text:
Main Content
Top of the page
If you want to save this information but don't think it is safe to take it home, see if a trusted friend can keep it for you. Plan ahead. Know who you can call for help, and memorize the phone number.
Be careful online too. Your online activity may be seen by others. Do not use your personal computer or device to read about this topic. Use a safe computer such as one at work, a friend's house, or a library.
Child abuse means doing something that hurts a child. Neglect means not giving or doing something that a child needs.
Abuse or neglect hurts children in many ways. Young children are at special risk. They may not grow properly. They may have learning problems. They may feel bad about themselves and not trust other people. They may be scared or angry. Sometimes they die.
Children often believe that abuse or neglect is their fault. They may think that they did something wrong and deserve what happened. It is up to adults who care to protect them.
Call the police or local child protective services. You don't have to give your name. If you don't know who to call, a hospital may be able to tell you. Many of them have special programs to deal with child abuse and neglect.
If a child is in immediate danger or has been badly hurt, don't wait. Call 911 or other emergency services right away.
If it is your own child, get him or her to a safe place and stay there. This may be the home of a close friend or family member or a domestic violence shelter. To find help in your area, call a trusted health professional, a child abuse organization, or the police.
If you are a child or teen who is being abused, don't keep the secret. Tell someone who can make a difference: a trusted family member, teacher, counsellor, or doctor. You can also call Kids Help Phone at 1-800-668-6868, or visit the website at http://org.kidshelpphone.ca.
Check your local phone book or provincial website for resources on getting help in your area.
If there is someone in your child's life who you think is close to becoming an abuser, you may be able to talk to that person about it and help the person learn more about managing stress and about how children grow and develop.
If you're afraid to talk to the person, make a specific plan for how you will protect your children if you think abuse is about to happen or has happened. Know who you will call and where you and your children will go.
To protect your child from abuse:
To help other children:
Symptoms can be physical, psychological, or both.
Keep in mind that older children may not talk about the problem, because they fear or want to protect the offender. Or they don't believe they will be taken seriously.
Certain general symptoms that may suggest that a child is experiencing some type of abuse or neglect include:
Children often get injured. But physical injuries may point to abuse when:
Emotional abuse means doing or saying things to hurt a child emotionally. For example, the adult may say things to make the child feel unwanted or worthless. A child who is emotionally abused may:
A child with symptoms of recent sexual abuse may:
Certain ways of behaving may also point to sexual abuse. These include:
Sexual abuse versus normal sexual play
Sexual abuse is very different from normal sexual play between children who have not reached puberty.
Normal sexual play between children of similar ages is usually touching and looking. No force is used.
Sexual abuse includes any sexual activity that the child is not able to understand or consent to. Besides obvious sexual acts, examples include fondling and showing pornography to a child.
Child neglect means not providing a child with his or her basic needs. A child's general appearance, home environment, and behaviour patterns can show signs of neglect.
A child who is neglected may:
Children who are abused or neglected may have long-term emotional and physical problems. Abuse and neglect in children younger than 7 years of age may lead to permanent behaviour and personality changes.
The mental and emotional effects depend on how bad the abuse or neglect is, how often it happens, how long it's been going on, and who the abuser is.
Mental health disorders that can be caused by abuse and neglect include:
Other emotional effects include:
Children who are abused or neglected are more likely to abuse other children and siblings and, later in life, their own children or elderly parents. They are also more likely to become involved in crime.
A risk factor is anything that makes you more likely to have a certain problem or disease.
People are more likely to abuse or neglect children if they:
The risk of abuse and neglect increases when a child has a disability or other health issue, such as:
Bonding problems
Another risk factor for children is not having a close bond with parents. Not having a close bond may be caused by:
Call 911 or other emergency services immediately if you see a child being abused or believe a child is in immediate danger, or you see that a child:
Call police or child protective services immediately if you:
If the child is not in immediate danger, call your local child protective services or police if:
You can also check your local phone book or provincial website for resources on getting help in your area.
If you are a child or teen who is being abused, you can also call Kids Help Phone at 1-800-668-6868, or visit the website at http://org.kidshelpphone.ca.
An abused or neglected child who is taken to a doctor will first have a general physical examination. The doctor will review the child's medical history and ask parents or caregivers questions about the child's condition.
A child who is able to talk will be separated from the caregiver during the interview.
The law requires doctors to consider the possibility of abuse or neglect. Along with seeing signs of physical abuse or neglect, a doctor may become suspicious when:
Other children in the care of the same person may also be examined and have X-rays if police or doctors think it's needed.
Tests that are often used to help confirm or rule out abuse or neglect include:
Other examinations and tests depend on the specific medical problem suspected or observed. For example:
Information about a child's injuries is carefully recorded. A detailed account of the injuries goes into the child's permanent health record.
This record usually includes photographs and drawings of the injuries.
Measurements such as weight, height, and head circumference are also taken and recorded to help establish a child's baseline growth pattern. Recording these measurements on growth charts can help identify failure to thrive that sometimes is related to neglect.
Early treatment gives an abused or neglected child the best chance for recovery.
The first step is to provide a safe environment to prevent further harm. The sooner this happens, the better the child's chance for physical and emotional recovery. This includes separating the child, as well as any other children in the household, from the person suspected of abuse.
Any physical injuries will be treated, either in a hospital or at a doctor's office, depending on how serious they are.
Counselling is always recommended for abused or neglected children. It usually focuses on:
For very young children, counselling may involve play therapy.
Parents or caregivers who have abused or neglected a child also need treatment. The type of treatment depends on the specific abuse that occurred.
Some people need to learn more about how to raise and care for children. Others may need treatment for other serious problems, such as:
Parents who have lost custody of their children can sometimes regain it. It depends on how bad the abuse or neglect was and how far they have come in realizing what their problems are and how to prevent them.
In severe cases, the parent can see the child only when someone else is present. Sometimes a judge permanently ends the parent-child relationship.
Everyone can help prevent child abuse and neglect by showing concern for children and their well-being.
The law requires certain people, such as doctors, social workers, and teachers, to report suspected child abuse and neglect. Usually the report is made to the police or to child welfare or child protection agencies. In some areas the law requires all citizens to report suspected abuse or neglect.
Police and child welfare workers investigate the report. If the government believes a crime has been committed, the suspected abuser is tried and, if found guilty, sentenced.
Investigators sometimes can't find enough evidence to charge someone with a crime. In this case, parents or caregivers may be referred to social services to lower the child's risk of being hurt.
When you suspect a child is, or is at risk of, being abused or neglected, it is important to take action. Most abused children are not able to help themselves.
Many people don't know what to do about suspected abuse, because they:
Keep in mind that by reporting your suspicions, you may prevent a child from being seriously hurt or even killed and from having lifelong emotional problems. You can make reports anonymously. If you give your name, it is kept confidential.
Also, you can't be sued successfully if you make a report in good faith.
Current as of: February 9, 2022
Author: Healthwise StaffMedical Review: Kathleen Romito MD - Family MedicineThomas M. Bailey MD - Family MedicineJohn Pope MD - PediatricsAdam Husney MD - Family MedicineJohn Pope MD - Pediatrics
Current as of: February 9, 2022
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine & Thomas M. Bailey MD - Family Medicine & John Pope MD - Pediatrics & Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine & John Pope MD - Pediatrics
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.
To learn more about Healthwise, visit Healthwise.org.
© 1995-2022 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.


text:
Obama: 'Bluster' wrong on Iran
President Barack Obama pushed back Monday at critics of the nuclear agreement reached with Iran over the weekend, arguing that it's his responsibility to keep pushing for a diplomatic solution.
"We cannot rule out peaceful solutions to the world's problems. We cannot commit ourselves to an endless cycle of conflict," he said in San Francisco, in his first public remarks on the deal since his statement at the White House late Saturday. "Tough talk and bluster may be the easy thing to do politically, but it's not the right thing for our security."
Since the deal was announced, key members of Congress from both parties — along with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu — have voiced skepticism about the agreement and Iran's willingness to cooperate with the international community.
( PHOTOS: Pols react to the Iran deal)
Obama defended his approach. While it's not "going to be easy [and] huge challenges remain," he said, "we cannot close the close the door on diplomacy."
The president's comments came at the start of a speech on immigration reform at a recreation center in San Francisco's Chinatown. The spirit of looking at "what we can build together," whether on Iran or on immigration, is what brought him there Monday, he said.
Obama said he is "thankful" that House Speaker John Boehner is open to moving ahead on immigration reform and believes the Ohio Republican is "sincere."
Though the Senate passed a comprehensive bill that Democrats favor, the president repeated his willingness to consider piecemeal bills. "It's Thanksgiving — we can carve that bird into multiple pieces," he said.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Please ignore the fact that this game is Coke Zero-branded. The most important thing is that it's a location-based game for Tron: Legacy, which uses the iPhone's GPS for LightCycle battles on your daily travels.
The game revolves around the virtual Tron map, which is based on your own location. Gamers create light trails based on their movements, and once other people crash into your trails, you receive points. It's probably easiest if you watch the video above, and then download the free app for a go, if you've got an iPhone. Supposedly an Android version is on its way—with any luck before the movie opens in cinemas on December 17th. [iTunes via Coke via TechRadar]


