA still intends to use this gathered data to create a national searchable database of livestock operations, despite earlier objections and apparent agreements.
Alexander said this action by EPA just proves that our nation says it is concerned with national security, but does not care about personal small business security.
"Cattle producers won this issue with EPA's decision to withdraw the rule and with the withdrawal we had hoped precautions would be taken by the agency to protect such information. Instead of protecting this information, EPA was compiling it in a nice package for these groups, all on the federal dole," Alexander fumed.
With USDA threatening to shut down meat inspection to control spending, Alexander asked, how can EPA afford to compile all this data?


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IF4 - International Fly Fishing Film Festival
Arlington Heights | Website
This event occurred in the past.
Map | Find Parking
The Fly Fishing event of the season! All the best 2015 international fly fishing films in one two hour movie! Action packed and beautifully done, the IF4 is for everyone! Raffle prizes during intermission! Doors open at 6 p.m. Movie starts at 7 p.m. Come hungry and thirsty!


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Quinny Parasol - Rocking Black
Item Ref: 72402970
Mouseover image to zoom or click here for full image
- Details
The Quinny Parasol will protect your child from the sun, providing shade on brighter days.
- Provides shade for your child on those brighter days.
- Compact fold for easy transportation.
- Reviews
Customer Reviews (2)
- "Amazing" by anita
Great product and super fast delivery. Will definately order again !!
Posted on 09/06/2018
- " great quality, great price" by maria
not yet used the parasol with our pram as the company I used to order my pram are now 8 weeks late on their delivery!! (should have ordered pram with pramworld, duh!) the item arrived in pristine condition, packed carefully and looks as though it's never been out of its packaging. The attachment looks very sturdy and secure and will no doubt fix firmly to the pram without need of re-tightening. It would have been invaluable over the last week or so with the wonderful weather we've been having.
Posted on 10/07/2013
- Warranty


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What is Safe Web?
Safe Web is a free application that allows you to view insightful analysis about the websites that you visit and specifically how they're tracking you online.
How does it work?
After you install Safe Web, follow these steps:
- Bookmark the Safe Web "App Page" here: http://www.safewebonline.com/app.html
- Use the internet as you normally would.
- Visit the "App Page", and you'll find a report that shows you what websites or services are tracking you!
Safe Web cannot determine exactly who is tracking your computer usage. Instead, Safe Web allows a user to see which websites have placed tracking code onto their computer. As a result, Safe Web provides the user the freedom to decide which 'trackers' they would like to block or allow. The purpose of Safe Web is to provide users with visibility into the various entities that are tracking pieces of information about them, including user browsing habits, and gives users some power to control this experience.
What browsers do you support?
Internet Explorer 8+, and the latest few versions of FireFox and Google Chrome. We currently only support Microsoft Windows operating system (check back in the future for Mac support!)
Where can I get install instructions for my browser?
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text:
live from new york, it's arcade fire!
with the possible exception of wilco's sky blue sky, due in may, arcade fire's neon bible is my most anticipated release of the year. (bright eyes' cassadaga might have something to say about that as well.) neon bible leaked several weeks ago, but i've been holding off on listening to it until i can hear the whole thing through. but they were on saturday night live tonight, and well, i could not resist.
pre-order neon bible directly from merge records [here]
more arcade fire at the hype machine [here]
visit the torture garden for all the latest arcade fire news [here]
arcade fire : "intervention (live on saturday night live)"
from saturday night live (february 24, 2007)
arcade fire : "keep the car running (live on saturday night live)"
from saturday night live (february 24, 2007)
Labels: live on


text:
Knowledge, Attitude and Practices of Infection Prevention among Anesthesia Professional at Jimma University Teaching Hospital; Oromia Region, South West Ethiopia, May 2015
Kebebe B*, Tefera T, Jisha H
Jimma University, College of Health Science, Ethiopia.
