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- Child Safety Accounts: A State by State Analysis - January 30, 2020
- Democrat Governor Wants To Strip School Choice Lifeline From Tens Of Thousands Of Needy Kids - June 13, 2019
- Improving Student Safety 20 Years After Columbine - May 8, 2019
Let's start with a little background on what Standards Based Grading (SBG) is:
SBG is a grading system that aims to ensure students have mastery over the material being taught. It does this by valuing assessments more than traditional homework or exercises.
SBG uses a numerical scale of 1–4 or 0–5 and eliminates percentage-based grading. It is also flexible in how the final grade is determined and uses the following methods:
- Average
- Mode
- Weighted
- Latest Scores
A sample performance indicator scale used in standards based grading:
|4.0 – 5.0
|3.0 – 3.9
|2.0 – 2.9
|1.0 – 1.9
|0 – 0.9
SBG allows for multiple assessment retakes to raise the grade.
SBG has been implemented in many school districts in Illinois and across the country. We will look at the first year results from JS Morton High School District 201 as presented by Jill Spaeth Alexander, a parent in District 201 and a 22-year veteran science teacher at Argo Community High School. Jill has been the head of the Science Department at Argo High School since 2003 and currently teaches chemistry and physics. Jill also founded Morton P.A.S.S. (Parents Against Sinking Standards).
Morton's graduation rate fell from 82 percent in 2010 to 69 percent in 2013. During this time, Morton cut all extra programs that would have enabled students falling behind academically to get extra help or catch up. The only current option for them is to pay for tutors or summer classes. Because of the falling graduation rate, standards based grading was implemented in the 2013–14 school year.
So what were the first year results?
The failure rate dropped dramatically, which would normally be viewed as a good thing, but when the new grading scale was scrutinized, it was discovered that students would only have to do well on two assignments to get a D grade, the minimum passing grade. Students are now passing at higher rates while knowing much less. See the failure rates below:
Biology – 77 Percent Decrease
World History – 51 Percent Decrease
When this issue was pointed out, the school added an incomplete status to ensure that all other assessments and assignments would be completed. However, these incomplete assignments cause another issue because students can now complete them six weeks after a semester ends. This means that a student can skip an assignment in the spring semester and still complete it up to six weeks into the following school year. There are no data or results for how well or if the new incomplete status works since the school year has not yet ended.
Another side effect of standards based grading is not just enabling more passing grades. This new policy also lowers the grades at the top end of the scale. This is because grades are now more heavily weighted (90 percent) on assessments. If a student has an off-day on a test, his or her grade is significantly lowered even if the student knows the assignment-based material.
See the full presentation here.
SBG deserves much more research as it has the potential to hide how poorly a school teaches its students. Students within this new system can now pass with 20 percent knowledge of the material instead of the previous 60 percent.


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This is a great opportunity for a garment technologist to join a small, close knit team with a growing supplier to the UK High Street.
This Leicester based company is fully integrated, so has a very fast turnaround supplying ladies jersey fashion to the High Street.
The company is looking for somebody ideally from a similar background to join at a really exciting time of growth for the business.
Garment Technologist - The Role:
- You will be involved in sampling and approval of garments and all technical aspects associated with multi-product womenswear (jerseywear) apparel. From first concept and development to final shipment including critical path management.
- To ensure each customer's range is fashionable, practical, comfortable and durable.
- Manage size specifications and produce detailed tech packs for the production team.
- Ensure samples through to production costs meet client cost expectations.
- You will be using Vetigraph for grading samples.
- Accountable for maintaining and managing the critical path.
- To handle the comments/approvals process and resolve technical/quality issues.
- Manage communication between internal teams and the clients.
Garment Technologist – The Candidate:
- A minimum of 2-4yrs experience within a garment technical/technologist position.
- Good technical knowledge of garment construction and garment fitting as well as manufacturing methods.
- Experienced in handling comments/approvals process and any technical/quality issues.
- Good knowledge and experience using Vetigraph.
- Highly competent IT skills, familiarity with other systems would be advantageous
- Confident communication skills, the ability to work to critical path deadlines. Ability to manage on workload and a team player.
Please apply with your updated CV to email@example.com
If the e mail address is not displayed in this advert, then please contact People Marketing directly on quoting the job reference number, and we shall supply you with the correct address.
We regret that due to the high amount of interest that we receive for each of our vacancies, if you do not hear from one of our consultants within 5 days then unfortunately you have not been shortlisted for this role.
Please continue to check our website for any other roles which may be of interest.
£Dependent Upon Experience
Desiree Sierra-Cuesta
0115 922 3335

subset: commoncrawl


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Activities and Programs are the lifeblood of the summer camp experience!
Strong friendships and lifelong lessons are born of shared moments, activities, and accomplishments. Our daily activities and programs provide our campers opportunities to learn and grow together.
*While activities and programs vary week to week and summer to summer, these give a taste of what to expect during a summer at Camp Oak Hill!
These are some of the typical camp-wide events that we have every week (and multiple times a week)!
Shaving Cream War
Ask campers what their favorite program is at Camp Oak Hill, and you'll hear a lot of them say (or shout) "SHAVING CREAM WAR"! We bring in a local fire truck to help get the festivities going with a massive spray of water and the craziness just continues from there! Lots of laughing, surprises and unique hairstyles are always ensured!
Star Wars Sock Wars
Fun for big and little campers, part competition, part silliness. Star War Sock Wars… "a blast, it is", and who knows maybe we'll even get a visit from Baby Yoda next summer!
Organized Mass Chaos (affectionately know as "OMC") is exactly what it sounds like, impossible to describe, impossible to not get messy, and impossible to not have fun!
Luau/Rave Night
A favorite of our older campers, Luau under the lights of Wet Willie, lots of fruit, dancing, contests and fun! You never know where our Rave will take place, activity center, gym, tunnel, dining hall, but you do know that it will by hype!
Mission Impossible
A more recent addition and instant favorite of campers and counselors! The mission is simple, (should you choose to accept it), get your entire cabin from one side of camp to the other….think you can complete Mission Impossible?
Theme Days
These are days when all of camp revolves around the theme of the day from morning until evening. Past days include Pajamapalooza, Survivor, Highland Games, Marvel Games, Christmas in July and more!
Water Activities
The quintessential summer camp activities, from kayaking to taking a trip down our 100′ "Wet Willie" water slide!
Wet Willie
The Wet Willie, a.k.a. Sir William, is our giant water slide. Fun for little and big kids, whether they are trying it for the first time or trying to beat the record of 4.3 seconds!
Water Trampoline
One of the newest and most popular activities at Camp Oak Hill! This massive water trampoline can be found in one of our lakes. A favorite pastime is watching campers attempt to make it to the end of the twisty log!
Campers can try out our fleet of boats designed for an array of skill levels. From the traditional kayaks and canoes to the unique Corcls and Wgwags, there's fun for all!
Our newly-built pool, features "full-court" water basketball, volleyball, and a pair of water slides! A favorite feature is that it's no more than 4ft deep everywhere, making the pool loads of fun even for smaller campers.
The funnest way to face your fears, our double zipline drops from the top of the climbing tower into one of our lakes. The perfect combination of water, exhilaration, and trying a new experience with your new friends!
A classic summer activity! You never know where you'll find the slip-n-slide set up around COH, but you can be sure it will be fun wherever it is!
Land Activities
An intregal part of any great week at summer camp! These activities provide opportunities for a range of interests and abilities.
Low Ropes
Our 10-element low-ropes (or team building) course is designed to create opportunities for groups to come together to problem solve, learn more about each other and work together. If your cabin is ready for it, maybe you'll get a chance to tackle the infamous "Beast"!
Archery & Riflery
A favorite of many campers, we offer both archery and riflery at Camp Oak Hill. Giving campers the chance to either learn a new skill or hone and refine one that they've already learned.
Volleyball is always a fun way to learn new skills and build teamwork. That's why we have 4 different volleyball nets at Camp Oak Hill. You can play in the gym, on sand, in grass, or even in the pool.
Marshery Tag
Marshery tag combines the intensity of tag, the skill of archery and the uniqueness of camp!
Located in our historic gym, many a good basketball game has happened here. Other fun gym games include dodgeball, wall-ball, four-square, knockout, relay races and volleyball!
Field Sports
Ultimate Frisbee, soccer, lacrosse, kickball, Spikeball, football, softball, tennis, and more! If it is a sport, we probably play it at Camp Oak Hill!
Arts & Crafts
You never know what will be created during arts & crafts. Camp friendship bracelets are often a favorite, and fun to create!
Freedom of Choice (FOCs)
These activities are counselor led and camper selected. Each camper has the "freedom of choice" to select from a variety of options offered by counselors based on their talents and passions. Past options have included: acting/drama, gardening, bench-making, drumming, water step aerobics, wrestling, a variety of sports and more!
Front Lawnin'
Ahhh, the most relaxing (or most intense) part of camp. No matter how you're feeling the front lawn is perfect. Whether it is relaxing in a rocking chair enjoying the view and sitting on the dock fishing or leaping into the gaga pit for another round of fun or trying to become king in nine-square-in-the-air!
These events and experiences have been part of Camp Oak Hill for many years and are often unique to summer camp at Camp Oak Hill!
Usually on the 4th of July, the most epic day of the summer, it's the Flintstones vs. the Jetsons, in the COHlympics! All of camp is split up into one of the two teams, and we compete throughout the day to earn points. Just like in the Olympics there are multiple events happening at once, making for a crazy day of fun, competition and memories!
Run for the Roses
Probably one of the coolest things at Camp Oak Hill (and one of the longest running traditions). On the final day of each session we all split into wacky teams and have a relay race all over camp, finishing with a lap around the lake to the bell. The victorious team's coaches jump into the lake to celebrate!
Opening Campfire
If it is your 1st summer at COH, this is where you start to learn all of the camp songs, dances, skits, and other traditions. If it's your 8th summer, its where you see your best friends again and sing your favorite songs while teaching others the COH traditions!
Closing Ceremony
This final celebration at the end of each camp session combines everyone's favorite camp songs, dances, skits and more. Plus select FOCs will show what they learned and we'll get a chance to see the premire of the End of Week video! Parents are always encouraged and welcomed to attend the closing ceremony before checking out their camper.
Ice Cream Blitz Blowout Banana Fiesta Gala Party Thing What-What
The reward to the boy and girl cabin winners of the Golden Toilet Cabin Cleanup award each session. The longest ice cream sundaes you'll ever see, combined with an epic dance party, makes this one event you don't want to miss!
Final Cookout
Held on the last night of each session, we have a cookout with burgers, dogs and all the fixin's. Campers and counselors tend to dress up a little bit as it is the perfect time to take pictures with all of your new friends from the week.
Advanced Camper Experience (ACE) 10th Grade
Our "Advanced Camper Experience" (ACE) program is the 1st step in our Leadership Development Program (LDP) where we seek to help campers understand that their identity is in Christ. This experience includes an off-site day adventure and a service project.
Day Trip
This changes year to year in order to best tailor the experince around each class of ACEs, as our desire is for the group to grow closer and spend time bonding away from camp with their cabin and counselors. Previous trips include time spent tubing down a river, bouncing around a trampoline park, taking in a Durham Bulls game and more!
Service Project
With a service project we want the ACEs to have the opportunity to start giving back to the community around Camp Oak Hill. Some previous projects have included putting on a field day for local, low-income youth, serving at a food pantry, and beautfying the COH grounds (as a part of the "B" in the B.I.G. Service Program).
Leaders in Training Program (LIT) 11th Grade
The "Leaders In Training" (LIT) program is the 2nd step in our Leadership Development Program (LDP) and the culmination of the camper experience at COH. During these two weeks we focus on what it means to be a disciple of Jesus and challenging the LITs to live that out, personally, at camp, and for life. To catalyze this message the LITs go on a multi-day backpacking trip.
Backpacking Trip
Check Out The 2019 Trip Video! It's what all campers look forward to, that day they get to go on the LIT Hiking Trip! This is typically a 3 day, 20+ mile, backpacking trip across some of the most beautiful terrain in the eastern U.S.! We'll see wild ponies (and hopefully no bears), meet AT thru-hikers, cook our own meals, purify water on the trail, learn how far each of us is capable of going, and have the expereince of a lifetime in God's creation.
Service Project
This will be a project around the Camp Oak Hill grounds that allows each LIT group to leave their mark and improve COH (the "I" in the B.I.G. Service Program). Our hope is that one day these leaders will bring their own kids to camp and be able to tangibly point to the impact that they had on camp, just as camp had an impact on them.
LIT Hunt
There's no better word to describe the LIT Hunt than LEGENDARY! The craziest, most unique, and boldest of hiding places, all to avoid being pied by one of the infamous 'Condiment Pies'!
Counselor Assistant Program (CAP) 12th Grade
The CAP (Counselor Assistant Program) offers an experience to rising high school seniors who desire to be a counselor at Camp Oak Hill. This program will allow up to 10 total CAPs the opportunity to experience firsthand the role of a camp counselor. Our hope is that through this challenging, fun and special experience, these campers will further develop leadership skills and grow in faith, with a goal of becoming future COH counselors.
In-Cabin Experience
All CAPs are assigned to a cabin (one week with older campers and one week with younger campers) while they are at camp. This invaluable opportunity gives them experience with a range of age groups and situations, allowing the leader inside of each of them to shine through. It also allows for CAPs to discover and for the Camp Oak Hill staff to identify the talents and gifts the CAPs show while serving in this role for building up the next generation.
Service Project
Each CAP class will have an opportunity to plant trees around camp leaving a legacy of growth for generations to come (the "G" in the B.I.G. Service Program).
Interested campers are required to fill out an application. To gain access to the application and for more information please visit our Summer Staff page.