text:
Given that the entire planet's been in throes of Pottermania for over a decade, the internet's churned out tons of funny (and profoundly bizarre) video tributes to J.K. Rowling's boy wizard. Here are some of the best.
The 8-Bit Harry Potter Interactive YouTube Game
Harry's incessant adventures have left him delinquent in his studies, and he must attend summer school at Hogwart's. A Final Fantasy-style choose-your-own-adventure game for those with time to kill.
The World's Biggest Harry Potter Fan
This fellow entered Moviefone's America's Biggest Harry Potter fan competition. This fellow loves Harry Potter like Ron Weasley loves being fairly useless.
Harry Potter & The Rejected Scenes: The Sorting Hat
Speaking of which, here's a revised take on Harry's first encounter with Ron. Weasley was a bit of a plonker when we first met him.
The curious interviews of a Japanese Harry Potter fan
In 2009, the Japanese television show Karakuri Terebi allowed a Harry Potter superfan named Kana to meet Daniel Radcliffe and Rupert Grint. Upon meeting the actors, she promptly gave interviews which can only be described as performance art. You can watch her full discussion with Radcliffe here.
Harry Potter vs. Requiem for a Dream
There a ton of HP mash-ups out there, but this one win points for recasting Hogwarts as a haven for junkies. This needed a scene of Harry literally chasing the dragon.
Harry meets John Constantine
This is the closest we'll get to a Tim Hunter movie, methinks.
Daniel Radcliffe on Extras
Although not explicitly Harry Potter related, Daniel Radcliffe gave a demented self-portrayal on Ricky Gervais' hilariously depressing film industry comedy Extras. Radcliffe plays himself as a pervy man-child driven mad by his prepubescent fame.
A Very Harry Potter Musical
In 2009, the University of Michigan theater group StarKid performed an irreverent, all-musical revue of Harry's adventures.
Harry Starts A Band
Internet videographers The Pistol Shrimps have a ton of videos in which they insert themselves into the Harryverse and yammer in falsettos (they did such recently).
Harry vs. Voldemort MC Battle
Rap parodies are painful 90% of the time, but the production values are higher than average on this one. Also, Harry kind of does look like Marcy from Peanuts' lost sibling.
Lindsay Lohan plays Hermione on SNL
This sketch from 2004 is moronically one-note, but Rachel Dratch makes a fine Harry.
Harry Potter, Satan, and You
This wonderfully alarmist video was filmed on the set of a high school picture day.
Trip-hop Harry Potter
The remixer Pogo takes noise from movies and distends them into smooth soundscapes.
Wizard People, Dear Reader
The ne plus ultra Harry Potter fan video. Comedian Brad Neely (whom you know from his Professor Brothers and George Washington vignettes) created this lunatic, movie-length vocal track for Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone in 2004. What you do is pop in the movie, put it on mute, and sync up Neely's drunk uncle vocal track (downloadable here). You can also watch it in full on YouTube, but it's best watched with a group.
If you've never seen Wizard People before, cancel all your plans for the next 8 minutes and watch Neely's take on the Quidditch match. It's better than all of the above videos put together (and quite possibly more enjoyable than the lump sum of the entire Harry Potter franchise).
Here are some other Harry-related video goods for your perusal...
- The Death Eaters run amok in NYC's Grand Central Station.
- The joys of real-life Quidditch.
- College Humor mashes up H.P. with Dangerous Minds.
- Robot Chicken has given Harry the claymation treatment. Watch here and here.
- Richard Dawkins hates Harry Potter.
- The documentary Wizard Wrock.
- The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles invented Lord Voldemort.
Have your own favorite Harrycentric videos? Post them in the comments below!
[Top image via Twynkle]


text:
Assmann Corp. of Garrett, Ind., introduces the Base Container BC450 double-wall rectangular, low profile, chemical storage tank for various material handling applications. The primary tank holds 450 U.S. gallons and allows intermediate bulk containers (IBC) to be quickly emptied and back on the road, offering savings on container rentals and storage space. The intermediate bulk container is placed on top of the BC450 to drain. The BC450 is constructed from rugged, durable crosslink polyethylene or FDA-approved and NSF-certified linear polyethylene.
The new base container is designed to hold chemical tote bins for up to 3½ hours and offers a partially sloped bottom for near complete draining from top suction.
This free webinar will inform attendees on the most significant updates and modifications in the new standard, known as E1527-21 Standard Practice for Environmental Site Assessments: Phase I Environmental Site Assessment Process.


text:
What's next for Egypt?
A roundup of Egypt analysis after the mass protests – and harsh crackdown – around Tahrir Square over the past few days. Some democracy supporters advocate delaying next week's elections.
Cairo is on fire again, downtown streets are filled with tear gas, Molotov cocktails, and the crack of rubber bullets. Field Marshal Mohammed Hussein Tantawi, Egypt's de facto leader, took to state TV last night to address the blossoming crisis. He offered little new beyond a promise to accelerate presidential elections to July 2012, and the protesters weren't mollified.
Now people on the ground say increasingly militant protesters are seeking out conflict with security forces downtown. The Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF) doesn't seem to have political answers. What comes next?
Obviously, it's hard to say. Parliamentary elections are still scheduled to begin next Monday, though they will take place in a tense environment of anger and distrust. Dozens of Egyptians have been killed in the past few days, and many hundreds more injured, some seriously.
The showdown is, at root, over military versus civilian rule. But behind that basic question lies more complicated terrain. Leftists, Islamists, and civilian friends of the old order are jockeying to define the Egyptian state, even as the economy continues to deteriorate. Any hopes for tourism to pick back up have been dealt a heavy blow by the fighting of the past few days.
Nevertheless, people who know the country well are picking their way through the present chaos to make informed guesses about where Egypt heads from here. And it isn't all bad news.
Steven Cook, author of the excellent new book The Struggle for Egypt and a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, wrote before Tantawi gave his speech that he and his fellow generals have made a hash of Egypt's transition.
What is happening in Tahrir Square – as frightening as it is – may very well be a clarifying moment. From the start, the Egyptian military's declarations that it was preparing the ground for democracy were far from credible. The officers' interest in remaining the sole source of political legitimacy and authority, the military's economic interests, and the Ministry of Defense's conception of stability are simply not compatible with a more democratic Egypt...
... Egypt's present impasse, and the violence that is its result, is a critical moment in the political transition. Of course, no one wants to see Egyptians doused with tear gas, shot indiscriminately with rubber bullets, or mowed down with armored vehicles -- but the willingness to take to the streets once again demonstrates that, in Egypt's battle of legitimacies, people are not going to willingly succumb to the military.
Marc Lynch, a political scientist at George Washington University who specializes in the modern Middle East, writes that in Egypt the game has changed.
Thanks to the massive popular move back to Tahrir, more fundamental change is the only way forward.
The new situation has to force all of us to rethink our positions. That includes me. I have been arguing for months in favor of Parliamentary elections as the only way to begin to build strong institutions with democratic legitimacy to hold the SCAF accountable. I still believe that this was the right position under the conditions of the last few months. But those arguments have been overtaken by events. It is almost impossible to imagine how meaningful, legitimate elections could be held in less than a week at a time of open battles in the center of Cairo and Alexandria and other cities. Many political forces have suspended their campaigns, and few voters are focused on the election. It is unlikely that a body elected under these conditions will command real legitimacy. As much as it pains me to come to this conclusion, and for all my fears that this will only lead to a longer-term delay in a democratic transition or become an excuse to exclude Islamists, it probably does now make sense to postpone the elections for a short period.
But postponing the elections only makes sense if the SCAF can be forced to agree to a much more dramatic and immediate transfer of power to a civilian government, with clear commitments to overseeing a rapid move towards elections. The crowds in Tahrir want to see fundamental change, and now is the chance to get it.
Issandr El Amrani (who with his colleagues writes the Arabist blog, an indispensable chronicle of Egypt's political and cultural currents), wrote after Tantawi's speech that Egypt is at a fragile, vulnerable moment, and the failure is not the military's alone.
The failure of SCAF's transition over the last nine months is not theirs alone. It is that of a good part of the political class that said nothing when key former regime figures where left alone for months, and Mubarak was in Sharm al-Sheikh with his sons. It is that of the Egyptian elite that went back to its privileged lifestyle and did nothing to address the social injustice in the country — not to always compare things to Tunisia, but there the private sector, trade unions and the government got together and negotiated 10-15% salary increases across the board. They bought social peace by renegotiating the social contract.
In Egypt you get the feeling that the upper class has completely ignored the social roots of the January uprising, and at the same time backed a return to similar kinds of politics of patronage, where parties and movements try to buy the poor with handouts and cheap meat at Eid. People don't want to be given charity, they want to be given social rights. This too is political — it's not about economic mismanagement. It's not about an uprising of the poor. It's about the political vision for a social economy.
Writing for us yesterday from Cairo, Kristen Chick also finds that a feeling of a revolution unfulfilled is dominant on Tahrir.
Many billed the renewed protests, which come less than a week before parliamentary elections are scheduled to begin, as a continuation of the revolution that overthrew former President Hosni Mubarak in February – and protesters again insist that they will stay put until the leader in their sights steps down. Some even appear willing to risk their lives as security forces fire not only tear gas and rubber bullets on the protesters, but also birdshot and – according to field doctors – live ammunition.
Meanwhile Shadi Hamid, the research director at Brooking's Doha Center, argues that postponing elections now would be precisely the wrong thing to do. Why? Because it would entrench military rule, and perhaps inflame Islamists who are expected to do well at the polls.
There is little doubt that Islamists, namely the Muslim Brotherhood, will dominate next week's elections in Egypt. Liberals are in disarray, apparently gaining little from an extension of the transition period. Members of the main "revolutionary" list – with little funding and little chance of gaining seats – are threatening to withdraw from the polls. The Brotherhood, meanwhile, is poised to secure, by a wide margin, the largest share of parliamentary seats (I've explained why here and here). This has made many liberals and leftists less enthusiastic about elections than they might otherwise be.
If the elections are delayed, Islamists will perceive it as a soft coup, and one directed against them. I asked one Brotherhood official if they would hold mass demonstrations in response. He said yes, but that would only be the "start." He continued, "At that point, we will be willing to consider all peaceful options." The same official told me he believed the army may have deliberately provoked protesters to create a pretext for postponing elections.