*Corresponding Author
Bulcha Kebebe,
Jimma University, College of Health Science,
Tel: +251920345867
E-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com
Received: November 20, 2015; Accepted: December 12, 2015; Published: December 16, 2015
Citation: Kebebe B, Tefera T, Jisha H (2015) Knowledge, Attitude and Practices of Infection Prevention among Anesthesia Professional at Jimma University Teaching Hospital; Oromia Region, South West Ethiopia,May 2015. Int J Anesth Res. 3(11), 176-180.DOI : dx.doi.org/10.19070/2332-2780-1500043
Copyright: Kebebe B© 2015. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.
Background: Employing standard precautions for infection prevention is increasingly concerned in operating theater. The KAP of Anesthetists plays a vital role in minimizing the risk of infection in surgical patients.
Objective: To assess knowledge, attitude and practices of Anesthetists' on standard precaution of infection prevention.
Methodology: Facility based cross sectional study was conducted in JUTH from MAY 08 -22/2015. Data was collected from all Anesthetists using pretested self-administered questionnaire. The knowledge level, attitude and practice of respondents were analyzed as predefined scale levels using scientific calculator and computer. Finally the result was presented as total percentage using tables and descriptive statements.
Result: Eighteen questionnaires were distributed and 17 (94.44%) were found to be valid and analyzed. Based on grading of knowledge level 14 (82.35%) of them has good knowledge while the rest of 3 (17.64%) have poor knowledge. Among 17, 14 (82.35%) attitude score was > 15 and 3 (17.64%) score was below 15. Therefore 14 (82.35%) Anesthetists have favorable attitude and 3 (17.64%) have unfavorable attitude on standard precaution. Out of 17, 4 (23.52%) was exposed and 3 (75%) of them wash with soap and water and use hand antiseptics as immediate measure after exposure.
Conclusion and Recommendation: The majority of Anesthetists had poor practice of hand washing before and between every patient they intended to care. So a continual training program should be arranged for Anesthetists to follow the trend of hand washing with standard protocols for hand hygiene in the health care environment.
3.Materials and Methods
3.1.Ethical Clearance
3.2.Operational Definition
Attitudes; Knowledge; Practice; Infection Prevention; Jimma.
With the emergence of HIV/AIDS, guidelines for protecting operation room workers from becoming infected with HIV and other blood borne infections (e.g. HCV) were quickly developed and became known as Universal Precautions (UP). But because of many people with blood borne infections such as HIV/AIDS do not have symptoms, nor can they be visibly recognized as being infected, UP had to be modified to include all persons [1].
A new alternative system, called Body Substance Isolation (BSI) were introduced near same time, focused on protecting patients and health care workers from all moist and potentially infected body substances (secretions and excretions), not just blood. BSI was primarily fostering on the use of gloves before touching mucous membranes or non-intact skin, and before anticipated contact with moist body fluids (e.g. blood, semen, vaginal secretions, wound drainage, sputum, saliva, amniotic fluid, etc [2].
Most of these infections can be prevented with readily available, relatively inexpensive strategies by: adhering to recommendation of infection prevention practices, especially hand hygiene and personal protective equipments, paying attention to well-establishedprocesses for decontamination and cleaning of soiled instruments and other items, followed by either sterilization or high-level disinfection; and improving safety in operating rooms and other high-risk areas where the most serious and frequent injuries and exposures to infectious agents occur [3, 4].
New guidelines issued by CDC in 1996 involve a two-level approach Standard Precautions, which apply to all clients and patients attending healthcare facilities and Transmission-Based Precautions, which apply only to hospitalized patients. This new system retains features of both universal precaution and body substance isolation. Moreover, it replaces the cumbersome disease- specific isolation precautions with three sets of transmission- based precautions for use in hospitalized patients [5].
Hand hygiene (using an antiseptic or hand rub) after touching blood, body fluids, secretions, excretions and contaminated items,immediately after removing gloves, patient precautions were not applied may result in potential of infection [6].
The following universal infection control precautions are advised by the World Health Organization (WHO) to protect operation room workers and clients from blood-borne infections including HIV. Washing hands with soap and water before and after procedures, using protective barriers such as gloves, gowns, aprons, masks, goggles for direct contact with blood and other body fluids, disinfecting instruments and other contaminated equipment, Handling properly soiled linen, Gloves and leak proof bags should be used if necessary. Cleaning should be performed outside patient areas, using detergent and hot water. Using a new, auto disable syringe (AD) or single-use disposable injection equipment for all injections is highly recommended. Sterilizable injection should only be considered if single use equipment is not available and if the sterility can be documented time, steam and temperature (TST) indicators [7].