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The clockwork suit (or Penguin suit) is made during and after the Cold War quest.
It is made on a Crafting table 3 in the workshop of a player-owned house with a clockwork, a plank, and silk, by selecting the Clockwork toy option, followed by Clockwork penguin.
With the suit, the player can become a penguin by talking to Larry (or by using Larry's "Tuxedo-time" right-click option). Larry can be found at the Ardougne Zoo, the pier south of the Rellekka Hunter area, the penguin iceberg, and the Lumbridge sheep farm. Note that in order to wear the suit, you may not have anything in your hands and you are not allowed to wear a cape.
Wearing the suit opens up a possibility of performing 8 unique penguin emotes. The suit is required in order to access the Penguin agility course on the Penguin Outpost.
The Clockwork Suit can be wound and released, like the toy mouse can. You can then catch it for 12.5 Agility experience. If you release the suit and then teleport away, you will not be able to retrieve it.
For now, this device can only be worn with the assistance of Larry.


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Hot Pink and Yellow Flower Big Hole Beads Euro Style Handmade
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Handmade polymer clay beads for sale
- Material: Polymer clay, metal core
- Style: Euro style large hole beads
- Size: 16mm x 13mm
- Hole: 6mm
- Color: Hot pink, yellow and teal
- Stock: LB-BH-2012-044
- Blue Morning Expressions
Wild hot pink and lemon yellow clays have been used to create this heavily petaled polymer clay flower cane that I added to a base bead of peppermint teal. These contrasting colors have been accented with lime green leaves and set on a metal core to fit the Euro style bracelets that require a large hole bead.
It is ready to be added to your large hole bead bracelet or to be strung from a cord as a single necklace.
This is a one of a kind bead and you will receive the exact bead you see here.
Need even more beads? Find more of my handmade polymer clay beads here.
I created this bead for the Euro style bracelets with a 6mm opening. The center is not threaded, but smooth. This has been created on a metal core.
The bead has been hand sanded through at least two grits of wet sandpaper and I have added a light coat of varnish to give it a slight shine.
Handmade Polymer Clay Beads, Polymer Clay Beads for Sale, Jewelry Making Supplies, Euro Style Beads
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My beads, like these polymer clay beads make a great addition to your beading supplies for all your jewelry making and jewelry designs. You can buy beads, like my clay beads, to make gorgeous bead jewelry. I use my own beads in my designs, and I love them as a beading component. Millefiori beads like mine make great beads for jewelry beading of one of a kind types of jewelry. Add my beads to your beading supplies. The more beads you own, the happier you will be.
Inventory Last Updated: Aug 12, 2020


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I love this Missouri girl, Irene Hannon! She ROCKS with a pen in hand. I was so excited when I knew she was coming out with a new series, The Men of Valor. I have been blessed to have had the opportunity to read and review all of Irene's books, her series and those that stand alone. I have LOVED each and every one! She's that girl that I get excited about when I hear of a new novel coming out. I know I'll never be disappointed.
She's the writer I seem to connect with on so many levels. She's a Missouri girl who places her characters smack dab in all the places I'm familiar with and love. She writes with such passion that the reader is able to connect with their senses. She gives the reader all they need to really know the characters mind, heart, and soul. Characters that are easy to love. The reader wants to see where they've been and what's in their future. But something Irene has that's such a gift is that she's able to share just enough and then she gives the reader room to use their imagination and ponder the scene.
She writes easy. The conversations flow. The connections the characters have are believable, but yet gives the reader room to dream. The story line is like a ticking time bomb. She entwines love and romance around a plot of murders and secrets. Her characters are not only enjoyable, but those in which we can relate to in matters of the heart. She has the gift to invite the reader as the journey unfolds the ride increases in speed. Just about the time you get comfortable she introduces a new character or a new twist to the plot. She is definitely a roller coaster kind of writer.
Oh, the secrets we keep and the secrets we hope to uncover. Irene writes suspense like no other writer. She adds her own personal flair that makes her writing stand out. She brings to light love and romance, but puts in those twists of murder and secrets. As her characters uncover the truths about those they are hunting they uncover secrets kept in their own hearts, buried deep for years.
This new series has me intrigued. I LOVED these characters. So well developed and the plot is exciting as it twists and turns. Most of all I admire how faith plays a roll in Irene's characters. We see these characters grow, leave behind yesterday, and experience a new beginning that is so unexpected for them.
I can't wait to get to know the next characters. If you're new to Irene, this is a tremendous place to start!
This novel was a gift from Revell for sharing my review with you.
Irene Hannon is the bestselling author of more than forty-five romantic suspense and contemporary romance/women's fiction novels, including the Heroes of Quantico, Guardians of Justice, and Private Justice series. Her books have garnered dozens of honors, including two coveted RITA Awards from Romance Writers of America. She is also a two-time Christy Award finalist.