text:
We've looked at the basic types of anime out there but now it's time to look at the specific genres. Of course, I assume everyone knows what "fantasy" and "romance" are, but what about those genres that don't really exist in the West outside of anime and manga—or those that don't even use English words?
"Mecha," coming from the word "mechanical," describes any anime or manga largely focused on one distinct aspect: pilotable robots. Sometimes they are gigantic like in Gundam. Sometimes they are the same size as an Iron Man suit as in Bubble Gum Crisis. Sometimes they have a humanoid shape and other times they don't. Sometimes they transform into other machines like planes or even combine from several smaller machines into one giant "super robot." As long as the plot or setting has a pilotable robot at its center, the anime falls into the mecha genre.
Magical Girl
If you have ever seen Sailor Moon, you know basically what to expect from a "magical girl" anime or manga: innocent young girls using a magical object to transform into a superhero version of themselves. These girls then fight an evil force—or sometimes "evil" itself—with their magical powers. In general, magical girl stories have cute girls that are either prepubescent or on the cusp of womanhood. They tend to deal with the themes of growing up, making friends, learning life lessons, and falling in love. Of course, there are also those occasional anime like Madoka Magica or Kill la Kill that take the standard magical girl setup and turn it completely on its head.
Card Battle
As you can probably guess by the name, these anime tend to focus on characters playing a collectible card game. Almost always, these anime are tie-ins to real-world collectible card games and serve as an advertisement as much as anything else. Of course, rarely are the card games seen in these anime and manga simple card games as we think of them. Often, there is a supernatural or sci-fi element that threatens people's lives or even puts the world itself at stake in the card game. In the West, the most well-known franchise of this type is Yu-Gi-Oh!.
Monster Battle
Works in the "monster battle" genre tend to center around characters who train monsters and use them to battle other monsters. Sometimes, monster battles are a professional sport (e.g., Pokémon). Other times, the monsters are trained and battle as part of an adventure or quest (e.g., Digimon). Like card battle anime, these anime and manga tend to be aimed at young boys and usually have building a strong collection of monsters for battle as one of the main forces driving the plot.
In the West, you may be a singer, movie star, TV personality, model, or dancer; but few people are all at once. In Japan, however, there is an entire culture built around such people. They are known as "idols." Idol manga and anime follow people in this industry—usually starting at their humble roots and following their lives through to super stardom. Many of these are also slice-of-life stories, but others, like the Macross franchise, pull other genres into the mix.
"Harem" is a sub-genre of romance in which there is one male character—the protagonist—at the center of a group of female characters who are all vying for his romantic affections. Usually, the females in a harem anime are given distinguishing character traits to set them apart or they simply embody one of the four common female character archetypes. However, it should be noted that having a love triangle or a female-heavy cast does not necessarily make for a harem anime. Only if three or more female characters are romantically interested in the lead male—and that relationship is the core of the plot—does it fall into the harem genre. A "reverse harem" is the opposite of the standard harem where there is a single girl being romantically pursued by a group of men.
"Yaoi" is the genre for an anime with a male homosexual relationship at its center. The term comes from the Japanese phrase "yama nashi, ochi nashi, imi nashi" or "no climax, no resolution, no meaning." In Japanese, however, this genre is also called "BL" from the English words "boys love"—which explains the genre as a whole perfectly. Western anime fans will often use the word yaoi to refer to homosexual pornographic content; however, the term does not necessitate that the work be pornographic in nature.
Shonen Ai
However, when wanting to expressly state that an anime or manga—while having a male homosexual relationship at its core—is not pornographic, the genre term "shonen ai" (literally meaning "young boy love") is usually used.
The female counterpart to yaoi is "yuri" which describes any anime built around a lesbian relationship. "Yuri" literally means "lilly" in Japanese and is used as a metaphor for women. Like with yaoi, yuri is often used to refer to animated/illustrated lesbian pornography though non-pornographic works are also technically yuri.
Shoujo Ai
As shonen ai is the term for non-sexually explicit yaoi among Western anime fans, "shoujo ai" (literally "girls love") is the term for non-sexually explicit yuri. Interestingly enough, however, shoujo ai refers to something very different in the original Japanese: those fans who love Loli-style characters.
In English, "hentai" is the genre of hardcore anime/manga pornography. In Japanese, the word simply means "perverted"—though not always in the sexual sense—and does not refer to manga and anime specifically. Hentai can be anything from a simple innocent romance to tentacle rape with everything in between. All that it needs is explicit and graphic sexual content to fall into this genre.
As hardcore is to softcore, hentai is to "ecchi." A work falls into the ecchi genre when the sexual content goes beyond simple fanservice but not so far as graphic sex. Ecchi works tend to focus on the sexual content over (or at least on an equal level to) the plot and comes complete with groping, revealing outfits, gratuitous boob bouncing, and often full frontal nudity—all for the sake of simple titillation. The word "ecchi" is actually just the Japanese pronunciation of "H"—i.e., the first letter in "hentai"—and like hentai, it isn't defined as a genre in Japanese but just another word for "perverted."
For more guides on helping you understand anime, manga, and Japanese games, check out our articles on How to Identify Popular Japanese Character Types and How to Know if Something is Moé.
Kotaku East is your slice of Asian internet culture, bringing you the latest talking points from Japan, Korea, China and beyond. Tune in every morning from 4am to 8am.
To contact the author of this post, write to email@example.com or find him on Twitter @BiggestinJapan.


text:
Challenger's British Soccer Camp is the most popular camp in the USA and Canada. With an innovative curriculum that develops skills, speed and confidence in players of all ages and abilities, British Soccer Camps provide boys and girls with the rare opportunity to receive high-level soccer coaching from a team of international expert's right in the heart of their own community. In addition to teaching new skills and improving game performance, each British Soccer Camp provides lessons in character development, cultural education and is the most fun your child can have learning the sport they love!
This is a week-long camp experience.
Camp Type:Day
Founded: 1985
Age(s): 3-16
Gender: All


text:
Contact: email@example.com
Part of Furtherfield Open Spots programme.
Seeking to investigate new modes of audience experience, {crowdsourced} Noir / Love Beyond Recognition is a process-based artwork encompassing a sculptural installation and an interactive stream across the World Wide Web. Both parts of the project are based on the notion of "crowdsourcing" and the use of public domain archives for works of art. The physical installation will be exhibited at Konstepidemin Gallery, Gothenburg (SE), with live interactive streams at Furtherfield Gallery, London.
Visitors will be able to search for keywords from a database of short clips selected from the online public domain Film Noir Archive and hear them play through sourced short clips dialogues containing those words, while a live video stream connecting the two venues in London and Gothenburg will show the sculptural installation intercut by those dialogues and related video footage. A compelling cinematic experience is created. Visitors at Konstepidemin Gallery will be also able to see the live stream and hear the dialogues selected by the London-based audiences.
{crowdsourced} Noir / Love Beyond Recognition is a process-based artwork encompassing a sculptural installation and an interactive stream across the World Wide Web. The origin of both parts of the project is based upon the notion of 'crowdsourcing'. The principle being that more heads are better than one. By canvassing a large crowd of people for ideas, skills, or participation, the quality of content and idea generation will be superior. In this instance, crowdsourcing will be applied through the use of clipsourcing tools which have been developed to aid in project-related tasks that can only be achieved through human interaction/intervention. This way, the crowd will help the artist achieve these tasks whilst adding a democratic element to the final outcome of the project.
During Spring and Summer 2012, an interested public was invited to both participate and contribute to the project's creative process in two distinct ways: in Sweden as models, whereby a cast was taken of a chosen body part (the body parts were later assembled to full figure sculptures) and in the UK by taking part in a workshop at Furtherfield Gallery to help source short clips from the online public domain Film Noir Archive through our online tool.
The digital part of Posch's project was developed in collaboration with UK artist and new media developer Mike Blackman.
Josefina Posch
Josefina Posch is a Swedish artist that has worked and exhibited extensively abroad, including at the 52nd Venice Biennale, Fondazione Pistoletto's Cittadellarte, Sculpturespace NY and a residency at Duolun Museum of Modern Art Shanghai. During her 3 month residency at Art Space, Portsmouth, in Autumn 2010, she began her collaboration with artist and new media developer Mike Blackman in the development of her digital concepts.
The project is supported by Gothenburg City Arts Council, Arts Council England/British Council and IASPIS – The Swedish Arts Grants Committee's International Programme for Visual Artists.
Furtherfield Gallery
McKenzie Pavilion, Finsbury Park
London N4 2NQ
E: firstname.lastname@example.com
Furtherfield Gallery is supported by Haringey Council and Arts Council England.


