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By Scott Bauer
Associated Press
MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- The district attorney who filed a lawsuit challenging Wisconsin's law passed earlier this year effectively ending collective bargaining rights for most public workers said Thursday he is considering asking the state Supreme Court to rehear the case.
Dane County District Attorney Ismael Ozanne told The Associated Press he was looking at making the request after learning that Supreme Court Justice Michael Gableman had received free legal services from a law firm that defended the law in that case decided in June.
Gableman was part of a four-justice majority that upheld the law, which generated massive protests in opposition earlier this year and made Wisconsin the center of the national fight over union rights.
There's no guarantee the court would agree to rehear the case even if Gableman did not participate in making that decision. If no other justice changed their opinion on the case, a 3-3 deadlock would be possible and it would not be heard again.
Ozanne said he didn't have a timeline for deciding whether to make the request, but he was looking into the facts related to Gableman's involvement with the law firm that helped defend the collective bargaining law.
Whether a rehearing is sought "depends on what all the facts are," Ozanne said. "We have some of them, but not all."
Gableman retained the law firm of Michael Best and Friedrich to defend him in a 2008 ethics case that related to an ad he ran in his successful campaign for the state's highest court. Gableman signed a contingency agreement with the law firm that resulted in him paying out of pocket expenses, but required him to pay attorneys' fees only if he prevailed and could persuade the state to pay the costs.
The Supreme Court deadlocked 3-3 on the charges that Gableman violated the ethics code, which meant he did not win and could not seek reimbursement for his legal fees from the state claims board.
Michael Best also defended the state in the collective bargaining lawsuit.
Attorney Bob Jambois, who represented Democratic Assembly Minority Leader Peter Barca in the collective bargaining case, said he needed to consult with Barca before deciding whether he would seek a rehearing.
Two other attorneys in that case, Roger Sage who represented Secretary of State Doug La Follette and Lester Pines who represented Democratic Senate Minority Leader Mark Miller, did not immediately return calls seeking comment.
Eric McLeod, a Michael Best attorney who represented Gableman and also assisted in the defense of the collective bargaining law, did not immediately return a call seeking comment Thursday.
Gableman has declined repeated requests to comment made through a court spokesman.
Ozanne argued in the collective bargaining case that the bill should not go into effect because a Republican-controlled committee of lawmakers broke the state's open meetings law by voting on the bill without the required notice to the public.
But the court, in its 4-3 ruling, said legislative rules trumped the open meetings law and said passage of the bill was legal.
A government watchdog group, the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign, as well as Democratic state Rep. Gary Hebl have asked the state Judicial Commission and the Government Accountability Board, which enforces campaign finance and ethics laws, to investigate Gableman.
Since the law firm started representing Gableman in 2008, he participated in nine cases involving Michael Best clients. Gableman ruled in those clients' favor in five of those cases, including the collective bargaining lawsuit.
There are five pending cases before the court with Michael Best clients.
On Thursday, a motion was filed seeking Gableman's recusal in another case in which Republicans are seeking to have new legislative district boundaries enacted for possible recall elections next year. Michael Best represented Republicans in the drawing of those new lines as part of the once-a-decade task of redistricting.
Attorney Jeremy Levinson argues in the motion filed on behalf of Democrats seeking to recall Republicans that given Gableman's relationship with Michael Best, he should not be allowed to participate in that case.
"Justice Gableman has put himself at the center of a constellation of profound and difficult facts and circumstances that compel him to refrain from participating," Levinson argued.
A group of Republican citizens filed the lawsuits, asking the Supreme Court to either appoint a panel of judges or hear the case directly. The Republicans argue that the new GOP-friendly boundaries should take effect for any recall elections, which would make it more difficult for Democrats to succeed.
Petitions are currently being circulated targeting four incumbent Republican state senators for recall.
Published: Fri, Dec 23, 2011


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Partnership with ICL Specialty Fertilizers
Ostara Nutrient Recovery Technologies Inc. Partners with ICL Specialty Fertilizers to Market and Sell Recycled Phosphate to European Union Turf & Professional Lawncare Markets
VANCOUVER, CANADA and AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS – October 26, 2018 – Ostara Nutrient Recovery Technologies Inc. ("Ostara") announced today that it has entered into a long-term sales, distribution and strategic partnership agreement with ICL Specialty Fertilizers ("ICL"). Under the agreement, ICL will market and sell Ostara's Crystal Green® phosphate fertilizer into the European Union, providing turf and lawncare professionals an enhanced efficiency phosphorus nutrition solution that is high-performing, sustainable and environmentally-responsible.