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Well Good morning guys- busy busy busy today!! I hope you are well and are getting the opportunity to create this week!!
I've got a few pics to to show you today-
We had our workshop last week- (sorry about the delay in posting these guys!!) it was SO much fun, embossing was the topic and everyone did a magic job!
We did a combination of dry embossing (using the big shot, and embossing folders) and wet embossing- using embossing powders and a heat gun.
Here are some pics!
|Jo Bradys card- such a great use of colour!
|lucy hard at work!
|Naomi is focused!
|Naomis card- lovely! The embossing looked fantastic!!
|Lyn Chapmans card- wouldnt you love to get this if you were feeling unwell??? fantastic job!
|Lucys card- awesome isnt it?
Awesome huh? Didnt the girls do a brilliant job!!- and some of them are very new to papercrafting- but you wouldnt know it to look at their creations!
If you would like to join in the fun our next workshop is-
Topic- punch art
Date- monday the 6th of may
Time- 6.30 pm
Cost- 10$
RSVP- 3rd of may please! (I've got to cut and prepare the card stock and I need to know how much to prepare....Of course last min newcomers are always welcome- just please text or ring me, so I can grab a bit extra gear!)
I've done a few extra projects that I'd like to share- what do you think of these? The orange one is my favourite- and so so easy!!-
They all use stampin up card stock- (of course)
The up in the air card uses stamps from the up up and away set ( beautiful, although I don't think I've hit my peak with this stamp set- I have so many ideas!!!) su designer series paper, and su buttons
The orange embossed card uses a stamp from the elements if style stamp set, the petite sentiment stamp (? Might have got the name wrong!) and punch set (some of you got these free at my last workshop- aren't they great? AND so easy to use!!) the little hearts are from the owl builder punch set. I love the shape of this heart, I use it a lot! Also it has the colour coordinated SU ribbon
Probebly the easiest card is my thanks a million card, it uses a big shot sizzix embossing folder for the embossed card stock at the back. Then, a few circles cut out of some patterned paper, with the sizzix circles2# die ( and a su punch) . Thanks a million was stamped and embossed with gold embossing powder. Backed on to silver card stock, and mounted with dimensionals Easy! Great masculine card, and EASY!! Hope they inspire you too!!
Ok, the last little reminder, because I have lots of stampin up news and specials to pass on, I'd love a few more emails to send out my newsletter to... And my competition is nearing to a close..... So please, sign up to my mailing list (top right hand corner of the blog page) and be in the draw to win my stampin up card making kit!!
just sign up to be on Tailored to you crafts mailing list!! (the link isnt active in the bottom picture- go to the top right of my blog and click on the "Join our mailing list" button)
thats it!!
Anyway, have a great week and weave some creativity in every day....... :-)


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Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier have discussed the fact that political tensions are increasing and threatening global peace and prosperity.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel has been called the new leader of the free world after the election of Donald Trump in the US and Mr Steinmeier suggested the president's leadership style in promoting protectionism was a concern for Germany and the EU.
Mr Turnbull said "rapid changes in the global environment" meant it was more important then ever that liberal democracies such as Germany and Australia worked together to promote their values.
"The liberal international order has delivered unprecedented peace and prosperity for seven decades," he said in Perth after the meeting.
"We cannot take for granted the rules based order."
He cited North Korea's "reckless actions".
Mr Steinmeier, who is Germany's head of state, said Asian countries such as Singapore were worried about the US ahead of an upcoming visit by Mr Trump.
"The whole region is awaiting with heightened tension the upcoming visit by the American president to the region, hoping for new signals and indication of a recommitted engagement of the US to the region," he said, with the US seen as a counterbalance to China.
"We need to talk about issues like the influence of rising powers, formerly important powers, and new superior global powers on the rise again."
A more protectionist US increased the importance of negotiations for a free trade agreement between the EU and Australia, he added.


text: I have been thinking a lot about what I would have to give up in entering formation. Watching this video was a great reminder to think of what awesome things I get to add in my life by entering formation. The great part is that I was not even looking for a video with a Salesian in it, this just happened along in video hopping! God is good like that.


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Idol Philippines judge James Reid defended his decision to say no to a reggae singer in the latest episode of the ABS-CBN singing competition.
In the May 12 episode of Idol Philippines, hopeful Luke Baylon performed a reggae version of Alicia Keys's "If I Ain't Got You."
James and two other judges, Moira dela Torre and Vice Ganda, said no to the singer. For this reason, Luke missed the chance to move forward to the next round.
James told Luke on the Kapamilya show, "Actually, I loved your rendition. It was really fun. I've never heard it like that before. You have a voice, you can sing, it's just lacking a bit with hitting the notes and the timing."
When it was time to give the judges's decision, James was the first to say no.
Explaining his decision, James said, "I think it's not just your time yet. You have a voice, you're talented, you're not just ready. It's a no for me."
Moira, who also said no, pointed out, "It's a no for me, for now. But I want to see you again."
Vice also turned down Luke. The comedian told Luke during his performance, "Hindi ganon kalakas ang dating sa akin, e. It was not extra special."
Regine Velasquez admitted that she enjoyed Luke's performance. She was the only judge to say yes. Regine reasoned out, "I like you and I want you to improve pa. So baunin mo yung yes ko para mabigyan ka ng lakas ng loob to practice more, to improve your craft more."
The decision of the three judges drew flak among netizens. Viewers bashed James, Moira, and Vice Ganda and questioned their capability of serving as judges on Idol Philippines.
On Twitter today, May 16, James explained his decision to say no to Luke.
He wrote, "Like I said, Luke Baylon is a good singer but we're looking for the total package. Wait till you see the 12 finalists. You'll see why I said he wasn't ready. For now, I wish Luke all the success is his music career. That rendition of If I Ain't Got You was sick."
In his next tweet, James admitted how hard it is to be one of the judges of Idol Philippines, especially since people are placing their hopes on them to help them achieve their dreams.
The 26-year-old actor/singer/album producer wrote, "You have no idea how hard it is to crush peoples dreams right in front of them. That's the burden we carry as judges to try and give one special person a chance of a lifetime. Just wait. The auditions isn't even the hardest part. #IdolPhilippines"
Some of James's followers replied to the tweet and expressed their support for his decision.
Other singers reacted to the fact that Luke Baylon did not pass the Idol Philippines auditions.
First was Juan Karlos "JK" Labajo, who took to his Instagram stories on Monday, May 13, to express his disappointment over Luke's fate in the competition.
He wrote, "it's a yes for me. i'm not even gonna argue with the other judges. it's easy to fix flats and sharps and such imperfections but it's not that easy to find soul. kakagigil."
In his next Instagram story, JK found out that Luke also did a cover of his hit song, "Buwan."
He said in his caption, "i just found out that the guy who got rejected at idol ph is the same guy who did an amazing reggae version of my song buwan.
"HUGE shame on the other 'judges' for not seeing this guy's potential. what a shame. such a shame. i'm ashamed."
On May 13, singer Quest also voiced out his opinion about the decision of the Idol PH judges.
He wrote on his Twitter account, "Saw the entire Luke Baylon audition. Im guessing 3 judged performance and 1 saw potential. Every contestant has the chance to grow and evolve through the competition and thats what 1 judge saw. Yes, the audition could be better but his range and voice quality is really good. Magkakaiba panlasa nila sa music. Respetuhin natin yun. But I dont want to miss the opportunity to see Luke soar. So I wanna help him if he's okay with it."
The May 5 episode of Idol Philippines also became viral on social media when Regine Velasquez and Moira dela Torre expressed clashing opinions over the performance of Idol hopefuls who have an "airy" singing style, similar to other performers.
Regine felt frustrated that contestants have "the same sound." Meanwhile, Moira defended the contestant by saying that the present generation prefer this musical style.


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Well, it's FINALLY DONE! Pictures do not do this "ship" justice. It has hidden doors...traps...secret rooms! He is very excited to finally have this done. Now I just need to make sure my 4 yr. old doesn't go in there and try to play with it!
p.s. A big thank you goes out to this blog for passing this award out to me! Thank you!!!So sweet!


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Obsessive ingredient checker (no seriously, I don't buy anything until I read every last line), crazy tall cake creator, former bakery owner, professional eye roller, wife of the sweetest husband (we've been best friends since 8th grade!), most-of-the-time OCD kitchen organizer, lover of flowers, maxi dress hoarder, homebody, and crafter of snarky emails.
My easy approach in the kitchen is the honest expression of my intense love for clean & classic cooking/baking, home making, and entertaining. I live to encourage you to enjoy time in your kitchen and make life a little easier while using the best ingredients you can get your hands on. My goal is to prove that "organic" doesn't have to be fussy. I view fresh, local, organic ingredients (in the entire home) as the only option, but in an attainable way. Sorry, no GMO's or chemicals allowed.
candicehunsinger.com will offer straight forward kitchen and home recipes, and lifestyle tips from a non-fussy professional baker and home cook. In addition, I will offer professional recipe development and personal consulting services.
I live in a charming water town in Connecticut with my husband, Adam, and our snobby dog, Cash. I am the wife half of ivoryiron.com where we share our adventures in renovating our 1790 Federal Home & Barn that will become our cake studio, lifestyle shop and electrical studio.
P.S. All photos are taken on my iPhone 6 and are unedited, because real life on the go > something unattainably doctored. Everything you see here is real life – just as it should be! Please be sure to credit any photos or content to Candice Hunsinger/candicehunsinger.com if you share. If you don't, a snarky email will likely show up in your inbox, just saying.


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Jennifer Lee Davis Baker, 42, of Emlenton passed away Friday June 28, 2019 at the UPMC Presbyterian Hospital in Pittsburgh.
Born Nov. 23, 1976, Jennifer was the daughter of the late Larue and Edith Davis.
Jennifer dedicated her life to always helping others, she selflessly moved her and David home when her mother fell ill. From then on she cared for her parents until their passing.
She enjoyed baking and teaching others how to as well. She loved picnics and spending time with her family. She loved babies and was a god mother to many. She will be deeply missed and will be remembered for her beautiful smile by her family and friends for years to come.
Jennifer was married to Brian Baker who survives. She is also survived by her daughter Halie, a son David (Ashley) Davis, a soon to be first grandchild, her siblings Bonnie, Leland, Gale, Randy, Arrand, Liz, Norman, Dianne, Dianna, Laura, Joey, Nolan, Raymond, Todd, Jeff, Armand, LeeLee, Butch and Juanita and several nieces and nephews.
Along with her parents Jennifer was preceded in death by her siblings Sharon Cochran, Pamela Blair and Garfield Davis.
There will be no visitation or funeral. A committal service and interment was held at the Loop Cemetery.
To view and share photos or leave an online condolence please visit our website at www.mcentire-weaverfuneralhome.com.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jennifer Lee (Davis) Baker, please visit our floral store.


