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NOTE: The implementation of SIMBA requires the evaluation of all University Financial Policies and Guidelines. After consultation with key constituencies, work will be underway to update, consolidate, and improve our policies to better serve you. Please be aware that due to volume, all policies may not be updated to reflect changes which have been communicated; however, policies will be updated with appropriate and applicable effective dates. Thank you for your patience as we work through this process.
Financial Stewardship Principles of The Pennsylvania State University:
Penn State faculty and staff shall conduct all University business with a demonstrated effort to maintain the highest level of financial stewardship. Financial stewardship entails the following over-arching principles:
- Learning, following, and upholding financial policies, guidelines, and control procedures established by the University and external agencies.
- University resources shall only be used for approved University-related purposes.
- Expending or committing funds within approved University budgets using appropriate financial, accounting, purchasing, and other approved University procedures, and maintaining records appropriate to these transactions.
- Purchasing goods and services through approved Purchasing policies and procedures and giving appropriate initial consideration to University internal services.
- Expenditure decisions shall be made with concern given to quality, economy, and support of University goals.
- Faculty and staff shall be vigilant to report and prevent fraud, waste, and abuse of University resources.
- University physical assets should be protected and maintained properly to ensure their safe and efficient use throughout their lifespan.
- University programs and work procedures shall be continually reviewed to ensure that resources are being expended in the most efficient manner to maintain only those programs that support the mission of the University.
Financial Policy Steward:
The following financial policies have been promulgated by the Board of Trustees and officers of the University. The Office of the Corporate Controller is responsible for the financial section of the Policy Manual. Questions in regard to these policies should be directed to that office.
Most recent changes:
- Financial Policy steward changed from "office of the Senior Vice President for Finance and Business" to "Office of the Corporate Controller."
Revision History (and effective dates):
- September 10, 2018 - Editorial changes to remove redundant Effective Date, Date Approved, and Date Published information
- August 18, 2003 - Added the section "Financial Stewardship Principles of The Pennsylvania State University."
- February 28, 1997 - Position Title change.
Date Approved:Monday, October 20, 2003>
Date Published:Monday, October 20, 2003>


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Certificate IV in Training and Assessment (TAA40104)
Vocational Education and Training (VET) means education and training for work. This training system recognises the knowledge and skills of learners across 6 different levels of qualification ranging from Certificate 1 through to Advance Diploma.
VET programs are delivered in schools, private training organisations, workplaces, TAFE and community colleges.
Competency based training and assessment is the process used within the VET system to determine whether an individual can perform a task to a set of requirements that is benchmarked (identified with a specific industry training package).
The VETAB accredited course in Training and Assessment is ideal for those who want to become a trainer and assessor in either the workplace or within the VET sector (TAFE or other Registered Training Organisation).
It's a nationally recognised qualification and with it you can become trainer, training manager, teacher (TAFE, but not primary or secondary schools), facilitator or assessor.
You'll learn how the VET system works and also how to develop, design, deliver and assess training programs.
You need to complete 14 units for a TAA40104 qualification. Of those 12 are core (compulsory) units and 2 are elective. They are divided into 4 fields: Environment (which is the background of how the whole thing works), Design, Delivery and Assessment (those 3 are pretty much self explanatory).
Training & Assessment Glossary
Here are some words you're going to come across in the Certificate IV course...
- AAC: Australian Apprenticeship Centre. Advice and assistance for apprentices, trainees and employers.
- Access: Everyone has the right to the same opportunities without discrimination or barriers.
- Allowable Adjustment: See 'Reasonable Adjustment'
- Assess Competence
Assessing a persons competence begins from the outset. At the beginning you should tell the participants:
- the elements of the course
- how it relates to their work or its purpose
- the assessment points
- the method of assessment
- Assessment, Principles
The Four Principles of Assessment are:
- Validity
- Reliability
- Flexibility
- Fairness
- Assessment Tools
Assessment tools are instruments and instruction to gather appropriate evidence of performance.
- Assessment Tools, Types of
- Observation of the task (demonstration)
- Questionnarie
- Checklist
- Essay
- Project
- Assignment
- Assessment, Types of
- Summative Assessment - Typically a Final Test is required at the end of the learning.
- Formative Assessment - Assessments take palce throughout the training program. They are ongoing and gradual. This method also helps reinforce learning.
- Holistic Assessment - A test which may involve covering a number of elements or more than one unit of competence (also known as 'clustering').
- Assessment Environment
Strategies to help create a supportive non-threatening environment for assessment:
- resources and materials are ready to go
- familiar environment = relaxed
- tell them how long it goes for
Australian Quality Training Framework
Set the standards for training and/or assessment organisations who offer nationally recognised qualifications. RTO's must adhere to the guidelines and specifications of the AQTF.
Australian Qualifications Framework. They set out the progression of qualifications.
Assessment and Workplace Training. The old name for TAA (See 'TAA')
- Benchmark: A measurement of performance against an industry standard.
- CBA: Competency based assessment.
- CBT: Competency based training.
- Checklist: An assessment tool (see 'Assessment Tools'). The 'Performance Criteria' of a unit of competency could be used as the basis of a checklist.
- Contextualisation: Adapting jargon (are the they calling them "clients" or "customers"?), making the material more relevant. Contextualisation is not Customisation
- Competency: Ability to achieve outcomes to a required standard. A competent person has the required knowledge, skills and attitude.
- Competency, Elements of
- Establish an effective work environment for learning
- Develop a work-based learning pathway
- Implement the work-based learning pathway
- Monitor learning and address barriers to effective participation
- Review the effectiveness of the work-based learning pathway (See 'Learning Pathway')
- DC: Direct Credit. Relates to RPL and RCC.
- DEEWR: Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations. Government body responsible for education and employment.
- Direct Learning: On the job coaching, form classroom training on site, computer-based training at the desk
- Dimensions of Competence: See 'Competence, Dimensions of'
- Diversity: Difference, disability, gender, language, cultural upbringing.
- Element: A basic principle of a subject
- Elements of Competency: See 'Competency, Elements of'
- Employability Skills: Used to be known as 'Key Competencies'.
- Equity: Every individual has the right to receive the same level of instruction and have the same chance of succeeding in their assessment and activities.
- Evidence, Rules of
- Valid
- Authentic
- Current
- Sufficient
- Evidence of Competency: See 'Competency, Evidence of'
- Inclusivity: The understanding and catering of different cultural backgrounds, abilities and learning styles of students. Meeting the needs of all students. Involving all participants. Not excluding people or discriminating against them for any reason.
- Industry Skills Council: Also known as ISC. An organisation that represents a particular industry.
- Key Competencies: See 'Employability Skills'
- KPI: Key Performance Indicators
- Learning, Direct: See 'Direct Learning'
- Learning, Indirect: See 'Indirect Learning'
- Learning Outcome
- The action to be carried out by the learner.
- The standards by which their actions will be measured.
- The conditions under which the action must be carried out.
- Learning Styles
- Visual learners - learn by seeing what they are learning, picture things in their mind.
- Auditory learners - learn by hearing what they learn, listening, talking and discussing.
- Kinaesthetic learnings - experiencing what they are learning, doing things, constantly moving.
- Learning Pathway
The Learning Pathway has five steps:
- Define - the purpose
- Plan - learning activities
- Develop - learning resources
- Implement - deliver learning
- Review - success and failures
- LLN: Language, Literacy and Numeracy.
- Moderating: See 'Validation'
- Methods of Assessment: See 'Assessment, Methods of'
- National Training Framework: The system of vocational education and training that applies nationally. It is made up of the AQTF (see 'AQTF') and nationally endorsed training packages.
- New Apprenticeships: The apprentice and traineeship system of vocational training that may combine off-the-job training at an approved training provider with on-the-job training and practical work experience.
- NTIS: National Training Information Service. A database of accredited competency standards and qualifications.
- NYC: Not Yet Competent. It's a nice way of saying 'you fail'. Or rather, you are not yet successful in completing this unit of competency.
- Performance Criteria: A set of outcomes which need to be achieved (in order to be deemed competent)
- Principles of Assessment: See 'Assessment, Principles'
- Rules of Evidence: See 'Evidence, Rules of'
- Reasonable Adjustment (AKA Allowable Adjustment): Allowable adjustment for delivery method, learning method, assessment. But it must not compromise the integrity of the competency standard. It should not alter the principles of assessment.
- RTO: Registered Training Organisation. A company that offers accredited courses.
- RPL: Recognised Prior Learning. Takes into account qualifications, work experience, job description, interest/hobbies, life experiences, awards. These things must be demonstrated and any qualifications sighted.
- RCC: Recognised Current Competencies. What you're currently doing.
- SMART/SMARTA: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Time-based, Agreed
- STA: State and Territory Training Authorites. Response for the operation of the VET system.
- TAA: Training and Assessment. The course code for the TAA qualification.
- TAFE: Technical And Further Education. TAFE are a Registered Training Organisation.
- TNA: Training Needs Analysis
- Training Package: A set of nationally endorsed standards, guildeines and qualifications for training, assessing and recognising people's skills. Developed to meet the training needs of an industry.
- Types of Evidence: See 'Evidence, Types of'
- Types of Assessment Tools: See 'Assessment Tools, Types of'
- Types of Assessment: See 'Assessment, Types of'
- VET: Vocational Education and Training. Workplace training and skills assessment.
- VETAB: Vocational Education and Training Accreditation Board. The NSW Department of Education and Training.
- Version Control Criteria: Determining when should a unit be reviewed and updated.
- Workplace Learning: There are two forms of Workplace Learning... see 'Direct Learning' and 'Indirect Learning'.
National Websites
Industry Skills Councils
- Resources and Infrastructure Skills Council
- Innovation & Business Skills Australia
- Transport & Logistics Industry Skills Council
- Manufacturing Skills Australia
- ElectroComms and Energy Utilities Industry Skills Council
- Agri-Food Industry Skills Council
- Industry Skills Council
- ForestWorks Learning & Skills Development
New South Wales
Got any questions?
Jessie Byrd on May 20, 2014:
Thanks for this helpful glossary! My daughter is trying to sign up for training and it can be difficult to decipher all the jargon when she's not even in the program yet! I'm sure she has more figured out than I do but this will help me to at least have an idea of what she's doing there.
Jessie Byrd http://www.strategictraining.com.au/certificate-iv...
BOb on November 30, 2011:
In your own words, explain what Vocational Education and Training (VET) is and describe its key features. Explain key principles of how competency-based training and assessment (CBT/A) works.
ammy on March 28, 2011:
It is the good information we need to improve our knowledge,abilities and attitude. Thanks a lot
Glen (author) from Australia on March 26, 2011:
Interesting question Antony. Most likely not at a school, but if they have training organisations like in Australia there might be a chance that it could be recognised.
antony box on March 26, 2011:
Does anyone know if you can teach in the UK with the Cert4 in Training and Assessment qualification?
if anyone has any info can they pls email me on firstname.lastname@example.com
Josh on January 12, 2011:
Great hub, the glossary is very comprehensive. Cert IV in Training and assessment is a popular course in the Gold Coast area.
Jyoti Kothari from Jaipur on October 07, 2009:
Hi Darkside,
You have posted a good article about training and assessment.
I am also a Quality management system Lead auditor and trainer. this info will help me a lot.
Jyoti Kothari
Nancy's Niche on October 07, 2009:
Great information at a very important time…Many people will be training for new fields in this changing time. Thanks for giving everyone a heads up!
dusanotes from Windermere, FL on October 07, 2009:
Thanks for the informative Hub, Darkside. I'm getting too old to renew my general training on almost everything except writing and surviving. I read a lot of books, but most of them are on how to write books, communicate better, etc. Some are novels. I really like mysteries and have one in the making now, myself. No, I'm not interested in being a trainer, but when you think about it, we are all trainers in some way when we write articles that get sent out broadly.
Don White
Andria on October 07, 2009:
This is similar to the NVQ system in the UK. At NVQ Level IIII - you can go on to do a training/trainers module (I don't think it's generic, tailored to the vocation) which allows you to train, teach, facilitate ... pretty much the same. It's a great career choice from what I remember, though the trainers I came across often did a fair bit of travelling.
I remember doing my Level III - the units coupled with the awful structure drove me crazy. One thing the NVQ system needs is tightening up. It's incredibly messy and besides being an awful lot of hard work, you also have a lot of ticking and cross referencing. I'd rather produce more essays or delivere on the job evidence than tick box after box :)
Glen (author) from Australia on October 06, 2009:
It's not hard to become a trainer, but to start your own RTO? I can't see that happening.
ht33rad from Southern Hemisphere, a little to the left. on October 06, 2009:
You thinking of becoming your own RTO?