Operation Room workers, who work in theatre settings, also are at risk of exposure to serious, potentially life-threatening infections. For example, in the US, more than 800,000 needle stick injuries occur each year despite continuing education and vigorous efforts aimed at preventing such accidents [9]. The world healthorganization (WHO) estimated that at least 50% of the12 billion injections administered each year in the developing world are unsafe-posing serious health risk to recipients, health workers and the public [4, 6].
A study done in Africa on universal precaution showed that waste disposal was problematic in Chad, Cameron, Cote-de-Voire, Guinea Bissau and Uganda. In these countries there were no health centers that had a facility for safe disposal of used materials. But in Ethiopia, Rwanda, Kenya and Zambia, incineration of used syringes was reported to be the common practice [10].
Study done in Ethiopia at southern nation, nationalities, and peoples region (SNNPR) showed that 32.4% of health care workers (HCWs) reported as they had sustained at least one form of accidental injury with needle or other sharps [11]. A study done in University of Geneva Hospital in Switzerland revealed that the hand hygiene compliance rate ranges from 23% to 87%. Overall, doctors practiced proper hand hygiene only 57 percent of the time when opportunities for hand washing arose [12].
Other study done by Nigat project and Engender health in Ethiopia showed that healthcare workers don't usually wash their hands on arrival to work place and before putting on glove; even though, it is well practiced between clients and before leaving work place [13].
Even though extensive studies were done on knowledge, attitude and practices compliance with standard precaution among other health care providers but little was done on anesthetists. Therefore this study aimed to assess about knowledge of SP, attitude towards SP and to assess the gap between the ideal and practical aspect of standard precaution application by anesthetists in the operating room.
Materials and Methods
Descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from May 08 to 22, 2015 at Jimma University Teaching Hospital (JUTH), located in Jimma town 350 km to south west from Addis Ababa; Ethiopia. This hospital is the only specialized hospital and oldest teaching hospital in the region. It provides multi-disciplinary service for 14,000 inpatient and 12,300 out patients through its major departments including: surgery, gynecological and obstetric, internal medicine, pediatric and child health, ophthalmology, dentistry and diagnostic facilities. It has a capacity of about 450 beds, 5 operation theaters, and 1448 health professionals in the different field of study.
Self-answered questionnaire containing open and close ended questions was used to collect data. The question focused on anesthetists' knowledge, attitude and practice of universal precaution of infection prevention validated by WHO and national guideline. The data obtained was compiled, cleansed and analyzed using SPSS v. 16; and the descriptive result presented as percentages of total responses. Ten knowledge questions were asked to know the knowledge status of anesthetists' on standard precaution of infection prevention. The respondent's knowledge was graded as good knowledge for those who responded > 7.5 questions correctly > 75°% and poor knowledge for those responded correctly < 7.5 or < 60%.
An official permission letter was obtained before data collection from Jimma University Community Based Education office and hospital administration. After the objective and confidentiality of study explained written consent was obtained from all respondents.
Defined as participant, from total knowledge related question, correctly respond less than 60% categorized as having poor knowledge and 60-75% categorized as having fair knowledge and greater than 75% as having good knowledge.
Ways of thinking of the study subject about infection prevention. The result will be graded according to Likert scale from 1-5. For response to positive statements, strongly agree score 5 & strongly disagree score 1. For responses to negative statements strongly disagree score 5 & strongly agree score1. Based on this score > 60% considered as favorable attitude while <60 % considered as unfavorable attitude, which also include neutral response.
Experience or way of doing of the study subject regarding to prevent any sort of infection. Those who have no risk practice considered as safe practice. Those who had at least one risk practice considered as unsafe practice; practicing without personal protective equipment uses.
Out of 18, 17 (94.4%) respondents questionnaire were found completely filled and valid to be included in analysis. Largest number (82.4%) of respondents aged between age 24-35 (with ranges from 24-54 years). Fifteen (88.2%) were males and two were females. Most of them serve less than 5 years (Table 1).