Crystal Green is sustainably-produced at 15 facilities worldwide using Ostara's Pearl® technology and is the first and only continuous-release fertilizer to provide Root Activated™ phosphorus. Crystal Green contains virtually no cadmium or other heavy metals and its unique composition permits the release of phosphorus, nitrogen and magnesium, only in response to organic acids produced by growing roots. This unique mode-of-action ensure that essential phosphorus is consistently available for uptake when required for plant growth, which thereby reduces the environmental impact caused by excessive leaching and run-off of nutrients into adjacent waterways.
"It is more important than ever before to grow higher quality turf grass with lower inputs, and we at ICL- Specialty Fertilizers are dedicated to bringing new products and technologies to our global network that support this philosophy. Our partnership with Ostara provides ICL- Specialty Fertilizers access to a unique, clean, circular economy phosphorus source with a technology that has proven to give better rooting to turf grass than traditional phosphorus sources. As Phosphorus is recognized by the EU as a Critical Raw Material, ICL- Specialty Fertilizers is proud to use this clean Phosphorus source that is derived from functional recycling, thus supporting the circular economy" said Robert van Spingelen, Global Category & International Marketing Manager for Turf & Lawncare, ICL Specialty Fertilizers.
"ICL Specialty Fertilizers is a market leader in plant nutrition and Ostara is forging the path in resource recovery and reuse. Together we are excited to offer the European market a product that exemplifies the circular economy concept while also improving plant health. We have strong plant science and an environmental advantage. With the EU's increased scrutinization of cadmium levels and other heavy metal concentrations in fertilizer, Crystal Green is uniquely positioned to benefit EU market participants and ICL is a natural partner to help Ostara expand its reach in these markets," said Molly Biedenfeld, Vice President, Nutrient Market Development and Sales for Ostara.
Said Dan Parmar, President & CEO of Ostara, "We are very excited to partner with ICL Specialty Fertilizers and provide Ostara's leadership in sustainably-produced phosphorous crop nutrition technology to their network of advanced dealers. Our relationship will provide turf and professional lawncare experts with an option to implement a high-performing phosphorus nutrient management program and we are very pleased that our option, Crystal Green, offers the added benefit of providing an environmental solution that helps protect our precious natural resources".
About Ostara Nutrient Recovery Technologies Inc. & Crystal Green:
Ostara helps protect precious water resources by changing the way cities and industries manage nutrients in wastewater streams. The company's Pearl® technology recovers phosphorus and nitrogen from wastewater streams and transforms these nutrients into Crystal Green®, a high-value, eco-friendly fertilizer. Crystal Green is the first continuous-release, granular fertilizer to provide Root-Activated™ phosphorus, nitrogen and magnesium (5-28-0 with 10%Mg) and is marketed through a global network to the turf, professional lawncare and agriculture sectors. Its unique Root-Activated™ mode-of-action improves crop yields, enhances turf performance and significantly reduces phosphorus tie-up, leaching, and run-off, thus protecting local waterways from nutrient pollution. Ostara currently has fifteen of its facilities operating throughout North America and Europe and four additional facilities are currently contracted for international locations. For more information, visit www.ostara.com and www.crystalgreen.com.
About ICL Specialty Fertilizers:
ICL Specialty Fertilizers is a global leader in plant nutrition. Everything they do is focused on one aim: making plants, crops and grass grow better. They leverage state-of-the-art precision nutrition and technologies to ensure maximum growth. The ICL commitment to a greener world spans the globe. They serve all the world's green markets through their ornamental horticulture, specialty agriculture and turf & amenity divisions. Every day and around the world, ICL Specialty Fertilizer experts in the field work with end users to optimise plant nutrition and provide advice, know-how and expertise on location. This combination of world-class technology and a down-to-earth personal touch are the seeds of ICL Specialty Fertilizers' success. For more information, visit www.icl-sf.com.
Media Contacts:
Ostara Nutrient Recovery Technologies Inc.