text:
CME: Mixed Results for US Meat ExportsUS - Weekly export numbers for the US have been released and the results were somewhat mixed, with some figures up and some down, write Steve Meyer and Len Steiner.
Beef exports to key markets have slowed down in the last couple of weeks, with exports to Asia slowing down after a relatively strong performance in February and March.
Exports to Hong Kong in the last four reported weeks (Apr 2 - Apr 23) are down about 32 per cent from the same four week period a year ago. On the other hand, exports to Japan and South Korea during the reference period were up 16 per cent and 34 per cent, respectively.
For the last reported week, however, exports to all three key Asian markets were lower than last year.
More problematic for US beef exports have been exports to Mexico, one of the main destinations for US beef. In the last four reported weeks exports to Mexico are down 34 per cent from a year ago and the numbers reported today were down 26 per cent from a year ago.
High prices in the US market and a strong US dollar continue to negatively impact the volume of US beef going to export markets. However, we still think that demand for US beef in Asia remains quite strong.
The decline in exports to Hong Kong reflects some (potentially) short term factors which may be remedied in the coming months. China has emerged as a top world beef buyer and they have once again started to aggressively purchase from South America and Oceania.
As for weekly pork exports, we continue to wait and see if the monthly numbers that will be published next week will help us validate the trends established by the weekly pork export numbers.
Based on the weekly pork exports, we continue to project pork exports for April to be up 2 per cent from a year ago but there is a fairly large confidence range in that projection.
March exports currently are projected to be down 5 per cent from last year. It is worth noting that the weekly data shows a notable improvement in exports to Asian markets compared to earlier in the year.
Particularly worth noting is the increase in exports to China, with the last four weeks averaging almost 2000 MT/week compared to an average of 48MT/week in January and February. Exports to Hong Kong in the last four weeks averaged 672MT and last week alone pork shipments were 1,104MT.
During Jan-Feb, exports to Hong Kong averaged 461 MT/week. Shipments to Mexico and Canada also appear to be quite robust at this time. The improvement in pork export trends certainly is a positive for US pork prices going into the spring and summer.
Last night, the IA/MN lean hog carcass price jumped $2.66 from the previous day and closed at $71.33/cwt, lending further support the April rally in hog futures.
There is no current data for US broiler exports but the recent trend in the price of US leg quarters tells as that broiler exports are struggling.
We will provide a review of the HPAI situation in our report tomorrow but a combination of a strong US dollar, increasing supplies in other markets and HPAI induced bans appear to be taking their toll on chicken dark meat prices.
USDA quoted the price of leg quarters at 32.45 cents per pound, 38 per cent lower than a year ago and 33 per cent lower than the five year average.
The inventory of leg quarters in cold storage at the end of March was 188.7 million pounds, 77 per cent higher than a year ago and 94 per cent higher than the five year average.


text:
Cyclists, police chief spar on road
Incident captured on video
A close call involving the Rye police chief and a group of hard-riding cyclists on the Seacoast was caught on video.
Video shows Police Chief Kevin Walsh in a heart-stopping near-hit on Ocean Boulevard with cyclists flying by him at nearly 30 miles per hour.
The video of the incident was apparently shot and posted online by one of the riders. Now Walsh and the biking group are pointing fingers of blame.
Walsh calls the cycling group an accident waiting to happen, but many in the group believe the chief should not have been trying to stop them by standing in the bike lane.
Walsh said he was trying to stop a group of more than a dozen cyclists after receiving reports they were impeding traffic. He began shouting and waving his arms when he realized the pace setters in the front did not see him.
"They weren't stopping, because what they're doing is they're doing competitive racing. They all had their heads down and they were pushing themselves like somebody would do when they're doing a competitive sporting event," said Walsh.
Walsh said after the near accident, the riders didn't even slow down. He returned to his cruiser, caught up to the pack and detained the group in a turnout.
Video captured by the handlebar cam of one of the cyclists shows the stop, raised voices are clearly audible.
"I wasn't happy -- they weren't happy," said Walsh.
Kevin Tonkin belongs to the cycling group but was not among the lead pack of riders that evening. After watching the video he said the chief is at fault.
"What I saw was the wrong way to pull over a motor vehicle. We are on the roads as a motor vehicle, and unfortunately it's a large entity, but we still have the same rights as a motor vehicle," said Tonkin.
Tonkin also said the group was not racing.
"It's not racing if there's no prize or there's no leader or no winner -- it's pushing each other to perform your best, and we're going the speed limit," he said.
If the cyclists committed a violation, Tonkin said Walsh should have written citations. Now that he has this video, Walsh said he probably will.
"The video definitely shows that under RSA 265:144-5 they did not ride single and they were impeding the flow of traffic by being out in the travel lane, Walsh said.
Tonkin said the riding group has been doing this for 17 years and has encountered problems with Rye police in the past.
Still, he said after that close call with Walsh, that pack of cyclists should have stopped right away.


text:
The Picks gives thanks for more than turkey, football
Another Thanksgiving has come and gone, and I'm sure you all heard the same things I did after dinner Thursday.
I need a nap.
Is there a game on?
I don't think I had dessert.
Dad, put your belt back on.
That's the last time I stuff myself on Thanksgiving.
Hopefully you also heard family members tell you how thankful they are for you and you expressed the same. Thanksgiving isn't about turkey and football. Those are just window dressing to its true meaning.
I am so thankful for so many things, like a job where I get paid to watch sports and a family that thinks I'm worthy and the freedom to be able to vote even in a state where they can't count.
Did someone say something about dressing?
We're all fortunate to be living on this planet, in this country and in this time. And I'm fortunate to have people who are so eager to offer their opinions about what I write. So many of you pointed out that I had a bad week in The Picks last week.
Again, thank you.
It was bound to happen. A miserable 4-6 record. For a week, I was able to feel the kind of pain an Auburn fan is dealing with. But we're not firing Dr. Football when the overall record is 86-64. Just trying to get better.
FLORIDA AT FLORIDA STATE: You remember the good old days back when Florida won three in a row at Doak Campbell from 2004-08? Seems like a long time ago. I think Florida's defense is good enough to keep the Gators in the game, but I have no confidence in the offense against that defense. FSU, 24-13.
NOTRE DAME AT USC: Some people think Notre Dame is lucky. Now the Irish play USC with Matt Barkley out. I hear it's also going to snow in Miami during the BCS game, and the refs are going to be chosen from the Vatican. Notre Dame, 24-7.
SOUTH CAROLINA AT CLEMSON: The Head Ball Coach doesn't like Clemson. I think he'll like the Tigers even less. Clemson, 38-21.
MICHIGAN AT OHIO STATE: It's just like it was at Utah for Urban Meyer. Go undefeated and can't play for the national title. Ohio State, 32-27.
GEORGIA TECH AT GEORGIA: The Yellow Jackets may have backed their way into the ACC Coastal title, but they have won their last three games while averaging 47.7 points per game. Of course, that was against ACC teams. Georgia, 34-23.
LSU AT ARKANSAS: Tigers need a win to keep BCS bowl hopes alive. LSU, 28-21.
MISSISSIPPI STATE AT OLE MISS: Pure guess because both teams have their moments. Mississippi State, 27-23.
OREGON AT OREGON STATE: This is still a big game. Really, it is. Oregon, 45-34.
KENTUCKY AT TENNESSEE: Lame duck coach vs. interim coach. Gotta love college football. Tennessee, 34-12.
VANDERBILT AT WAKE FOREST: Never thought I'd write this — Vandy goes for its eighth win. Vanderbilt, 26-19.
Contact Pat Dooley at 352-374-5053 or at firstname.lastname@example.com. And follow at Twitter.com/Pat_Dooley.


text:
This is the coolest thing we've seen all day: a new anthology called Beyond Binary: Genderqueer and Sexually Fluid Speculative Fiction is coming out in May, and editor Brit Mandelo just announced the table of contents. Not only does it include several of our favorite authors, but a few of the story titles are laugh-out-loud clever. Here's the TOC:
"Sea of Cortez" by Sandra McDonald
"Eye of the Storm" by Kelley Eskridge
"Fisherman" by Nalo Hopkinson
"Pirate Solutions" by Katie Sparrow
"A Wild and Wicked Youth" by Ellen Kushner
"Prosperine When it Sizzles" by Tansy Roberts
"The Fairy Cony-Catcher" by Delia Sherman
"Palimpsest" by Catherynne M. Valente
"Another Coming" by Sonya Taaffe
"Bleaker Collegiate Presents an All-Female Production of Waiting for Godot" by Claire Humphrey
"The Ghost Party" by Richard Larson
"Bonehouse" by Keffy R. M. Kehrli
"Sex with Ghosts" by Sarah Kanning
"Spoiling Veena" by Keyan Bowes
"The Metamorphosis Bud" by Liu Wen Zhuang
"Schrodinger's Pussy" by Terra LeMay
[via Brit Mandelo]