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By Kayti Proctor - St. Luke's Public RelationsKuna High School junior, Elijah Minnick, was a healthy and active 17-year-old until he and his twin brother both came down with the flu at the end of December.
His brother, Jonah, kicked the bug quickly, but Elijah still was not feeling well. Elijah had an appointment to see a doctor the Monday before New Year's, but the family had no way of predicting that by the weekend's end, Elijah would be teetering on the brink of organ failure with his life on the line.
Elijah is a tough teen. He plays multiple sports for Kuna High School including left tackle for the football team alongside his brother who plays left guard. The weekend before his appointment Elijah's condition worsened. Elijah felt he could tough it out, but on Dec. 29 he started having cold sweats and feeling pressure on his chest.
"I don't know what's wrong with me" Elijah recalled saying to his brother, Jonah who had stayed at his side. Elijah's temperature soon spiked to 103 degrees.
The last thing that Elijah remembers is going into a half conscious daze as his mother, Karen, drove him to the emergency room at St. Luke's in Meridian
Everyone describes Elijah as a sweet and respectful young man but, in his feverish state, Elijah subconsciously went into fight-mode while being admitted to St. Luke's. He had to be restrained by several nurses and security guards.
Elijah (center right) stands tall once again along with his twin brother, Jonah (center left), mother, Karen (right) and the St. Luke's Chaplain, Karla Sampson (left).
Panicked, Karen was shocked by how quickly her son's health had deteriorated. She immediately called her husband and her sister who is a nurse at a children's hospital in Los Angeles.
Because of the seriousness of his condition, Elijah was intubated to help him breath. It wasn't long before his vital organs began to shut down, so he was transported to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) at St. Luke's Children's Hospital where a team of doctors and nurses awaited.
"All of the staff was right there welcoming us… totally ready for whatever was coming to them." Karen said, recalling her arrival to St. Luke's as they wheeled Elijah out of the ambulance.
While still very afraid and confused about her son's condition, Karen marveled at the structured process between the doctor and nurses while they worked furiously to attach all necessary machines.
"It wasn't everyone talking back and forth and seeming jumbled, it was very controlled." Karen said.
The initial hours in the PICU were a blur for the Minnick family as they waited for the status reports from Dr. Derrick Dauplaise as he and his team tried to stabilize Elijah.
It had been more than 24 hours since any member of the family had slept. Jonah had been awake for more than 30 hours to be with his brother.
The twin brothers have done almost everything together throughout their lives from sports to social events. Seeing his brother fighting for his life was tough on Jonah. "We have pretty much never left each other's side our entire life" Jonah said.
Jonah (left) and Elijah (right) have been side-by-side throughout every aspect of life.
During that first night, Dr. Dauplaise came to the exhausted family with three rules.
"He said, you have to be eating, you have to be drinking and you have to be sleeping or I will kick you out," Karen explained with a laugh. "He just said, we will take care of him, you need to go rest."
Just before the dawn of the New Year was the first time any of the family slept.
Elijah was in a coma for nearly two weeks. During this time, Karen posted pictures on Facebook as suggested by the boys' football coach, Lee Leslie.
Coach Leslie awarded the Minnick's the Family of the Year award in 2012 at Kuna High. Karen explained that during football season, Elijah and Jonah were the only players who thanked the coach for his challenging workouts.
"He said that in twenty-something years of coaching, he had never had players say 'thank you' after basically beating them into the ground," she said with a laugh.
Kuna High School Football Coach Lee Leslie gives his team a pep talk before a game.
The strength and discipline gained from the football field paid off. On Jan. 13, Elijah woke from his coma. He was incredibly weak - yet fiercely determined to recover. Elijah had lost more than 40 pounds. While in the coma, his family and nurses continued to move his hands, feet, arms and legs to help maintain range of motion.
"I don't think I could let go because I feel like I need to be there for my family." Elijah said.
On Jan. 15, with the help of several physical therapists Elijah was the first St. Luke's children's hospital patient to walk while still on a ventilator. This is a new physical therapy procedure that had previously only been implemented in the adult intensive care unit.
After Elijah's breathing improved, the intubation tube was removed. He was awake and not in physical pain, but the doctors had not cleared him to drink water. He was incredibly thirsty.
"It was terrible. When you feel like you're dying from thirst… even if you know why they can't give you water, it's really frustrating," he said.
Elijah was the first PICU patient at St. Luke's to stand up and walk while still on a ventilator.
Elijah's nurse, Kristen, helped him through this rough patch by telling him that once he was cleared to drink water, she would buy him the biggest coldest water bottle in the hospital. It didn't surprise Elijah that there was with a half-gallon jug of ice-cold water waiting for him when he was cleared to drink.
Karen said she was moved by the compassion of the staff taking care of her son and their family.
"It's a very risky place to be for them to be, emotionally," Karen said. "They put themselves out there and love the kids even when they are not sure if they are going to survive. To love kids that you could lose and to identify with the families that are going through it, I mean, how heroic is that?"
Elijah was released from St. Luke's on Feb. 4. While he continues to return for appointments, he is on the fast-track to a full recovery and has returned to school part-time with a plan of going back to full time soon.
Looking back, Karen still has a hard time contemplating how her son went from being a healthy teenager to having with a strep infection that ultimately brought him to the brink of death. That first infection expanded to life threatening conditions including influenza, pneumonia, respiratory stress disorder, renal failure, and scarlet fever.
Through it all, the family never lost faith in the physicians and caregivers at St. Luke's Children's Hospital who were determined to save Elijah.
"It was a beautiful demonstration. We felt privileged and honored to be part of the St. Luke's family. We wanted to say thank you and make sure they know that we noticed" Karen said.
Elijah never gave up, and he knows he couldn't have pulled through without their support and dedication.
"The way they cared for me and my family means the world to me. I can't thank the PICU staff enough," Elijah said. To see more of Elijah's story watch the video below.


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More Able students
What does More Able (MA) mean?
Being identified as a more- able student is a great achievement. The Department of Education and Ofsted define the more- able in terms of those whose progress significantly exceeds age related expectations. However, NACE looks beyond actual progress to include those who may be underachieving or whose skills and knowledge may extend beyond the school's measures of progress and curriculum. Students are identified for the More- Able programme through the use of school data.
How do we support MA students?
At Fullhurst, we pride ourselves in ensuring that every individual student has the opportunity to achieve their full potential. More- able students are predominately supported by their subject teachers, who provide greater challenges in lessons through more complex and open-ended tasks, and flexible learning strategies. Students are also supported through extra-curricular activities, including the More-Able Club. We have two MA Co-Ordinators appointed to support KS3 students at Fullhurst:
- Miss L. Barratt, an MA Co-Ordinator for the college since 2017, and currently MA Co-Ordinator for Year 7. Miss. Barratt is also a Teacher of Humanities and Fosse Campus Leader for Humanities
- Mr. S. Larson, MA- Co-Ordinator for Year 8. Mr. Larson is also a Teacher of Music and Conductor of the Fullhurst Community College Choir.
MA Club
We offer an extra-curricular MA Club on a Monday after college, designed to ensure that we challenge students whose targets exceed expectations to broaden their understanding and help them achieve their full potential. Students have the opportunity to explore topics and subjects they may not previously had access to in a friendly, dynamic and challenging environment. Both MA Co-Ordinators typically facilitate after- school sessions, but quite often, other staff members volunteer to deliver sessions. Some of these sessions have included learning Croatian and studying a lesson from A-Level Law. Due to the expansion of the college, we now have a separate MA Club for Year 7 and Year 8 students:
Year 7 MA Club- Mondays, 3:15pm- 4:15pm, Fosse Campus, F110
In previous years, Year 7 students have created their own games, learnt about the main approaches to psychology, and have explored historical debates around the Holocaust. They have also visited Shakespeare's Birthplace in Stratford- Upon- Avon for a cross-curricular visit.
In Year 7, more-able students also get the opportunity to work towards achieving the More- Able Award of Excellence at the end of the academic year. The Award involves regular reading, taking part in extra-curricular activities where possible, visiting museums and landmarks both inside and outside school, and tracking achievement. As part of the Award, students must complete a Project. This Project is chosen entirely by them and they have the option to present it as an essay/report of 2000-2500 words, or to present something physical, along with a 500-1000 word report. Students have 5 months to complete the Project, so as not to interfere with their normal schoolwork and social activities outside of school.
Year 8 MA Club- 3:15pm- 4:15pm, Imperial Campus, G47
This year, Year 8 students will be engaging with six half-termly projects which will provide evidence towards an Extended Project Qualification. Students will be choosing the subject areas which they would like to explore in more detail, as well as supporting topics for subjects on their time tables.
During Year 8 MA Club students will receive lectures from guest speakers demonstrating the value of learning and the importance of achieving good qualifications. There will also be numerous opportunities for extracurricular activities to help support students in building personal statements in Year 11.
Benefits of MA Club
- Students have access to information / topics that are outside the curriculum
- They can explore topics and events that they enjoy
- Students suggest topics / subjects to study at MA Club.
- Students have the opportunity to host Open Evenings as Student Ambassadors and to be part of the End of Year Celebration Evening (previously, students have read out poems that they have written in front of parents, students, members of the college's Senior Leadership Team, and guest speakers
- MA students will get the opportunity to go on exclusive trips
- Parents receive additional updates as to their son/daughter's progress throughout the year
MA club is an amazing learning curve. We study literary pieces, famous historical events and advanced computing skills. Experience from working with other adolescents is key and can be very influential upon academic work. I've also met other students socially. Year 8 student
MA club is a club for students that are more able to do things than others. It gives you the opportunity to learn additional subjects outside of the curriculum on Mondays after college. So far we have created a PowerPoint in a different language as an introduction to that language, studied the Holocaust, a year 9 student lead a lesson and taught us how to create a game using Scratch and we are now producing our own original board or computer game. The club has helped me to meet more students and apply knowledge. I've gained skills that will be useful in the future. Year 7 student
How can I support my child?
- Help your child to organise their time.
- Encourage use of local facilities such as the library.
- Organise visits to museums, science centres and art galleries.
- Encourage discussion and debate in the home.
- Demonstrate pride in achievement.


