text:
Seven Steps to an Effective IT Service Management Strategy
Seven Steps to an Effective IT Service Management Strategy
by Darryl K. Taft
Use Proven Standards
There are many sources of proven best practices CIOs can use to build an ITSM strategy. The two primary sources are Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL), which focuses on aligning the needs of the business with IT services, and Control Objectives for Information and related Technology (COBIT), described as the ITIL of governance and cost management. The most common place to start implementing an ITSM strategy is with three key ITIL best practices: incident management, problem management and change management.
Provide ITSM Instructions
ITSM can be a reliable GPS for IT, but first you have to upload the data it needs to map your directions. Start with three key things: 1) IT operations and efficiencies to enable you to get the most from current technology; 2) management functions that drive value (i.e., cost, finance and asset management); and 3) business enablement that aligns IT with business requirements and objectives.
Be Methodical
You don't have to implement a comprehensive strategy all at once. In fact, defining a strategy allows you to address short-term pain points with the confidence that you are proceeding in the right long-term direction.
Create a Service Catalog
A foundational component of an effective ITSM strategy is a service catalog that defines the IT services in enough detail to outline the technology and processes that are required to provide them. This also makes it possible to align IT services directly with the business strategies they support and has the additional advantage of helping IT show executive management the value it provides to the rest of the organization.
Address User Needs
As scary as allowing business users to request technical services on their own might be, a scarier thought is the world of "shadow IT" that enterprising users have found outside the firewall surrounding a secure and protected corporate IT environment. Through a service catalog that addresses users' needs, IT can provide automation, workflow and orchestration and establish an approvals process consistent with the company's IT strategy.
Develop a Configuration Management Database (CMDB)
A CMDB allows the identification, management and tracking of the technology on which business services are built. It also allows IT pros to determine what each service costs and identify the services that could be more efficiently handled by a qualified third party. Implementing an effective ITSM strategy is both a requirement and an enabler of outsourcing and cloud computing. All the information a service provider needs to set up automation and orchestration parameters for a cloud solution is available between the service catalog and CMDB.
Hire the Right People
A key part of ITSM is enabling communication between IT and business, and IT needs to take the lead on this process. One way to do that is by training or hiring a business strategist—part technologist, part business analyst—who possesses enough technical knowledge to work well with developers and bring business knowledge to IT projects.


text:
Your shopping cart is currently empty.
Franklin Straps HB1-CG-N - 2" Leather with Cotton Web Back Guitar Strap - Cognac
2" Cognac Leather with Natural Cotton Webbing Backing and a Chrome Slider.
We are especially proud of this new series. It's an exceptional blending of quality materials, craftsmanship, design and functionality in a product that doesn't break the bank. The Hybrid represents a thoughtful blending of premium leather or suede with either robust cotton or seatbelt webbing, designed for infinite adjustment and durability. The leather is our deeply- oiled ball glove style that not only feels great, but has a soft, warm glow. The deep nap suede is a study in softness. By combining either material with a 60" length of cotton or seatbelt webbing and a chrome slider, we have created a strap that is infinitely adjustable. Electric players will really love the slick back that allows your guitar to easily glide on your shoulder. The strap is completed with our proprietary Franklin end tab and contrast stitching, making it distinctive without overshadowing your dream guitar.
N Stuff SKU:
Franklin Straps

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Amputee Rehabilitation Program
Clinical Manager - Brad Haardeng
Clinic Phone #: 905 521 2100 ext. 40964
Intake Office: 905-521-2100 ext: 40806
Level 2, South - Regional Rehabilitation Centre
300 Wellington St. North
Hamilton, Ontario
Clinical Team: Multidisciplinary rehabilitation including physician, nursing, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, nutrition, recreation, social work, pharmacy and prosthetics and orthotics.
Patients Served
The Amputee Rehabilitation Program is located at the Regional Rehabilitation Centre, Level 2 South. Most patients have lower limb amputations but service is also provided for those with upper extremity amputations. Patients with lower extremity amputations are serviced as both inpatients and as outpatients based on the level of nursing care required.
Services Provided
Focus of rehabilitation is on:
- achieving ambulation with a prosthesis or improving transfers with a prosthesis
- practicing functional ambulation activities e.g.. stairs, curbs, ramps
- practicing functional activities of daily living e.g. transfers, self-care, reaching, carrying
- identifying and prescribing necessary equipment for discharge
- learning management of life with a prosthesis - includes coping, knowledge of prosthesis, nutrition and good health practices
- learning about leisure activities and community reintegration
- regular education classes with ongoing individual education as required
- length of stay is typically 4-6 weeks
Admission Criteria
- Assessment in the Amputee Clinic to determine readiness to participate in the program i.e. wound healing, medical stability, physical status
- Patient goals include desire and motivation to use a prosthesis
- Patient has attainable functional goals related to mobility and transfers with the aid of a prosthetic device
- Discharge destination is identified
Referral Process
HHS inpatient referrals: A doctor's order is required to request an inpatient consultation.
Intake Office will triage referrals to the appropriate service.
Referral forms and accompanying information should be faxed to Dr. Sharon Grad @ 905-577-8233.
In addition to the referral form please provide:
- Patient demographics
- Relevant consultation notes and diagnostics related to the referral
- OR note
- Current medication record
- Recent lab tests including ARO status
- Therapy (PT/OT) notes if available.
Once the information has been received an appointment will be booked in the Amputee Screening Clinic.
At the clinic appointment, information is provided about the rehab program and appropriate pre-rehab treatment recommendations i.e. residual limb bandaging, strengthening, wound care
Related Links


text:
Prairie Fibre Mill near Biggar, Saskatchewan held its second annual Fibre Art Showcase on July 11, 2009.
Several fibre artists were displaying their work and were set up in the old school house.
There was sheep shearing out in the barn and the mill was a popular place with people lined up for tours.
Here are just a few photos of all the fibre fun.
Dale Kelman makes Locker Hooked rugs, horse blankets and therapeutic chair pads. He works with natural colored wool roving which is pulled through a mesh backing, leaving soft, wooly loops on both sides.
Ron Ogg was weaving a wool scarf with yarns spun at Prairie Fibre Mill. He is working on a four harness loom.
David Spearling-Law working on a needle-felted project.
Wanda Toullelon hand quilting on a frame. This quilt in progress was a paper-pieced technique of flower patterns of her own design.
Holly Hildebrand is a Mixed Media artist who displayed some of her fibre related projects. Many used photo images worked into collages, which were embellished with quilting, ink, fabrics and paint.
And me, Val Fiddler. I had such a fun day. I love showing people how the spinning wheel works, how yarn is made and how to card wool. I met some Ravelry friends in person as well as old & new friends, but unfortunately didn't have time to visit much. My afternoon was complete when I gave a lesson in drop-spindle spinning to a young girl very keen on learning! I also had a piece of Rhubarb Saskatoon Berry pie homemade,by Sheila at the Mill.


text:
UT has 10 years of experience placing international students in entry-level, seasonal positions within the hospitality and tourism industries as well as in amusement parks, super markets, museums, swimming pools, and malls, etc. With having more than 1000 students every summer gives us great flexibility to meet the expectations of each employer. Employers use the Work & Travel Program year after year to find capable and motivated staff members who add diversity and a unique enthusiasm to the workplace.
This unique cultural exchange program provides employers with a reliable source of motivated seasonal employees, and it provides the students a chance to discover the people and culture of the USA while earning enough money to pay for their trip and support themselves throughout their stay.
Our Work & Travel Program Staff works closely with both participants and employers, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of both your needs and the participants interests and qualifications. Our employers range from major amusement parks and resorts to family owned inns and restaurants, and we have the experience and flexibility needed to address a wide range of staffing needs.
We conduct interviews throughout Europe and Asia before the student leaves his or her home country.
Our participants are sponsored by The Council on International Educational Exchanges (CIEE-www.ciee.org) to come to the US on a J-1 visa, which allows them to work legally for up to four months. Many employers find that our participants' work dates fit in perfectly with their employment needs in the summer. Students arrive as early as early June and as late as mid July.


text:
Analysis and Evaluation of Regulatory Uncertainties in 10 CFR 60 Subparts B and Eby Ruth F. Weiner, Southwest Research Inst, United States,
Wesley C. Patrick, Southwest Research Inst, United States,
Document Type: Proceeding Paper
Part of: High Level Radioactive Waste Management 1990
An attribute analysis scheme is presented for for prioritizing the resolution of regulatory uncertainties. Attributes are presented which assist in identifying the importance, need for timeliness and durability of the resolution of an uncertainty.
Subject Headings: Uncertainty principles | Radioactive wastes | Radioactive materials | Hazardous materials | Waste disposal | Legislation | Algorithms
Services: Buy this book/Buy this article
Return to search


text:
The price displayed on this site may differ from the one displayed on the retailer's site. See the website of the retailer for the applicable prices and availability.
Filter by subcategory : Boots - High Heels - Sandals - Flats - Sneakers
Showing 1–16 of 101 Result
Showing 1–16 of 101 Result


text:
The Fight for Washington
Those who thought things would cool off after the elections, should think again. The Trump administration has not yet won the battle for legitimacy. Maybe it never will. Thomas Lifson argues the "CIA broke the law to take out its critic General Flynn". Bill Kristol doesn't care about the legalities. He sees the resignation of Mike Flynn as a power struggle between two evil Washington factions, only one of who can win. "Obviously strongly prefer normal democratic and constitutional politics," Kristol tweeted. "But if it comes to it, prefer the deep state to the Trump state."
No middle ground?Not even the constitution? Can things be so bad? The language of the pundits is full of warlike metaphors. Rush Limbaugh called what happened "the Political Assassination of Michael Flynn". Jennifer Rubin sees it as a softening up of the beaches on the Road to Tokyo. Flynn was only a whistle stop en route to the final destination. "If Flynn's gone in less than a year how long will Trump last?," she asks.
The overall tone is so bellicose even long-time Trump critics worry things have gone too far. John Podhoretz says "what happened with Flynn also represents a frightening portent" because "no joke, people — if they can do it to Mike Flynn, they can do it to you." Suddenly no one is safe.
Leftists have become fond of saying that Trump shouldn't be 'normalized.' That concern should now go both ways. Every American should be equally concerned at the potential 'normalization' of the tactics used by unnamed government officials to do Flynn in. ...
This is the ultimate Pandora's box. It makes a public mockery of the presumption of innocence that is the hallmark of our legal system. Such a thing is only acceptable, even morally, if you believe that the Trump White House represents such an unprecedented threat to everything that a higher law must govern your actions.
But dangerous or not, the game is afoot. A fight is on between what Kristol called the "deep state" and "the Trump state". It marks an escalation between the incoming Trump crew and the coalition consisting of establishment Republicans, Democrats, media and intelligence bureaucrats. It's a poorly lit scene, like the Alien vs Predator or Godzilla vs Muto movies which it resembles, and it's hard to see where the borders of the action begin and end. It could be big, it could be little, but all you care about is staying away from the trampling feet and slashing blades.
Michael Walsh suggests the whole federal bureaucracy has been booby-trapped by an outgoing administration that never conceded the election but only went underground. "This story, from the Jan. 12, 2017 edition of the New York Times, was little-remarked upon at the time, but suddenly has taken on far greater significance in light of current events:"