text:
(Wound Repair)
A laceration is a tear or cut in the skin, tissue, and/or muscle. They can vary in length, depth, and width. A laceration repair is the act of cleaning, preparing, and closing the wound.
Laceration Wound of the Hand
Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.
Reasons for Procedure
Reasons for Procedure
Lacerations that are shallow, small, not bleeding, and clean may not need medical care. Antibiotic ointment and a bandage may be all that is needed.
Lacerations may need medical repair if it has:
- Exposed muscle, fat, tendon, or bone
- Dirt and debris in the wound, may remain even after cleaning
- Feeling as if something is in the laceration, even if you cannot see any debris
- Bleeding continues after applying direct pressure for 10-15 minutes
- Jagged or uneven edges
- Depth more than 1/8 to 1/4 inch deep
- Location on area of high stress (joints, hands, feet, chest)
Wounds may also need medical care if there is risk of tetanus. This is a bacterial infection from dirt, dust, or feces. Factors that increase your risk of tetanus include a deep or contaminated wound.
Medical care may also be used if there is a worry about scarring.
Possible Complications
Possible Complications
If you have a laceration repair, your doctor will review a list of possible complications, which may include:
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Noticeable scarring
- Poor wound closure
- Allergic reaction to anesthetic
What to Expect
What to Expect
Prior to Procedure
To treat the laceration before you see the doctor:
- Apply direct pressure to the wound. Use gauze, a clean cloth, plastic bags, or, as a last resort, a clean hand. If the wound bleeds through the gauze or cloth, do not remove it. Add more gauze.
- If possible, elevate the wound above the heart. This will make it harder for blood to flow to the wound. Do not tie a tourniquet around an affected limb. This may cause more damage.
- If bleeding stops, let some water run over the wound. Tap water is safe to use.
- If muscle, tendon, bone, or organs are exposed, do not try to push them back into place.
- If you are feeling faint, lie down or sit with your head between your knees.
Once you are at the hospital, the doctor will likely do the following:
- Examine the wound
- Decide if a surgeon is needed
- Ask about your medical history, allergies, and how the wound occurred
- Discuss your pain tolerance and options for closing the laceration
- Explain the procedure
This depends on the type of laceration, for example:
- Local anesthesia is used for minor lacerations. This will numb the area around the wound.
- General anesthesia may be needed for severe lacerations. It will block pain and keeps you asleep.
In some cases, no anesthesia is needed.
Description of Procedure
The wound will be cleaned and prepared. Hair the may interfere will be trimmed and smoothed away. Sterile water will be squirted into the wound. This will help wash away dirt and debris. A soap or antiseptic may be used to clean to surface around the laceration.
If necessary, some jagged edges will be cut away. This may help the laceration close easier. Damaged or dead tissue will be removed to prevent infection.
The laceration will be closed once the wound is clean. There are several options to help close the wound:
Dermabond is a special glue that holds a wound together. It is used on the face, arms, legs, and torso. It can also be used on small lacerations. It is not used for lips, lacerations that are over joints, deep lacerations, or most hand and foot lacerations. The laceration will be held shut. Next, a thin layer of Dermabond will be applied over the area. Warmth may be felt as the glue sets. Dermabond will be applied in three coats. The wound will then be held in place for 60 seconds. A bandage may be placed over the area over the wound.
Note: The glue sits on top of the laceration. It is not placed in the wound or between the edges of the wound. Never try to repair a wound at home with glue. Getting glue into wounds may prevent them from healing properly.
Steristrips are adhesive strips that help close the laceration. They may be used in lacerations that are clean, shallow, have straight edges, and are easy to push closed.
The doctor will align the edges of the wound. The strips will be applied across the wound.
Stitches, are used for wounds that are deep, bleeding, have jagged edges, or have fat or muscle exposed. The area will be cleaned with iodine. A surgical drape may be positioned over the wound. This will keep the area sterile.
If a laceration is deep, stitches may be needed under the skin. The stitches used under the skin will be absorbed by the body. They will not need to be removed.
The wound will then be stitched shut. Once the wound is closed, saline will be used to clean the area. A thin layer of antiseptic ointment may be applied, as well. A gauze pad may be placed over the stitches. An elastic bandage or tape may be placed over the gauze to cover and protect them.
Staples are best suited for the scalp, neck, arms, legs, torso, and buttocks. Iodine will be applied to the skin surrounding the wound. The wound edges will be closed and aligned. Staples will be placed along the wound.
Saline will wash the staple line. The area will be patted dry. An antibiotic ointment will be applied. A clear acrylic dressing called Tegaderm will be placed over the staple line. A gauze pad and tape will be placed over the area.
Hair Tying
Hair tying is used for some scalp lacerations. Hair will be gathered in a way that pulls the wound shut. The hair will then be rubber banded or held together with dermabond so the wound remains shut.
Tetanus Vaccination
Some wounds may put you at a higher risk for a tetanus infection. A tetanus vaccination may be given if:
- You have never received a total of at least three vaccination doses—routine childhood immunizations gives a dose at ages 2, 4, 6, and 15-18 months
- It has been more than 5 years since your last tetanus immunization
- You are unsure of your tetanus status
How Long Will It Take?
This depends on the laceration. It may take less than 15 minutes or more than an hour.
How Much Will It Hurt?
This also depends on the laceration. Severe lacerations will be very painful. Ask your doctor about pain medicine.
Post-procedure Care
At the Care Center
Following the procedure, the staff may provide the following care to make you more comfortable and help your recovery:
- Give you pain medication and antibiotics.
- Give you a tetanus booster.
At Home
When you return home, do the following to help ensure a smooth recovery:
- Avoid strenuous activities.
- Take antibiotics and pain medication as directed.
Ask your doctor about when it is safe to shower, bathe, or soak in water.
- If you need to keep the incision area dry when showering, wrap the area with a plastic bag.
- After showering or bathing, pat the area dry. Do not rub the area. Also, do not apply hydrogen peroxide or iodine to the wound. This will damage tissue and slow healing.
- Do not pick at or scratch the wound. This may lead to poor healing.
Removal of wound closure material depends on the type of repair that you had:
- Dermabond will fall off in 5-10 days.
- Steristrips will typically be removed after 5-10 days, or they will fall off on their own.
- Stitches will be removed after 5-14 days.
- Staples will be removed after 5-10 days.
- Rubber bands will be cut from hair in 7-10 days.
Note: Do not try to remove the closure material. Removing materials yourself may lead to infection, scarring, or reopening of the wound.
All lacerations heal with scars. The degree of scarring varies and is influenced by:
- A personal history of excessive scar (keloids) formation
- Location, type, and size of the wound
- Skill of the doctor
If a noticeable scar does result, plastic surgery may be used to decrease the scar's appearance.
Call Your Doctor
Call Your Doctor
After arriving home, contact your doctor if any of the following occurs:
- Wound reopens
- Redness, warmth, swelling, drainage or excessive bleeding occurs at the wound site.
- Signs of infection, including fever, chills, or red streaks tracking up arm or leg
- Spasm or rigidity of muscles in jaw, neck, abdomen, or an area near the wound
- Any other concerns
If you think you have an emergency, call for medical help right away.
National Library of Medicine http://www.nlm.nih.gov/
Skin Care Guide.ca http://www.skincareguide.ca/
Burns T, Worthington J. Using tissue adhesive for wound repair: a practical guide to Dermabond. Am Fam Physician website. 2000;61(5):1383-1388.
Joyce MP. Routine vaccine-preventable diseases—tetanus. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at:
Updated July 1, 2011. Accessed December 28, 2012.
Laceration management. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
Updated September 14, 2012. Accessed December 28, 2012.
Last Updated: 12/20/2014


text:
Oslo lies just 600 miles from the Arctic Circle. But step through the front door of Nicolette Horn's house, and you might think you were closer to the equator. Which is exactly the mood Horn, an interior designer who recently opened a design shop in her adopted city, wants her house to convey.
"When I walk in at the end of the day, I feel totally at home," she says.
For Horn, simply defining "home" could have been complex, to say nothing of creating an enduring one for herself, her husband, Hans Herman, and their three children. Horn grew up in the Bahamas with a German mother and a Greek father, and as a young adult, she lived in London, Paris, and New York after backpacking halfway around the world. And she continues to travel extensively.
More From House Beautiful
But no matter how many places she's put down roots, none has reversed the potent spell cast by her Bahamian upbringing, at least not when it comes to her personal style. Exotic island influences abound throughout the house, in the form of palm trees both real and artificial, monkey and bamboo motifs, raffia walls and jute carpets, and a tropical-fruit–bowl color scheme. It makes for a delicious surprise in a city that receives less than six hours of dim sunlight on a midwinter day. "I wanted to feel lifted up when I came inside," Horn says, "and for me, that means feeling like I am in the Bahamas."
This despite the house's resolutely Scandinavian exterior, which is dark brown with deep red accents. "It's a Hansel-and-Gretel house," Horn says with a laugh.
Yet the interior is no mere replica of a Caribbean residence. Horn accents island style with Asian touches — pagodas on the dining table, lacquered furnishings in the living room — as well as with Scandinavian notes, including candlelit chandeliers, mirrors to multiply the light, and muslin-covered Gustavian-style chairs. And she has a soft spot for the breezy sensibility of summers on the east end of Long Island, which can be felt in the kick-off-your-shoes elegance of the arrangements.
Layered into this cheerful mix are quirky, personal objects — pieces she and her husband have collected over the years, such as coral from Palm Beach and a gilt side table from a Paris flea market — as well as ideas she has picked up on her travels. After seeing a green room in St. Petersburg, Russia, for example, Horn painted her dining room the same shade. Yet as idiosyncratic as the mixture can be, Horn is never flippant about her choices. "I never get rid of anything," she says. "If I love a piece, there's always a home for it somewhere."
For a designer, it can take as much confidence to stay committed to an object or style as it can to change things up for the sake of novelty. And Horn has always had a strong inner compass when it comes to design. It's what landed her a job working with Nina Campbell in London fresh out of college, despite a complete lack of formal design training (she'd majored in French literature and studio art). She met her husband in London and, before long, the pair moved to New York, where Horn enrolled in the New York School of Interior Design, then took a position with the design firm Cullman & Kravis.
Despite the impressive résumé she was building, Horn wanted to slow down once kids came along — Frederik, now 17, Karina, 15, and Olympia, 12 — and so she and her husband moved the family to Norway. "In Oslo, you can walk to school or ride your bike. It's safe," she says.
But after a decade of raising children, Horn was itching to jump back into the design world. Only this time, she wanted to do it on different terms. Two years ago, she opened a home store, Palmyre, in downtown Oslo, followed by a custom-design studio. "I wanted to focus on making and finding beautiful things," Horn says. So now she travels the world in search of unusual objects, both to sell to the public at retail and to meet the specific needs of her clients. "I like giving people beautiful options, then letting them figure out what to do with them," she says.
Fourteen years ago, Horn's idea of "beautiful options" might not have been so compatible with that of her Oslo compatriots. "Norway is a small country, and people used to copycat each other," she says. "But now people are starting to be more daring. And that's been really fun for me." Her retail outlet offers an abundance of ways for customers to take playful chances with their interiors.
Pal myre also happens to be the exclusive Scandinavian source for Quadrille fabrics. And it offers custom-designed carpets and bed linens — "whatever thread count you like." Two years ago, Horn completely redid the bedrooms of her Oslo home; she wanted to try out the materials she'd be selling, to live with them firsthand so that she could offer them to her clients with confidence.
One thing she didn't need to try out, however, was her company's philosophy: "One must maintain a little bit of summer, even in the middle of winter." She has been living with it all along.