subset: commoncrawl


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Posted by: nacho« on: May 17, 2022, 09:28:00 AM »
Don't know how much you've been keeping up with Robert Eggers (The VVItch, The Lighthouse), but I think he's one of the most fascinating directors working. Came from an Art Direction background and his movies are just gorgeous. Not for everybody, as he's way into dream logic and myth. The stories just aren't laid out for you. Lynchian in that it take a little bit of wrk on your art to piece together what it is your seeing
I finally caught The Northman last week, and it's well worth a watch. Because of the (increased) budget, Eggers had to make his story more linear and you feel his instincts struggling with that. Hi dream logic scenes have more plot hole significance, and yet his costumes and scenic design is so meticulous, the big budget realism seems at odds with his more esoteric impulses. It's a medieval revenge story that feels like a fever dream. If the main characters name "Amleth" does't give away where all the story points come from, you'll quickly realize Eggers wrapped his story in a more familiar one so he could get away with a wee bit more trippiness.
I loved it, but what he does fires all my synapses. Worth a look if you get a chance.
The Northman is on my list for sure. I hated The Lighthouse mainly because the actual historical story is even more crazy. The Witch was fun, though.


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Experience the new TAFE NSW website... Launch Beta!
Browse hundreds of courses with a wide range of study options from online courses to diploma qualifications, training and full-time education. Learn more
A variety of scholarship opportunities are available for different areas of study, across the state. Learn more
View our news, press releases, videos, announcements and publications about TAFE NSW. Learn more
TAFE NSW Regional General Manager Susie George has announced TAFE NSW, Surf Life Saving NSW and Hastings Council have joined forces on a collaboration to ensure that new Australians are equipped with the skills they need to enjoy Australian beaches.
TAFE NSW Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) students will attend a Migrant Beach Safety Program at Flynns Beach tomorrow, on 11 March.
Ms George said the program is an important initiative that will keep Port Macquarie's newest residents safe while enjoying local beaches.
"It's reassuring to know that all community members will be empowered with the important skills they need to take responsibility for their safety and navigate dangers along our coastline."
"The Program will equip students with the skills they need to assess beach and surf conditions, understand communication tools such as red and yellow flags and identify safe swimming zones."
For most of the students participating in the program, it will be the first time they have visited an Australian beach.
"The students have recently migrated to the Hastings from a diverse array of countries including Afghanistan, India, Thailand, Vietnam, Iraq, Iran, Syria, Cambodia and Taiwan.
"The program will make a tangible impact on our AMEP students and we hope that they will be able to safely enjoy the fantastic local beaches in their new community."
In 2019, the program was successfully delivered to students in Yamba, Ballina, Kingscliff and Coffs Harbour.
To find out more about the TAFE NSW Adult Migrant English Program, phone 13 16 01 or visit www.tafensw.edu.au


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Living in the YOU
Loving in the YOU
Teaching in the YOU
Preaching in he YOU
All I TALK about, is the YOU, in every word
All I WRITE is, for the YOU , in every sentence
All I walk is, in the YOU, in every step
Unable to know me, I have put an end to me, to be YOU
Unable to think of ME, All I think is you, All I ink is for you
Unable to look at me/Myself, all I blink is you
Every thought, is of the YOU, Every NOT is from the YOU, through YOU
Every fight is for the YOU, Every might is over the YOU
My every division is for the YOU, my every revision is in the YOU
As I live this LIFE, for the YOU, Full of the YOU
I have become you and the "I" & the EYE I am is that of YOU, only in reference to the YOU, only a comparison to the YOU
Such I, that lives in the YOU, makes the YOU of the YOU, to the YOU that I think of You, is another I, of the You to the YOU, to the You to the You
Such I only dwells in the You, swells in the YOU and smells the same as the YOU
Such I, WRITES in the YOU, plights in the YOU
Such I, dictates to the YOU and procreates another YOU
Such I, aid's in the You, abides by the YOU, confides itself in the YOU
Such I, can never change the YOU, for it can never ever change itself, for it has never looked at itself, its own self
I wonder why there is so much of such YOU in me
I wonder if I will ever get to know me, with no more of the YOU, no more comparison to the YOU, no more hiding behind the YOU that I have become
I wonder if I will ever actually realize that
For the YOU to exist to me, I have to exist to me
And if that is true, then the YOU is only there because I/me the perceiver is there to acknowledge the perceived/YOU, isn't it?
If that is so, why do I use YOU so much, both as the word "YOU" in writing, and in my thoughts in thinking/feeling?
And what happens when I eliminate the word and thought of the YOU? can I still think and communicate? Can I still write without the word YOU,
if so, what would such writing be? What would such teaching/preaching look like?
So I question myself, who is this me that is there when the other, when the YOU is no longer there (in any shape/form/thought/feeling/thinking etc.)
Who is this me that has no YOU, no reference to the YOU?
I wonder…..