text:
Compared with the crowded, colorful displays of loot in most Broadway theater lobbies, the merchandise counter for Rent looks downright spare: a modest assortment of sweatshirts, mugs, CDs and T shirts in basic-grunge black-and-white. The show, too--on my first return visit since reviewing it 12 years ago--looks a bit paler than it did back in 1996, when it opened off-Broadway to so much acclaim that it made the jump to Broadway just two months later. The aids-centric story lines in this East Village update of La Bohème seem a little dated now, and the umpteenth replacement cast doesn't have the snap,...
Life After Rent
Can Broadway woo a younger, more diverse crowd? Two new shows aim to try
Subscriber content preview. or Log-In
To continue reading: or Log-In


text:
This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies.
From labor disputes cases to labor and employment publications, for your research, you'll find solutions on Bloomberg Law®. Protect your clients by developing strategies based on Litigation...
By Chris Opfer
Dec. 23 — A federal judge Dec. 22 invalidated part of a Labor Department regulation requiring employers to pay most home-care workers minimum wages and overtime, striking down the provision 10 days before it was slated to take effect.
The U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia granted partial summary judgment to the Home Care Association of America and two other groups on claims that the DOL violated the Administrative Procedure Act in issuing as part of the regulation a provision that home-care workers employed by a third-party business are no longer exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act's minimum wage and overtime requirements.
The court found that Congress didn't delegate to the department the authority to change the FLSA's statutory terms, which exempt "any employee" providing "companionship services" from the minimum wage and overtime requirements and exempt "live-in" domestic service providers for the overtime obligation.
The new DOL rule on home-care workers "essentially would eviscerate a Congressionally-mandated exemption via a method Congress never envisioned," Judge Leon wrote. He said U.S. Supreme Court precedent affirming current regulations "does not grant the Department judicial cover for what can only be characterized as a wholesale arrogation of Congress's authority in this area!"
The new rule "essentially would eviscerate a Congressionally-mandated exemption via a method Congress never envisioned," Judge Richard J. Leon wrote. He added that U.S. Supreme Court precedent affirming current regulations interpreting the law "does not grant the Department judicial cover for what can only be characterized as a wholesale arrogation of Congress's authority in this area!"
However, the court didn't invalidate a separate provision of the new regulation that updates the definition of "companionship services" to narrow the types of duties for which workers are exempt from the FLSA's minimum wage and overtime requirements. Leon said the DOL acted "appropriately" in filling a gap left by Congress with respect to the specific exempted activities.
Labor Department spokesman Jason Surbey told Bloomberg BNA Dec. 23 that the DOL "strongly disagrees with the district court's opinion." He added that the new definition of "companionship services" will go into effect as planned.
"As of January 1, 2015, one of the Final Rule's central changes, the revision of the outdated definition of 'companionship services,' will go into effect," Surbey told Bloomberg BNA. "All employers of home care workers, including third party employers, will be obligated to consider the duties such workers perform in evaluating whether they must pay wages in compliance with the minimum wage and overtime requirements."
The International Franchise Association joined with the Home Care Association and the National Association for Home Care and Hospice as plaintiffs in the litigation.
"Today's victory is a small but important step in protecting clients, workers and local franchise business owners in the home care industry," IFA Executive Vice President Robert Cresanti said in a Dec. 22 statement following the decision. "While we are mindful that only part of the DOL's damaging regulation has been vacated thus far, we are encouraged by the court's willingness to hold the Administration accountable for misguided policies pursued in defiance of congressional intent and legal precedent."
The Labor Department originally proposed the rule in December 2011, a move that generated more than 26,000 public comments from industry groups, labor organizations and other stakeholders. The department issued the final rule in September 2013.
The rule addressed the FLSA exemption for home-care workers who provide "companionship services" and "in-home" domestic services for clients and said it is limited to workers who work directly for a client, rather than through a third-party agency or other business. It also clarified the definition of "companionship services" to include only social, physical and mental "fellowship" activities and "protection" services, such as being present when a client is inside the home to monitor the person's safety.
The department said the rule was intended to reflect changes in the home-care industry since the exemptions were originally enacted in 1974. "The Department intends for the exemption to apply to those direct care workers who are performing 'elder sitting' rather than the professionalized workforce for whom home-care is a vocation," the DOL wrote of the companionship services definition change in the final rule.
Opponents of the new regulation, including industry groups and some congressional Republicans, said it would cause home-care costs to skyrocket by making the vast majority of workers eligible for federal minimum wages and overtime pay.
Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.), the ranking member on the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, was among a group of 24 Republican lawmakers who in September signed a letter to Labor Secretary Thomas E. Perez, asking him to suspend the rule's implementation. They cited the rule's "sweeping changes" to the exemptions and said state Medicaid and other programs needed more time to implement the new requirements.
The DOL announced Oct. 7 that it would delay enforcement actions under the new rule until June 2015 and exercise "prosecutorial discretion" about which cases to pursue through the end of the year. Opponents seized on the announcement as proof that the changes were untenable and said the delay simply created more confusion for employers.
Supporters of the rule, on the other hand, have argued that the changes are necessary to allow home-care workers to make a living wage. In a statement issued Dec. 22, the Paraprofessional Healthcare Institute said the district court's ruling "allows this multibillion dollar industry to continue to profit from an exemption to our nation's most basic labor law, while perpetuating the exploitation of home-care aides who provide vital services to millions of Americans."
Granting partial summary judgment to the Home Care Association and the two other groups, the district court held that Congress didn't delegate to the Labor Department the authority to decide that all third-party home-care workers were no longer covered by the companionship service and in-home domestic services exemptions.
"[A]n agency's general rulemaking authority does not necessarily mean that every specific rule the agency promulgates will be a valid exercise of that authority," Leon wrote. "Congress surely did not delegate to the Department of Labor here the authority to issue a regulation that transforms defining statutory terms into drawing policy lines based on who cuts a check rather than what work is being performed."
Leon said Congress left certain "definitional gaps" in the exemption for the DOL to fill, including the types of work that qualify as companionship services under the exemption. He said lawmakers made clear, however, that the exemption was to apply to "any employee" performing those services, regardless of whether the employee works directly for a client or is employed through a third party.
Indeed, the court noted that the Supreme Court upheld the exemption in Long Island Care at Home v. Coke, 551 U.S. 158, 12 WH Cases2d 1089 (2007), and that legislation that would have revised the FLSA to remove third-party home-care workers from the exemption has thus far failed to move in Congress. "[T]he Department of Labor amazingly tried to do administratively what others had failed to achieve in either the Judiciary or Congress," Leon wrote.
Although the Supreme Court in Coke held that the DOL's then-current regulations interpreting the companionship exemption were valid and enforceable, the district court said the new regulations posed a different question because they contradicted the statute's plain language. Leon said the Coke decision didn't empower the department to "gut" the statutory exemptions.
The Home Care Association was represented by Maurice Baskin of Littler Mendelson P.C. and William A. Dombi of the Center for Health Care Law, both in Washington, D.C. Julie S. Saltman of the Justice Department in Washington represented the DOL.
To contact the reporter on this story: Chris Opfer in Washington at email@example.com
To contact the editor responsible for this story: Susan J. McGolrick at email@example.com
Text of the opinion is available at http://op.bna.com/dlrcases.nsf/r?Open=copr-9s3pem.
All Bloomberg BNA treatises are available on standing order, which ensures you will always receive the most current edition of the book or supplement of the title you have ordered from Bloomberg BNA's book division. As soon as a new supplement or edition is published (usually annually) for a title you've previously purchased and requested to be placed on standing order, we'll ship it to you to review for 30 days without any obligation. During this period, you can either (a) honor the invoice and receive a 5% discount (in addition to any other discounts you may qualify for) off the then-current price of the update, plus shipping and handling or (b) return the book(s), in which case, your invoice will be cancelled upon receipt of the book(s). Call us for a prepaid UPS label for your return. It's as simple and easy as that. Most importantly, standing orders mean you will never have to worry about the timeliness of the information you're relying on. And, you may discontinue standing orders at any time by contacting us at 1.800.960.1220 or by sending an email to email@example.com.
Put me on standing order at a 5% discount off list price of all future updates, in addition to any other discounts I may quality for. (Returnable within 30 days.)
Notify me when updates are available (No standing order will be created).
This Bloomberg BNA report is available on standing order, which ensures you will all receive the latest edition. This report is updated annually and we will send you the latest edition once it has been published. By signing up for standing order you will never have to worry about the timeliness of the information you need. And, you may discontinue standing orders at any time by contacting us at 1.800.372.1033, option 5, or by sending us an email to email@example.com.
Put me on standing order
Notify me when new releases are available (no standing order will be created)