text:
The forces of the High Empire gather, preparing for deployment. So too do Mega Jonestown Prime's armies. Ameryl gathers a fleet of some of the best ships the Imperium has to offer, to accompany the God-Killer Machine. And Gul Moff Peasant Girl summons all the resources she can muster.
Dave is looking out onto the beautiful star-spackled space of the solar system from a balcony on the side of the grand palace atop Mount Tall in Mega Jonestown Prime. After millions of years spent in a tiny subdimension surrounded by nothing, such a view is especially breathtaking, and very welcome indeed.
Chimaat: Hey, Dave.
Dave: Hey, Chimaat-- Chimaat???
He is startled to realize that Chimaat is in adult form now, the form he has only seen once before. The previous time seemed to have been a mix-up of her traveling in time. Is this another time mix-up, or is this the point at which she lets her body age?
She blushes under his scrutiny.
Chimaat: I thought it was time to let my body age up. I am billions of years old after all! War-- Love and war are no places for children. So how do I look?
Dave: Gorgeous!
His answer is blurted, and he blushes at his exclamation, but Chimaat is pleased.
Dave: So I guess it will be easy to tell you apart from your High Empire version.
Chimaat: Not really. If I remember right, my High Empire self also aged up at this time.
Dave blinks, then decides not to worry about the illogic of it. Nodding and smiling has saved his sanity many times during his tenure as a God-Monarch.
Dave: I'm not looking forward to this, to be honest.
Chimaat: Neither am I. But it must happen.
Dave: Must it? You don't hate your father, do you? I mean, you're on his side too! Sort of.
Chimaat: I love both my mother and my father. But some fates must come to pass. I have scryed long and hard over the vision of the future you showed me during our duel all that time ago. I think that we will survive...but I do not know if we will be safe.
Dave gulps. Chimaat turns an earnest gaze to him.
Chimaat: What do you think, Dave? Your wisdom is far greater than mine.
Dave: It's really not--
Chimaat: Please, don't hide behind false modesty. Tell me what you know.
Dave: I know that nothing good can come of an old feud...
In the command chamber atop the tallest spire of the Stronghold of Powerplayers, Highemp straightens his posture from bending over the holomap table.
Highemp: Well, that's that! Deployment plans are finalized. Anyone have anything else to offer?
The six powerplayer gods of his High Pantheon of the Throne shake their heads. They have spent long in here discussing strategy for the great battle, and have analyzed every angle.
Highemp: Then I'm going to have a VERY good time tonight with the harem. Always good to have a pre-battle orgy!
With that, he vanishes through a teleport.
NSP: I'm leaving this space open in case anyone (Geb, Britt, or I, or anyone else for that matter) wishes to insert further preliminary scenes here, before the big battle.


text:
September 12th, 2012
Reaction to anti-Islam film fuels debate on free speech versus hate speech
By Dan Gilgoff, CNN.com Religion Editor
(CNN) - The deaths of the U.S. ambassador and three other Americans amid protests against a film that denigrates Islam has sparked global discussion and debate about whether there is a line between free speech and hate speech and, if so, where it lies.
"They don't regard perceived insults to the Prophet Mohammed or the Quran as being protected by free speech, they regard it as a capital offense," says Peter Bergen, CNN's national security analyst, referring to protesters in Libya and Egypt, where the U.S. Embassy was attacked, who were angered by the film.
According to The Wall Street Journal, the movie was made by a real estate developer who wanted to portray Islam as a hateful religion. The attack on the U.S. personnel in Benghazi, Libya, was orchestrated by extremists who used the protests as a diversion, U.S. sources told CNN Wednesday.
"In some of these cases, the people releasing these films or cartoons are trying to make a statement about free speech, which is fair enough," says Bergen, referring to the film and other provocative recent depictions of Mohammed, Islam's founding prophet.
"But in some cases they are deliberately trying to provoke," Bergen says. "The film that is at issue is certainly very provocative, the way it treats the Prophet Mohammed, and people who release these things are being very irresponsible."
Read: Why Muslims are sensitive on Mohammed
Newt Gingrich told CNN Wednesday that the United States should seize on the violence spurred by the film "to teach the Muslim world about freedom," specifically about freedom of speech.
His remarks, echoed by other conservatives on Wednesday, signaled something of a divide in reaction to developments in Libya and Egypt between the political right, which stressed freedom of speech, and the left, which added condemnation of those behind the anti-Muslim film.
"The horrific attacks in Libya & Egypt are a stark contrast to our American ideals of free speech, civil disagreement," wrote Todd Rokita, a Republican U.S. congressman who is from Indiana, on Twitter.
CNN's Belief Blog: The faith angles behind the biggest stories
Gingrich, the former presidential candidate and speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, said that after the attacks, "We had an opportunity to stand up and say, 'You know, it is true - some people in the United States might make a film that is totally whacked out.'"
"Sooner or later, we in the modern world have to say to those who are living in a different way, 'Look, we stand for freedom,'" he said.
Gingrich criticized statements from the U.S. government that he said went too far in condemning and apologizing for the anti-Muslim film.
In a statement on Tuesday morning - before the violence - the U.S. Embassy in Egypt wrote that it "condemns the continuing efforts by misguided individuals to hurt the religious feelings of Muslims – as we condemn efforts to offend believers of all religions."
Follow the CNN Belief Blog on Twitter
"Respect for religious beliefs is a cornerstone of American democracy," the statement continued. "We firmly reject the actions by those who abuse the universal right of free speech to hurt the religious beliefs of others."
Some U.S. officials spoke to the tension between U.S. support for free speech and what some have described as the film's "hate speech," in reacting to the attacks.
"The United States deplores any intentional effort to denigrate the religious beliefs of others," U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said in a statement.
"Our commitment to religious tolerance goes back to the very beginning of our nation," she said. "But let me be clear: There is never any justification for violent acts of this kind."
Some other political and religious leaders also cited the tension between free speech and what they said was hate speech. "I support #freespeech AND believe this film is hateful," tweeted Eboo Patel, an American Muslim leader based in Chicago. "I stand up for #Islam AND condemn violence of extremist Muslims #fb #responsibility."
Others joined in venting disapproval of both the film and the attacks. "For the record, you can condemn violence in response to hate speech, and you can also condemn hate speech," wrote Jeff Fecke on Twitter. "You don't have to support either."
Some American Muslims said Wednesday that while they support the right of free speech, they believe that the U.S. applies its values selectively in the Muslim world, especially when it comes to military and intelligence operations.
"Freedom of speech falls alongside other freedoms to live and be free from bombs falling on people's heads and to be free from occupations," says Omid Safi, religious studies professor at the University of North Carolina, referring to American military and intelligence operations in parts of the Muslim world.
"I will take free speech comments seriously when others take people's freedom of life and dignity and to be free from occupation just as seriously," he said.
What do you think? Share your thoughts on the discussion around free speech and hate speech and we'll fold good ones into this post.
soundoff (1,088 Responses)
About this blog
The CNN Belief Blog covers the faith angles of the day's biggest stories, from breaking news to politics to entertainment, fostering a global conversation about the role of religion and belief in readers' lives. It's edited by CNN's Daniel Burke with contributions from Eric Marrapodi and CNN's worldwide news gathering team.


text:
The following is my first article on LinkedIn as publisher, a special account released by the platform to influencers and valuable bloggers in their respective sector. Here you can find the article on LinkedIn.
Now you can follow me also on LinkedIn to share our thoughts about food safety and regulations on a broader platform. I hope this will give our blog a greater audience!
On 19th May 2014 the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the safety of use of the additive advantame in food, with the exception of meat and poultry. The FDA final rule will be effective from 21st May 2014.
Food additives in USA are subjected to premarket review and approval by FDA – like in this case – or have to demonstrate their safety through the so called "GRAS" procedure. "GRAS" is an acronym for the phrase Generally Recognized As Safe and means that if a food additive has been adequately shown to be safe under the conditions of its intended use, there is no need of the premarket approval by FDA.
FDA evaluated data from 37 animal and human studies and did not identify possible toxic effects, such as reproductive, neurological, and cancer-causing effects. Therefore, advantame has been approved for use as a general-purpose sweetener and flavor enhancer and can be used in baked goods, non-alcoholic beverages (including soft drinks), chewing gum, confections and frostings, frozen desserts, gelatins and puddings, jams and jellies, processed fruits and fruit juices, toppings, and syrups.
In the meantime, the European Union was evaluating the approval of the substance as well.
On 31st July 2013 the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) released a Scientific Opinion on the safety of advantame as food additive. EFSA's findings were very similar to FDA evaluation and the Authority concluded for the safety of use of the substance.
Anyway, the evaluating Panel noted that there is an indication of advantame instability in acidic beverages and thermally treated foods, and also that there are critical effects observed in animal studies, especially about maternal toxicity (gastrointestinal disturbances) in the prenatal developmental toxicity study in rabbits.
For that reason the Panel established a precautionary ADI (adequate daily intake) of 5 mg/kg bodyweight/day, assessing that conservative estimate of advantame exposure for high level adults and children consumers were below the ADI for the proposed use levels.
On 15th May 2014 was published on the Official Journal of the European Union the new EU Regulation n. 497/2014, which authorize from 4th June 2014 the use of advantame in several categories of food, such as flavoured fermented milk products, confectionery, cocoa and chocolate products, fruit and vegetable preparations excluding compote, jam, jellies, sweetened chestnut puree, chewing gum, breakfast cereals, bakery products, flavoured drinks, fruit nectars, soups, sauces, dietary foods and food supplements. Advantame will be classified and indicated on labels as E 969.
In 2013, the sweetener was evaluated also by JECFA (Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives) which issued the same conclusion again: advantame is safe for the intended use. The Committee proposed an acceptable daily intake (ADI) of 0–5 mg/kg body weight (bw) and agreed that the ADI also applies to those individuals with phenylketonuria, as the formation of phenylalanine from the normal use of advantame would not be significant in relation to this condition.
Advantame is an high-intensity sweetener, offering consumers and the food industry the option to choose from a wider selection of sweeteners, thus reducing the intake of each individual sweetener.