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Directed by Dennis Erdman. With Sarah Jessica Parker, Kim Cattrall, Kristin Davis, Cynthia Nixon. Charlotte's wedding planning panic is easily solved when.
Sex and the City is an American romantic comedy-drama television series created by Darren Star and produced by HBO. Broadcast from until , the original run of the show had a total of
The sixth and final season of the American Sex and the City season 6. jpg The sixth season of Sex and the City was produced by Darren Star Productions.
Find out when Sex and the City is on TV, including Series 3-Episode Running with Scissors. Episode guide, trailer, review, preview, cast list and where to.


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Thursday, November 3, 2016
Kandice Sumnet on How America's Schools Keep Kids in Poverty
Kandice Sumner, a public school teacher, breaks down racial and socio-economic inequality in our public schools in this straightforward and experiential-based Ted Talk. The webpage offers this introductory summary:
Why should a good education be exclusive to rich kids? Schools in low-income neighborhoods across the US, specifically in communities of color, lack resources that are standard at wealthier schools — things like musical instruments, new books, healthy school lunches and soccer fields — and this has a real impact on the potential of students. Kandice Sumner sees the disparity every day in her classroom in Boston. In this inspiring talk, she asks us to face facts — and change them.
One of the more interesting themes of her talk is the argument that our education system has never been designed to offer equal or quality opportunities to communities of color and that when it does occur it is random or potentially a result of private philanthropy rather than the education system itself. In one snippet of the conversation, she offered:
If we really, as a country, believe that education is the "great equalizer," then it should be just that: equal and equitable. Until then, there's no democracy in our democratic education.
On a mezzo level: historically speaking, the education of the black and brown child has always depended on the philanthropy of others. And unfortunately, today it still does. If your son or daughter or niece or nephew or neighbor or little Timmy down the street goes to an affluent school, challenge your school committee to adopt an impoverished school or an impoverished classroom. Close the divide by engaging in communication and relationships that matter. When resources are shared, they're not divided; they're multiplied.
You can watch her talk here.


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Monterey County police arrested a man at the base of cliffs near Big Sur on Friday, September 13, after a high-speed chase along the coastline that involved police, park rangers and California Highway Patrol air and ground units.
Police said they were responding to a water rescue call near the Point Sur Lighthouse when they spotted a silver Honda Civic driving erratically.
Police followed and when the driver refused to stop it led to a high-speed car chase along the southern coastline.
The suspect was eventually caught after a highway patrol officer stopped the car with spike strips and the driver fled the scene to nearby cliffs.
The suspect was airlifted to Natividad Medical Center for treatment for minor injuries. He faced charges of reckless driving, police said. Credit: Monterey County Sheriff's Office via Storyful


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tool for simulating superuser privileges
Descriptionfakeroot provides a fake "root environment" by means of LD_PRELOAD and SysV IPC (or TCP) trickery. It puts wrappers around getuid(), chown(), stat(), and other file-manipulation functions, so that unprivileged users can (for instance) populate .deb archives with root-owned files; various build tools use fakeroot for this by default. This package contains fakeroot command and the daemon that remembers fake ownership/permissions of files manipulated by fakeroot processes.
Upload more screenshots Please help extend the collection of screenshots. Just make a screenshot and upload it here. You don't need to register or anything.
Please help extend the collection of screenshots. Just make a screenshot and upload it here. You don't need to register or anything.
Upload new screenshots
Thanks for uploading more screenshots. Please note:
- Your screenshot should contain a typical scene when working with it.
- Take only a screenshot of the respective application and not of your whole desktop (unless the screenshot is meant for a window manager).
- Your screenshots must be in PNG format.
- You can upload multiple images at once.
- Your screenshot need to be approved by the moderators first. You will already see your screenshot but it will not be visible to others instantly. If moderators reject your upload you will get notified next time you visit this site (requires cookies).
- Images larger than 800x600 pixels will automatically be reduced. So don't try to capture too much detail in a screenshot. It may become unreadable. Shrink the applications window if possible.
- Screenshots are made public and can freely be used by anyone.
- Useful programs for making screenshots are shutter, ksnapshot (KDE), gimp, xwd or scrot. See the Debian wiki for more information on how to make screenshots under Debian.
- Please set your language to english so that everybody understands it. If you don't use english by default please start your application from a shell using after setting "export LANG=C".


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Land and housing supply key to affordability
While land and housing values have taken quite a hit across Western Australia in recent years, housing affordability remains a critical issue across the state and indeed across the country.
Supply is currently outstripping demand in Perth, which has put downward pressure on prices. In fact, Perth is now considered one of the cheapest capital cities in Australia, with an average price of new land sitting at $230,825.
However, as the broader economic outlook improves, demand for new land and housing is expected to increase steadily in the next 12 to 18 months. This is likely to put upward pressure on prices once again.
While we do want to see positive growth in our property market, what we want to avoid as the market recovers is a similar situation to the previous mining boom, when demand for property far outstripped supply and developers were unable to keep up.
This situation led to rapid price escalation and many people being priced out of the market, particularly those on lower incomes.
We must not rest on our laurels now that the market is quiet. All levels of government and private industry need to plan for the next growth phase to ensure we will have sufficient supply to satisfy an increase in demand.
That means ensuring there is adequate land in places where people want to live that is appropriately zoned for residential use and the necessary infrastructure is planned and funded accordingly.
To make sure this happens, it is critical the findings from the recent State Government planning reform green paper are implemented effectively so new land is not held up by a convoluted system where delays, uncertainty and duplications currently mean time frames are often blown out and the price of land and housing to the end consumer gets pushed up.
UDIA is also looking forward to the imminent establishment of Infrastructure WA, an independent body that will work on strategic planning for our state's infrastructure needs and provide advice to government on infrastructure requirements and financing models.
A cross government approach to urban development, where all stakeholders are working toward a common goal, would ensure developers can meet the community's needs and expectations for housing in an affordable and efficient way.
This is the perfect time, while we are at the bottom of this market cycle, to take the time to prepare for the inevitable market upturn.
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Town of TruckeeHome Menu
Cannabis Dialogue Workshop #1
View the video archive of the workshop.
In order to address the changes brought with the legalization of marijuana, the Town of Truckee Town Council will be holding a series of workshops to discuss the Town's approach to cannabis regulations. The focus of these workshops will includes discussions on indoor and outdoor cultivation, manufacturing and processing, taxation, retail and commercial uses and delivery services.
Below you can find pictures of the posters attendees voted on stating their preferences on a variety of topics.