text:
Tuesday, February 14, 2017
If The Porthole is a mimicry of a collage, in that no source material has actually been cut apart, and Tristiano is a collage created out of (primarily) a single person's work in slightly different modes, then Michel Butor's Letters to the Antipodes, 1981, is closer to the process that creates the type of visual collage people are used to: multiple sources, disassembled, and placed back together in a new order; some things left out, others emphasised by their placement. There are strategies in Antipodes that don't have equivalents in the other Butor books that I've read, such as the word "red" inserted in the joins between segments, and the names of authors added to the ends of the excerpts sometimes ("VERNE," "COOK") and of course the entire text being printed in red ink; then the "ooo" at the bottoms of the pages; this constant reassertion of himself as a controlling force over a text that he has not, for the most part, written, (though letters from himself have been cut up for material too), these methods that resist his own disappearance or effacement.
7 comments:
This idea of turning a text into an art object that doesn't rely on the "meaning" of the underlying text makes more and more sense to me the more I attempt to write texts with "meaning." I was thinking just yesterday afternoon that, if I were to write another novel, I wouldn't want to do so until I had learned the entirety of human knowledge, and even at that point I'd have no assurance that my complete knowledge wasn't based on false assumptions and therefore a pot of lies. Wovon man nicht sprechen kann...ReplyDeleteReplies
This is the point at which you start opting for extreme quietness and turn into Samuel Beckett.Delete
That's pretty much where I am, yep.Delete
(But, this sort of breaking or turning point sounds incredibly exciting - surely you're about to deduce something interesting - )Delete
I don't know. Silence is awfully attractive. Or maybe I'll turn to wee little poems. Or instrumental music.Delete
Huh. Passing Time was merely a novel. I guess Butor got tired of those.ReplyDeleteReplies
It's as if Australia was so unwieldy and unfamiliar (so far away from his usual context) that he had to deal with it by building a machine instead of writing just a travel memoir (and it's not as if he couldn't do that when he felt like it. Spirit of Mediterranean Places is straightforward enough).Delete


text:
Articles Tagged: lemon balm
Top 10 Lemon Balm Tea Benefits
Lemon balm, a member of the mint family, is well known for its aromatic leaves that smell not surprisingly, of lemon. The herb is found primarily in Europe, the Mediterranean, parts of Asia and the northern part of Africa, but is grown in gardens just about everywhere even growing
Tea for Anxiety and Panic Attacks – 7 Best Herbal Recipes!
With all of the stresses present in modern society, anxiety has become rather commonplace. Work, family and daily life are full of regular stresses that can take a significant mental toll over time. There are of course medications that are designed to combat regular anxiety and prevent panic attacks, however they are often not devoid of side effects and are required every day in order to have the desired effects. Herbal remedies, particularly herbal teas, provide relaxation and stress relief on multiple fronts.
Best Calming Tea Recipes – Top 10 Herbs to Use!
With all the health benefits that herbs and herbal teas can provide, it is easy to forget that the one basic element of most hot, brewed beverages is a calming and soothing effect. Part of this is gained from the simple act of slowing down and enjoying a warm beverage. But, many herbs found in nature take this soothing moment and add another layer of relaxation as well. Some help take the edge off a stressful day at work; others, help falling asleep fast simple and enjoyable. No calming tea will have the same effects of medications designed for the same purposes, but they also lack many of the side effects associated with medications as well.


text:
The bathroom is done, well nearly, I do have a couple of small projects in it still but mostly it's done.
It needs a few more cute things in there, maybe a plant, more chalkware but pretty much it's done, oh and I think I need to line the curtains now they're up, I really don't want that fabulous fabric to fade!
Here's the pics!
First up the curtains I made, with the blinds that I have had for years and haven't put up til now, plus lovely picture of a Vargas girl


text:
Manhattanites packed an auditorium last week to listen as a state senator and a leading progressive policy advocate addressed how to craft an effective local resistance to the administration in Washington. But in the process, they found themselves searching for an answer to a question years in the making: How can Democrats increase voter turnout in one of the bluest cities in the country during the reign of Trump?
Neera Tanden, CEO of the Washington-based Center for American Progress, and West Side state Sen.Brad Hoylman hosted the Feb. 1 town hall at the CUNY Graduate Center in Midtown and were joined by City Comptroller Scott Stringer and Public Advocate Letitia James.
While the remarks of each differed in focus, they struck the same tones of urgency and definace.
"This is the most insane, radical, and extremist administration I've ever seen in my life," Tanden said.
The gathering, titled "Town Hall on the Resistance: How States Can Trump Washington," explored paths the city and state can take to fight back against federal policies deemed harmful to New York. Everyone at the town hall agreed that voters need to make themselves heard.
Stringer echoed Tanden's remarks when he insisted that the city government would fight back by standing firm on its progressive values.
"We are part of this resistance," Stringer said to cheers.
James, meanwhile, told the audience that her work as a public advocate has brought her face to face with the effects of federal policies.
"I will never normalize crazy," she said. "I will never normalize hate, racism."
But for one local Democrat, change has to start at the neighborhood level.
"The work that needs to be done in the municipality is enormous; we should be working with our council members more, we should be working with our state representatives," said Tina DiFeliciantonio, a documentary filmmaker who lives in Chelsea. But though she identified herself as a registered Democrat, the "we" she referred to included progressive groups outside the formal political system.
Closer coordination between elected representatives and the grassroots, however, likely depends on getting more registered voters to actually vote. In this past November's election, Mayor de Blasio won a second term by garnering the votes of just over 14 percent of the electorate. Hoylman acknowledged that reality, telling the crowed that New York State currently ranks 41st in the country in voter turnout.
But, he argued, the problem is one of access, not enthusiasm.
"It's not easy to vote in New York," he said. "We all were standing in line waiting to vote in the past election and it depresses turnout."
Local Democratic organizations are concerned with low voter turnout, but their efforts naturally prioritize the shoring up of support in the city rather than the rest of the state, which in many areas is far less blue.
"We are focused on increasing Democratic turnout in our own county for the 2018 statewide elections," Barry Weinberg, executive director of the Manhattan County Democratic Party, said in an email, adding that local Democratic clubs are working with Democrats upstate to increase voter outreach there. Weinberg did not respond to a follow-up question on how the the county organization would increase turnout in Manhattan.
One local Democratic club, however, says low turnout is not a problem of access.
"Rent in NYC is debilitating and not geared policy-wise towards young professionals, the subway system that we rely on is a monument to bureaucratic intransigence, and then we're expected to attend nightly 3-hour-long meetings discussing issues that we don't believe will impact our lives" said Malik Wright, head of the Manhattan Young Democrats, in an email.
The club, which pushes for greater youth involvement in local politics, has a different way of getting people engaged. Town halls are too big and too general to capture a political novice's attention, according to Wright. The group instead introduces newcomers to Democratic district leaders who then connect them to local political clubs in their neighborhoods.
Tanden acknowledged that voter turnout needs to increase to turn the tide against Trump.
"My plea for you is to engage; my greatest fear is that people will become inured to the crazy," she said during the town hall.
In comments to NYC Community Media following the town hall, Tanden said that the Center for American Progress is working with local progressive groups on the ground to mobilize voters, yet the New York Progressive Action Network, a coalition of activists, said it has had no contact from CAP. The Working Families Party, the largest progressive party in New York that works to move the state Democratic Party in a leftward direction, did not respond to a request for comment about whether the Center for American Progress has coordinated efforts with that party.
If Hoylman and Tanden offered no easy solutions to the voter turnout question, they were successful in energizing the crowd with a mix of calls for mass protests here and in Washington in the event special counsel Robert Mueller is fired and broadsides against the president and his team.
"Betsy DeVos is not very smart," said Tanden, referring to the federal education secretary. CAP's leader is known for an aggressive posture toward GOP leaders in her many media appearances.
Hoylman, by contrast, spoke more to the shared values of New Yorkers that he aims to defend.
"In New York, that's not the way we want to do business," he said of the Trump administration's direction.
From DiFeliciantonio's vantage point, it is easy for politicians to ask that more people get out to vote. The tougher issue, she said, is that the 2018 elections will be decided in local districts largely outside New York City, which has only one Republican member of the House.
"The problem is it's hard work," she said. "It takes a long time to make change and policy impact at the grassroots level."
Hoylman stuck more to the basics. At one point while speaking, he paused for a moment and raised up a booklet that combined the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, and said, "Everyone, raise your Constitutions." The crowd roared back in cheers and applause.
But as soon as the town hall ended, people filed out quickly from the auditorium, despite Hoylman's staff urging them to break into smaller group discussions. As the state senator was making his way out, less than 15 people were still on hand. Tanden had left a long time before, and James and Stringer exited moments after they finished their speeches.


text:
Get 15% OFF Your Next Order
The best deals come to your inbox. Sign up for GEMPLER'S emails to get exclusive offers and first dibs on hot new products!
Conforms to the shape of most loads
This lightweight, easy-to-handle Lift-All tie down features a unique, two-piece design with one fixed and one adjustable length of webbing. Economical nylon material is flexible enough to conform to the most irregular loads and the ratchet assembly allows for easy adjustments. Straps are 1"W, black in color and have heat-treated steel hooks for added strength. Ratchet assembly is extra-wide to easily fit gloved hands and provide additional leverage. This tie down has a 700-lb. working load limit with a 2,100-lb. breaking strength. Meets all DOT and CVSA regulations.
Choose size from the drop-down menus above.
Note: Not for lifting loads or towing vehicles.
See all vehicle and load securing accessories