Molly Biedenfeld
(612) 834 8685
[email protected]
ICL Specialty Fertilizers
Robert van Spingelen
office +31-418-655757 | mobile +31-651365375
[email protected]

subset: commoncrawl


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Sipping on fruit or vegetable infused water is seen as one of the trendiest things today, especially on Social Media! People not only find it refreshing, but it is also a delicious alternative to sipping on simple tasteless water. The best thing about infused water is it that it can be easily prepared at home. Out of all the fruits and vegetable options, cucumber is one superfood that comes with a whole lot of benefits. Packed with minerals, vitamins, dietary fibre and nutrients, cucumber helps in maintaining a healthy body and mind. Drinking cucumber infused water is extremely beneficial as it is packed with vitamin B, potassium and antioxidants.
Here are eleven ways by which cucumber water can benefit your body.
Keeps you hydrated
As per health experts, it is advisable to drink at least six to eight glasses of water per day. Your body too can't function properly if you don't drink enough water. Drinking plain water can get boring at times, but adding a few pieces of cucumber can just add just enough flavour to make a refreshing beverage while also keeping you hydrated.
Detoxifies the body
In addition to keeping your body hydrated, cucumber water also helps you detoxify your body as it contains antioxidants that fight free radicals and flush out toxins from the body.
Aids weight loss
If you are trying to lose weight, then sipping on cucumber infused water can certainly help you cut down on calories. Replace those sugary drinks and sodas with cucumber water and you will see the difference in a span of a few months.
Prevents cancer
Cucumbers are known to protect the body against cancer as it contains compounds called cucurbitacins and a group of nutrients called lignans that prevent cancer. Dietary fibre flavonoid fisetin found in cucumber is known to fight against prostate cancer.
Lowers blood pressure
Cucumber contains potassium, an electrolyte that regulates the amount of sodium retained in the kidneys. Hence, drinking more cucumber water helps you increase the potassium content in the body, thus regulating the blood pressure.
Gives you healthy skin
Cucumber is known to soothe the skin and is a highly effective remedy to treat acne as it contains vitamin B5 and silica. Drinking cucumber water gives you healthy skin by flushing out all the toxins from your body and providing it with extra minerals and nutrients.
Supports brain health
Cucumber water helps in supporting brain health as it contains an anti-inflammatory flavonol called fisetin that helps in keeping the brain healthier and younger. Few studies also suggest that cucumber is beneficial for Alzheimer's patients and helps in maintaining cognitive function for longer.
Boosts bone health
Cucumbers are rich in vitamin K that helps in the formation of proteins that are required for maintaining healthy bones and tissues. One cup of sliced cucumber provides the body 19% of the daily recommended value of vitamin K.
Cucumber water is good for muscles
Cucumber contains silica, a mineral that is not just good for the skin but also for the muscles. Consuming cucumber water post-exercise ensures that your muscles are hydrated and also helps in improving overall physical health.
Helps in fighting off bad breath
With its cooling properties, cucumber prevents bad breath. As we know bad breath is a result of excessive heat accumulated in the stomach. Cucumber water cools the body, increases saliva secretion and strips off the odour causing bacteria.
Helps in maintaining good digestive health
With its high dietary fibre content, cucumber water helps in maintaining a healthy digestive system. It keeps stomach-related problems such as indigestion and gastritis at bay.
With this, we can conclude that cucumber infused water is extremely beneficial in improving your overall health. You can also add mint leaves and lemon to cucumber water to make it tastier. If you know about any other benefits of cucumber, then let us know about it in the comments below.


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If I Went in There With Him
Something momentous happened. My husband signed up to join my martial arts gym.
This isn't a huge surprise; after all, we've been discussing it since I joined back in January. I've been talking him up to the instructors, and he's met them and some of my friends either at promotions, around town, or at the summer barbecue. He has some martial arts experience and is generally about ten times the athlete I could ever hope to be.
Still, it's a big thing when two spouses join a gym together. It's even bigger when they're on different schedules. Most of all, it's really something to consider when there's a ranking system involved, and one is a beginner while the other is advanced.
If you've ever tried to teach your spouse something, or been on the receiving end of any kind of lesson, solicited or otherwise, you probably know exactly what I mean. Tutorials that are interesting and helpful when coming from anyone else can be unbelievably obnoxious when taught by the one you hold most dear. This is exactly why my ex-husband and I wound up not ballroom dancing together; he couldn't stand my being better than he was, and even more, he couldn't stand the idea of me dancing with anyone else. It seems like maybe the reason a lot of people give up on hobbies and interests when they get married is precisely this, the skill differential and the attendant ego conflicts.