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The event boasted a stellar cast of public- and private-sector leaders who had assembled to engage in ongoing dialog about continuing the transformation of the world's cities.
Amid almost comically pleasant weather, the Smart Cities Council, the Intelligent Transportation Society of America (ITSA), and Qualcomm hosted the Smart Cities Now forum on Tuesday, Dec. 9 at the Qualcomm global headquarters in San Diego.
The event boasted a stellar cast of public- and private-sector leaders who had assembled to engage in ongoing dialog about continuing the transformation of the world's cities. Speakers included former San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown, former Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood and recently elected San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer.
The theme of the event was a practical approach to establishing the principles and practices of smart cities. While differing definitions of what, exactly, makes a city smart were espoused, a general agreement was seemingly reached – specifically smart cities are those that recognize the value of the data a city generates (or can be made to generate) and using that data to make actionable decisions.
"Just putting sensors out there and collecting data isn't the big win," said Peter Sweatman of the ITSA. "The big win is using real-time data at the edge to solve a specific problem."
Kevin Welsh of Verizon noted that in a typical large American city 20 to 30 percent of the people traversing downtown at any given time are actively looking for parking. The result of this perpetual hunt is increased congestion and emissions.
The issue is such a nuisance that many startups have begun working on technology solutions specific to parking, such as San Francisco-based GetAround. Presenting at the event, GetAround's Padden Murphy explained how its applications allows car owners to easily rent out their vehicles to others via mobile app.
But parking, and even transportation, are only pieces of the smart city puzzle. Data is what ties the whole thing together, making the city-as-a-system concept possible. And that data has to be good enough to help city leaders make informed and even prescient decisions.
"We all want our cities to be smart because then we all get better service," said IBM's Eric-Mark Huitema. "Today real-time data is not enough. We have to predict the future. Data can help you get insights but then you have to analyze it to help you predict incidents"
Like any other project, however, the strength of the technology isn't itself enough to move forward. Infrastructure projects in particular need a comprehensive vision, argued Bev Scott of the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority in perhaps the most passionate dialog of the day.
"You have to have a foundation in terms of vision," she said. "What do we want our community to be? What do we want to accomplish?"
Scott also said smart cities are especially important because they will go a long way toward helping elevate the impoverished and pled with attendees to ensure smart city architecture is built for openness.
"Please give me open, open architecture," Scott said. It's not just what you do, it's how you do it. That is massive to making these projects happen."
Later, in a surprisingly open and often hilarious one-on-one interview with Smart Cities Council Chairman Jesse Berst, former state legislator and Mayor Willie Brown told a number of charming stories about his coming of age as an elected official. Brown, while entertaining and thoughtful, seemed more interested in talking about his experiences than answering any specific questions. Still, he provided some insight, admitting that as a state legislator, he'd spent his career trying to strip cities of their power, preferring the state to have authority. Once elected mayor, Brown conceded he learned "you better build support for whatever you have in mind."
That support can be hard to come by. Former Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood implored audience members to demand more of their congressional representatives. LaHood, generally regarded as a strong advocate for innovative transportation solutions, said the smart city won't materialize until industry, mayors and governors start pressuring Congress for change – specifically an innovative transportation bill.
"It will only happen if you all get involved, it will only happen if you convince your legislators," LaHood said. "If we do that we will get America back to being number one and the wonderful things we're talking about, this technology, will be institutionalized in transportation."
Several audience members bemoaned the advice, saying they'd already done that with nothing to show for it.
"Democracy takes a long time to do big things. Don't stop talking [to Congress]. If it's worth it you have to keep doing it," LaHood responded.
The day's main event was a smart cities soliloquy by San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer. Sworn into office in March 2014, Faulconer has sought to restore San Diego's reputation following the exit of his disgraced predecessor Bob Filner. Part of that effort seems to be positioning San Diego as one of the nation's smartest cities.
Faulconer said that a "smart city is one that creates an environment for you to be successful." As evidence of that, Faulconer noted that San Diego was recently rated by Forbes as the best place to launch a startup in the United States.
The mayor highlighted several of San Diego's smart city projects, including requiring new home construction to be wired for electric vehicles and a water recycling project that is one of the largest in the country. Faulconer also said that "we're moving the city of San Diego to 100 percent renewable energy by 2035."
Faulconer said that while such projects can prove costly, they're the "right thing to do" if cities wish to remain prosperous in the face of the ongoing human migration to urban environments.
"It all fits into that ever elusive quality of life," he said. "You have to be digital, a city that competes globally, and a city that is sustainable and resilient."
The mayor also proudly made note of the fact that San Diego is going to be one of several subjects in a forthcoming National Geographic documentary on smart cities of the future.
"It's a great time to be in city government," he said.
The Smart Cities Now Forum continues Wednesday.
This story was originally published by FutureStructure.
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Tweet This
When Dick's Sporting Good's announced after the Parkland shooting that it would stop selling assault-style rifles, it seemed to come almost from out of nowhere, a powerful CEO in the gun business – Edward Stack – standing against the segment of the gun community that advocates for unfettered gun rights, and standing up for limits on the types of guns that can be sold and to whom.
"Our hearts went out to those kids," said Stack in an interview with CNN.
Dick's new policies and those of other major companies reflect a sea change in American business: A half-dozen other companies followed suit, some breaking ties with the NRA and others speaking out in favor of gun control. Some people are interpreting this as a win for gun control – and it is, but seeing the shift in the business community that way is also a dangerous oversimplification.
What's more true is that, for businesses, the risk calculus has changed. It's worthwhile to ask why and how?
Insiders credit, at least partly, the actions of one tiny nonprofit, Guns Down America, that's been able to nudge the political gun spectrum to the left by focusing on weakening the gun industry. Igor Volsky, a former vice president at the Center for American Progress, formed the nonprofit after the Pulse nightclub shooting, in which 49 people died and 53 were wounded.
He'd been frustrated and engaged on the issue since the San Bernadino shooting, when he authored a viral Tweet storm.
"After Pulse, I thought: We're going to talk about the issue in the same failed way," said Volsky. He wanted to change that. "There really wasn't a left flank of the gun control movement … corporate campaigns weren't something the other groups were doing."
In 2016, Guns Down launched a campaign against FedEx for the discounts it gave to NRA members. The campaign included protests during the holiday season. Two years later, it re-launched the effort. The nonprofit operates with less than a million in annual funding a staff of five.
"Following the shooting in Parkland, Florida Guns Down America and its partners re-launched the campaign at DropTheNRA.org with a petition that attracted almost 500,000 signatures and urged thousands of people to email FedEx CEO Fred Smith to cut ties with the gun lobby," said Guns Down in a release.
Guns Down also launched a campaign, https://stopmurderinsurance.org/, that featured Trayvon Martin's mother, Sybrina Fulton, and told people to boycott Chubb and Lockton Affinity. The two insurance companies, Lockton working as the administrator and Chubb as the underwriter, worked with the NRA on Carry Guard, an insurance product to help people who used their gun in what they said was self-defense gun to pay their legal fees. Both companies reached settlements with New York State financial regulators, including a $7 million fine for Lockton and a $1.3 million fine for Chubb earlier this year. Regulators said the insurance was illegal because it provided liability insurance for acts of intentional wrongdoing, and that the NRA had operated as an unlicensed insurance broker in marketing the insurance. (It's worth noting here that though 680 people bought the insurance, no claim was ever filed).
But both companies had decided to cut ties with the NRA before the lawsuits, after Guns Down launched its stopmurderinsurance campaign in 2017. (Everytown later got much of the credit or blame for sinking the insurance programs.)
In its campaign, Guns Down borrowed a page from the hard-core tactics the NRA has used for years. (Take a look at the backdrop of the "stopmurder" page, which features images that seem likely to provoke anger in people who lean liberal).
I asked Volsky if he was concerned that in weakening the gun industry, he's also going after companies that supply arms to the military. One of the features of the U.S. gun business is that many of the companies that make guns for the civilian market have a bigger share of their revenue from the military market.
"The point here is to change behavior in the civilian gun market," he said.
For years, the business community, especially businesses that sold or dealt in guns, steered clear of angering vocal and politicized gun owners. (In the early 1990s, Smith and Wesson suffered a boycott when it tried to reach a compromise on gun laws.). Guns Down gave companies something to worry about on the left side of the spectrum, too -- and a certain amount of cover if they wanted to step out of line.
Other Companies Followed Suit
After Dick's high profile move – and as it reported first quarter results that seemed to indicate no effect from the decision -- other companies joined Dick's putting their hands gingerly on what's been a third rail of American politics. Stack, it should be noted, had more control than most public company CEOs: The son of the founder, he owns 59% of the stock, according to the company's latest prospectus. MetLife and Hertz ended relationships with the NRA. Delta stopped offering discounts to NRA members traveling to the annual convention, lost a lucrative tax break in conservative Georgia. Then, after all its pro-Second Amendment bluster, the state legislature quietly reinstated it. Others, like Levi's and the founder of Tom's, became more active on the gun control side of the debate.
Dick's eventually took a hit, it said, which showed up in the third-quarter results, when same-store sales declined by almost 4% (though given the first-quarter results, it seems likely that the much larger factors were related to the core business – like Dick's difficulty positioning itself in the changing outdoor category).
So did companies inspired by the Parkland students suddenly decide to stand with this group of terribly wounded young people? Did Guns Down change the picture? Is Stack a hero? Is Volsky?
I've been writing about businesses of all sizes for a long time. Executives and business owners are driven by emotion as much as most people are – but their decisions are usually and legally ought to be made based on questions of what's best for the company, in the short term and long term. Though we like to see entrepreneurs and CEOs as risk-takers; their success –based on hundreds of interviews with them over the years and working with a handful as an editor or writer -- is mostly driven by taking very calculated risks that they've minimized in every way possible before they take them.
Putting my thinking-like-a-CEO hat on, here are some factors that could go into the decision about whether to act politically on the question of guns in America?
- The Parkland students, or other particular shootings, or the emotion around the issue. You'd have to be inhuman not to be affected by the murderous rampages in our headlines, and not to be moved by the courage and will of students standing up for what they believe is right. On the flip side of that emotional spectrum is the question of loyalty and devotion to gun rights as part of the American identity and as a possible solution to gun violence. But right now, the gun control movement has the statistics on its side: gun homicides and suicides are up, and so are mass shootings.
- Whether the gun rights movement, especially the NRA, has enough clout to damage the company. The number of gun owners, especially as a percentage of the population is declining. In addition, Russian Maria Butina recently pled guilty to conspiracy to act as a foreign agent; she reportedly attended NRA events. Stories about her were beginning to emerge last year. Maria Butina is enough to give a brand-conscious CEO hives.
- Whether the left-wing has enough clout to damage the company. This is where Guns Down and the consumer campaigns come in. They were a new element in the past two years – and have turned out to be a powerful one.
- Both of those questions are affected by the group effect – you're less likely to be attacked if you're one of a crowd.
- And finally, and most worryingly, the risk of inaction. Mass shootings are still extraordinarily rare in our nation of 300 million people. But they have an outside effect on the ambient fear in our country, they are increasing, and they are increasingly what America is known for around the world. When I was at the Maala conference for impact investing in Israel recently, sitting at a table with journalists from Ireland, Spain and Denmark, among others, I glanced down at my phone to see stories about E.J. Bradford, who was shot in Hoover, Ala. "Oh, no," I said. "Another one."
"Another mass shooting?" said the Irishman next to me.
Hardly a day goes by without one.
The Bottom Line
This is why I felt a sense of dismay as I saw company after company wade into the politics of guns this year. CEOs generally avoid politics precisely because they are risky. When they start acting politically, it could be a sign that their emotions are getting the better of their judgment. It's far more likely that the risk of inaction outweighs the risk of political action. What's the risk of inaction? That gun violence will cause long-term damage to America's reputation and its social fabric.
Indeed, this is what Stack wrote about in the company's annual report: "While we knew this announcement would upset a number of our customers, and we respect their opinion, we felt compelled to put these guidelines in place and make this statement in order to help protect our communities and engage in the conversation around gun reform," he wrote "We heard from both sides of this debate and were encouraged by the outpouring of support from the majority of our customers, shareholders, vendors and associates for this decision. We were also pleased that many peers joined us in announcing similar measures, and hope that the private sector will work to keep this important conversation going to drive policy change. With that said, the hunting business is a sizable part of our business. While we believe our new policy is right for our customers and our communities, we expect a sales decline in this business due to our announcement."
The short-term risk was outweighed by the long-term risk. Above all things, entrepreneurs, CEOs and boards of directors want safe spaces in which to conduct their businesses. If there's a question about that in America, that's a problem.
A business journalist for 20 years and a freelancer for more than 10 of that, I write about turning points in the lives of entrepreneurs and their companies.