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As we saw in part 1, it's a Baha'i requirement for both partners and their parents to become acquainted with the character of those wanting to marry. Here are some more questions for each of the parties to consider and discuss with their parents, based on the most common problems in marriage.
There are a lot of questions to consider and it's important to take your time and not rush through. You're making a decision that will last through all the worlds of God and you want to make sure it's a wise decision!
What attracted you to your partner in the beginning?
How has this changed?
What qualities does your partner have that you don't, but would like to acquire?
What qualities do you have that your partner wants to acquire?
What steps can you take to help each other acquire them?
Childhood Baggage:
What are the three most important events to have shaped your life?
What lessons did you learn from them?
How would your partner answer this question?
How will you decide when to start your family?
How many children do you want?
How many does your partner want?
What kind of labour and delivery do you want?
What expectations do you have of your partner?
What expectations does your partner have of you?
If for some reason you can't have children, what will you do?
What are your feelings on fertility tests?
What are your partner's feelings?
What are your feelings on adoption? From another culture?
What are your partner's feelings?
Who will raise the children?
Who will discipline the children?
How will the children be disciplined?
How will differences of opinion be handled?
Consultation and Communication:
When there is a problem with the communication in your relationship, how do you handle it?
How does your partner handle it?
What changes need to be made to ensure that both of you have a chance to speak and be heard?
What areas of your life are open for discussion?
What areas are not open for discussion?
What aspects of yourself are you particularly sensitive about?
How does your partner handle this sensitivity?
What are your partners areas of sensitivity?
How do you handle them?
What would lead you to a state of "irreconcilable antipathy" towards your partner?
What things do you need from your partner, in order to trust?
Cultural and Racial Differences
What are some of the racial or cultural differences that you will have to face?
How will you find solutions to them?
What aspects of your culture do you want to keep?
What aspects of your culture do you want your partner to let go of?
What aspects of your culture or your partner's are not acceptable in this country?
What aspects of your culture or your partner's culture are considered abusive?
What will you do about it?
How will these differences be resolved?
What does "equality" mean in terms of a marriage?
What are the barriers to equality in your relationship?
How will equality change once you are married?
Once you have children?
What do you give to the relationship?
What do you take from it?
What are you willing to give up to ensure equality?
If you had a marriage of equals, what would it look like?
What are the power struggles in your relationship?
How do they get resolved?
How do you think your partner would answer this question?
Who holds the power in the relationship?
What makes you think so?
How would your partner answer this question?
What abuses of power have you experienced in your lifetime?
How has this affected you?
How would your partner answer this question?
If you had the power to change your partner (and you don't!), what would you like to see changed?
How do you define "justice" in the relationship?
What actions do you take to ensure that justice is adhered to?
What would you like from your partner, to ensure justice?
What is your definition of "unity"?
What steps do you take to preserve the unity of your relationship?
What steps does your partner take?
Family Ties and In-laws:
How strong are your ties to your family of origin?
How strong are your partners ties?
How much interference are you likely to encounter with inlaws?
How will this affect the marriage?
How will you handle a conflict of needs between your parents or parent's in law and your new family?
How much time should be spent with parents and inlaws?
How much time do you want to spend with your parents and siblings when you are married?
How much time does your partner want to spend?
What kinds of support will you need to provide to aging parents and parent's in laws and how will this be provided?
What's a realistic amount of time and support to provide to parents and parents in laws?
How will you handle differences of opinion in this area?
What are your top 5 fears (in general)?
What are your top 5 fears (about the marriage)?
What are your partner's top 5 fears (in general)?
What are your partner's top 5 fears (about the marriage)?
Food and Diet:
What kind of food do you like to eat?
How much junk food do you eat?
What are your attitudes towards the food you put into your body?
What are your partner's attitudes?
How do you take care of your physical health?
How does your partner?
Fortress for Well-Being:
Marriage is defined as a fortress for well-being and salvation. What does this mean to you?
What concrete actions are you willing to take, to ensure that your marriage becomes a fortress for well-being and salvation?
Who are your partner's 5 best friends?
How do they spend time when they get together?
How do you feel about this?
Holidays and Vacations:
How do you like to celebrate holidays (Christmas, Birthdays etc)?
Which holidays are the most important to you?
Which are most important to your partner?
Which aspects of holidays do you want to avoid?
How do you want to spend vacations?
How does your partner want to spend vacations?
Housework and Chores
How do you think family tasks should be divided?
How will you and your partner decide on the division of labor?
Which tasks are you willing to do?
Which tasks are you NOT willing to do?
How will the tasks that neither of you want to do get done?
What are some things that irritate you about your partner?
Which of your partner's behaviors do you expect to change after your marriage?
Which behaviors does your partner wish you could change?
How will each of you make the changes?
Dr. Gary Chapman has written a book called "The Five Languages of Love". In it, he identifies 5 ways in which people demonstrate their love for each other:
Which of the following ways do you express love? Want to receive love?
Which of the following ways does your partner express love? Want to receive love?
- Words of Affirmation: If this is your love language, unsolicited compliments mean the world to you. Hearing the words, "I love you," are important—hearing the reasons behind that love sends your spirits skyward. Insults can leave you shattered and are not easily forgotten.
- Quality Time: In the vernacular of Quality Time, nothing says, "I love you," like full, undivided attention. Being there for this type of person is critical, but really being there—with the TV off, fork and knife down, and all chores and tasks on standby—makes your significant other feel truly special and loved. Distractions, postponed dates, or the failure to listen can be especially hurtful.
- Receiving Gifts: Don't mistake this love language for materialism; the receiver of gifts thrives on the love, thoughtfulness, and effort behind the gift. If you speak this language, the perfect gift or gesture shows that you are known, you are cared for, and you are prized above whatever was sacrificed to bring the gift to you. A missed birthday, anniversary, or a hasty, thoughtless gift would be disastrous—so would the absence of everyday gestures.
- Acts of Service: Can vacuuming the floors really be an expression of love? Absolutely! Anything you do to ease the burden of responsibilities weighing on an "Acts of Service" person will speak volumes. The words he or she most want to hear: "Let me do that for you." Laziness, broken commitments, and making more work for them tell speakers of this language their feelings don't matter.
- Physical Touch: A person whose primary language is Physical Touch is, not surprisingly, very touchy. Hugs, pats on the back, holding hands, and thoughtful touches on the arm, shoulder, or face—they can all be ways to show excitement, concern, care, and love. Physical presence and accessibility are crucial, while neglect or abuse can be unforgivable and destructive.
How will you handle the differences?
How will you meet your partner's needs?
How will you respond when your needs aren't met?
How do you plan to handle money in your relationship?
Who will make the decisions about how it is earned?
How it is spent?
Who will be responsible for the bills?
What debts do you bring into the marriage?
What debts does your partner bring?
How will these debts be paid back?
What is your opinion on the use of credit cards?
What are your spouse's views on the use of credit cards?
How much debt are you comfortable carrying?
How much debt is your partner comfortable carrying?
How important is having savings for emergency expenses? Vacations? Children's Education? Children's weddings? Retirement?
What are your partner's views on savings?
How much money will be set aside for savings?
What are your top 5 financial priorities?
What are your partner's top 5 financial priorities?
How will these priorities change once you have children?
What material possessions do you think are necessary to keep harmony in your marriage?
How will extra money be spent?
How will major purchases be decided and paid for?
How will differences of opinions about money be settled?
How do you approach giving to the fund?
What is your partners approach?
Is your Huquq up to date?
What plans do you have for regularly contributing the Right of God?
If there are differences in perspective on these two issues, how will they be reconciled?
Needs and Wants:
What are your top 5 priorities in life?
What are your partner's top 5 priorities?
What steps are you willing to take to meet these?
What steps are you willing to take so you partner can meet theirs?
What needs and wants do you have from a relationship?
Are they being met?
What are your partner's needs and wants?
What are you doing to help your partner get their needs met?
What habits and quirks does your partner have, which you find irritating?
What is in this relationship for your partner?
What is in it for you?
What opportunities do you want from the marriage, in terms of your own growth and development?
What opportunities will your partner want?
How will you help your partner accomplish their goals?
How do you want your partner to help with your goals?
What does "transformation" mean to you?
What are the areas you are working on, in your own transformation?
What areas is your partner working on?
How do you help each other with this process?
What religion are you?
What religion is your partner?
What role does religion play in your life? Your partners?
What is your relationship to God?
What does it mean to you, to be a Bahá'í?
What do these things mean to your partner?
What do you do to be of service?
How does your partner serve?
If you're a Baha'i, how important are the following activities to you and to your partner?
- Obedience to Baha'i laws in general
- Daily prayer and reading the Writings
- Teaching the Faith
- Making Home Visits
- Tutoring and attending Study Circles
- Hosting and attending devotional gatherings
- Hosting children's classes
- Hosting junior youth classes
- Active participation in Baha'i community life
- Attending feasts and Holy Day celebrations
- Participating on an Assembly
- Travel Teaching
- Pioneering
- Sacrificial giving to the Fund
- Paying the Right of God
Which of these things do you want to share together?
What role do I want religion to play in my partner's life?
How important is it that you share this aspect of your life together?
What kind of a ring do you want?
What kind of ring does your partner want to give you?
How much money should be spent on a ring?
How much can you afford?
Will you both have rings?
How will they be paid for?
How will differences of opinion be settled?
Role Models:
What did you learn about marriage from your parents?
How has this influenced you?
What will you to the same?
What will you do differently?
In what ways is your partner similar to your mother? To your father?
How do you feel about the similarities?
How is your partner different from your mother? Your father?
How do you feel about these differences?
How does your partner treat his father and mother?
How do you feel about the way they are treated?
How many sexual relationships has your partner had?
How many were unprotected?
Does your partner have any children?
What responsibilities does your partner have toward their children?
Does your partner have any sexually transmitted diseases?
What discussions have you had about the sexual aspect of your marriage?
Who will assume responsibility for birth control?
What form of birth control will you use?
What are your sexual preferences?
What are the sexual preferences of your partner?
How often do you like to have sex?
How often does your partner want it?
What limits have you set for a sexual relationship?
How has your partner responded to your limits?
How will these limits change once you are married?
What are you willing to do, sexually?
What are you unwilling to do?
Spending Time Together:
When there are no plans, what do you like to do?
When there are no plans, what does your partner like to do?
When there are no plans, what would you like to together?
What is your ideal "date"?
What is your partner's ideal date?
What kind of a wedding do you want?
What kind of wedding does your partner want?
Where do you want to have it?
Where does your partner want to have it?
How much money are you willing to spend on it?
How much money does your partner want to spend on it?
Where do you want to go for a honeymoon?
Where does your partner want to go?
How will differences of opinion be settled?
See Part 1: Consent to Marriage
How has this been helpful?
What other questions can you think of?
Post your comments here:


text:
THE POST-ELECTION government should preserve the reforms that have had a positive impact, economists agreed during a debate on Slovak Radio on June 24.
ING bank's Ján Tóth said the present economic situation is the best since 1993, when Slovakia became an independent state.
If the new government wants to increase social spending, it should seek resources to do so by improving the effectiveness of public spending and eliminating unnecessary subsidies. Tóth also said that additional taxation in the banking sector or reducing VAT rates, as election winner Smer has suggested, would be a step in the wrong direction.
President of the Association of Industry Slavomír Hatina said that both the flat rate tax and the current form of the Labour Code should be preserved.
He warned that creating exemptions in tax reform legislation would motivate the business community to seek loopholes in the law. The reintroduction of a tax on dividends would not have any tangible positive impact on state budget resources, he said.