What I've learned is to be patiently available on demand, if I have a skill that my (husband, friend, relative) wants to learn. Otherwise, I stay well the heck away and keep my opinions to myself. It's hard to do, a skill available only to those more advanced in age.
Mentoring people is fun, and it's a big part of my life. That makes it easier. I have plenty of outlets to evaluate others in their speaking skills, or help encourage newer students at our martial arts school. I'm much more proud of my ability to cheerlead and inspire others than I am of my own skills, wobbly as they are. I know my husband will quickly surpass me as a boxer, and it's exciting to me to know how quickly he will develop. He'll learn from the same teachers as I did. I trust their teaching abilities, certainly more than I could my own.
Okay, so we have some hiccups in his onboarding process. He has his gym bag all packed and ready to go the day after Labor Day. He gets to work, only to find out that he's expected to travel out of town later that same night. He has to come home after lunch, pack his suitcase, and turn around and fly out of town. Winds up traveling a few days every single week for six weeks and counting. Finally, I convince him that it's worth it to meet me at the gym one weeknight to take advantage of a promotional discount. I bring his gym clothes and a water bottle and agree to wait and ride bikes home with him afterward.
Having your spouse watch you through a window while you plank and do crunches, that's quite an act of courage, am I right?
So I'm standing in the hallway, grinning through the window, having already done my own workout earlier that morning. It's uncommon for me to hang around in casual clothes; one of my classmates doesn't even recognize me. He comes up and asks, "Do you do this?" Um, we've met? We've spent hours training together? The guys start asking questions.
Why aren't you in there with him?
You know you can go in there, right?
(Advanced students can attend beginner classes, but not the reverse).
These are all guys around our age or a little older. As far as I know, all of them are either married, or used to be. I think they know better, and they're just curious what I'll say.
"Look, we've been married for nine years. I know how this works. If I went in there with him, his first class would be his last class. I need to give him space to do things his way, on his own time."
One of the guys says his wife refuses to train with him. I have trained with him myself, and I don't tell him, but I totally understand why. He's super bossy!
Another guy just smirks knowingly. He's with me.
See, I've already won the game. He's signed the contract, bought the gear, invited me to watch him train, and now he's actively in there dripping sweat on the mat. He's doing exactly what I would wish he would do, which is to commit and form his own relationships with the instructors and the other students.
I prove my point two days later, when he puts on his school t-shirt and goes to Saturday morning class without me while I sleep in.
It wouldn't be helpful for me to step in and try to correct his form, teach him basic combatives, help him put his gear on, or otherwise Tell Him What to Do. He'll have most of that down by the end of his third class. Learning from the trainers and fellow students is a completely different experience than having his wife stand over him and boss him around. What I can do is to listen with genuine interest and full engagement, nodding and laughing because I know exactly what he means.
Also, I can create opportunities for him to make observations and teach me things. This was really tough for me when I first started running and asked him to coach me. He told me I was untrainable. I learned how challenging it is to humble yourself before someone close to you and allow them to be the expert. I also learned how much he loves coaching, how very good he is at it, and how silly it is of me to hang onto my precious ego needs when I could be taking notes instead.
Part of what makes us work as a couple is that we bring non-overlapping skills to the table. We've learned to respect one another's expertise. We're also really good at exploring new things together, being willing to be a good sport when the other wants to try something. In this case, I can expect that my hubby the lifelong athlete will be able to help me work on my form and some of the technical skills that have eluded me. This is leverage. This is a valuable opportunity for me to take leadership toward the goal of greater fitness for both of us.
If I went in there with him, with the goal of showing off, I'd fail. If I went in there with the goal of impressing him, my classmates, or the instructors, I'd fail. One day, a few months from now, we'll go in there together, both in orange belts. We'll go in as equals. If I go in there with him, we'll probably still be training together a year later. That's how the match is won.
Comments are closed.
I've been working with chronic disorganization, squalor, and hoarding for over 20 years. I'm also a marathon runner who was diagnosed with fibromyalgia and thyroid disease 17 years ago.
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January 2022


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Education is my Valentine
Dear Education, I love you.
MLK Day in Dallas 2017
My parents do a fantastic job of never letting me forget what busing and racism looked like in Dallas ISD 50 years ago. Never forget.
Back to the Classroom for 2017
Mid-week, first week. Half way done with our first week back. How's it going for you?
Goals for 2017
Let's give this goal setting thing another go.