All respondents agreed that every health professionals are at risk of infection from health facility origin.
Majority of anesthetists had never participated in any training program dedicated to infection prevention after their respective pre-service course. From those who have attended the training programs, seminar accounts the greatest; five out of eight respondents.
All anesthetists indicated that they were using all of the personal protective equipment, except exam glove that has been used by few. The mostly used protective equipment was disposable glove, head cover, boots, gown, and face mask. They were using 100% and least used personal protective equipment was exam glove 4 (23.5%).
The study revealed 14 (82.35%) of anesthetists have good knowledge while the rest of 3 (17.64%) have poor knowledge with score range of 6 to 9 out of 10 question. Only 12 (70.5%) know the presence of prophylaxis after exposure to contaminated needle and sharp. All participants indicated that they know hand washing affect clinical outcome and necessary even when glove worn.
All respondents showed that the know disease can be transmitted through contaminated needle and sharps. Some of the common diseases known by the participant that could be transmitted by contaminated sharps and needle were 17 (100%) Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), 2 (10%) tetanus, 17 (100%) hepatitis B viruses (HBV), 9 (60) hepatitis C viruses. Among the respondents 13 (76.47%) know that HBV can persist on the external environment for up to seven days.
The study showed from 17, 14 (82.35%) anesthetists' attitude score was > 15 and one (17.64%) score was below 15 with range of score from 12 to 22 out of 25 questions. Over all 13 (82.35%) anesthetists have favorable attitude and 3 (17.64%) have unfavorable attitude on standard precaution. Most of the respondents strongly agree on gloves use for all patient care 13 (76.5%), as they can acquire HIV through their in the absence of SP 12 (70.5%) are strongly agree and health care associated organisms are commonly resistance to alcohol 12 (70.58%) are strongly disagree (Table 2).
Majority of the respondents' use PPE for all people followed by for procedures that need PPE for prevention of body fluid and blood contact.In most of the respondents HIV is the first disease that comes to respondents mind when the issue of infection prevention is raised (Table 3).
Though they believe the importance of cleaning hands; only 5 (29.41%) anesthetists clean their hands between every patient contact. However, 12 (70.5%) did not clean their hand between every patient they encounter. The result also revealed that the practice of anesthetists on hand cleaning before and after touching patient 4 (23.5%) and 5 (29.41%) respectively. Anesthetists hose using water and soap as method hand cleaning account 14 (82.35%) followed by alcohol based hand rub 3 (17.64%). Almost 12 (70.58%) has no any risk practice (safe) and 5 (29.4%) have at least one risk practice (unsafe) with what standard precaution recommends. All respondent at least use three personal protective equipment like boots, mask, gloves, gown, cape, etc; while they are doing in health care facility (Table 4).
The entire respondents 17 (100%) clean laryngoscope between every patient they encounter. Majority 12 (70.5%) of the respondents soak the laryngoscope in disinfectants for ten minutes and 4 (23.5%) and 1 (5.88%) of them soak the laryngoscope for five and twenty minutes respectively.
As respondents indicated Berekina is the most frequently used chemical for decontamination and chlorine is the least used. It accounts 9 (52.94%) and followed by alcohol 6 (35.29%). Only and 5 (29.4) % anesthetists wash their gown twice a week while rest 12 (70.58)% respondent wash once per week.
Out of four anesthetists exposed to blood or body fluids majority three of them wash with soap and water, and then use hand antiseptics as immediate measure after exposure and one respondent washed with only soap and water.
Among the respondents, 8 (47%) had participated in training program dedicated to infection prevention after their respective preservice course. Of the training programs seminar accounts the greatest (52.9%) (Table 5).
All the respondents 17 (100 %) know that dirty needle and contaminated sharp materials agent could transmit disease causing agent. The commonest disease that is known to be transmitted by health care workers includes HIV 17 (100%), HCV 12 (70.5%) and HBV 17 (100%). Study conducted in the North-West region of the UK also shows that most respondents have changed their practice since the recognition of HIV (74.8%) and hepatitis B and C (69.8%) are the common disease transmitted by contaminated sharps and needle [19]. As current study reveals knowledge of Anesthetists on HIV and HBV transmission by contaminated sharps and needle is 100%. This may due to government resolution to reduction of HIV in the country as whole.