text:
The recent stock market correction should serve as a wakeup call for complacent Forex Traders
Trading successfully can often be described as a complete life skill and there are sections in the poem of Rudyard Kipling which relate to certain aspects of our trading;
"If you can dream and not make dreams your master; if you can think and not make thoughts your aim; if you can meet with triumph and disaster and treat those two impostors just the same."
However, there's also a part of the poem that is the complete antithesis of how we'd recommend trading, in terms of risk management, being prepared to blow up your account isn't a strategy, its terminal to your prospects:
"If you can make one heap of all your winnings and risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss, and lose, and start again at your beginnings and never breathe a word about your loss;"
During the turmoil experienced last week, as USA equity markets slumped into correction (10%) territory, forex traders were spared the carnage, the currency pair movements were no greater than we'd experience most days like when a high impact news event misses or beats target, or if there's a major breaking political issue unfolding. Although our forex currency pairs range more than they trend, if we're day trading or scalping, then we can still make healthy profits from currency pairs that range in a daily trend of perhaps 0.5%. A 1% movement is unusual, but a movement that were used to, but it's difficult to place a precise measurement, regarding how often we experience, a 1%+ move on for example EUR/USD, maybe once a week, or once a fortnight.
During the equity market selloff we didn't experience the usual flight to what's termed "safe havens". Gold, silver, yen and Swiss franc, our forex markets were comparatively calm. The movements we witnessed were no different to that we'd experience most days. Perhaps as traders we're primed and ready for the currency pairs we trade to whipsaw and suddenly reverse direction, we see it so many times across the board. Our markets are highly sensitive to the continuous stream of fundamental economic calendar events and breaking political news, whereas for many years USA equity markets appeared to be impervious.
However, the equity market recent sell off should serve as a wakeup call and prevent us from becoming complacent, whilst we know we can profit from bullish and bearish markets, there have been times when currencies can also collapse, or spike in value. The most recent reference is the Swiss National bank, removing the Swiss franc from its loose peg versus the euro, causing a fall in EUR/CHF and USD/CHF of 15%+. A collapse so sudden that certain brokers were put out of business and many traders lost considerable sums, as they'd become complacent and forgotten the basics.
Some traders, having realized that forex pairs rarely move up or down by 1-2% in a day, neglected to place hard stops on their USD/CHF bets, they suffered catastrophic damage to their account balance. Some were fortunate to be stopped out as their available margin didn't cover the loss. Others had to suffer their account balance being set back to zero, whilst being faced with margin calls/demands from their brokers. For a short period of time the situation was a mess, particularly for those who neglected to maintain the discipline they'd embedded in their business plan.
It's important that we reflect on the recent correction and not deviate from the methods and strategies that have served us well, particularly in relation to risk and money management. Whilst our forex markets are in some ways predictable, there's always the outlier events that can impact on the most highly tested and robust strategy.
« Mario Draghi and the ECB may be facing problems trying to find a 'Goldilocks' value for the euro Reserve Bank of Australia kept the cash rate unchanged yesterday. EU response to Trumps' proposed tariffs would not promise well for market sentiment »