Best Wishes for 2017
New year, new me? I really hope so.
Refreshed After Break
For probably the first time since I started teaching, I am refreshed and ready to return to the classroom.
On three-day weekends, Sunday is the new Saturday. Here's what you missed last week.
Long weekends are always right on time. Here's what you missed last week.
4th of July 2016
What are you doing over the holiday weekend?
Happy Mother's Day 2016
My Mom. Best teacher I ever had. Happy Mother's Day.
Ash Wednesday Lesson
Never forget what you are. Today, I remember.
Black History Month
Did you know DISD wasn't officially recognized as desegregated until 2003? That's Black history.
Happy Blogiversary
A year ago today we posted our very first blog. Thanks for reading!
There's not much I can say about Dr. King that hasn't already been said or will be by people far more eloquent than myself. The one man everyone, even people that couldn't care less about the Civil Rights Movement, recognizes by name from that part of America's history.
As a teacher, I like to discuss Dr. King in history. I like to put him in context. The entire world was going through a civil rights movement. In the wake of the decolonization that followed World War II, people everywhere were trying to find their collective identity and achieve some kind of equality. He traveled to India and studied the non violence movement led by Mahatma Ghandi. He spoke openly with other civil rights leaders in the US, like Malcolm X, who disagreed with his methods and mindset. Dr. King fought for and achieved concrete changes in US laws to create enduring protections for the civil liberties of people of color. He did it not just for Black people, but all people in our country so that we can all share in the bounties that our country provides.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was a driven, intelligent, spiritual, compassionate, well dressed master of the English language. He was the exact opposite of what people today think of when they imagine a Black male.
I look up to Dr. King not because he was perfect, but because he was willing to do the right thing in the face of seemingly insurmountable adversity. He knew that he had a powerful voice and used it, but he was also humble enough to learn from those who had come before him and work with those trying to achieve the same goal. He never stopped learning, he never stopped fighting, and he continues to be the gold standard for resistance to oppression and inequity for me.
I celebrate his birthday in remembrance and respect of everything he secured for myself, my parents, and people of color across our country.
Thank you, Dr. King. Happy birthday.
It's 8am and there's already a line at the copy machine. Why are you making copies right before 1st period if you don't have a first period class? A question for the philosophers I suppose.
Break is over, everyone is a few pounds heavier, and testing season looms over us all. STAAR is next week, then ACPs, then we get to take a nice long winter break.
Why is it so hard to come back? Why do I rarely feel rested after I come back from several days away from work?
Vacation is great because it disrupts the normal routine for many of us. This is precisely why it's so hard to come back. It's hard to go back to the gym after a week or two away and school is no different. Teaching is tough. That step we take away from what can at times be a very depressing reality lets many of us focus on the things that make us happy, the things that keep us going. Returning to work after several days surrounded by that enjoyment can feel a little like getting ripped out of heaven and thrown back down to earth. Hard.
Vacation is supposed to help us recharge our batteries but the tough part is holding that charge, especially with another break so soon. It's good to be back. I missed my students. I just need to not let the little things I got used to before break become big annoyances now that break is over.
Last week was a blast. Time to make these next two count.
Related Articles:
Dallas Education Rundown 11.28
Dragging into Dallas Schools
We're Thankful for You
A special note to the 5000+ people that were reading from the Thanksgiving table yesterday: I'm thankful for you. We are very fortunate that, instead of devoting your full attention to your dinner plates and loved ones, you chose to spend part of your break with us.
We've been binge watching a few shows that you've no doubt heard of, but we'll go ahead and mention them here so you can make the most out of the remainder of your break.
1. Jessica Jones on Netflix - Dark new Marvel show available for 13 episodes of action and a bit of detective work. I'm sure the real TV review folks would call it "cerebral," but I like it because it shows the evolution of people traumatized in childhood and what that looks like when they grow up. It shows the impact that the words and deeds of adults can have on developing humans. Great for teachers to take a look. Daredevil would also be a good watch.
2. The Man in the High Castle on Amazon - Not all the way through this one, but I often get the "what if the other side won" question in my World History class and this show imagines that out for me.
3. Assassination Classroom on Hulu - I'm a huge anime nerd, but a show about a teacher that moves so fast he can do all the impossible things teachers wish they could do is right up your alley. He makes individualized tests for every one of his students based on their strengths and weaknesses. I'll leave it at that.