text:
It was interesting being at the International Builder's Show (IBS) in
Las Vegas this week--especially on Monday, Inauguration Day. The themes
somehow seem related. IBS is all about introducing the newest materials
for building and renovating homes. Our new president articulated his
message for building and renovating our nation and economy.
The economy is certainly something that you see being addressed here at IBS. Just about every manufacturer I've met with—makers of kitchen
appliances, water heaters, windows, and lighting—talked about the
innovations they've made to achieve better energy efficiency. The Whirlpool Gold Brand
is introducing an Energy Save mode on its electric ranges. Just like a computer that powers off when no one is using
it, the electric console of the range will go dark within 30 minutes if
the range isn't in use. The company claims these new models are 290% more efficient than previous Whirlpool brand ranges. Progressive Lighting, a company that's been in
existence for over a century, is earning its name by staying ahead of
the curve. It has launched LED (Light Emitting Diodes) in residential
light fixtures. These lights will last for literally decades, and
contain no mercury so that disposal doesn't pose an environmental
A raised environmental consciousness is also evidenced by eco
innovations in flooring, cabinetry, and insulation materials. Some
specifics: Shaw Floors is producing porcelain floor tiles made from
recycled materials, Armstrong Cabinets is introducing new,
environmentally-conscious kitchen cabinets, as is Viking. Viking's St.
Charles cabinetry is made from 70% recycled steel and is 100%
More From Good Housekeeping
Other trends that are continuing: a big emphasis on ease of use and organization.
Whirlpool, recognizing the time-starved mentality that dictates all of our lives, has a great steam clean feature in its range https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/product-testing/reviews-tests/appliances-electronics/about-ranges. This allows you to do a quick, 20-minute spot cleaning, something that's easy to do between the more intense 3-hour oven cleanings. At a time when people are reluctant to make big, costly home
improvements, it can feel good to just declutter your home. Gladiator
Garageworks by Whirlpool has some terrific products for helping people
make full use of garages (and they've made their garage refrigerator,
the Chillerator, and garage freezer, the Freezerator--both operate in
extreme temperatures--more energy efficient than before). Armstrong
Cabinets has brought the same organization tricks that have long worked
in kitchens to bathroom drawer design--so smart and useful. They've
made cut-out spaces in drawers for hair dryers and created compartments
to separate cosmetics, hair and body care lotions, etc. Its kitchen cabinetry has options for organizing children's toys and art materials—a recognition of how real families live. and that we need to keep our kids occupied while we're preparing meals. Worth noting is
that Armstrong Cabinets is now offering the option of adapting its
kitchen and bathroom cabinets for universal design--a wonderful and
important step so that everyone in the home can easily access what they
Customization is another trend. Amana has created 10 different color
design options for its refrigerator doors (aside from the typical
options). Door possibilities include "corduroy"--a two-tone striped
blue metallic, "green tea"--a light green leaf design, "brocade"--a
brown paisley design, and "mojo"--a wildly vibrant orange, blue,
yellow, and green striped design. These are hardly for everyone's
taste. But if you want to have fun, you can go to http://www.amanacolor.com/color and
vote for your favorites.
The biggest takeaway from the Builder's Show is that whatever
improvements you make to your home--big or small--be sure to ask about
energy efficient options. Manufacturers are recognizing that you want
to save money. And whether it's a replacement window or a new light
fixture for your doorway, there are new products on the market than can
save you some money. And, of course, it's a win-win. Whenever we make any improvements in energy efficiency, we're also helping the
environment. A good feeling.
Miriam is the former director of the Good Housekeeping Institute, where she led a staff of engineers, chemists, nutritionists and other experts. Miriam was Editor in Chief of Child magazine, an award-winning parenthood magazine from 2000 to 2007, and Editor in Chief of American Health magazine prior to that. She's the co-author of The First Year of Marriage: What to Expect, What to Accept and What You Can Change, based on a nationwide study of newlyweds. She earned her B.A. from the University of Pennsylvania and her Master's degree in journalism from New York University.


text:
SellEton NTEP Floor scale 60" x 84" (5' x 7') Wireless Cordless 2 ramp 10000 lbs x 2 lb
- Vendor:Libertyscales
- Category: All, Best Selling Products, Floor Scales, Industrial Scale, Industrial Scales, Newest Products
As Scale industry leaders, we understand the day-to-day operation needs. That is why we have come up with a solution for Millions of business owners across the nation!
-No more tangled wires & No more problems with cables!
NTEP Floor Scale 60' x 84' (5' x 7') Wireless Cordless + 2 Ramps 10000 lbs x 2 lb
Standard features:
- Highest Quality Platform scale for industrial use
- low profile 3.5'
- Easy to install, plug in & play
- 200% overload protection
- NTEP (Legal for trade) CC# 10-081
Scale indicator:
- mild steel enclosure with mounting bracket and hardware
- 1″ LED or LCD display with backlight
- Functions: Zero, gross, net, accumulation, printing, counting, check weighing, auto-hold
- Units: lb/kg selectable
- RS-232 output
- NTEP approved for 5,000 divisions
- Ability to modify gravity based on different geographical locations
- Drives up to 8 350ohm load cells
- Operates on 110V AC adapter
- 6V Rechargeable battery
Wireless module Features:
- Replaces the load cell cable
- Up to 300' transmission range
- IP65 metal enclosure
- Power: Standard 110VAC (call us for battery options)
- 'Plug and Play' to work with OP-900 and OP-901 indicators
- Warranty: 1 year
Shipping policy:
FREE SHIPPING to a business address in US 48 continental States.
$100 Extra shipping cost to residential.
$50 Extra for lift gate services. So if you don't have a forklift or loading dock, you will need this service.
Hawaii, Alaska & Puerto rico customers please call for a shipping quote.
After Scale purchase, We will contact you to confirm shipping address.


text:
Allison WeeksDivision of Behavioral Health751 Old Richardson Hwy, Ste 123Fairbanks, AK email@example.com
The Division of Behavioral Health's history of disaster response in Alaska dates back to the 1996 Miller's Reach Wildfire. "Project Fireweed", which was funded through FEMA, sponsored by DBH, and administered by Life Quest Community Mental Health Center in Wasilla, established the need for a comprehensive plan and planning process, and set the precedent for DBH to partner with local CMHC to provide effective mental health disaster response.
The state's first mental health plan was signed into effect in February, 2001. The new plan was put to its first test just a few months later when PenAir Flight 350 crashed on take-off from Dillingham on October 10, 2001 killing ten people. That mental health response effort highlighted the need for further planning considerations – collaborative agreements with other response organizations like the American Red Cross, and the need to provide services simultaneously to multiple communities.
Following the 911 tragedy the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) recognized the need for all states to update their mental health emergency response plans. These new plans needed to reflect terrorist threats, and in general to adopt an "all-hazards" approach to planning and response. These new plans needed to also assume a 'behavioral' health focus which would consider not only mental health but substance abuse services as well. Alaska was one of the states awarded a grant. It allowed the Division of Behavioral Health to employ full time staff to embark upon an inclusive planning process, and to write a comprehensive plan that would reflect lessons learned, and the emerging best practices in the field of behavioral health disaster response. The grant also provided in part for DBH to develop and conduct training for behavioral health professionals in our CMHC statewide.
In response to the SAMHSA grant the Division and its stakeholder group of advisors has established significant collaborative relationships with the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army and numerous other state agencies and organizations including, the Division of Public Health, the Alaska State Hospital and Nursing Home Association, and the Victims of Crime Compensation Board. Research, teamwork, and countless hours of planning have culminated in the development of the 2005 State of Alaska Behavioral Health Emergency Response Plan. The Division has also developed competency based behavioral health disaster response training. This 8-hour training has been and continues to be provided to CMHC statewide to develop skilled staff and to help agencies prepare for behavioral health response and recovery operations.
However, this work is not the end goal of our achievements. It merely signals our commitment to continue developing the most responsive and effective behavioral health support system to meet the needs of all Alaska peoples in the event of a disaster.