The study shows that 14 (82.35%) of Anesthetists have favorable attitude and 3 (17.64%) have unfavorable attitude on standard precaution. This shows that the majority of Anesthetists havepositive attitude toward the principles of universal precaution. The study reveals that 12 (70.58%) of Anesthetists wash their gown once per week and 5 (29.41%) twice per week which less than research done in SNNPR in which 22.3% wash their gown twice [12]. This may be explained by having more than one gown by health professionals in which s/he changes 1st day worn gown at middle of the week and have same day schedule for washing. The study reveals that most Anesthetists had poor practice of hand washing before and between every patient contact which is in-line with the study done by Nigat project and Engender health in Ethiopia showed that healthcare workers don't usually wash their hands on arrival to work place and before putting on glove.even though, it is better practiced between clients and before leaving work place. But the survey done in Pakistan shows, only 18% of respondents stated that they always washed their hands after every patient contact [13, 19]. This may be due to limited number health professionals given chance to be trained on how to practice. The study result shows, all Anesthetists 17(100%) were using disposable glove, gown, head cover, mask and boots in their everyday practice. But in Australian and New Zealand anesthetists, only 37% always wore gloves while administering anesthetics and in Pakistan, thirty four percent of the respondents always used masks, and only 9% used gloves in their everyday practice [17, 18]. As current study reveals the standards precaution for hand hygiene as they pertain to the practice of anesthesiology and modern innovations in using of PPE procedures and products that improve the opportunities for anesthesiologists to employ safe hand hygiene [14].
As the study reveals that 23.52% of Anesthetists had blood or body fluid splash to their eyes and 3 (75%) wash with soap and water and use hand antiseptics immediate measure after exposure and also 29.41% of Anesthetists had needle or sharp injury and didn't report which was the same with research in Australian and New Zealand thirty-nine per cent had had needle stick injuries in the preceding 12 months; 43% did not always report them [17]. But in Nigeria ninety-six per-cents of all respondents will initiate an action after a needle stick injury whilst 4% will ignore [16]. Among 17 Anesthetists 8 (47%) had participated on training program dedicated to infection prevention after their respective pre –service courses and 9 (53%) hadn't trained. This may be due to limited number of Anesthetists given chance to be trained at once from the hospital.
Though JUTH anesthetists had a better knowledge and attitude their practices is very poor against standard precaution of infection prevention.
There are no clear standards for all activities especially for proper handling and disposing of used needles/sharp materials, cleaning reusable materials (laryngoscope, corrugated tube, endotracheal tube, etc.), personal protective equipment and hand washing.
Therefore the concerning body should arrange up to date training and manuals regularly for professionals and work on capacity building to improve their practices to the standards of infection prevention practices.
- Centers for Disease Control (CDC) (1985) Recommendations for preventing transmission of infection with human T-lymphtropic virus type III/ lymphadenopathy-associated virus in the workplace. MMWR 34(45): 681-686, 691-695.
- Lynch P, Jackson M, Preston GA, Soule BM (1998) Infection Prevention with Limited Resources: A Handbook for Infection Committees. ETNA Communications, Chicago.
- Patterson JE, Vecchio J, Pantelick EL, Farrel P, Mazon D, et al. (1991) Association of contaminated gloves with of Acinetobacter calcoaceticus var. anitratus in an intensive care unit. Am J Med 91(5): 479-483
- Simonsen L, Kane A, Lloyd J, Zaffran M, Kane M (1999) Unsafe injection in the developing world and transmission of bloodborne pathogens: a review. Bull World Health Organ 77(10): 789-800.
- Garner JS (1996) Guideline for isolation precautions in hospitals. The Hospital Infection Control Practices Advisory. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 17(1): 53-80.
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- Tietjen LG (1997) Preventing infections in healthcare workers. Outlook 15(4): 1-4.
- Lacerda RA (2003) infeccaohospitalas e suarelacaocom aevolucao das practicas de assistencia a saude. saopaulo; atheeu 9-23.