Thanks again for reading and listening. See you tomorrow for your weekly rundown of education talk. Happy Thanksgiving!
Teaching 9/11
One of the toughest things to swallow about today is that the significance of it is starting to fade with each passing year for our young people. Each year my students remember less about 9/11/01 and this year, most of my kids were barely born when it happened. September 11th is now something they've heard about or read about in a history book. It isn't something they experienced. I feel personally that it is my job as a teacher to make sure that something this important is never forgotten.
I encourage everyone to share their stories about 9/11 with their students to make it real, make it personal for them. I was about their age when it happened. I remember the confusion in my classmates, the terror and emotion in my teachers, and the tears. I remember the panic in my parents trying to contact our relatives in New York City. I remember how the community college my grandmother taught it was evacuated and then closed due to damage from the dust and debris. I remember the smell at ground zero when I visited and the families still hoping that somehow a loved one that was missing would be found. I want my students to understand why 9/11 changed the world forever and why we "never forget." In a way, it's history teachers that keep the memories of the fallen alive and make them immortal. Enduring for all time. That's the way it should be for the thousands of Americans that died at ground zero, the pentagon, and in Pennsylvania that morning.
Keep Your Composure Out There
Good Goodness Y'all. Between the Happy Alabama fans and the sad Longhorns, I saw quite a few teachers...having fun? Expressing themselves. Enjoy your breaks, but remember that you teach kids how to be adults during not break time. Yes, that makes me laugh inside my head too. I can already see people girding their loins for Sunday Fundays and brunches across the metroplex.
We gottta keep our composure! Nobody wants to wake up Tuesday unemployed. Someone will. Just remember, you can still get a DUI when you're "just" hungover and the sun is out. Dallas needs you. The kids need you. You need you to to have a job so you can have lights when it's dark outside.
There's a brand new Dallas Education Podcast to listen to and plenty of opportunities to catch up on Season 2.
From Us:
Happy Labor Day Dallas Educators
Believe in yourselves DISD teachers
Teaching an untested subject
DISD students that want to drop out
Collaborating with other teachers
From others:
The two sides of data - EP
Data shows DISD Progress - DMN
Protecting Kids - EP
Texas SAT struggles - DMN
Blaming students - EP
Achievement Gap applies to everyone - EP
WHile You Were Teaching 9.5
It's the holiday weekend so rejoice and make good use of the time off. As promised, There's a brand new Dallas Education Podcast to listen to and plenty of opportunities to catch up on Season 2.
From Us:
Happy Labor Day Dallas Educators
Believe in yourselves DISD teachers
Teaching an untested subject
DISD students that want to drop out
Collaborating with other teachers
From others:
The two sides of data - EP
Data shows DISD Progress - DMN
Protecting Kids - EP
Texas SAT struggles - DMN
Blaming students - EP
Achievement Gap applies to everyone - EP
Excited for Convocation?
Is everyone ready to get pumped up for the school year at convocation? "No." - Every teacher I've talked to about convocation.
What will be different from last year? Probably less dancing (particularly from the Superintendent). Probably. No guarantees.
As much as I've tried to dig up some positivity around today's event, I've turned up nothing. Excited for teh school year? Sure. Excited for convocation? For sure not.
At a time where DISD is about to ask voters to approve a billion dollar bond because we're so desperately in need of funds, events like this seem like a waste of money. What is more concerning? That it is a waste of time. The vast majority of teachers would rather spend the next 4-6 hours planning and getting ready for their students that will be arriving in less than a week than seeing a long, drawn out presentation and performance.
Based on the community meetings and town halls about the DISD bond proposal and the Oak Cliff DISD districts, nobody is focused on making sure there's a big kickoff for the year. In fact, many communities already plan and put on smaller, localized back to school events that are well received and attended. So why do we do this every year? Who is this really for?
Either way, go (because you don't have a choice), talk with your fellow teachers, and try to feel the energy. Stay positive. It will all be over soon.
Buses leave at 8!
TFA DFW DISD Summer Institue
Superintendent Mike Miles leaves DISD
Memorial Day
Today, and everyday, it's important we remember those brave warriors who sacrifice their lives to protect our freedoms and the freedom of people they've never even met. Soldiers sacrifice everyday mentally, physically, spiritually and some even make the ultimate sacrifice in defense of everything we hold dear.