text:
Ask anyone involved in international licensing to peg the next hot territory and you'll likely get Russia and/or Central and Eastern Europe as the response. To be sure, with a population of 140 million, solid GDP growth and a burgeoning middle class, Russia offers a lot of promise for consumer products players. However, a closer look reveals conditions in the country won't soon yield that combination of widespread consumer awareness and mature retail infrastructure that often spawns a big licensing hit. So what challenges await hopeful kids property owners entering the region right now?
Lay of the land
According to International Licensing: A Status Report from New York-based EPM Communications, licensed merchandise sales generated US$329 million at retail in Central and Eastern Europe in 2008, up 2.8% from 2007. Approximately US$100 million of those sales came from Russia, which accounts for roughly 40% of CEE's population.
And when it comes to current licensed faves, kid- and tween-targeted properties seem to be having the most success right now. Dmitry Gordinsky, country manager for Copenhagen-based licensing agent Kidz Entertainment/EEMC, says IPs that appeal to teens or adults don't work in Russia because the older demographics simply aren't as brand-conscious as their younger counterparts. For its part, EPM found that entertainment/character licensing accounts for a little less than half of licensed merch sales in CEE, with publishing (25%) sitting as the strongest category, followed by food/beverage (16%), apparel/accessories/footwear (14%) and gifts/novelties (13%).
With key kids category toys, market researcher The NPD Group notes Russia stood as the 14th-largest market in the world in 2008.NPD's global SVP of toys Jane Zimmy points out that the number of children – zero to four and five to nine – is expected to grow and the bulk of the country's wealth is concentrated in a minority of the population. As such, major brands in all categories 'tend to have a disproportionate appeal to this population segment, which might bode well for the licensed market,' she reasons.
That said, there's much headway to be made with potential local licensing partners. Russian manufacturers haven't seen the use for licensing in the past. As Kidz/EEMC president of entertainment Claus Tømming puts it, manufacturers with healthy sales perceived licensing and its attendant royalty payments and promotional efforts as a complication. But the sagging economy may be turning things around. When companies really started taking a hit last year, Tømming says, it forced them to look at solutions to build sales – licensing has been tapped as one of them.
Educating local licensees
Despite the current interest among Russian manufacturers in licensing, introducing the concept hasn't been easy and much time and patience have been expended to bring the local market up to speed. The born-and-bred Russian outfits remain a key focus for major licensors as they have a much stronger hold on retail distribution channels than international conglomerates.
European Licensing Company's CEO Hakan Durdag estimates it takes an average of two to three meetings just to sell potential licensees on the idea of licensing. (Headquartered in Hungary, ELC set up a Moscow office four years ago.) As for which manufacturers are biting, he says it tends to be those dealing in higher-end goods. 'Consumers expect better quality from licensed goods, I think, because they're looking at product as a collaboration between a Russian company and a [big multinational like] Warner Bros., for example,' he says.
Another challenge lies in IP registration and protection. Kidz/EEMC has seen cases where property owners haven't registered their trademarks, often because they didn't know how to do it. Russia also has a sizable black market, and it's difficult to police counterfeiting because of the country's sheer size. Couple this fact with a complicated process for prosecuting copyright violations, and taking any type of legal action can prove a to be a nightmare.
Retail coming around
The House of Mouse, which formed its CIS division in 2006, has been keeping a close eye on what Russian consumers want, and similar to buying patterns in Germany, MD for Disney CIS Marina Jigalova-Ozkan says, parents in the territory are keen on construction toys, publishing and language-learning products. As for where they're buying them, she estimates modern mass-market retailers control 30% of the landscape and remains confident that number will increase over time. To that end, big international retailers like Auchan are making headway with local outlets – the French giant, for example, currently has 17 locations in Russia.
Kidz/EEMC's Gordinksy also notes a hefty chunk of the retail landscape is occupied by grocery stores and hypermarkets. As for specialty, primarily electronics and apparel shops fill the tier. Notably, Detsky Mir, the Russian equivalent to Toys 'R' Us, has just 120 stores nationwide and is the only dedicated kids retailer in the country.
The good news, however, is that the larger retailers are also slowly embracing consumer products. Kidz/EEMC, for example, inked its first direct-to-retail program in Russia – also a first for the country – with major supermarket chain X5 Retail Group. The grocer put more than 20 licensed food and non-food SKUs based on Fox's Ice Age 3 in its some-1,500 stores this past summer.
In terms of what's currently driving entertainment properties at Russian retail, Gordinsky says, not surprisingly, feature film IPs tend to perform best. TV-led licensing programs are still a challenge to pull off as a dedicated free-to-air children's channel has yet to be launched and the penetration of Russian-dubbed cablenets like Cartoon Network and Nick isn't big enough to drive large numbers of consumers into stores. Film distribution, on the other hand, has been expanding steadily since the beginning of this decade and there are now approximately 2,000 screens installed across Russia.
Jigalova-Ozkan adds that fairy tales are deeply rooted in Russian culture, so the Disney Princess line is popular with girls, while Cars is resonating well with the early school crowd right now.
Worth the wait?
Perhaps the biggest piece of advice for companies looking to break into the Russian market is to prepare for a long haul. The country's troubled political history has also affected the way its people do business, so patience is definitely a virtue. Licensing, as Durdag explains, is still very much in its infancy in Russia and it's taken a circuitous path to get to its current state. But he's hopeful. 'I think we'll see quick development around IP businesses now, simply because Russia is eager to integrate with the rest of the world in terms of trade.'
Tømming also advises, 'You don't just ride into town being a foreigner and do a deal. You need to show [Russians] that they can trust you, that you can earn their respect. You don't do it day-one in a meeting.'
Kidz/EEMC has been in the country for the last decade and recently its efforts have been paying off. Tømming says his company doubled its revenues in the region between 2008 and 2009.


text:
NEW BRUNSWICK – Incumbent U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez holds a 12-point lead over his virtually unknown Republican challenger, according to a new Rutgers-Eagleton Poll. Menendez leads state Sen. Joe Kyrillos 47 percent to 35 percent among likely voters in the race for the U.S. Senate, with 10 percent are unsure and 8 percent who say they would prefer "someone else."
Two months before Election Day, three-quarters say they have no opinion or don't know Kyrillos, while 15 percent have a favorable impression and 10 percent are unfavorable. About a quarter of Republicans admit they do not know the candidate and almost half (46 percent) have no opinion.
Menendez, on the other hand, is viewed favorably by 40 percent of voters and unfavorably by 28 percent. Twenty-six percent are unsure and 7 percent don't know who he is.
"Senator Kyrillos is fighting an uphill battle for attention against a well-funded incumbent in a blue state," said David Redlawsk, director of the Rutgers-Eagleton Poll and professor of political science at Rutgers University. "His first TV ads started right after we polled, so the lack of awareness is not overly surprising. Still, he has a long way to go to get voters' attention."
New Jersey voters will also weigh in on a $750 million education bond to be used for new academic buildings and technological upgrades at colleges and universities. Likely voters approve of the measure 56 percent to 27 opposed. The remainder is unsure.
Results are from a poll of 916 registered voters conducted statewide among both landline and cell phone households from Aug. 23–25, just prior to the party conventions. Within this sample, 688 respondents are identified as likely voters in the U.S. Senate election and are the subjects of this release. The likely voter sample has a margin of error of +/- 3.7 percentage points.
Connect with NJTODAY.NET
Join NJTODAY.NET's free Email List to receive occasional updates delivered right to your email address!


text:
Wednesday, November 17, 7 p.m.
Reading: Sleeping Beauty III Memorial Photography: The Children
Dr. Stanley Burns of The Burns Archive will speak about the practice of postmortem photography from the 19th century until today, and sign copies of his latest book in the renowned Sleeping Beauty series. A reception to meet the author will follow.
Free, space is limited.
Merchant's House Museum
29 East Fourth Street, New York, NY 10003
The Museum is located between Lafayette Street and Bowery
To RSVP Call 212-777-1089
To read more about postmortem photography at The Burns Archive click here:


text: James Edward Vena Jr., 48, of 715 St. Paul Road, Meyersdale, died Wedesday, Oct. 29, 2003, as a result of a construction accident near Pittsburgh. Born Jan. 30, 1955, in Meyersdale, he was the son of James and Lela (Hay) Vena, Meyersdale. Mr. Vena was a member of St. Paul Wilhelm United Church of Christ. He was employed by Astco Construction Co. in roads construction and was a member of Laborerís Union, Local 1058, Pittsburgh. He was a member of Salisbury Sons of the American Legion and was a 1972 graduate of Salisbury-Elk Lick High School. Jim was an avid Harley-Davidson motorcycle enthusiast. In addition to his parents, he is survived by two sisters, Sherry Ways and husband, William, Alexandria, Va.; Patti Deal and husband, Ken, St. Paul, Pa.; niece and nephew, Andrea and Todd Deal. Friends will be received at the Newman Funeral Home Inc., 9168 Mason-Dixon Highway, Salisbury on Friday 7to 9 p.m. and Saturday 2 to 4 and 7to 9 p.m. Services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Sunday at St. Paul Wilhelm United Church of Christ with the Rev. Bruce Ashlock officiating. Interment will be in the church cemetery. Friends may call at the church one hour prior to the services. Expressions of sympathy may be directed to the youth program at St. Paul Wilhelm Church. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.newmanfuneralhomes.com.


text:
Digital transformation with Microsoft Azure
We offer consulting for the digital transformation with the help of Microsoft Azure. From desktop to web, from file collection to big data, we'll connect all aspects of your business and make you fit for the digital age. Since 2005 we have successfully solved tasks for a large number of satisfied customers:
Mission Planning & Guard Control System.
All functions for only 169 € per month
Try two months for free. Without contract period.
Register now!