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COTTAGE HILLS, Ill. – Two men have been charged in a 24-year-old's murder after a home invasion in Cottage Hills.
Bradley K. Payne and Kevin Payne were charged on Monday in connection to the death of 24-year-old Damian M. Huber.
On August 16, the Madison County Sheriff's Office responded to the 100 block South Oak Street. Upon arrival, deputies found 24-year-old Damian Huber shot in the chest. He was transported to the hospital where he later died.
The Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis was activated and a total of 23 investigators from 15 different police agencies responded and assisted with the investigation.
Bradley K. Payne and Kevin Payne have been charged with three counts of first-degree murder, armed robbery and home invasion. Bradley was charged with an additional felony count of unlawful possession of weapon by a felon.
Investigators say Huber didn't know the intruders, but one of the friends he was staying with did.
Huber's closest friends called him "Pookie," and they are devastated he's gone.
"It's gonna be really hard to go on without someone who was your little brother," Ashley Stalter said.
Statler and Huber were part of a group called the Lost Ninja Clan. They were fans of the band Insane Clown Posse and huge supporters of one another.
"We accept everyone's flaws and accept them for who they are and just push them to be better, and the music is literally what holds us together," Stalter said.
Stalter met Huber a decade ago. She says he was the heart and soul of their group.
"He was born into a rough life, it wasn't easy for him, but when he found us, we kept him whole," she said.
She believes Huber was defending the house when he was shot.
"He would have been the first to stand up and told whoever was breaking into this house that they weren't going to do it," she said.
The Lost Ninja Clan has started a GoFundMe page to help Huber's other family.
Police say there could be more arrests in the case.


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We are in week three of our amazing adventure, with Laos as our first stop. As part of our journey in Laos we had an amazing 3-day cruise down the Mekong on a luxurious boat that had 12 cabins, all equipped with showers, toilets and AC. There were 16 people on the cruise. We were the only Americans. The rest were Swiss, German, French, and Australian. "Where are you from?" is invariably our first question. Once we say we're from the US, the next question is actually only a word, "Trump?"
Two men from Australia were at our table the first night for dinner and I was captivated by how much they knew about the US. These Australians knew more about our government, who holds what positions and many of the nuances about our political system, than most Americans. Then it hit me! Who is their President? Is it even the President, or the Prime Minister who leads Australia? I had no idea. In fact, who is the head of Switzerland, and what kind of government do they have? How about France? Well, I know a bit more about France, and I do know that Angela Merkel is the leader of Germany.
I'm proud to be an American, but embarrassed by our government. I'm also humbled by how little, many of us, as Americans, know about other countries. I travel a lot and on this journey one of my goals is to learn something new each day. If I listen to what people say I can often hear what's in their hearts. I consider myself a citizen of the world and I'll keep learning.
By the way what I learned today is that Malcolm Turnbull is the Prime Minister of Australia.
Stay in touch and I will too.
With love and gratitude,


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Magic Number Necklace
or 4 installments of $17.00 USD by More info
"I always trust the direction of the universe and know I'm being guided"
Do you see the same numbers everywhere?! It's not a coincidence, it's a sign from the universe. You are magic, and your manifestation is on its way.
Our brand new Magic Number Necklace is a great way to remind you to manifest what you want in life.
What's your magic number?
Add the matching ring to your order.
Disc is hammered with a brushed finish.
Disc measures 7/8 inch in diameter.
Star placement may vary depending on customization
All JM products are artisan crafted. Given their handmade and hand-finished nature, variations are to be expected and celebrated. Images on our website may vary from your actual piece.


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Today we are going to show you how to join pieces knitted with our XXXL Fiber, so you can create bigger garments and seam them with no problems. It's really easy! And you don't need a tapestry needle 😉
This time we seamed two pieces along the sides, in other words, sewing the edges where you start or end a row. This type of join creates an invisible seam, perfect for when you don't want the seam to be noticeable.
Have you seamed large projects before? How do you do it? Remember to tag your photos with #weareknitters on social networks and tell us your experience.


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Burgundy cabriole legs shoes with detachable fur - 38 EU
Sold for:
Sold to: heartmechanic (+17, -0) (77401)
€18Sold on: 10/04/18
Sold to: heartmechanic (+17, -0) (77401)
Sold by:
Seller rating:
(+64, -0)
Seller location:
Cabriole legs booties with detachable fur
Wine x Gold with white fur, 38 EU
Classic and sweet lolita!
Good condition, worn 3 times, 3-3.5/5.
- Size: 38EU
- Heel 9cm, platform 2.5cm
- Outer material: Artificial leather with good quality.
- Inner: authentic leather
Sign of wear: some scratches and tiny dirt. Will be cleaned again before shipping.
See the last 2 photos for more details !
Shipping cost:
- France with tracking: 7€
- Europe with tracking: 13€
- USA, CAN, RUS, JPN, Korea, Singapore, Thailand and India: please refer to my terms of sale.
- Other countries: please ask for a quote
Weight: about 1200g
Shipping to Europe: Contact seller for quote
Shipping outside Europe: Contact seller for quote
Condition: Good
Brand: Chinese Indie Taobao
Damage: Minor Stains, Wrinkled, Scratches Or Scuffs
Style: Sweet, Classic
Colors: White, Reds, Gold
Category: Shoes
★ Hello and welcome to my sales ★ Sale conditions: - All items will be shipped from France. - Prices are in €. All items are to be paid and invoiced in EUR. - Shipping fee is not included in all prices. - All sales are final: no refunds, no return and no exchange. No trades, please. - I won't accept reserve/holds without a deposit of 20% of the item price,thanks for understanding - Possible to use bank transfer for EU buyers (IBAN). No payment by checks please. - Shipping: with standard tracked shipping by default. - Payment timeline: 36 hours after the creation of invoice - Dispatch time: 1-5 business days within payment. - I'm not responsible for any lost or damage packages once item shipped. - Please read the description carefully, and please PM me if you have any question before buying! Others: - Feedbacks are greatly welcome! I'll surely return the favor if you write me a feedback :) - You might get a little discount if you buy multiple items and the sum is over 80€ - Possible for hand delivery in Versailles area or in Paris depending on my schedule. - I don't smoke and have a cat. My cat never get near my dresses but still allergy warning ! Shipping rate to USA, Canada, Russia, Australia, Korea, Japan, Singapore, Thailand and India would be: - 17€ for <1kg, - 22€ for <2kg, - 27€ for <3kg, - 30€ for <5kg. 【IMPORTANT】French postoffice also check the dimensional weight when shipping out of EU, and take the bigger one between actual and dimensional weight! Additional shipping assurance would be 2€ for 300€, or 4€ for 500€.
no comments
- Buy it Now placed by heartmechanic for €18 on 2018-10-04 16:13:38 UTC
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When i lived on the other side of the mountain and the weather man said "thunderstorms" i would know that usually meant.... cow pissing on a flat rock all out rain. On this side of the hill, it normally means a shower or two.
The past 2 nights right after the sun has gone done, the temp has plummeted to the high 30s and it has dumped a 1/2 inch of rain in 30 min. To say the least this is not ideal newborn lamb weather. It has produced some very pretty rainbows. Our kids loved the rainbows, but i admit i did not give them more than a passing glance.
There was some sun in the late afternoon, and i tried to soak it all in. We opened up some dry land for the ewes, and when i went to check on them i just sat and the hill and enjoyed the sun. Marty came up to see what i was doing and i made him sit with me too.
Earlier in the day Katy came to helped me check the back pasture. When i left to get Katy at school I had seen a first time ewe who was having some trouble, and i wanted to see if she had lambed. I decided to leg crook the ewe and pull the lamb.
Katy waited on the atv while my dog Nellie and i caught the ewe. Then Katy sprinted out to us with the gambrel. http://www.premier1supplies.com/detail.php?prod_id=91&cat_id=4 The grambrel is used to hold the ewe down so she can't get away. If you lamb and don't have one... you need one!
After getting the gambrel on the ewe Katy took up postion at her head to help "hold" her. While i worked in getting the lamb out, Katy had a running dialouge with the ewe " it is ok mommy we will help you, i know it hurts." After much work i got the monster lamb out, but sadly the lamb was dead.
I was cursing this and Katy was telling the ewe how sorry she was that her baby was dead, " you are a good mom your baby was just too big." I have noticed this year Katy is very into noting who is a "good mom" and who is a "bad mom." Each time a lamb dies Katy will give her assessment on who was at fault in the lambs death. IE weather, bad mom, or "that just happens sometimes mom." When the kids do something that is an accident like spill milk or pee the bed we always say..that just happens sometimes... As in nobody is at fault.
Well Katy this has been a "that just happens sometimes" kinda lambing and that is just ranching.... with more thunder showers in the forecast i guess i will try and enjoy the rainbows.
|Photo by Liz Hubbard 5/18/2011 Hubbard Ranch Bonanza Oregon


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December 9, 1939 Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin Donald Cameron begins a 45-minute robbery-murder spree, killing himself and four relatives, and fatally wounding a robbery victim Shortly before 1 a.m., Cameron punched gas station attendant Earl Redard to steal $22.42 in cash. As he fled the scene, two men arrived at the filling station. Redard ran to… Continue reading Man kills family, self after botched robbery
Category: Wisconsin
Jr. High student shoots, kills principal
November 18, 1969 Tomah, Wisconsin An unnamed 14-year-old student shoots and kills his school principal The teen — who remained unnamed due to Wisconsin law at the time which protected the identities of offenders under the age of 16 — often had trouble with authority figures. In a "fit of anger," the teen went to… Continue reading Jr. High student shoots, kills principal
Teddy Roosevelt shot during assassination attempt, goes on to give hour and a half long speech
October 14, 1912 Milwaukee, Wisconsin Former president Teddy Roosevelt is shot during an assassination attempt, though he finishes a 90-minute speech before seeking medical attention Roosevelt was campaigning, as he was again running for president under a new party platform: the Progressive Party. The new party was a result of a split between the Republican… Continue reading Teddy Roosevelt shot during assassination attempt, goes on to give hour and a half long speech
Man targets worshippers at Sikh temple, killing 7 and wounding 4 before killing himself
August 5, 2012 Oak Creek, Wisconsin Wade Michael Page begins shooting members of the Sikh faith within the Wisconsin Sikh Temple, killing 6 and wounding 4 before fatally shooting himself Page, an Army veteran with ties to white suprematist and neo-Nazi groups, was suspected to have been motivated by racial hatred when he shot those… Continue reading Man targets worshippers at Sikh temple, killing 7 and wounding 4 before killing himself
The death of murderer and grave robber Ed Gein
July 26, 1984 Wisconsin, United States Notorious murderer and body snatcher Ed Gein dies at the age of 77 from respiratory and heart failure Gein confessed to the murders of two women as well as the grizzly hobby of turning the bones and skin of the deceased into macabre souvenirs. Some of these trophies included:… Continue reading The death of murderer and grave robber Ed Gein