text:
Log In or Register
Your cart is empty.
Christmas Vignettes
Voila! Violas!
1812 Overture
Browse our digital retailer directoryor use the digital download button.
Hover over image to zoom
The piano accompaniment recordings below are in the order they appear in the book.
You can download all the recordings as a zip file
Product Code: 10360
Mobile Site
eCommerce by CubeCart


text:
Cannabis Doctor X
Florida Medical Marijuana Clinic
Cannabis Doctor X has several locations throughout Florida. Excellent service and best pricing for Florida medical cannabis cards evaluations, renewals and patient transfers. Cannabis Doctor X is committed to providing a genuine approach to your personal and professional health. Call us or schedule an appointment to learn more about our Florida MMJ services.
Business Name:
Cannabis Doctor X
3450 Northlake Blvd #202Palm Beach Gardens Florida 33403USA
About Palm Beach Gardens
Palm Beach Gardens is a city in Palm Beach County in the U.S. state of Florida, 77 miles north of downtown Miami. As of the 2020 United States Census, the population was 59,182. Palm Beach Gardens is a principal city of the Miami metropolitan area, which was home to an estimated 6.1 million people at the 2019 census. == Geography == The city has a total area of 55.3 square miles (143 km2), of which 55.1 square miles (143 km2) is land and 0.2 square miles (0.52 km2) (4.5%) is water. === Climate === Palm Beach Gardens has a tropical rainforest climate (Af) with long, hot, and rainy summers and short, warm winters with mild nights.
Neighborhoods in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida
Alton Town Center, Alton | Kolter Homes, Ancient Tree by DiVosta, Art By Nature Garden Center Inc, Artistry Palm Beach | Kolter Homes, At Home, BallenIsles Country Club, Ballenisles Community Association, Inc., Burns Road Community Center, Cabana Colony Park, Caloosa, City of Palm Beach Gardens City Hall, Club Alton, Crystal Pointe, Downtown Palm Beach Gardens
Things to do in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida
Our Newest Profiles


text:
While posting a series about my London stay, I bumped into that great American holiday Thanksgiving. Deciding to hold off on sharing my London food finds until we had made our way through the end of the year, I now find myself well into February. Given our current clImate, it's an opportune time to talk about the wonderful foods of London and what each cuisine brings to the table, literally and figuratively.
My first find was a simple meal which will stay etched in my memory as the ideal post-theatre snack. After an evening show, we returned to South Kensington in need of just a light something. Of all the small Italian eateries lining Brompton Road, we found the one that satisfied that need. I noted the name of the restaurant as Pasta by Mama, but I don't think that is correct. If any readers identify the insignia on the plate above, please help me out with the correct name.
Our next find was during an exploration among the narrow streets of Spitalfields. This immigrant community has also become an area energized by a young crowd of fashionistas making their way through open air markets, small shops and outdoor cafés. We opted for Shad, a Bangladeshi restaurant housed in a building on Brick Lane home to earlier restaurants. The building can be identified by the frying pan atop, an emblem historically used by braziers. As we enjoyed our meal, a large screen television was showing live footage of the Hajj, the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca.
Along with scoping of restaurant finds on our own, we benefited from friends living in London and friends of friends who shared their dining favorites.
One of those friends shared a favorite stop on the South Bank, the Green Room. I felt at home in this neighbourhood diner serving British food in an open airy space. Seating includes props and scenery used at earlier shows at the National Theatre, located nearby.
Later in my stay, I met with Elizabeth again for a lecture at the National Gallery and tea at the exquisite Ham Yard Hotel hidden away in a courtyard near Soho.
Stopping for tea and a light lunch is such an enjoyable way to spend time with friends. I rendezvoused with Katherine at the Victoria and Albert Museum . We met several years ago on the Iron and Ice voyage, two of the few travelers on that journey who enjoyed sightseeing on foot.
My travel partner reached out to a friend of a friend in the Somali community of London. He shared with us a favorite of his, Yogiz Dairybar & Eatery located near Stratford and the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. We enjoyed lamb on a bed of rice with condiments on the side. I learned that a banana is generally served with all Somali meals and is sliced and eaten along with the main dish. We also enjoyed the samosa (or sambas, a pastry with savory filling) and a cup of tea.
Finally, let's talk about the first meal of the day: Breakfast. My best breakfast during the London stay was definitely British. On a misty morning at the Holland Park Cafe, I chose the Traditional English Breakfast and was totally satisfied with the choice. It included some of the most flavorful sausage I have had. From the eggs to the tomato, I could identify the freshness in each bite.
There you have it. Mix in friends and acquaintances old and new, some familiar cuisine, and some that stretches your palette and dining experience. The result will be warm memories and new food knowledge to take home with you.
To enhance your travel and dining, I suggest keeping an open mind and an inquisitive palate.


text:
Smollett, Tobias George
Smollett, Tobias George smŏl´ĭt [key], 1721–71, Scottish novelist. After studying at Glasgow he came to London in 1739. Failing to get his tragedy The Regicide produced, he shipped as a surgeon's mate in the British navy the following year. In 1744 he returned to London with his wife, a Jamaican heiress, practiced as a surgeon for a time, and then began an active literary career. His first three novels, Roderick Random (1748), Peregrine Pickle (1751), and Ferdinand Count Fathom (1753), are tough, coarse, episodic adventure stories, exposing a crude and brutal society. In 1755, Smollett translated Cervantes's Don Quixote into English. His novel Sir Lancelot Greaves (1760–62), which is based on Don Quixote, is considered his weakest work. Smollett achieved his greatest success with Humphry Clinker (1771), a comical but sympathetic story of a family's adventures through England and Scotland written in the form of letters. These novels, rich in character, incident, and realistic detail, were drawn largely from Smollett's own wide experience. His influence on later novelists, most notably Dickens, has been great. In addition to writing he had an active publishing career, editing periodicals, translating, and compiling. His other works include a popular History of England (1757), an entertaining but splenetic Travels through France and Italy (1766), and a brutal satire on public affairs, The History and Adventures of an Atom (1769).
See his letters ed. by L. M. Knapp (1949, repr. 1970); biographies by L. M. Knapp (1949, repr. 1963), D. J. W. Bruce (Am. ed. 1965), George S. Rousseau (1982), and H. Bloom (1987); studies by R. Giddings (1968) and R. D. Spector (1968).
The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2023, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.
See more Encyclopedia articles on: English Literature, 1500 to 1799: Biographies


text:
Travel agent claims trial to using fake bank guarantees to secure RM22.5 million contract
,Travel agent Sulaiman Abdul Razak allegedly forged bank guarantees for the proposed construction of 338 housing units and other related work for the Defence Ministry. – Defence Ministry website pic, July 1, 2022.手机新2管理端(www.hg108.vip)实时更新发布最新最快最有效的手机新2管理端网址,包括新2手机网址,新2备用网址,皇冠最新网址,新2足球网址,新2网址大全。
A TRAVEL agent was charged at the Sessions Court in Kuala Lumpur today on two counts of using false bank guarantees documents for the proposed construction of housing units for Defence Ministry staff worth RM22.5 million.
Sulaiman Abdul Razak, 56, however, pleaded not guilty after both charges against him were read before judge Kamarudin Kamsun.
He was charged with producing forged bank guarantees for the proposed construction and completion of 338 housing units, as well as other related work for army officers and personnel of the Batu 10 Camp in Kuantan, Pahang, worth RM3.75 million and RM18.75 million, respectively.
The accused committed both offences at the ministry on Jalan Padang Tembak, Sentul, between October 20 and November 15, 2006, and has been charged under Section 471 of the Penal Code.
If convicted, he faces a maximum jail sentence of 20 years and a fine.
Judge Kamarudin set bail at RM80,000 with one surety and has ordered the accused to report to the nearest police station once a month, as well as surrender his passport to the court until the disposal of the case.
The court also fixed August 1 for mention. – Bernama, July 1, 2022.


text:
Charter School Associates, Inc. (CSA) develops and operates successful K-12 charter schools in multiple counties across Florida including Miami-Dade, Broward, Hillsborough, Pinellas, Brevard and Glades. CSA has, since 2003, developed dozens of schools ranging in size from as few as 35 students for Goodwill Industries of SW Florida to 1,150 students for the Charter School at Waterstone. CSA schools are performance-based centers of learning and teaching characterized by a challenging curriculum, highly qualified teachers and rigorous accountability to parents, students, state and district authorities. CSA provides full oversight and management solutions for new charter school projects including application development, site development, curriculum development, staff development, assessment and data analysis, payroll, personnel & employee benefits management and financial services.
Charter School Associates, Inc. is one of the few education management organizations nationally to be awarded the status of System Accredited through the Southern Association of Colleges & Schools/Council on Accreditation and School Improvement/AdvancEd (SACS/CASI/AdvancED). The benefit of CSA's System Accreditation is the immediate accreditation of those schools operating under the company's management umbrella. SACS accreditation enables each CSA member charter school to receive capital outlay funds from the State of Florida and the accredited status communicates to the public that the systems and policies of the school are rigorously and periodically reviewed for quality performance.


text:
Recently, I saw the list of tech gadgets that my alma mater,Northwestern Universityand
, recommends for incoming journalism freshmen: A 15- to 17-inch laptop loaded with a slew of costly software, a digital camcorder a camera, and a digital audio recorder or video iPod with microphone add-on. While these tools are key to putting together the kind of multimedia experiences expected of today's news reporting, it's a lot of expensive equipment to be stored in an often-unlocked dorm room. So, is it a good idea to invest in extra insurance?
Probably not, says Amy Danise, Senior Managing Editor of Insure.com. A parent's homeowners' policy should extend to her child's stuff in the dorm. Call the insurance company to confirm this, and to ask up to what amount it'll cover individual items -- typically, the limit is $1,500. If any one possession (say, a flat-screen TV) exceeds that, you may want to purchase a rider to cover it separately.
If a student lives off-campus, he's now a renter living in another location and won't fall under his parent's policy. Danise recommends investing in renters' insurance, which typically costs a couple hundred dollars per year. Again, ask about coverage limits and consider a rider for higher-end items.
More From Good Housekeeping
It's also smart to take inventory of everything of value in the room and save receipts for the most expensive stuff. Even better: Use that fancy camcorder to do a sweep of the room, making sure to open drawers and closets to document what's inside.
In the market for a camcorder? Our picks.
My colleague Rachel Rothman recommends the best tech gadgets for college.