text:
Love icons
Free social icons
Toolbar icons
Weather icons
Vector icons
People icons
Money icons
Calendar icons
Button icons
User icons
Home icons
Education icons
Mobile icons
Large icons
Free icons download
Icon sets
View Icon Package
Large Money Icons
Bankruptcy Icon
Bankruptcy Icon
Add Bankruptcy icon to cart
Purchase Bankruptcy icon for $1.00 now!
Icon sizes: 256x256, 128x128, 48x48, 32x32, 24x24, 16x16
File formats: ICO, GIF, PNG, BMP
Purchase entire Large Money Icons now!
View Large Money Icons now!
Download demo icons
Tags: bootneuter icon, animated user icon, free newsletter icon, hollow ichigo icons, funny journal icons
The reason on which the man described above has got on a cover, without being the main chief executive, only that its memory plan 401 (k) has been devastated as a result of a collapse of the share market, recession in economy and bankruptcy of the company on which it worked all life. In due time one action of this company cost almost 100 dollars. This diligent employee felt rich and bought more and more shares of company on which worked, and put them in the pension plan. On November, 30th 2001 actions of this company cost already less than 35 cents and continued to fall. In due time the plan 401 (k) cost this employee of 317 thousand dollars, and today it costs only about 100 thousand. It starts to reach that to it, probably, it will not be possible to retire never in general. It already has almost settled the main resource it time. Approximately in 25 years after coming into force of law ERISA the prophecy ' the rich daddy starts to come true.
On December, 2nd, 2001 the newspaper itMaiami Heraldit has published the leading article with the requirement to the government to carry out reform of pension plans under article 401 (k). The journalist who has written article, proved that we have the laws forcing people to fasten seat belts in cars, but there are no the laws forcing investors to put up money with mind. Why not to enter such subject at our schools?
In a sensational sensation of mass media the ordinary inhabitant passes often most important points because real problems are not intended for the front pages. In crash itEnronit, and then and itWorldcomit one of set of errors of pension reform has been revealed in the same number itMiami Heraldit from December, 2nd, 2001. In my opinion, fiasco Enron on the value strongly concedes to the simple question set by one pensioner to the diplomaed expert in financial planning, regularly printed in this newspaper.
QUESTION: To me of 70 years, and I have retired in hope that plan IRA will provide my old age. As from next year I should begin withdrawal of means it would be extremely grateful to you for council. Some years ago to me have advised to invest my individual pension bill in mutual funds. Any time all went as well as possible, but together with a large quantity of other people in the last two days I have much lost. Whether it is necessary me to take away the rests and to enclose them in reliable securities, let even with smaller profitableness?
Ready Icons
Copyright © 2009-2019 Aha-Soft. All rights reserved.
Individual Ready Icons
You can buy individual icons to suit your needs. Each icon is $1 when purchased individually.
Icon Usage Agreement
Variety of military-style icons from our
Military Icon Set
will make all your applications look more modern and attractive. The images are delivered in PNG, ICO, GIF and BMP file formats.
More info
Transport Icon Set
. A collection of bright and distinctive icons depicting all transport types for the transport and travel industries.
More info
Professional Icon Set
allows you to spice up your application or Web project with fine icons. Numerous jobs and occupations are depicted in a wide range of sizes, from 16x16 to 256x265 pixels.
More info
Smile Icon Set
is a pre-made solution for chat software that will help to spice up communications. It includes refined status and chat-style icons expressing various emotions.
More info
Our Online icon set is an excellent set of icons that will help you change the way your site looks. Available in a variety of resolutions.
More info


text:
A blast of winter weather has swept across Aberdeenshire and roads staff from the Council have been busy accross the shire dealing with the aftermath of heavy snow. Head of Roads and Landscape Services, Philip McKay, said: "Aberdeenshire Council gritters were out on Tuesday afternoon as well as Wednesday morning carrying out the preventative treatment of routes across the region.
"We are aware of traffic delays and I urge all road users to plan their journeys with care, giving extra time to travel and driving to the conditions.
"Personnel and equipment are dispersed across Aberdeenshire so appropriate treatments can be carried out as quickly and efficiently as possible. Please report any gritting or snow clearing issued online through our website or phone 08456 08 12 05."


text:
Relationship Details
Celebrity Biographies
Columbus Short has been engaged to Aida Abramyan since August 15, 2016. They have been engaged for 2.5 years.
Entertainment - Actor
Why Famous: Harrison Wright of Scandal, television show
Age: 36 (b. 9/19/1982)
Other - Other
Why Famous: Fiancee of Columbus Short
Age: N/A
Check out our New "Top 10 Newest Celebrity Dads"
Relationship Timeline
|Start Date
|4.5 months
|2.5 years
|2.9 years
Children of this Relationship
No known children for this relationship. Add a child for this couple.
No known Affairs for this Relationship. Add an Affair
Check out our New "Top 10 Worst Celebrity Husbands"
Relationship Information, Quotes, and Trivia
Where and/or how did Columbus Short and Aida Abramyan meet?
Why did Columbus Short and Aida Abramyan break up?
Other Relationship Information about Columbus Short and Aida Abramyan:
Add other Relationship Information
Classic Quotes by Columbus Short and Aida Abramyan about their relationship:
Go To Columbus Short's Profile Go To Aida Abramyan's Profile


text:
By continuing to browse our site, you are consenting to the use of cookies. Click here for more information on the cookies we use.
Defending life from conception to natural death
SPUC supports parents and medical professionals in helping to protect children, before and after birth
SPUC has a team of highly trained speakers to visit your school free of charge.
Read about our founders, the aims spelt out in our constitution and some of the campaigns we've been involved in
We stand shoulder to shoulder with the African pro-life movement as part of the global witness to life
SPUC has been defending unborn children for nearly 50 years, both in the UK and internationally
We want you to be a part of our life-saving work: get in touch to find out how you can help end abortion
Be the first to know about breaking pro-life news stories
Read our latest blogposts from famous pro-lifers, local activists, SPUC staff, guest stars and more
Get the latest edition of our newsletter
SPUC's charities bulletin is a guide to where many well-known charities stand on abortion and other pro-life issues
The universal right to life of every human being is the foundation on which all other rights rely
Pro-life feminists represent a growing number of women who believe passionately in women's empowerment and the universal right to life
Want to find out more about abortion? Wondering about the hard cases? Our FAQ page is here to answer all your questions
6 January 2006
A study carried out at Christchurch School of Medicine, New Zealand, suggests that women who have abortions are at increased risk of mental health problems. Professor David Fergussen and colleagues noted that women who had abortions were more than twice as likely as those who had never been pregnant to suffer from major depression, and were 35% more at risk than those who carried their child to term. The increased risk persists after adjustment for 'confounding factors' such as a history of mental problems. [LifeSiteNews.com, 5 January]
Researchers at Southampton General Hospital claim that Vitamin D deficiency in pregnant women can lead to their children having weaker bones later in life. Professor Cyrus Cooper said this is the first time maternal Vitamin D levels have been studied in relation to later development of the bone disease osteoporosis. [BBC Health, 6 January]
British researchers have developed a new technique that will allow doctors to screen embryos for up to 6,000 genetic disorders, including those caused by a single gene, according to a report in the Times. Peter Braude of St Thomas' Hospital, London, said that the technique, known as multiple displacement amplification (MDA) will allow pre-implantation genetic diagnosis to be used to screen for a much wider range of inherited diseases. [The Times, 6 January] Pre-implantation genetic diagnosis is done in order to identify and destroy those embryos who have undesired genetic factors.
Professor Chris Rapley, director of the British Antarctic Survey, has argued in a website article that reducing the human population is essential for achieving environmental sustainability. He writes: 'The truth is that the contribution [to pollution] of each individual cannot be reduced to zero. Only the lack of the individual can bring it down to nothing.' Rapley claims that an optimal population level could be calculated. Population "management" would be required, he says, but acknowledges that, '[a]s found in China, practicability and acceptability can be particularly elusive.' [BBC News, 6 January]
The US Supreme Court is expected to rule shortly on whether it will review decisions made by a federal appeals court that the 2003 partial birth abortion ban is unconstitutional. Since being passed by Congress, the ban has been challenged by three separate lawsuits. The Supreme Court's handling of the case may depend heavily on whether reputedly pro-life Judge Samuel Alito is confirmed by the Senate as a Supreme Court justice next month. [LifeNews.com, 5 January]


text:
The number of home loans approved in February jumped to their highest monthly level in half a year.
Lenders approved 61,760 mortgages in February, according to the latest Bank of England figures, up from 60,707 in the previous month.
It was the third month in a row that approvals have risen, and the highest figure since August 2014.
The upturn in lending is being put down to falling mortgage rates, cuts in stamp duty for most home movers and stronger pay growth.
However, monthly mortgage approvals remain below the 74-month high of 75,453 they reached in January 2014.
And the rising confidence in the housing market – which has led analysts to predict property prices could rise 5% this year – is not equally distributed across the country.
Central London's £2m-£20m housing market has "stalled" and been replaced by a "buoyant" lettings market.
Lettings agent EJ Harris claims wealthy tenants from Russia, Ukraine, Nigeria and China are pushing up high-end rents in the capital by paying more than £200,000 upfront to cover their housing costs for a year.
The number of tenants paying annual rents upfront has doubled from one in 10 to one in five over the past 12 months, according to the property business, as fears over stamp duty and a mansion tax have "turned vendors into landlords and buyers into tenants".
Labour has threatened to introduce a mansion tax on houses worth more than £2m, while measures introduced as part of the Autumn Statement mean homes worth more than £2m incur 7% stamp duty.
The government has also introduced rules meaning homes worth more than £500,000 bought within a corporate envelope – used by foreign investors to hide their identities on the Land Registry – are subject to 15% stamp duty.
A typical would-be tenant for a two-bedroom flat in the West End of London will pay rent of £3,500 a week rent and a £21,000 deposit upfront, the lettings agent says.


text:
Ever since I had kids, Kohl's has been one of my very favorite places to shop for my family. Not only can I find some really great sales, but their coupons and Kohl's Cash deals make shopping there very rewarding. Plus, Kohl's has such a variety of items in the store that I know I can pretty much grab everything I need in one visit. It's definitely become a favorite place for birthday gifts since I have quick access to clothes, home goods, toys, candles, and even some great kitchen items. My kids love Kohl's and tend to get a bit "animated" near the toy section and stuffed animal areas at checkout, and now Kohl's is finding a very "animated" way to help lots of kids this spring.
From now through April 4th, the Kohl's Cares program is offering a collection of Disney Pixar plush toys and books available at Kohl's department stores and at Kohls.com. Priced at just $5 a piece, 100% of the net profit from the collection goes to support children's health and education initiatives nationwide. In fact, over $257 million has been raised so far.
My boys were so excited to get to check out the complete Disney Pixar line- including Mike (Monsters Inc.), Wall-E, Rex (Toy Story), Doug (Up), Dory (Finding Nemo), Lightning McQueen (Cars), and a Write & Erase Look & Find book that has multiple storylines. I let each of my boys pick out their favorite plush character and book, and we had a super fun pajama story night.
Each plush toy was super soft and the books had quite a bit of length- making them ideal for younger and older kids alike. In fact, we will be keeping quite a few sets of the characters and books on hand for last minute gifts and surprises. Not only can you mix and match for whichever Disney Pixar characters and movies the child likes best, the $5 price point and charitable proceeds make the plush toys and books that much better!
So the next time you head on in to Kohl's, be sure to pick up one of the Kohl's Care Disney Pixar plush toys or books for just $5, and know that you are donating to an awesome cause. Plus, we're giving away a complete set here for one of our readers. Just enter to win below!