text:
Difference between revisions of "User:Phoenix/GSoc2013/Reports"
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** Modified the CSI sub-division routine. The sub-division should only stops when the curve is linear AND the surface is planar. Otherwise there might be problems with csx_overlap.
** Modified the CSI sub-division routine. The sub-division should only stops when the curve is linear AND the surface is planar. Otherwise there might be problems with csx_overlap.
** Continued to modify the surface-surface overlaps with the test case: extreme_ssi_test.g (added to source tree). The modification is not finished yet.
** Continued to modify the surface-surface overlaps with the test case: extreme_ssi_test.g (added to source tree). The modification is not finished yet.
= Test Results =
= Test Results =
Revision as of 08:05, 28 July 2013
Community bonding
- May 28
- Create the log page
- Things have done:
- Test program for SSI and a test geometry file
- Some improvement with SSI and API design
- June 3
- As I will have my final exams during the first week that coding begins, so I'd like to move some work ahead.
- Begin to add P/P, P/C and P/S support. Implement ON_PX_EVENT for reporting the intersections.
- TODO: Implement P/C, P/S and ON_PX_EVENT::IsValid().
- June 4
- Eliminate max_dis in the brep command for SSI.
- Extended the brep command to handle P/P, P/C, P/S, C/C and C/S.
- Modified the wiki page of the brep command.
- Fix the format of ON_PX_EVENT::Dump(). (Add "\n")
- June 7
- Try to add PS support using get_closest_point().
- Test the functionality of the PS function - it seems that there's a problem when try (0,0,5) on a sphere of radius 5 and centered at the origin (it should be an intersect, but get_closest_point() returns (0,0,-5) resulting in no intersections).
- June 12
- Calculate point-curve intersection using sub-division.
- Do some simple testing on PCI. It works.
Week 1
- June 17
- Coding period begins!
- Put the tolerance into consideration in the IsPointIn() test in PCI.
- Write a test program on sphere to test P/P, P/C and P/S.
It seems that get_closest_point() is not always robust. :( Maybe it's not a good choice for P/S.
- June 18
- Use macros to represent default tolerance and change it to 0.001 (the same as the default tolerance of curve/curve, curve/surface, surface/surface defined by openNURBS)
- Consider the input u_domain and v_domain for the result of point-surface intersection.
- June 19
- Busy with the course projects and preparing a final exam. Didn't have much time for BRL-CAD.
- June 20
- Found the problem causing get_closest_point() to fail
- get_closest_point() sometimes give us the 'farthest' point.
- => getClosestPointEstimate() didn't work.
- => The surface tree are not built correctly.
- => It seems that we inappropriately prepTrims when m_removeTrimmed is false, causing get_closest_point() to fail. Someone who wrote this code needs to check whether this change is correct.
- Use a smaller depth for PSI to improve performance.
- Found the problem causing get_closest_point() to fail
- June 21
- Added Newton-Raphson iteration in PCI to improve accuracy (using the one from subdivision and linear approximation as a starting point)
- After test, it can work with tolerance set to ON_ZERO_TOLERANCE!
- Added Newton-Raphson iteration in PCI to improve accuracy (using the one from subdivision and linear approximation as a starting point)
Week 2
- June 24
- The plane was delayed for a long time. It took almost the whole day to get to Beijing. :(
- Set removeTrimmed to false, otherwise the surface tree cannot be built correctly - since the last change raised a raytrace problem.
- June 25
- Began to implement curve-curve intersections.
- First using sub-division to find the intersecting bounding boxes.
- Then use Newton-Raphson iterations to get an accurate result.
- Finally check the validity of the solutions and check overlap.
- More tests and improvements are needed.
- Added the new CCI and CSI functions to brep_debug.cpp.
- Began to implement curve-curve intersections.
- June 26
- Improvements and bug fixing of curve-curve intersection
- Add tolerance value in the bounding box intersections.
- Check duplication before appending to the array x.
- In the Newton-Raphson iterations, if the inverse fails, we try another two directions.
- More work on the tolerance value to get a more accurate and correct result.
- Add a test program for curve-curve intersections.
- Improvements and bug fixing of curve-curve intersection
- June 27
- Continued improving curve-curve intersection
- Merge the overlap events that are continuous.
- Eliminate the intersection points that are inside the overlap events.
- Some special handling for linear curves.
- Add another test for overlaps.
- Continued improving curve-curve intersection
- June 28
- More work on CCI
- Assign values to m_a[1], m_A[1], etc. even if it's ccx_point event (according to openNURBS declarations in other/openNURBS/opennurbs_x.h)
- Fixed the wrong curve used in detecting overlaps.
- Added more comments to document the intersection approaches.
- Studied materials on curve-surface intersections and ready to get started.
- More work on CCI
Week 3
- July 1
- Began to implement curve-surface intersections
- Use sub-division and Newton-Raphson iterations.
- It's similar to curve-curve intersections.
- Began to implement curve-surface intersections
- July 2
- Added tests for curve-surface intersections.
- Improved curve-surface intersections
- Check the endpoints of the line segment when computing its intersection with a boundary plane.
- Consider NaN.
- Add fabs() when calculating the line_t.
- Fixed a typo in brep.c ("CS" for curve-surface rather than "PC").
- July 3
- Added another test for CSI (line & torus).
- Continued improving curve-surface intersections.
- Reused surface tree - avoid generating the surface tree again and again.
- Added some special splitting machanism for polylines.
- Comparing doubles cannot use minus directly.
- If the starting point is good enough, we don't need Newton iterations.
- When merging, m_b should be consistent with m_a.
- Values of 3D and 2D spaces should have different tolerances. And consider the 2D tolerance when merging.
- July 4
- Started to work on surface-surface intersections (TDD)
- Did some clean up to the original code.
- Split the two steps (intersecting bounding boxes and triangular approximation).
- Dealt with single points, and checked validity of the solutions.
- Using tests (csgbrep.g): brep sph.brep intersect tor.brep 0 0
- Started to work on surface-surface intersections (TDD)
- July 5
- Improve SSI
- Dealt with surface boundaries (using CSI).
- Some special handling for closed surfaces - added function closed_domain().
- Eliminated duplicated points using a naive approach.
- Improve SSI
Week 4
- July 8
- Continued SSI
- Fixed bugs of triangle intersections - wrong line_normal for B, floating point issues (== is not sufficient), coincident planes cases, and calculate the barycentric coordination with ON_Solve2x2() in case that the inversion fails.
- Calculate max_dis using the length of bounding box diagonal, in case that both volumes are zero.
- Modified brep_debug.cpp and test_ssi.cpp to deal with intersection points (use spheres to represent the points).
- Continued SSI
- July 9
- Uploaded some test images to this log with arb_intersect.g and csgbrep.g
- Use 2D intersection tolerance with the 2D distances.
- Linear fitting with the 2D intersection curves.
- July 10
- Perform Newton iterations to get more accurate surface-surface intersection points. (newton_ssi() in intersect.cpp)
- Fixed a bug in triangle intersections raised by points_on_line.
- More elegant SSI result display.
- Did more tests and uploaded result images. (A problem comes out with the tests, as described below)
- July 11
- Worked on fitting the curves that SSI generates.
- Used an independent function to work on curve fitting.
- Added more fitting machanisms.
- Arc fitting - use ON_Curve::IsArc(). But tests seems that it cannot work well. I'll figure out why this happens.
- Ellipse fitting - ON_Curve::IsEllipse() cannot work because it only calls IsArc() in it. And it can not figure out when the curve is an elliptical arc. So I first wanted to use least square fitting provided by http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/summary?doi=10.1.1.83.7803, but found that openNURBS provided us with ON_GetConicEquationThrough6Points() and ON_IsConicEquationAnEllipse() which are very useful and decided to use them. The code works well, and these functions are also very helpful in other conic fittings (hyperbola, parabola).
- Worked on fitting the curves that SSI generates.
- July 12
- Fixed a bug of fitting
- The original code cannot deal with elliptical arcs that cross the point where t=0 - Duplicate the ellipse curve to make its domain [0, 4*pi].
- Tests and fixing the SSI code.
- Use a plane and an elliptic parabolic surface (epa). See the images below.
- Use max_dis_u (v, s, t) seperately as the scale of their domains may differ a lot. Before this, the result is totally a mess, but after this it's much better.
- Eliminate unnecessary collinear points on the polyline curves.
- Remove the arc fitting code, because ON_PolylineCurve::IsArc() always returns false. The elliptical arc fitting code below will work for this.
- Fixed a bug of fitting
Week 5
- July 15
- Normalized the intersection curves (use domain [0, 1]), and checked tangent events.
- Checked domain parameters passed to ON_Intersect().
- Used seaming curves to handle intersecting intersection curves.
- If two curves have points whose distance is less than max_dis (also consider the 2D distances), and they originally don't intersect (use curve-curve intersections), we generated a seaming curve to 'link' them together. Sometimes the seaming curves can be merged if they are continuous to one of the old curves.
- July 16
- Read papers to get ideas to handle overlaps in surface-surface intersections.
- Discusses with other developers on the mailing list.
- Two approaches come to mind:
- If we assume the two surfaces are C-infinity, we can use the theorem 3 in paper http://libgen.org/scimag1/10.1016/S0010-4485%252896%252900099-1.pdf (Thanks to Bryan Bishop). This can be reduced to several curve-surface overlap problems (already implemented) because the overlap region is bounded by surface boundaries.
- Otherwise, we need to get points inside the overlap region (using surfA->NormalAt(u,v) and surfB->NormalAt(s,t)), and then find the boundary (merge the triangles using the points as vertexes). These approach doesn't require continuity, but is very slow (too many bounding boxes and intersection points) and may lack accuracy (we may not have points on the boundaries)
- July 17
- Some slight modifications to SSI (Commit 56091)
- Solved the under-determined system with Newton iterations using pseudo-inverse. (ON_Matrix::Invert()) can do this)
- Began working on overlaps:
- Bezier patches satisfy the theorem 3 mentioned above. Since the Bezier patches for a NURBS surface are always bounded at the knots, we actually don't need to generate the Bezier patches explicitly, and we can get the boundaries of them using IsoCurve() on knots.
- Get the 3D overlap boundary segments. (2D is working in process because CSI doesn't report a 2D curve on the surface)
- Some tests and bug fixing.
- July 18
- Generate a 2D curve on the surface for csx_overlap, so that we can have two 2D curves for ssx_overlap. (Debugged for a long time, because ~ON_CurveArray() will delete the curves)
- Linked the curves together to form a loop. (Continued to discuss about solutions of overlap cases with Cliff)
- Changed the direction of curves if necessary to satisfy the requirements of ON_SSX_EVENT. (For ssx_transverse events, the 3d curve direction agrees with SurfaceNormalB x SurfaceNormalA. For ssx_tangent events, the orientation is random. For ssx_overlap events, the overlap region should be to the LEFT of that *m_curveA*.)
- July 19
- Read a paper provided by Cliff regarding sub-surface intersections using quasi-interpolating control net. But unfortunately it doesn't provide much help. Continued to discuss about solutions to surface-surface overlaps on the mailing list.
- Recognized that there might be inner loops, so the original code only make sure that the left on the curve is the closed region, but not the overlap region if it's an inner loop. Used point-surface intersections to determined which side of the curve is actually the intersection.
Week 6
- July 22
- Eliminate the bounding boxes completely inside the overlap region, and intersection points inside the overlaps.
- Determine inner loops and outer loops of the overlap region.
- Pass trees to the point-surface intersections to avoid repeatedly generate the surface trees.
- Test whether the overlap curve is an inner segment by testing whether the two sides of it are shared or not.
- July 23
- Posted my progress on the mailing list.
- Coding part:
- Dealt with closed domains for the overlap curve segments.
- Fixed the return values of ON_Intersect()s when x may not be empty initially.
- Normalized the curves for ssx_overlap.
- Some code clean up and added some comment to document the new features.
- Tested the overlaps and uploaded images to this log.
- July 24
- Handled degenerated cases (the curve is degenerated to a point) for C/C and C/S intersections.
- Fixed two bugs of SSI
- A variable (knots) is deleted before where it's used.
- Set the pointer to NULL after it's deleted otherwise Split() will failed if the pointer is passed in.
- Tested on the an extreme geometry provided by Cliff, and figured out what I should do next for the overlap case of SSI.
- July 25
- Fix a bug in linking overlap segments (the index should start from 0)
- Use surface normals to help determine overlaps. The normals of the two surfaces should be parallel.
- Modified the CSI sub-division routine. The sub-division should only stops when the curve is linear AND the surface is planar. Otherwise there might be problems with csx_overlap.
- Continued to modify the surface-surface overlaps with the test case: extreme_ssi_test.g (added to source tree). The modification is not finished yet.
- July 26
- Improved SSI with the extreme test case.
- Used a struct to represent the overlap segments. Split the curves with the intersection points (with other curves), so that we can get closed regions.
- Fixed a bug that cause sub_curve() to crash.
- Improved SSI with the extreme test case.
Week 7
- July 28
- Removed debug messages.
- Uploaded test result (2D intersection curves) of extreme_ssi_test.g.
Test Results
- src/librt/tests/arb_intersect.g
- csgbrep.g
- Intersection of two rcc's (They both have a bottom face that overlaps with each other, and the intersection curve of their side faces is a circle displayed in green.)
- We translate and rotate the blue rcc, and intersect again its side face with the red one's side face, and get a 3D intersection curve. (Displayed in green)
- This time, their bottom are in the same plane, but only partly overlapped. The intersection of their side faces should be two points (If you look at the image below carefully, you can see a green point in the intersection).
- The below intersection has been described in paper http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/0010448596000139. At a glance, the intersections look perfect (The left are 3D intersections and the right are 2D parametric ones.) But if you zoom the view, you can see some difference (The third image)
- This problem raised because the two intersection curves intersect with each other, but according to our fitting mechanism, one intersection point can only belong to ONE curve, and points can not be duplicated. So you can see that the two curves are actually separated when zoomed. How to solve this problem? I'm still struggling to find a solution. Hope anyone who see this log can share your ideas. :)
- Some work on July 15 (using seaming segments) is to solve this problem.
- An elliptic parabolic surface (epa side face) and a plane.
- The left image is the result before we use separate max_dis_u (v, s and t). The right image is the result after we fix this. The problem raises because the domain of the two parameters differ a lot (one is [0, 6.28] and the other is [0, 2000]). For example, two points (0, 0) and (6.28, 1) should not be neighbors, of course, but in the global scale majorly determined by the large domain [0, 2000], they become neighbors and the result is totally messy.
- The below are 2D parametric curves. The left is the projection on the plane surface (it's a parabola) and the right is the projection on the parabolic surface (it's some line segments).
- Test ssx_overlap on planes (src/librt/tests/arb_intersect.g).
Original development timeline
- - June 17 (~4 weeks)
- Study the papers on this topic
- Discuss with other developers
- Some code clean up in the current SSI routine
- Write a test program to test SSI
- June 17 - June 23 (1 week)
- Lower dimension intersections
- With the support of openNURBS
- Tests and documentations
- Lower dimension intersections
- June 24 - July 7 (2 weeks)
- Intersections regarding curves
- Subdivision - curve trees, surface trees
- Tests and documentations
- Intersections regarding curves
- July 7 - Aug. 4 (4 weeks)
- TDD on SSI
- Test the SSI
- Find the problems
- Fix the bugs
- Find more bugs and fix them
- Degenerated cases
- Try to get the code faster
- Fit the curve to a lower order if possible
- Documentations
- Comment in code
- Write some extra document on SSI (algorithms, problems, TODOs...)
- Mid-term evaluation in July 29 - Aug. 2
- TDD on SSI
- Aug. 5 - Aug. 18 (2 weeks)
- Finish the surface partitioning
- Polygon partitioning
- Curve-curve intersection
- Tests
- Trims may intersect
- Finish the surface partitioning
- Aug. 19 - Aug. 25 (1 week)
- Add connectivity graph support
- Generate connectivity graphs for objects
- Design proper data structures for the graph
- Add connectivity graph support
- Aug. 26 - Sept. 1 (1 week)
- Inside-outside tests
- Curve-surface intersection
- BFS of the graph to determine inside/outside
- Inside-outside tests
- Sept. 2 - Sept. 8 (1 week)
- Generate valid ON_Brep objects
- Read code in IsValid() functions
- Add elements (trim, edge, etc.)
- Try to pass the validation
- Extend the brep command in MGED
- Generate valid ON_Brep objects
- Sept. 9 - Sept. 15
- Robustness Issues
- Deal with the degenerated cases
- All 3 steps should be modified
- Tests
- Fix bugs
- Improve performance
- Robustness Issues
- Sept. 16 - Sept. 22 (1 week)
- Pencils down
- Code clean up
- Documentation (wiki pages)
- Pencils down
- Sept. 23 - Sept. 27 (1 week)
- Final evaluation
- Submit code to Google


text:
Leigton Cuts profit forcast
AUSTRALIA'S biggest construction company, Leighton Holdings (ASX:LEI), has cut its profit forecast by 10 per cent after slashing the value of toll-road and infrastructure investments. Leighton shares fell more sharply than they had in more than a month, down 8.5 per cent to $22.26, after the group announced that after-tax profit was down 41 per cent for the first nine months of the financial year.The company said full-year profit would be about $430 million, compared with its February forecast of $480 million. Last year's profit was $607.9 million.
Keep in mind here that this is a construction company and they are going to be benefitted big by the budget. they are also looking at investing overseas. Further evidence this was "fear" forcing the sells is that analysts believe that "Leighton are a very well-managed company … given the fact that they've put on about $10 since the start of May, this isn't too bad. It wouldn't surprise me if we see this stock bounce back over the next couple of weeks."Opis Capital analyst Dean Fergie said Leighton was in a comfortable debt position and it was partly the "nature of the macro-economic environment" that these asset prices were slipping.
Worthwhile looking into as an investment.