- Rogers B (1997) Health hazards in nursing and health care: An overview. Am J Infect Control 25(3): 248-261.
- Ministry of Health (2005) Infection prevention guidelines for health care. Facilities in Ethiopia. 1-79.
- Gebriel YW, Tesfaye F (2004) Assessment of safety of injection and related medical practice in health institutions at Sidama Zone, SNNPRS. MPH thesis.
- Karen Pallarito (2004) Doctors Skimp on Hand Hygiene. Health on network foundation. http://www.cdc.gov/od/oc/media/pressrel/fs021025.htm
- Nigat project and Engender health. Stigma or discrimination and infection prevention practices in health care settings. 2003 (Unpublished). Ministry of Health. Infection prevention guidelines for health facilities in Ethiopia. 2005 (Unpublished)
- Katz JD (2004) Hand washing and hand disinfection: more than your mother taught you. Anesthesiol Clin North America 22(3): 457-471.
- Carbonne A, Veber B, Hajjar J, Zaro-Goni D, Maugat S, et al. (2006) Evaluation of practices involving a cross infection risk in anaesthesia. Ann Fr Anesth Reanim 25(11-12): 1158-1164.
- Kushimo OT, Akpan SG, Desalu I, Merah NA, Ilori IU (2007) Knowledge, attitude and practices of Nigerian anaesthetists in HIV infected surgical patients: a survey. Niger Postgrad Med J 14(3): 261-265.
- Richards MJ, Jenkin GA, Johnson PD (1997) Universal precautions: attitudes of Australian and New Zealand anaesthetists. Med J Aust 166(3):138-140.
- Yaqub KM, Tariq M, Janjua SK, Masroor R, Safdar A, et al. (2007) A survey of infection control practices of consultant anesthesiologists in teaching hospitals of pakistan. Journal of the College of Physicians and Surgeons--Pakistan 17(9): 523-526.
- el Mikatti N, Dillon P, Healy TE (1999) Hygienic practices of consultant anaesthetists: a survey in the north-west region of the UK. Anaesthesia 54(1): 13-18.
- Rosenberg AD, Bernstein DB, Bernstein RL, Skovron ML, Ramanathan S, et al. (1995) Accidental needle sticks: do anesthesiologists practice proper infection control precautions? Am J Anesthesiology 22(3): 125-132.
- Charuluxananan S, Migasena R, Somboonviboon W, Chinachot T, Kunthollaxami A (2000) Effect of national seminar on AIDS and anesthesia upon knowledge, attitude and practice concerning HIV among Thai anesthesia personnel. J Med Assoc Thai 83(2): 174-181.
- Tait AR, Tuttle DB (1994) Prevention of occupational transmission of human immunodeficiency virus and hepatitis B virus among anesthesiologists: a survey of anesthesiology practice. Anesth Analg 79(4): 623-628.


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Xiaomi sells 1.5 million Redmi Note 2 units in a month!
by Sep 14, 2015 6:52 am0
Xiaomi has broken another record by selling 1.5 million units of the Redmi Note 2 which was just launched a month ago. The smart phone was selling for 125 USD in its 16GB version and 156 USD in its 32 GB model. This has contributed to the record high sales and the projection indicates that the sales for the Redmi Note 2 might exceed 10 million by the end of 2015.
The slim design phone is equipped with 13MP rear camera for full HD great shots and 5MP front camera for a clearer video chats. The bright exterior colors of the cover options give users a wider array of selection. The eight Cortex A53 processor and the 2GB RAM together with the 5.5 inch 1080 pixels HD display create the astonishing user experience. The phone accepts dual Micro-SIMs that can be both 4G technology. The FM radio, the 4.0 Bluetooth and the 802.11ac Wi-Fi radio offer more connectivity solutions. The phone runs on MIUI 6 when unpacked from the box and the Android 5.0 with MIUI 7 skin upgrade is readily available for a manual update.
Unfortunately at the moment, it is reported that the Redmi Note 2 is only available for the Chinese local market. However, Xiaomi's products are showing a huge potential to attract even larger number of buyers in the international market. The company is already expanding to the Indian market and also eying the US for the near future.