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Cacao has been a renowned "medicine food" for millenia. It is both highly nutritious and a mood elevator. Cacao seeds come from the fruit of the Theobroma cacao tree. The seeds are fermented, dried, and ground in an alchemy that preserves their various properties. This is a marked difference from cocoa, more commonly used to make chocolate, which uses a high heat roast and alkalinizing process that actually destroys the seeds' beneficial properties.
Cacao is rich in iron, magnesium, manganese, zinc, copper, calcium, phosphorus, beta carotene, amino acids, and antioxidants. In the ancient Mayan culture, it has been an integral part of the diet, complementary to corn. It can be consumed as a ceremonial beverage or mixed with other foods.
Theobromine is the alkaloid compound most well known for offering cacao its euphoric properties. Scientific journals have reported the compounds effects of decreasing blood pressure, reducing inflammation, and increasing neurological activity. Anandamide, also known as the "bliss molecule", is only found in cacao and the human brain. This compound enhances mood. Tryptophan, another compound present, alleviates symptoms of depression.
Humanity is entering a new era of technological and ecological revolutions. Communication among a global community opens doors and perspectives. Furthermore, as we connect to the ecosystem and its inherent capacity to heal itself, we become more whole ourselves. Cacao is one of the medicine foods that will allow us to elevate humanity into the heart space. Its effects on the brain and electromagnetic fields must be experienced first hand. Cacao works on the subtle levels by energetically opening the heart center allowing us to enter in a state of love and euphoria. These are strong allies in facilitating meditation, healing, creativity, group dynamics, and physical release.
We expect that in the coming age, cacao will be as common a staple in every kitchen as salt and pepper. It is one of the best natural foods for the human body to absorb.


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It may be an age old saying that "size matters" or just a marketing gimmick, but now science has proven once and for all that it sure does matter to women when they're picking out a mate - whether it's his height, his shoulder width or his penis size.
A rare African monkey makes a lip-smacking sound which surprisingly bears similarities with human speech and making them the only species known to use a speech-like rhythm, U.S. researchers said Monday.
Ever wondered what is better for your health between walking and running? A new study showed that brisk walking is as good as running for lowering blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes risk.
Mysterious pond circles have been spotted in a pond in upstate New York, sparking talks about a potential visit from extraterrestrial beings, according to reports.
Salt, sugar and fat. Ever wondered why you can't put down that bag of chips after taking your first, second, third bite? A new book with three years of extensive investigative research reveals that large food companies engineer food to hit consumers "bliss points", similar to the sensation a drug addict feels after taking a dose of his drug of choice.
Camels roamed the icy Arctic of Canada? That's exactly what paleontologist learnt after discovering 30 bone fragments of giant camels in Ellesmere Island in Canada, according to a report released Tuesday.
A daily customer and unofficial spokesman for the "Heart Attack Grill" suffered a heart attack after leaving the burger joint and died on Monday after being on life support for a week, reports the Las Vegas Sun.
For all intents and purposes, the "War on Drugs" ended when nearly every state passed a law for recreational or medical marijuana use. The truth is, however, that law enforcement officers everywhere still actively pursue drug arrests. If you've been arrested for illicit drug use, you need to take the charges seriously. While there may be a valid defense or a program that can get you out of trouble for a first offense, the stigma can haunt you for a lifetime.


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It's one of the largest courses by one of the most influential guru's in the drop shipping industry, eCom Hacks by Jared Goetz is a drop shipping course with a focus on e-commerce using Shopify and Facebook Ads. You may have heard the name, drop surfing and Jared is the one who came up with that terminology.
Drop surfing is exactly the same as drop shipping, don't let those overhyped videos tell you otherwise. It's the same business model, with a different name.
Jared appears on par with gurus such as Franklin Hatchett and Tristan Broughton in my opinion from his free content, offering lots of insights via Youtube and backing it up with a course.
Unfortunately that's where it ends as he keeps using his Lambo and clickbait style videos to sell himself and the fact he build the fastest selling store in 2017, like dude it's 2019!
A few others do this and it's pretty frustrating for beginners as they get sold a dream rather than realistic expectations.
Jared's course claims to show you how to build a profitable eCommerce business from scratch in as little as two weeks. It claims to be a proven and tested online course that will show you how to build your own 7 figure store in as little as 60 days. Personally I think that statement is a little far fetched for most people but I'm sure it's possible.
eCom Hacks follows the standard process for creating a new store:
- How to structure your store
- Conversion techniques
- Finding products
- Working with suppliers
- Creating and scaling ads
- Dealing with customer service.
The course claims to be for beginners and intermediates and those with no technical skills or business experience.
By signing up to eCom Hacks you'll also get access to the following bonuses:
- Jared's personal theme (apparently used to make $5,000,000 in sales)
- Jared's theme plugins, hacks and features for optimal conversions
- An advanced Facebook ad training course
- Viral winning product formula
- Expert menotrship and community livestreams
- Videos on how to make $1,000+ per day in 14 days.
Currently the course costs $997-$1997.
eCom Hacks Review
After dropping the cash down to see what this course is all about the first disappointing aspect to the course was just how unprofessional the videos actually seem. They really do look like they have been thrown together in a haste to get the course launched.
The level of knowledge, even from the first few videos is slightly alarming. This guy claims to be making millions of dollars every month from Shopify drop shipping, yet his mismatched information and random statements leave me in a state of confusion. Did I really just pay money for this?
It would be unfair of me to start my review like that without backing it up with some examples, the first video claims you have no investment to make money with drop shipping. Well that's not true as you've just paid for a premium course, you need a Shopify account, a theme, a Facebook Ad budget and probably a bunch of other things such as a product to sell and various plugins. So yes there is a cost to setting up your business and it's likely you'll lose money to start with.
eCom Hacks Income Proof
The next thing that concerns me is the video about him showing us his store to give us proof. He shows you a store called TheGadgetsNob which appears to have made $2,790,251 in sales between Feb 1st and August 31 2017. You can clearly see the sales figures appear to be mainly from April to June. He shows us the month of August which did $420,000 in sales.
He goes to Oberlo and you can see between 22nd July and 21st August the store apparently did $620,607 in sales. I'm not sure why he didn't show you Oberlo for the same time period as the Shopify dashboard to make things clear. Then you're directed to Facebook where you can see they did $246,000 in ad spend. The product costs were $211,491 leaving a gross profit of around $163,000.
Remember he sold you a course showing you how to make 7 figures per month?
His own videos in the course you just paid $997 for aren't even showing a store making 7 figures per month, let alone 7 figures net profit. After tax and various other expenses I'd say he barely made over 6 figures for the month. Still it's a pretty healthy sum but far from easy as you're told on the sales page and unless you had deep pockets it would take a long time to scale an ad to those figures in 2019. As soon as Stripe and Paypal hold your funds in reserve it can be impossible to scale that high.
eCom Hacks Course Content
Getting into the content, the course is pretty short and is very similar to other courses on the market. I'm not sure how many times this has been updated since it was launched at the end of 2017 but it doesn't look like many times.
Module one is a basic structure overview and includes videos such as:
- Activating your free 21 day trial of Shopify
- Opening your store
- Purchasing and masking your domain name
- Setting up your phone to make a ching ching when you earn $$
- Payment methods for your store
- Setting up support pages
- Basic SEO meta descriptions.
These videos are fairly basic and straight forward, nothing of much value here that isn't available for free online.
Module two is about setting up your store and includes:
- Conversion rates video
- The $5,000,000 theme
- Adding a free shipping bar
- Abandoned cart recovery emails
- FAQ page setup
- Minimize images for SEO and social media sharing
- Adding tracking pixels
- Customer reviews
- One Click Upsells – Carthook
- A seven page series on setting up the theme.
The $5,000,000 Theme Review
Remember I told you about selling dreams? This is actually called Shoptimized not the $5 million dollar theme. Jared might have made $5 million from the theme but can he really call it the $5,000,000 theme if it's not guaranteed you'll make the same?
The theme actually costs $167 and can be purchased by anyone from the official website.
You can read my review on this theme or checkout alternatives for Shopify themes.
Module three is about products and includes four short videos:
- What to look for in a supplier/product
- Adding products to your store
- Where to find products for your store
- Order fulfillment using Oberlo.
Module four is a 9 video series on Facebook Ads and includes videos such as:
- Setting up FB Ads Account
- FB Pixel setup
- Setting up Business page and account
- Campaign Structuring
- Ad setup and testing methods
- 3 x Testing methods.
A really short section on Facebook Ads. There's barely any information here about the world of Facebook/Instagram advertising let alone other methods out there such as Pinterest, SEO, Google Ads, Google Shopping etc.
Module five is some bonus content for eCom Hacks such as:
- Abandoned cart email templates
- Custom audience PDF's
- Using virtual assistances for customer service
- Adding a 1-800 Phone Number
- 20 Conversion Hacks PDF.
eCom Hacks Important Information
There is currently no discount code or coupon code for eCom Hacks. You may need to join a webinar or a live call to get in on the training. Given the level of the content I'm not sure what you can expect on that coaching call other than a hard sell. The only other features are a Facebook mastermind group where you can chat with other eCom Hacks members.
Remember this course has been open for nearly two years so it's unlikely many people will still use the group.
Final Verdict
This course seriously underdelivered and given I've reviewed over 30 of the best drop shipping courses it's definitely not worth the high price tag. If you like Jared Goetz then I'd say buy the course but given the effort he puts into his Youtube channel I'm not sure what happened in the course. Compared with cheaper impulse buys such as eCom Elites or Product Winner Blueprint this is on another level (a much lower one).
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