text:
Like many great campaigns, the idea of this one is simple. With 38% of children in
living in poverty, most live in homes
that don't even have one book. There is clear research on the fact that owning
and reading books makes a huge difference in a child's future. Through
this campaign, Dallas United Way
will get 10,000 books into the hands of these children. You give $5, and a
child gets her first book; pretty simple. Now, keep that number in mind,
Why did this campaign hit such a personal chord with me? Allow me to explain. I am named for my grandfather, the longest serving rabbi of Tree of Life Congregation in
, and one of that great city's prominent
civic leaders in his day. Though I never met him, I have spoken to some of his
congregants, who fondly remember him to this day, as a great scholar and
teacher. He was born in the Columbia, South
Carolina ,
and at the age of two arrived with his parents and older siblings on these
shores. They settled in the Ukraine Boston area, he
eventually attended , and then
became a rabbi. Harvard
|Tree of Life Congregation's former building, now a
When he was hired by Tree of Life in 1950, the congregation's board members were struck by the number of times he stressed how imperative it was that they cover ALL of his moving costs from
where he had been serving another congregation since 1945. Once they had
moved all of the family's belongings, they discovered WHY he had been so
insistent. My grandfather owned one of the largest privately held Judaica
libraries in the American South. The move put the congregation's bank account,
literally, into the red. Virginia
How many books did my grandfather have? Well, remember that number I asked you to keep in mind. Strange to relate, but by the time he died in 1970, he had... 10,000 books. Upon his death, my father and my uncle donated 70% to the
, and split the rest. Both men then
proceeded to add many more books to their respective collections in the 46
years since. University of South
I remember growing up in a house full of books, and taking this for granted. I just assumed every house had numerous bookcases in every room, their backs bursting, as they groaned at the weight of the many tomes. I couldn't imagine it otherwise. There were old books and new books, fiction and (mainly) non-fiction. As a child I was most impressed by the old ones. Standing tall were the gigantic musty volumes of the classic 19th Century edition of the Talmud. Beside the TV, was an English Bible from 1712. Behind other books, safely tucked away and carefully wrapped in brown paper, was a Latin book on grammar from 1676 or 1616. (The third digit was unclear.)
My grandfather's plaque at Tree of Life
It was clear, without being ever said so explicitly, that books were the lifeblood of our family and our people. Books were the vehicle, through which of all the peoples of antiquity in the West, we alone had survived. Wherever we went we took them with us, from the Promised Land to the diaspora, through all of our travels, and eventually to this land of promise, which Eastern European Jews, like many other immigrants, believed had streets paved with gold. My grandfather carried on this heritage, wherever life took him, as did his sons. We were the People of the Book. He was a man of 10,000 books. How could it be any other way?
This is why I have given to this campaign. This is why I take this campaign personally. I am named for a man I never knew, who carried our heritage to these shores, and became a man of 10,000 books. The least I can do is put what might be the first book, hopefully of many, in the small hands of one of 10,000.


text:
New Zealand to pull off surprise victory : India vs NZ Live
India vs NZ Live : New Zealand will face it's biggest test when they take on the strong Indian team. Team Blue, after defeating two heavyweights of ODI cricket South Africa and Australia is looking well-balanced all-round team. Perhaps, the best team of the tournament now, India will look to snowball the momentum against strong Kiwis and then take it against Pakistan in Manchester on super Sunday. New Zealand after three wins will want to prove itself against big daddy while making a step ahead on the road to the semi-final.
India would have been favourite as it's cards were slowly beginning to play its role but was dealt with a big jolt as Shikhar Dhawan is ruled out of next two big matches against Kiwis and Pakistan.
So New Zealand will no doubt fancy their chances more than before thanks to Dhawan's exclusion.
Head to head World Cup Matches
The history is in favour of the Black Caps as in seven matches, India has won three while in rest Kiwis have come out victorious.
Weather and Venue
The fickle English weather after three washouts is likely to play spoilsport again with rain forecasted until lunch. India's practice session till date has been called off while New Zealand has practiced indoor with a tennis ball to counter India's fast bowling.
Trent Bridge ground has a history of the highest score being belted a year back when England scored 481-6 bettering 444-3 set in 2016. However, West Indies have shown there is something in it for bowlers as they rattled top order of Pakistan, Australia with short bowling. So if cloud covers are still hovering , the team that wins the toss will bowl first while if the sky becomes clear as they did during India-Australia clash which promised rain, then team winning flip of the coin will bat first. In three matches of the tournament, the side that has hit first has won twice while Windies chasing paltry 105 won once. So win the toss bat first and put runs on the board seems to be the mantra on this ground.
Men to watch out
For India, in the absence of Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli will be looking to take the onus upon himself to get a big score, and his record against Kiwis is excellent having scored 1302 runs with five centuries at an average of 68. MS Dhoni against has a good record against Kiwis scoring 879 runs in 25 innings with seven not outs at average close to 50. With the ball Jasprit Bumrah will be weapon of mass destruction,whatever be nature of the pitch, he has shown excellence with his performance on varying surfaces across India, UAE, England, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa in last two years.
For New Zealand
India will have to be wary of Trent Boult. He has bowled well without much luck. Furthermore, things could fall in place against India. The no.2 bowler holds excellent record against India having taken 22 wickets in 12 matches with an economy rate under five. Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul will have to be cautious at the start. He could destroy the core of Indian batting if pitch offers anything. While Ross Taylor and Kane Williamson will look to build the innings, the threat of Tom Lathan at no.5 cannot be ignored. After taking spot in the middle order, he went on to score a century against India (103*) and in doing so showed his craft in handling spin-duo.
Predict the winner of the match and win cash prizes.
Unknown threat
Mitch Santner could be the most underrated bowler heading into the game tomorrow. But his figures against the two big dogs of Indian Cricket showcase him as the biggest threat along with Trent Boult in the bowling department. To Virat Kohli, Mitch has bowled 186 deliveries giving away just 31 runs while outfoxing him once. Even MS Dhoni has not been able to free his arms against the young spinner as in 95 deliveries he scored 54. Though Rohit fares better as compared to both, with 53 runs off 62 balls faced but Santner has also got better of Rohit twice. It's just not the ball (economy of 4.87), but with bat and in the field as well Santner is a significant asset. So watch out for him. If India keeps Santner under control, India has won half the battle.
Best fielders of both sides
On the field, New Zealand has always fielded well. They are an athletic unit with most of the players having experience of playing in multiple sports such as soccer, rugby, to name a few. Watch out for Martin Guptill; he has taken excellent catches in the past and affected several run outs, out of nowhere for the opposition. While for Men in Blue, with the inclusion of KL Rahul at number four, has looked better infield than against Australia in bilateral series. We saw KL Rahul save close to 10-15 runs on the boundary line against Australia while Hardik Pandya inclusion was much awaited. With Ravindra Jadeja / Vijay Shankar inclusion, the team on the field will be more agile.
Changes in Indian lineup
India could include Vijay Shankar at the number four who scored 45 at Wellington against firing Kiwi bowling unit in the bilateral series and also scored the match-winning 28 balls 43 in the second T-20 ODI against Kiwis a few months back while KL Rahul opens the innings along with Rohit Sharma.
Likely match scenario
If India posts anything above 340 batting first, it will be impossible for New Zealand to get that score. With Kuldeep Yadav returning to his happy hunting ground he would have fond memories of taking 6-25. If Kiwis gets a good start, then Kuldeep comes into the equation with batsman trying to take risk against Yadav whereas if the batsman is looking to rebuild or nudge balls in the gap Chahal should be the strike spinner.
Final verdict
India looks strong on paper, but Kiwis will believe they can do it with overcast conditions by penetrating through the Indian top order. Thus, India vs NZ live will be match to watch out for.
Read: Can New Zealand defeat India?
Title: New Zealand to pull off surprise victory : India vs NZ Live


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[Fat up-cycling]could potentially interfere with breast cancer detection; however no evidence was found that strongly suggests this interference.
No evidence STRONGLY suggests that putting your ass fat into your boobs could hinder doctors from detecting breast cancer!!
Now, the downside to this extremely natural procedure is that, unlike silicone, you can lose fat. So, if, for example, you start working out, your boobs might go away.
But come on. Who wants to work out anyway? Exercise is so un-eco.
So, do it for you. Do it for your husband. Do it for planet. Hell, do it for Al Gore.
Because you know what they say. Recycling your Brita filter is so last decade. This year, all the cool greenies are recycling their fat.


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Let\'s say you\'re a rich car collector, with automobiles like the Bentley Continental GT, Lamborghini Gallardo, Audi R8, and Ferrari 458 Italia in your garage, just to name a few. What if you knew that a Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG--owned by the country\'s exclusive Mercedes-Benz distributor and which has seen its share of high-speed action during exclusive track events--was for sale for the right price? In other words, the car\'s 6.3-liter V8 engine and seven-speed dual-clutch transmission have been through a lot and may have probably even reached the car\'s top speed a few times. Would you still buy it? How about if it bore the autographs of two ex-race car drivers named Mika Hakkinen and David Coulthard?
Apparently, that\'s what Willie Revillame just did, judging by the photos posted in the Facebook account of one of his associates, as confirmed by TopGear.com.ph through another associate of the TV host and comedian.
The particular SLS AMG (plate number SLS-63) is very familiar to the motoring media because it has been consistently present in every Mercedes-Benz driving event ever since CATS Motors acquired it in July 2010. As a matter of fact, it was present at the Mercedes-Benz Driving Experience hosted by CATS Motors and held at the Subic Bay International Airport in April. We were also there when Coulthard signed it at the local launch of his namesake watch by TW Steel in September 2011, and when Hakkinen autographed it during his Philippine tour as Johnnie Walker\'s Responsible Drinking Ambassador in November 2011.
With CATS Motors refusing to give even a ballpark figure for the price of the SLS AMG, how much do you think Revillame paid for the car? Do the autographs of Hakkinen and Coulthard add value to a three-year-old supercar?