text:
- Date
- 30 Jan 2014
- Tags
- Legacy , IOC News , Sochi 2014
Intangible legacies of Sochi 2014 already being felt
While the new roads, hotels and venues that have been built in Sochi will provide very visible legacies from the 2014 Olympic Winter Games, a number of intangible legacies are already being felt.
From the creation of a volunteer movement in Russia, to the formation of an expert group of specialists in the management of mega-projects and sports events, Sochi 2014 looks set to leave many lasting benefits to Russian society.
"In Sochi we're already seeing the amazing transformation that sport and hosting major sport events can bring," explains Dmitry Chernyshenko, President and CEO of the Sochi 2014 Organising Committee. "The Games are a powerful catalyst to both develop key infrastructure and make changes in Russian society."
One of the most significant legacies of the Games so far has been the development of a volunteer movement in Russia for the very first time.
In total, 26 volunteer centres have been established in 14 regions of Russia, which have helped select and train volunteers for the Sochi 2014 Winter Games.
"When Sochi began the bidding process in 2005, the concept of volunteering simply did not exist in Russia," explains Chernyshenko. "Now, the volunteer movement is thriving, with a quarter of a million Russians regularly participating in volunteer activity."
Indeed, by the end of 2012, around 2,800 projects involving volunteers of the Games were successfully implemented across the country, with Russia climbing to eighth place in the World Giving Index 2012, which measures the number of people involved in voluntary work.
Other legacies from the Games include an Olympic education system, which has been developed to train national and international specialists in sports administration and management, as well as educating students on the Olympic values.
"In 2009, we developed this unique system of educating our people on Olympic values and sports administration," explains Alexander Bryantsev, head of education at Sochi 2014. "It is a life-long system starting in pre-school and carrying on through to degree level."
A key step in the implementation of the Olympic education system was the "One school, one country" programme, which teaches schoolchildren about the traditions, culture and history of countries participating in the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Approximately 50,000 students and teachers from 73 regions have already attended the programme.
The professional education programme is carried out in conjunction with the Russian International Olympic University (RIOU), which has been founded in Sochi to train a new generation of sports managers in Russia, providing them with expertise on hosting the Olympic Games and the staging of other major sporting events.
"The Russian International Olympic University in Sochi will become the key centre for training a new generation of highly qualified sports managers in Russia," says Cherynyshenko. "As a result of the Sochi Games, an entire generation will be brought up with awareness and understanding of the Olympic and Paralympic values."
In February 2014, the first batch of students enrolled in RIOU's master of sports administration programme.
"During the Games, our students will have the opportunity to learn and practise what they learn," adds Bryantsev. "This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."
The Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games have also become a catalyst for the development of a "green construction" industry in Russia, which has seen the country's first national standard for environmental construction passed into law.
The construction of facilities across the country will now be conducted in accordance with these modern environmental requirements, aimed at reducing the consumption of energy resources and mitigating harmful effects on the environment.
So while the Games are still yet to begin, it is clear that the Sochi 2014 Organising Committee have already ensured that their effects will be felt long after the flame has been extinguished on 23 February.
"We've dedicated ourselves to thinking long-term, to focus on a true Games legacy that will not only rejuvenate the city of Sochi, but will also contribute to the economic, cultural and environmental development of the Krasnodar region," says Chernyshenko. "In other words, Sochi will become an example to other Russian cities and the world."


text:
The following were taken from reports on file at the Crescenta Valley Sheriff's Station
Area 1
3900 block of Park Place: A 2011 Toyota Camry was reported stolen at 9 a.m. on Jan. 20. The owner of the vehicle told deputies he'd parked his car in the underground parking structure of his son's apartment. He returned to his car in the morning to find broken glass where he parked his car.
2600 block of Foothill Boulevard: A Ralphs store manager reported seeing a man steal two 30-pack cartons of Coors Light from the store at 8:33 p.m. on Jan. 22. The suspect ran out of the store with the two cartons and jumped into the passenger side of a white SUV that sped out of view. Deputies spoke with witnesses and were able to get a license plate number for the car but were unable to locate the vehicle.


text:
A short while ago, two guys from the hospital came on national TV to say that of the seven survivors, six were stable but that one was in a critical condition.
The national emergency management agency had already arrived.
They had brought in helicopters to move the bodies of the victims as the crash site is inaccessible to cars - I had to walk for about 15 minutes off the tarmac runway at Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport.
Scattered toys
They were using motorised saws to cut through the aircraft and remove the bodies.
The ground was covered with the victim's charred bodies, shoes, headscarves, cell phones, books, toys and what was left of the plane.
The tail of the aircraft was still attached to part of the plane body but the wings had come apart.
The charred victim's bodies and remains were then taken to the airport where they were then ferried to the mortuary.
Tremendous help
I was told that there had been 109 people on board the ADC airlines flight travelling to the northern city of Sokoto.
Villagers close to where the plane crash-landed said that they had heard two loud bangs from the aircraft before an even louder third explosion - when the weekly Sunday Sokoto-bound flight impacted with the ground.
They were very tremendous with their help, considering the seriousness of the accident, assisting the few survivors and helping to make respectable and give dignity to the bodies of the victims that had escaped the flames but had all their clothes torn.
The Sultan of Sokoto Mohammadu Maccido was recovered along with the remains of his son and grandson.
They were flown to Sokoto where they were buried before sunset.
Most Popular Now | 56,514 people are reading stories on the site right now.";


text:
|FiM Wiki policies
Official material, for the purpose of this wiki, is any material that consists of the following:
- Any material from Hasbro, including the show, toys, merchandise, commercials, press releases and promotional material.
- Production art from the show's crew, which is directly related to the show.
This material may be covered and used in the main namespace without the need for notability or verifiability outside of the material itself. Information not present in official material may fall under speculation.
"Official material" does not mean "canon". "Canon" is an in-universe description; it purports to decide what's true or not from the perspective of the fictional universe. Instead, the wiki describes works of fiction as they are presented.


text:
[ v09 p36 ]
The decision of the Authority follows:
NORFOLK NAVAL SHIPYARD Respondent and TIDEWATER VIRGINIA FEDERAL EMPLOYEES METAL TRADES COUNCIL Charging Party Case No. 3-CA-2116
This matter is before the Authority pursuant to the Regional Director's "Order Transferring Case to the Authority" in accordance with section 2429.1(a) of the Authority's Rules and Regulations.
Upon consideration of the entire record in this case, including the parties' stipulation of facts, accompanying exhibits, and briefs submitted by the General Counsel and the Respondent, the Authority finds:
The complaint herein alleges that the Respondent violated section 7116(a)(1) and (5) of the Statute on January 23, 1981, and continuing thereafter, by failing and refusing to negotiate for a full scope grievance procedure with the Charging party, Tidewater Virginia Federal Employees Metal Trades Council (the Union). The Respondent admits to the conduct alleged, but takes the position that it had no further obligation to negotiate with the Union in the circumstances of this case.
The undisputed facts as stipulated by the parties 1 are as follows: [ v9 p36 ]
The Union is recognized as the exclusive bargaining representitive of a unit of the Respondent's employees. The Union and the Respondent are presently operating under a two-year collective bargaining agreement negotiated in 1977, pending the completion of negotiations for a new agreement. They were engaged in such negotiations from May 1979 until October 2, 1980, when they reached a tentative agreement that included a grievance procedure. To date, the tentative agreement has neither been ratified by the Union membership nor executed by the parties.
By letter dated January 15, 1981, in a one sentence statement, the Union "... opt(ed) (effective this date) for a full scope grievance procedure." By letter dated January 23, 1981, the Respondent stated that it had complied with the Authority's Interpretation and Guidance in Case No. 0-PS-2 2 and had no further obligation to negotiate.
In its brief, the General Counsel contends that until the parties have in place a grievance procedure negotiated in accordance with section 7121 of the Statute, either party may seek to renegotiate the scope of the existing procedure. The General Counsel argues that, based on the Authority's Interpretation and Guidance, supra, parties have the option of negotiating a section 7121 grievance procedure as a separate interim agreement without having to await the ratification and execution of a successor contract. The Respondent contends, among other things, that even assuming the Union's January 15, 1981 letter was a request to renegotiate the grievance procedure, the Respondent had met its obligation under the Statute by reaching a tentative agreement with the Union containing a grievance procedure and by requesting that the Union take whatever steps are necessary to implement that agreement.
In the circumstances of this case, the Authority finds that the Respondent has met its obligation pursuant to the Authority's Interpretation and Guidance, supra, with regard to negotiating a grievance procedure under the Statute, and therefore did not violate section 7116()(1) and (5) of the Statute. Thus, the parties have engaged in good faith negotiations under the Statute and have reached a full tentative agreement which includes a section 7121 grievance procedure. However, the record does not disclose that the Union has even attempted to obtain membership ratification of the tentative agreement. That failure cannot serve to revive the Respondent's bargaining obligation. Accordingly, the complaint shall be dismissed. [ v9 p37 ]
IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that the complaint in Case No. 3-CA-2116 be, and it hereby is, dismissed.
Issued, Washington, D.C., June 4, 1982
Ronald W. Haughton, Chairman
Henry B. Frazier III, Member
Leon B. Applewhaite, Member
FEDERAL LABOR RELATIONS AUTHORITY [ v9 p38 ]
Footnote 1 The General Counsel has moved to strike portions of the Respondent's brief on the grounds that the brief contains factual material not included in the stipulation of facts. In reaching its decision in the instant case, the Authority has considered only facts contained in the stipulation, and therefore the motion to strike is denied.
Footnote 2 2 FLRA 273 (1979)