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Vertical and Horizontal Relationships
We are meant for a vertical relationship with our Heavenly Father but we are also meant for horizontal relationships with one another.
Those who are in Christ Jesus, are sometimes called, "the Body" or "the Body of Christ."
- What happens when a part of the body is unresponsive to the rest of it?
- Is it isolated?
- Does it serve a meaningful purpose?
- Or is it cut off?
Self-protection is no protection at all. It is no way to live a life.
We are built for community. We are built to love one another in such a manner that those who do not know Christ Jesus realize there is an authentic difference in the way we treat one another. They crave it and it leads them back to the Source. They find the Vine that is feeding the branches.
The Vine is Christ Jesus and through Him we are alive. In Him we flourish and grow. Without Him we wither and die.
We are utterly reliant on the Vine. Through the Vine we are connected. Through the Vine we are brought into the same family regardless of ethnicity, cultural background or socioeconomic status. We have been grafted in and discover that in Christ Jesus we have a common bond.
- So, what is the price of isolation?
- What is the price of self-protection?
- Which is valued, the self-made men and women we hope to live up to or the God made men and women that we are?
Life in Christ is not a system of sin management. It is not a list of "do's" and "don'ts."
It is receiving His love and allowing it to do its work in and through us. His life blood will naturally produce fruits through our branches. Again, the Vine feeds the branches and without Him, no matter how much self-effort we put forth, we will wither and die. Yet with no effort of our own, through the Vine we LIVE.
Who among us has anything to boast about except the Vine that feeds us and thus brings us life?
~ Mitch Salmon
Mitch Salmon is the founder of Fisher of Men Productions and a follower of Jesus Christ and proclaimer of the Good News – The Gospel of Christ Jesus!


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Bruce Campbell--star of the Evil Dead trilogy--sat down with HIGH TIMES senior editor Bobby Black to discuss his upcoming series Ash vs. Evil Dead and weigh in on topics like joints vs. bongs and indicas vs. sativas. For his efforts, he was awarded a special, smokable "boomstick" courtesy of HIGH TIMES magazine.
Don't miss Ash vs. Evil Dead, which premieres on Starz on October 31.
Source: High Times


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Undergraduate students all share certain general requirements for earning and receiving the baccalaureate degree (B.A., B.Mus., B.S., B.S. Bus. Admin, B.S.E., and B.S.N.). These include all of the following:
Commencement convocation is two times a year, at the close of the fall and spring semesters. All work taken toward a degree must be completed in full before a student can participate in commencement ceremonies. Likewise, the awarding of a diploma is dependent on clearance by a variety of university offices and services, such as Residential Life, Student Accounts, and Ryan Library. Degrees are posted in the semester of final registration and/or completion of final requirements.
Students may petition to participate in the Spring or Winter Commencement convocation and complete their final requirements in the subsequent Summer or Spring semester respectively. In order to do so, students may have no more than nine (9) units remaining to be completed in the subsequent semester. A completed Application for Graduation for the Spring or Winter Commencement must be filed with the Office of Records along with an action plan/petition that is a binding contract of the work to be completed by the end of the next semester. Approval by the Vice Provost for Academic Administration and fee payment constitute final approval.
All students eligible for graduation are charged a fee. This fee is applied to the student's account and is non-refundable.The fee is charged regardless of whether the student participates in the commencement ceremonies or is not currently studying in residence. Students who find it necessary to file an application for graduation in the term beyond commencement participation must pay an additional special fee. This fee is refundable only if all requirements are met satisfactorily by the conclusion of the summer (for May Commencement) or the spring (for December Commencement) and all official documentation is filed no later than October 1 for students completing in the summer and July 1 for students completing in spring, according to the application agreement as approved by the Vice Provost for Academic Administration.
In order to receive final approval for participation in commencement activities, and/or in order to earn/have posted and receive a baccalaureate degree, students must resolve any outstanding charges of fees or misconduct. The university does not guarantee the awarding of a diploma or degree.
The requirements for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.) degree are the same as for the other baccalaureate degrees except that no foreign language is required and students may choose between a second literature course or a philosophy course. A larger concentration of work is required in the Nursing major.
A second baccalaureate degree may be earned at Point Loma Nazarene University. After applying for re-admission, a minimum of 32 units must be completed. Twenty-four of these units must be taken at the 3000 level or above. A minimum of 24 units must be earned in the new major, with no duplication of units from a previous major. Twenty-four units must be taken in residence at PLNU. All Foundational Explorations (if different from first degree), the additional major, and specific academic major requirements for the second degree must be met. Candidates for a second degree are eligible for honors at graduation and for the Dean's List but not for a repetition of membership in Phi Delta Lambda. The second baccalaureate degree is distinguished from multiple majors within a first degree.
Honoris Causa. The university occasionally grants honorary degrees to worthy recipients, as recommended by the President to the Board of Trustees.
Graduation with Latin Honors. The university recognizes academic excellence with the following honors designation based exclusively on the residential grade-point average (GPA earned in residence at PLNU):
Honors, designated on diplomas, require a minimum of 36 residential units after all course work has been completed for the degree. To be considered for honors a student also must have a cumulative minimum grade-point average of 3.500, including all transfer work. Grades earned through OGS-designated affiliate or non-OGS programs are neutral and, as such, not included in this calculation. Grades earned through OGS-designated partner programs are included in PLNU GPA calculation (students should confirm affiliate and partner school designations with the Study Abroad Office).
The university announces ceremonial (unofficial) honors during the commencement ceremony using these calculations based on the GPAs and a minimum of 36 residential units earned by the conclusion of the preceding semester. Official honors are calculated and posted with the degree.
Special recognition is given to successful scholars during commencement ceremonies, on diplomas, and official transcripts of record. Criteria, qualifications, and procedures for graduating with this distinction are available in the Wesleyan Center. See "Honors Scholars Program " in this Catalog.
Special recognition is also given to students who successfully complete all coursework in PLNU's Humanities Honors Program with a 3.500 cumulative GPA. Students will receive this recognition during commencement ceremonies and on official transcripts of record. See "Humanities Honors Program " for program and course requirements.


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Tom And Jerry Gold Miner 2
You are in :More Tom and Jerry
One more Tom and Jerry gold miner game! This sequel is a very interesting one because you can play in pairs. One gamer is Tom and the other is Jerry. Now, you both have one goal to fulfill but this time it is twice as easy because there is the two of you. Or is it?! make sure you are catching different objects or you will lose precious time and won't make it to the next level. Show that team spirit and beat the game. Catch enough gold before the time runs out and go home a lot richer then you were before you started!
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Who do you like more? Tom or Jerry?CLICK HERE TO VOTE
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For help locating resources, using the library, or to request a research consultation, try our Ask Us service.
Tri-Agency Open Access Requirements
The Tri-Agency Open Access Policy on Publications requires grant recipients awarded funding wholly or in part by CIHR*, NSERC and SSHRC after May 1, 2015 to make their peer-reviewed journal publications freely accessible online within 12 months of publication.
How To Comply
- Route A
free deposit of their final, peer reviewed accepted author manuscript to QSpace, Queen's Research Repository (Green Route) or a subject repository of choice.
- Route B
pay-to-publish in a journal that offers immediate open access often upon payment of article processing charges (Gold Route).
Also: acknowledge the source of funding that supported the research in all peer-reviewed publications, quoting the funder and funding reference number.
Compliance Quick Guides
*CIHR require grant recipients awarded January 1, 2008 and onward to deposit both their journal publications and research data in an established archive or repository. See: Research Data Management
Other research outputs (for example conference proceedings, books, chapters or creative writing) are excluded from the new policy requirements. See also: A Joint Statement issued by the Vice-Principal (Research) & Vice Provost and University Librarian, on the Tri-Agency Policy. March 3rd 2015.


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Certificate of authenticity
- Designed & created by
- Métier by Tomfoolery
- Issue date
- 29 September 2022
- Location
- London
Digital certificate
All jewellery pieces sold or appraised by Finematter have a digital certificate of authenticity.
Besides proof of ownership, it verifies the quality of your piece, including designer, metal, and gemstones.
If you are buying this as a gift, it can be transferred to give the receiver direct access to the warranty, aftercare services, and more.
Expert digest
A pop of colour set between two diamonds, a really easy stud to layer with other earrings.
Miranda Williams, Finematter
Brand Recognition
Delicate and finely made, this is the new stacking brand to know. We love the classic white diamonds, but will be mixing it up with combinations of gemstones like emeralds and sapphires.
Product details
Yellow gold
A precious and highly durable metal which comes in different golden hues depending on its purity.
9 kt
37.5% gold content, the coolest of gold shades. Highly durable and a good value choice.
Made of a single precious metal, this piece will never oxidise or discolour and will keep its looks for generations.
The surface has been polished to give it a bright shine. It can always be repolished to regain its shine after wear.
1 × Sapphire
1 × Emerald
1 × Ruby
1 × Diamond
0.02 carat
The unit of weight for diamonds, equivalent to 0.2 grams, or about 6.4mm in diameter (slightly smaller than a regular pencil-end eraser)
1 × Black diamond
Size and fit
Studs earring
Single piece
Sold as
Métier by Tomfoolery
Fine jewellery line made of 9 karat gold designed to be self-styled
Delicate and finely made, this is the new stacking brand to know. We love the classic white diamonds, but will be mixing it up with combinations of gemstones like emeralds and sapphires.
2nd generation jeweler
Known for easy everyday pieces
Great for curating your own earring stacks


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Climate plan may hinder EPA pick
If Gina McCarthy didn't already have a target on her back, she does now.
The president's high-profile climate change speech Tuesday — which will include a directive to the EPA to get moving on climate change regulations — only intensifies the already-complicated politics surrounding her confirmation to become EPA administrator.
"It absolutely paints a bigger target on her back," one oil industry lobbyist told POLITICO. "It was 50-50 she was getting across the finish line without Tuesday's speech. My read now is that the White House is willing to kiss her goodbye with this upcoming announcement. What political harm would accrue to a coal state senator putting a permanent hold on her?"
McCarthy's nomination has been in limbo for more than a month amid intense Republican opposition and GOP questions about EPA transparency. Sen. Roy Blunt (R-Mo.) has placed a standing hold on her nomination and some have raised concerns that Democrats are in danger of failing to garner the 60 votes necessary to overcome a filibuster.
And that was the political reality before the White House announced plans for Obama's climate speech.
Now, Republicans are in attack mode over the second-term climate plan.
House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) said the president's climate change push is "absolutely crazy." And a Senate GOP aide said Sunday, "It's beyond surprising that the President will try to do something through executive action that he knows a bipartisan majority in Congress does not support. This is another example of a liberal President who can't get his way going around Congress (and the people they represent) to attempt to enact his liberal utopia."
All eyes are on Senate leaders, who are trying to map out a path forward for the nomination.
"Certainly many Republicans will complain about the President's proposal, but Gina McCarthy's confirmation is more likely to be decided by the negotiations on all the pending stalled nominations, such as Tom Perez to head the Labor Department," said Daniel Weiss, senior fellow and director of climate strategy at the Center for American Progress. "The reality is the votes for cloture on McCarthy are going to be very tough, regardless of what Obama says."
Obama's decision to double-down on climate change regulations puts more pressure on Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, who must decide whether to play ball with Reid over the nomination. McConnell, who is up for reelection next year, faces deep resistance to climate regulations in his home state of Kentucky, a coal state that would be hit hard by the rules.
One of the other big questions hanging over the nomination is whether Reid is willing to employ the "nuclear option," a move that would change Senate rules to ensure that nominations like McCarthy's can't be blocked by a filibuster with a 60-vote threshold.
Still, some Democrats say they aren't worried.
A senior Democratic strategist said McCarthy's nomination shouldn't be affected by the climate speech, noting there is majority support for it and "multiple paths" to getting the 60 needed to overcome a filibuster. That includes GOP senators that traditionally do not oppose filing for cloture on a nomination even if they don't end up voting for the nominee in the end. And there are several Republicans that also know and like McCarthy personally.
"It's hard for me to even in all honesty say that they should have waited on this," the strategist said regarding the timing of Obama's announcement. "I really don't think it's going to really change any votes at the end of the day."
Indeed, some Republicans closely following the nomination have said they expect McCarthy's nomination to ultimately get through the Senate, but they say the president's focus on climate change will only heighten tensions among Republicans and Democrats.
"In no way is this going to help Gina McCarthy," said Michael McKenna, a GOP energy strategist. "I doubt very much the president's speech is going to do anything but exacerbate the problem."
McCarthy, who currently heads EPA's air office, has been telling members of Congress for months that the EPA is not working on climate change regulations for existing power plants.
"The agency is not currently developing any existing source GHG regulations for power plants," McCarthy wrote to Republicans on the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee ahead of a vote on her nomination last month.
Senate Republicans are waiting to see how detailed Obama's strategy is regarding EPA controls of existing power plants to gauge whether they can make the argument that McCarthy either misled them or is out of the loop and would be a mere figurehead at EPA with the White House pulling all the strings. At the very least, they may use it to plug into Sen. David Vitter's campaign against what he and other Republicans on his panel have charged is a lack of transparency at EPA.
The president's decision to refocus on climate change sends a message to Republican members of Congress that their opposition to climate regulations and McCarthy's nomination isn't going to stand in the way of administrative action.
"This makes clear that the president is moving ahead no matter what," said Tiernan Sittenfeld, senior vice president of government affairs at the League of Conservation Voters. "You could argue that they would decide to stop obstructing because it's clear that this is happening one way or another. It's really fantastic that President Obama is moving ahead regardless of Republican obstruction."
Darren Goode contributed to this story.


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UL's retail partners help spread the Ragin' Cajun spirit across Acadiana.
It's tough to walk into a local retail outlet these days and not see an assortment of UL Lafayette merchandise. With 34 shops signed on as retail partners, not to mention 30 more establishments offering Ragin' Cajuns Strong Championship Blend coffee or Ragin' Cajun Wines, fans don't have to travel far to support their home team.
For apparel and sporting gear, outlets like Academy, Bengals & Bandits, Hibbett Sports, Lipari Sporting Goods and Specialties, and Bell's Sporting Goods have a nice assortment. Ken Siebold at Bell's says partnering with UL is just good for business. "The merchandise draws a strong alumni base and also allows us to give back, because a percentage of what we sell funnels back to the university," he says. With a collection of men's, women's and youth shirts, outerwear and caps, Bell's has become a go-to place for Cajuns apparel.
Over the summer, Brother's on the Boulevard began offering the Ragin' Cajun Southern Marsh line of branded items from the clothing company that reflects the culture, people and style of the South. UL Ragin' Cajuns Southern Marsh attire at Brother's includes tattersall, check and gingham dress shirts, along with caps, printed with the logo. Brother's also has an entire "Sports Center" shop within the store and online that offers Ragin' Cajun branded and appropriately colored jackets, half-zips and t-shirts for both men and women from a number of producers.
"UL's been our best seller for two years and not just because they're winning," says Brother Abdalla. "It's because they're our home team."
While small businesses and local retailers have been quick to support UL, national chains like Albertson's, Walgreens, JCPenney, Target, Wal-Mart and Winn Dixie also carry officially licensed merchandise. View the complete list of retailers at http://ocm.louisiana.edu/retailers.


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If you're like me, you have cables and chargers coming out of the wazoo.
Between the computers, cameras, iPods, iPhones, Kindles, so on and on, we have a lot of cords, cables and chargers. That is, a lot of cords that look exactly the same and tangle into a big electronic ratsnest.
But not anymore!
Enter: The Tech Basket
I chose to store all our tech equipment in a pretty, unused picnic basket. It looks nice on the shelf, plus, the lift-top provide easy access. You, of course, can put them in whatever container that you choose.
To organize my equipment I needed two things:
1. A box of Ziploc freezer bags
2. Binder clips of various sizes
I keep all the manuals (which I never read) and installation CDs in one bag to keep everything together. The lid of my basket had a nifty plastic plates holder on the lid that I tucked mine into.
First, to keep all the cords from tangling I wrap them up together and clip them together with a big binder clip.
I love these black binder clips because they are sturdy, and clip on/off so easily! Much better than wrapping with a rubber band or knoting the cord.
Then I group together the "stuff" by which "thing" it belongs to.
For example, this is all my SLR equipment – chargers, TV hookup cables, lens covers, etc.
I like to use Ziploc Freezer bags because they are tougher and also have a nice label-box.
I threw some other tech equipment in the basket too – my external hard drive, re-chargable batteries and some extra headphones.
It's nice to have everything in one place, and finding the right cord that I need is so much faster/easier now.
Hopefully I'll post on a few Christmas projects soon… I've been far too busy watching Hallmark movies and drinking cocoa to muster up the effort to take pictures. : ) Soon enough friends!


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Just a few days more and the 2016 election will finally be a memory or would it be more like a nightmare? Regardless of who wins, the aftermath will be … interesting. And the end can't come soon enough. The staggering level of election fatigue experienced by Americans is unprecedented.
Back in July a Pew survey reported that people were already suffering from election coverage fatigue. It showed, unquestionable evidence that people are just tired of it all – and that was four months ago. Today, it's much worse. This column is even an example of a sort of election coverage, so even if the content is not focused directly on the campaign, it's probably related in some fashion.
So the question is, what will it be like in the days immediately following November 8? Sadly, it's not going to be that much different. Sure, the campaign ads will be gone but the news coverage and social media barrage is certain to continue. Sore losers, gloating winners and conspiracy mongers proclaiming a rigged system will hammer the media with discourse – again.
Having some kind of melt down at the other side of the election isn't going to help anyone. It's going to play out however it does and everyone's going to have to live with the result, like it or not.
The real trick is going to be recovering from all of this and just letting the aftermath roll off somehow. Suddenly the words to that nauseatingly repetitive Disney song waft through the air, "let it go, let it go." And that's exactly what people need to try to do.
For those suffering from election overload, it might not be so easy. So here's some advice on how to deal with that post-election meltdown. First, and yes, it must be said again, let it go.
Next, avoid the media for a bit. Taking a break from the hype will really help. People seemed to be trying to do this during the campaign but that proved more difficult than initially thought. Of course, that includes steering clear of social media for a few days as well particularly Facebook and Twitter.
Calming, more relaxing activities are always a good idea when stress has taken over. Consider an autumn hike, long bike ride or just get outdoors in whatever manner possible but leave the smart phone behind.
Reconnecting with family and friends would help as well, particularly if there's been animosity from the election. This campaign has torn holes in relationships of all types and, if possible, people should try to mend those rifts. Keep in mind, avoiding any discussions of politics is probably the best idea here as well.
It might not be easy, however. Where politics is concerned, people can be driven by deep, emotional convictions. It might not be easy to push past ideological differences to regain a previous relationship condition. It's worth the try, though, if everyone is willing.
In the end, nothing about any election, particularly this one, is worth losing family and friends. So make the effort to mend fences if possible.
There is also the matter of personal stress and worry. The 2016 campaign has revealed one thing about the country: Americans are frightened for the future – no matter who is in the Oval Office. There is an equal amount of fear on either side of the political divide.
Most of the fear is unwarranted, however, blown out of proportion by the campaigns and the media. People need to look around and focus on the immediate issues that affect them and stop obsessing over the areas that are completely out of personal control.
On a final note, keep in mind that holiday stress is just around the corner as well. It might be wise to consider how to emotionally and mentally detox a bit before all of that happens. Especially considering how much political talk there is likely to be at family gatherings this year.
As previously mentioned, just because the election is over, that doesn't mean people are doing talking about it. The best anyone can do is steer clear and give emotions and anxiety a chance to cool down.
Gery L. Deer is an independent columnist and business writer. Deer in Headlines is distributed by GLD Enterprises Communications, Ltd. More at deerinheadlines.com.


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The Unknown Soldier
By Swen Nater
I cry when pompous orators,
Omit me when they teach,
And thereby steal the credit,
For the freedom of their speech.
I cry when cunning lawyers,
Make their case, and all the while,
Forget that I'm responsible,
For a fair and speedy trial.
I cry when news reporters,
Don't reserve in their address,
One word to give me tribute,
For the freedom of the press.
And politicians make me weep,
In speeches that they wrote,
When they don't mention, my shed blood,
Preserved the right to vote.
I am the Unknown Soldier,
Unknown for what I've won.
Buried in the ground am I,
And all that I have done.


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Posted by appa | Posted in Uncategorized | Posted on 12-09-2009
This is a nice song by Purandara Daasa: Aaru hitavaru ninage? This questions what is the real benefit for you?
Appa and Amma are optimistic that Abhinav at his own time some day would understand and appreciate this song. Appa´s friend Upendra had explained this song to Appa, though Amma needed no explanation 🙂