text:
Five - Star Sharm el Sheikh hotel offers 200 pounds discount for last minute Egypt holidays
Travellers looking for last minute Sharm el Sheikh holidays can take advantage of the latest offer from The Holiday Pace with savings of £200 and the first child stay free at the five-star Maritim Royal Peninsula.
The Holiday Place is offering last minute Sharm el Sheikh holidays with seven nights' accommodation at the five-star Maritim Royal Peninsula. on a bed and breakfast basis in a Superior Garden View room, from just £329 per person.
See special offer page
for more information
and booking indications:
Offer Details
Families looking for bargain Egypt holidays will be able to take advantage of this fantastic offer at one of the most luxurious Sharm el Sheikh hotels, where the first child can stay for free at the.
This exclusive offer is available for Sharm el Sheikh holidays booked between 11th January and 28th February 2011.
Tourists will receive unlimited use of the gym, tennis courts, beach volleyball, table tennis, aerobic classes and snorkelling equipment. Guests will also receive complimentary transfers to and from the Red Sea Diving College and the Marina where boat diving tours depart from.
Those looking to learn how to scuba dive during their holidays can learn the sport at the award-winning college with PADI Open Water Dive Courses starting from as little as £275 including equipment and dives from just £21. The special offer of Buy One Get One Free on three and five-day diving packs and PADI Open Water or Advanced Water diving courses is also available to guests until 6th March 2011 offering savings up to £150 per person.
The Maritim Royal Peninsula resort is situated on 200,000 square metre of private landscaped land between Naama Bay and the airport.
The resort features a 4,000 square metre swimming pool area and an exclusive Thai spa, the Sabai Sabai, which offers a wide range of soothing and rejuvenating treatments, hydrotherapy and massage.
Guests can enjoy access to the PGA 18-hole championship golf course which adjoins the luxury resort's sister property, the Maritim Jolie Ville Golf & Resort.
Rooms include modern amenities such as internet, air conditioning, telephone and satellite TV and guests can chose from five gourmet restaurants.
Browse by Category
- Holiday Destinations 4608
- Hotels & Accommodation 925
- Airlines & Flights 247
- Special Offers 0
- Other News 64
Talk to a specialist
Call 020 7644 1770 to speak with our award-winning travel consultants.
Opening hours 10:30 - 18:30 GMT
Popular Holidays In Maritim Royal Peninsula
We don't currently have any holidays here unfortunately…
Why not call our specialists on 020 7644 1770 and we'll see if we can create you a tailored holiday.


text:
Opt in to Messenger Hawk, our new text messaging service! We send information on upcoming line-up of comedians, performers, speakers, films, and other events to inform, enlighten, and entertain directly to your mobile phone. Be on the look out for our Text to Win contests and special polls on campus life. There is always a lot going on around campus and this is your way to stay connected!
Be sure to text back "Yes" to opt in to the service.


text:
A riveting World War II thriller that is filled with espionage and romance in equal measure, The Exception follows German soldier Stefan Brandt (Jai Courtney) as he goes on a mission to investigate exiled German Monarch Kaiser Wilhelm II (Christopher Plummer). The Kaiser lives in a secluded mansion in The Netherlands, and as Germany is taking over Holland, the country's authorities are concerned that Dutch spies may be watching the Kaiser. As Brandt begins to infiltrate the Kaiser's life in search of clues, he finds himself drawn into an unexpected and passionate romance with Mieke (Lily James), one of the Kaiser's maids whom Brandt soon discovers is secretly Jewish. When Heinrich Himmler (Eddie Marsan), Head of the SS, decides to come for an unexpected visit with a large platoon of Nazis in tow, the stage is set for a breathtaking showdown, as secrets are revealed, allegiances are tested, and Brandt is forced to make the ultimate choice between honoring his country and following his heart.
Director: David Leveaux
Starring: Lily James, Jai Courtney, Eddie Marsan, Christopher Plummer, Janet McTeer, and Ben Daniels.
What the Critics are saying:
Peter Debruge | Variety
"Elegant, well-acted and a good deal sexier than the material might suggest."
James Verniere | Boston Herald
"Courtney and James shine as Romeo and Juliet style lover in WWII espionage romance."
John Urbancich | Cleveland.com
"Grand acting carries "The Exception" through some nifty little World War II thrills from British director David Leveaux."
Film Prices:
Lincoln Theatre Members get a $2 discount on the following prices:
General: $10.50
Seniors, Students and Active Military: $9.50
Children 12 and under: $8.00
Sunday Bargain Prices:
General: $9.00
Children 12 and under: $7.50
Add $2.00 to the above prices for 3D screenings
*All prices include a $1.50 Preservation Fee that goes directly into our capital account for preservation of the Lincoln Theatre and its programs.
Members have benefits: Click here for details.
Film dates and times are subject to change and extended runs. Please check back here, or our phone message at 360.336.8955, day of shofo coming soon!


text:
Facebook is now working a much harder then ever. This time an unexpected thing happens again. Facebook is now giving free VoIP voice calling feature in latest update of it's facebook messenger. Read full story
After an unexpected 19 billion whatsapp cling facebook is still suprising the world by their humbling Decisions It's clear now that facebook doubting about their future. This time facebook has rolled out the feature of free VoIP voice calling with the latest update of it's messaging application Facebook messenger. Yes now you can call any of your active freind and talk unlimited totally free of cost over your wifi or phones data connection.VoIP is the same feature that skype and viber application uses so its nothing new at all. But as facebook have huge social stregnth and numbers of users so the usage of this will increase automatically. Thats why we have doubt about this as facebook is always under social and potential threats . There's no guarantee that it will be secure to use this feature especially in India where most of the browsers are using anonymous proxies.
Will it increase the facebook social stregnth?
Well, today internet is known for two names facebook and google.As for facebook they need to keep theit users engaged by more connecting options.
So definetely it's clear that VoIP enabled facebook messanger will attract the millions of facebook users. May be this will clear the doubt of facebook and make a stop on these humbling decisions they're making.


text:
Capital I : The First Independent Feature Film of Odisha
Presented by: Susant Misra
Written, Cinematographed, Edited and Directed by: Amartya Bhattacharyya
Assisted by: Prateek Mohapatra
Music by: Kisaloy Roy
Choreography by: Amrita Chowdhury
Capital -I : a Synopsis
"Living and ceasing to live are two imaginary solutions; existence is elsewhere" – Andre Breton's non-deterministic approach towards existentialism in The first Surreal Manifesto is brought out through a fiction, which we might categorize into a new genre – Existential Psychodrama !
Capital I is a fictitious character having it's root in reality. There was an old house which was locked from inside with all windows closed, and when the police broke open the door, they found no one, neither any living person, nor a dead body. They only found few papers lying, with some abstract phrases and pictures with the signature below reading 'Capital I'. Police found the case unworthy of further investigations, as it doesn't affect anyone. They close the case.
But media spreads the masala news about the mysterious character and creates a buzz in the town. A young girl, pursuing MSC Psychology gets involved with her old Physics professor to research about Capital I. They research on the name, the phrases and the pictures and wracks their brain through a lot of intellectual thoughts. They eventually starts transforming themselves psychologically. The girl, who wasn't satisfied with her submissive boyfriend living in Delhi, gets into a state of deep trance and starts hallucinating. Under extreme stress of the research, she loses her conscious control. The professor, also into a trance, couldn't break away, and the film suggestively ventures into the inevitable.
The film breaks away from realistic continuity and ventures into the surreal sphere. Scenes move randomly, just like a wandering mind having it's root in reality. The film ends with an abstract culmination. Existence meanders through reality and imagination and ventures into a time-independent eternity. Moments tear apart and the debris of thoughts are periodically washed out, through the menstrual cycle of our minds. And the mind gets ready, yet again, for a new conception.
-Amartya Bhattacharyya


text:
The Fullhurst Pledge
The Fullhurst Pledge is our commitment to KS3 students to offer a wide range of additional learning and social activities designed to engage and challenge students. We encourage all students to take full advantage of all opportunities offered to them, to broaden their horizons, try something different, something out of their comfort zone and improve their self confidence. We keep a record for each student as it is particularly beneficial to reflect back on achievements.
The Pledge is divided into four categories; arts careers, social and leadership opportunities:
- Have an experience of the arts (museum / music / theatre)
- Visit a tourist attraction
- Participate in a workshop
- Involvement in a musical experience
- Participate in a careers event or university experience
- Learn from the experiences of an outside speaker
- Support a school charity fundraising event
- Take part in a new sporting activity not previously experienced
- Attend a formal meal
- Participate in an enterprise event
- Take a lead role in student activity
- Experience the challenge of performing or presenting to a wider audience (acting, singing, playing music)


text:
I slept like a baby the night before the Seattle Marathon in the king size bed of the newly renovated Westin's 29th floor, only occasionally waking up from what sounded like creaking of the building's structure as it swayed in the wind.
The alarm went off at 6am. Tim made me coffee, while I ate my first Powerbar reluctant to leave the cozy bed.
It was dry but the flag on one of the other tall buildings nearby could not have been more taut.
I did not feel like running 42 kilometres as fast as I could. I never feel like racing a marathon when I wake up on race morning. Yet I was also glad the waiting was about to end.
Coffee. Love coffee.
Time for a hot shower. I did not want to leave it.
I stepped into my race outfit, containing more pink than ever. I am not a fan of pink but the colour seems to find me as of late -- a fuchsia and orange top, with candy pink shoes. I divided four gels over the top's two back pockets, put another two gels in the hip pockets of my running shorts, and carried the remaining two gels in a zip lock bag which I would slide into one of my gloves.
My race number 551 I pinned to the front of my top.
Given the wind, I decided against a hat, neither willing to chase nor lose it. I also decided against sun glasses -- it was overcast and it might rain.
Seven am. Another Powerbar. Some water. Breakfast done. Perhaps a touch later than I would have liked.
Tim and Luka are getting ready too. We leave the room, as planned, at about 7:30am. Race start is at 8:15am.
Downstairs we slide into the stream of runners and spectators leaving the event's host hotel, joining more on the sidewalks of 5th Avenue as the half marathoners fly by us in the opposite direction.
The temperature is mild. Cold enough for winter coats on spectators but I know I will be warm in shorts and tank top after a couple of kilometres at marathon race pace.
My stomach still feels fuller than I'd like. "You'll be fine," Tim says.
It's a kilometre, perhaps a little more, to the start line. As we approach it, Tim suggests I duck into a little restaurant for a final pit stop to avoid the usual line-ups at the race's portaloos. Good idea. Having just left the hotel 10 minutes ago, I don't really need to stop but mentally it is good to go one more time -- after all, there will be no toilet breaks for the next 3-1/2 hours.
Runners are everywhere near the start line but no one has begun claiming their spot yet. I look for a place to do a warmup but only run for a few minutes, maybe three, up and down 5th Avenue. Then I decide to go the start line. Tim and Luka are there, on the other side of the fence.
I am still wearing an old fleece sweater and a throw-away T-shirt. It feels chilly -- I am in shorts -- but it is far warmer than I had feared it would be for a December marathon. Runners are being motioned to come closer to the start line but few are willing to bite. I give Tim my sweater. He wishes me well, as does Luka, and says he is going to head down along the course to catch me there.
I am calm and nervous at the same time. The lack of a warm-up bothers me but not enough to do something about it now -- I prefer to stay put with just 15 minutes to the gun.
It is Ben, a triathlon coach I met at an IMJ Coaching camp in Boulder, Colorado, 2-1/2 years ago. We have since met at a few Ironman races, most recently in Whistler in August where both he and Tim raced.
Ben is a nice and positive guy and I enjoy chatting with him as we wait for the start gun. A Seattle resident, Ben knows the course -- he has run both the half marathon and marathon here before.
"What is your goal today," he asks. I briefly explain my layoff and recent return to running, adding that my speed up to the half marathon distance seems as fast as ever, but that I feel underdone in terms of long runs as they have not exceeded 32K.
Still, my plan is to start at 3-hour pace and see how that goes.
"Great, I am with you," he says.
It feels great to have an ally. While Ben is focused on triathlon as an athlete, I know he has run a Sub-3 marathon, in Boston.
I peel off my T-shirt and throw it to the side, set my watch so all I need to press is the start button.
Ben and I keep chatting, and all of a sudden the gun goes and the crowd moves.
Here we go. I do not want to start too fast, especially not on a course that is marked in miles.
Runners steam ahead.
"We'll see those people later," Ben says beside me. I hold back and we run side by side.
There is Tim. I wave, Ben shouts, "Hey Tim!"
I feel good, comfortable, and grateful that I am on my way.
Soon a woman settles in beside Ben and I.
We hit the first mile in 6:49, spot on for a Sub-3 marathon pace, and I relax further into my rhythm. It is hard to keep yourself in check at the start of a marathon, so much energy after a taper and the buildup to the big day you have been spent months preparing for and thinking about.
I press the lap button at 3 miles, 20:42, and only do a quick 3 x times 7-minute miles. Under 21 minutes so that's good. In fact, it is 6:54 per mile or 4:17 per kilometre.
My Timex watch is not as easy for taking lap splits as the Polar watch I have used in most of the marathons. I know I won't be looking to press that split button every mile. But I do for the next two, with a 6:53 and a 6:47.
"Isn't amazing how small the world can be," Ben says beside me. I agree, and smile -- it is great to still be running together. But I don't want to chat, not at this pace, and feel bad about that. I hope he understands.
But that will change when we turn around and retrace our steps. Even in a group of about 10, the wind is so strong my legs get blown to the side, and I have to be careful not to trip over my own feet.
I apparently take another split that probably covers miles 6 and 7 in 13:10; it's too windy to do the math, I just stick with the pace. That's a good thing as I now see I took 47:32 to cover the first 7 miles, or an average of 6:47 per mile, 4:13 per kilometre.
At mile 8 we leave the bridge, turning left onto a pretty, narrow road, Lake Washington Boulevard, grateful to find shelter from the brutal wind that had been blasting us for the past two miles. Even so, our little group is about to disintegrate, slowly but surely spreading out over the next few miles.
I have a gel. I can't remember now if that was my first -- perhaps it was here, perhaps it was a mile earlier. I do remember feeling that I needed one, and another not long after that.
I am relieved the wind is gone, at least for now, but also am shocked to see a sign marking 15K -- my gawd, not even close to halfway. Ben had mentioned that the halfway mark is at the turnaround of this out-and-back stretch, so that is what I try to focus on.
I cannot help but worry about the fatigue that already seems to envelop me at this stage. I do not think about the hills ahead. There is nothing I can do to avoid them, and I know that nine-time winner Uli Steidl (who will go on to make it 10 later today) warned that you cannot expect to run even splits on this course.
For now, I just need to stay with the pace as best I can. The other two women seem to have fallen behind but I expect them to be right behind me. On the bridge I counted only two women ahead of us.
Two guys are running strong. And they move ahead. Ben does too. At the halfway mark one of them ducks into the portaloo.
As I run across the timing area, the clock shows 89:14.
Crap. That is almost a minute faster than I passed it in Vancouver last year, 90:09, which was then the fastest I had ever run the first half of a marathon.
(Side note: Of course there was a problem with the halfway point in Vancouver -- it was adjusted to shorten the course as the race was in progress. So, either I have gotten faster after my year-long enforced break from running, or it is an indication of how much extra distance I covered in the 2012 Vancouver marathon, where I finished in 3:00:29.)
No wonder I am feeling tired -- I am on personal record pace. But today this does not excite me. I wonder if I overestimated my fitness, and how long I can sustain this pace. Breathe and relax. Breathe and relax. Do the best you can do now. And remember, a year ago, you could not even run.
I settle into the discomfort, focusing on maintaining my pace as best I can. I can see Ben ahead of me, as the other guy seems to be tiring.
A few kilometres later I catch up to him, telling him, "great job, stay strong." The words are meant as much for him as they are for myself.
Spectators line the course in various places, and cheer me on. "Go girl!" "Third woman, looking strong!" I smile, wave at their cheers, soak in the energy.
Around the halfway mark I had been able see another woman up ahead, and held her in sight for a few kilometres. I no longer see her. I can still see Ben in the distance. He looks strong.
The hills begin. And I accept that they are here. I accept that my legs feel like jello on each uphill incline, and that my pace slows markedly. As soon as earth flattens out, I speed up as best as I can and gladly accept any helping hand gravity offers me on the downhills.
"What goes up, must come down," I encourage myself.
Not that knowing it would have mattered in the outcome -- I would still have slowed down over those final 6.2 hilly miles. But I am so glad that split was recorded there because it gives me great confidence about how well I have recovered in my return to running; holding 6:47 per mile, or 4:13 per K, works out to a 2:57:52 marathon.
Now it is a matter of staying strong, and working with those hills as much as possible. Others are hurting too. Some walk, and it is not only the marathoners who began their race an hour before us.
With two miles to go, I allow myself to look back,
once, twice, three times -- I have held third place for more than half
the race and I am determined to finish with it now.
Tim and Luka wait at mile 25. I smile, wave. One more mile.
I am so grateful. Smile, pump my fist in the air as I approach the finish line in 3:05:09 -- I am BACK!
I ran the first half in 89:14 and the second half in 94:55 to finish in 3:05:09, my second-fastest marathon.
Female winner Sheila Croft finished in 2:58:25, hitting the halfway mark in 85:15 and running the second half in 1:33:10. Croft twice ran past her
house during the race, once at the six-mile point, and later at mile 15, according to the Seattle Times."That's my running route," Croft told the Seattle Times. "I knew exactly what the course was going to be like."
Uli Steidl, who won the race for the 10th time in 2:32:24, knows this
course inside and out, taking 1:15:25 for the first half and 1:16:59 for the second.
Ben finished in 3:04:26.


text:
| 2 May 2001
For Immediate Release
"Space Academy" Coming to Applied Physics Lab
Maryland Students Get a Sneak Peek at NASA's New Comet Mission
You don't often get to see the inner workings of a space mission or meet a member of Congress, but 100 Maryland middle school students will do both on Tuesday, May 8, when they visit The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) in Laurel for Comcast/Discovery Space Academy: Mission CONTOUR.
The educational program — based on the CONTOUR (Comet Nucleus Tour) mission — will give students from Prince George's and Montgomery counties an exclusive look at NASA's latest comet explorer.
Sponsored by Comcast Cable, the Discovery Channel and APL, the event starts at 9:30 a.m. at APL's Kossiakoff Center. After a greeting from Rep. Benjamin Cardin (D-MD), the visitors will hear about CONTOUR and take part in a student press conference with mission project manager Mary Chiu, system engineer Edward Reynolds and principal investigator Joseph Veverka. Veverka, the mission's head scientist, will participate via videoconference from his home base at Cornell University in Ithaca, NY.
After learning how to make a comet using dry ice, the students will eat lunch with CONTOUR scientists and engineers at the Kossiakoff Center, then pull on specially designed clean-room suits and tour APL's space facilities. Lab staffers will walk the students through "Exploration Stations" that include spacecraft test and design rooms, space environment demonstrations, a satellite communications facility and a wiring model of the actual CONTOUR spacecraft.
Gearing up for the event, the students have been learning for the past month about CONTOUR, its target comets (Encke and Schwassmann-Wachmann 3), and careers in space through classroom activities developed by the Discovery Channel.
The Applied Physics Lab designed and is building CONTOUR, preparing the robot craft for a July 2002 launch. CONTOUR will fly past at least two comets, taking the sharpest pictures ever of a comet nucleus and collecting data on these dynamic "dirty snowballs" that sail through our solar system. APL also manages the CONTOUR program (www.contour2002.org), part of NASA's innovative Discovery class of low-cost, scientifically focused planetary missions.
The event is open to the media and offers a range of photo, video and interview opportunities. The Applied Physics Laboratory is located on Johns Hopkins Road, 1/2 mile west of U.S. Route 29 in Laurel, Md.
The Applied Physics Laboratory is a not-for-profit laboratory and division of The Johns Hopkins University. APL conducts research and development primarily for national security and for nondefense projects of national and global significance.
The third largest cable company in the U.S., Comcast Cable is a division of Comcast Corporation, a developer, manager and operator of broadband cable networks and provider of programming content.
Discovery Networks, U.S., a unit of Discovery Communications, Inc., owns and operates Discovery Channel, TLC, Animal Planet, Travel Channel, Discovery Health Channel, Discovery People, Discovery Kids Channel, Discovery Science Channel, Discovery Wings Channel, and Discovery en Español. The unit also markets and distributes BBC America.