It is incumbent upon us to remember that these brave men and women aren't just soldiers. They are mothers, brothers, fathers, husbands, and friends. They are doctors, lawyers, students, and even teachers. I was taught by veterans. I trained to become a teacher with veterans. While today is a day we honor the fallen, it's also another opportunity to remember those who are still with us. In the line of duty they've lost brothers and sisters in arms and have a more personal connection to the true meaning of today.
How can we honor all of them? By living lives worthy of their sacrifice. By being someone worthy of protecting. I teach, but no matter what you do, do good in this world because people have made unimaginable sacrifices to give you the freedom to do whatever you want.
Relax today and catch up on what DISD news we've been rambling about, but remember why you're able to enjoy this downtime and day off work.
Happy Mother's Day
Happy Mother's Day to all of the mothers teaching classes, in our classes, or just sending their kids off to school every day. If you're a dog mom and not a human mom, that deserves thanks too. Are you a teacher with no kids? Guess what, you're a mom too. Your kids see you that way. At least some of them do. I appreciate all of you and those of you who are moms and teachers, you get double appreciation today.
I want to give special thanks to my mom who made such an impact in my life and education. Other than giving me life, the next most important thing my mom did was read to me. When I was young, she read me stories and that thelped me become a better reader. It helped me have a strong vocabulary. She worked full time and still found a way to feed me and read to me most days of the week. It didn't end when I grew up either. When I was sick in middle school, my mom sat and read my nightly reading to me one night while she nursed me back to health so I'd be ready for a quiz. That's the kind of woman she is and I'll always appreciate her for that.
She's a DISD grad by the way. Our district produces some quality people and has been for decades.
May 2017


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The exact process through which the UCP pattern was developed and chosen remains something of a mystery, but what is clear is that the Army re-used the same pattern geometry as MARPAT and CADPAT (and now the Navy's new NWU as well). What's also clear is that with the elimination of black, or even just a dark tone, the "texture" of the CADPAT/MARPAT pattern was lost, with the result that that UCP pattern is inferior in terms of "disruption" than either of its predecessors.
The 3 colors chosen for UCP also leave something to be desired – whilst "desert tan" is an acceptable color for an arid environment, and "urban gray" is common in urban environments, the so-called "foliage green" is really more of a sage green color that is more suitable in semi-arid environments. But whilst common-sense alone would dictate that there is no such thing as a true "universal" camouflage scheme, the US Army obviously believed that simply mixing these three colors together would produce a single all-terrain pattern that was good enough to be universally applied to all uniforms and equipment issued to every soldier in the Army – beginning with the Army Combat Uniform (ACU) in 2005.
However, experience in Iraq and Afghanistan (and elsewhere) has proven beyond any shadow of doubt that the currently issued Universal Camouflage Pattern (UCP) used on the ACU and ECWCS uniforms and personal equipment is significantly less effective in most terrains than other options, and also less effective than many other countries' camouflage patterns.
Following intervention from the US Congress, legislation was passed in 2009 that required the Army to conduct a program to select a new camouflage for use in Afghanistan, and to replace UCP as the standard Army camouflage pattern. This led to the selection of MultiCam as the camouflage of choice for use in Afghanistan, and the decision to conduct an extensive research and development effort to come up with a replacement for UCP.
So, in July 2010 the US Army's Program Executive Office Soldier (PEO-Soldier) issued a Request For Information (RFI) asking industry to submit camouflage patterns that the Army could consider for its next-generation "Family of Camouflage" – thereby effectively nailing the coffin lid shut on the "Universal Camouflage Pattern".
The RFI specifically stipulated that patterns should have a common design geometry with adaptations colored for "woodland", "desert" and "transitional" environments for clothing – with a fourth multi-terrain pattern adapted for use on web gear, rucksacks, armoured vests and other personal equipment.
Source: Hydedefinition.com; kitup.military.com


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If you are living in New Jersey (NJ) or planning to visit New Jersey then you must pick the right road to travel. you can get (hear) the latest news and traffic updates NJ in every 15 minutes on the New Jersey traffic information 101.5 FM.
If you want to get only instant Traffic alerts or current NJ traffic delays then you can get it in your mobile phone any time with the NJ1015.com app.
The Traffic port authority says that you must visit the official New Jersey Traffic website 511nj before going out. NJ 511 provides you with all the new jersey traffic information due to incidents, Construction, Special events, weather conditions, and the scheduled constructions. Pay NYC parking ticket | New York State
511NJ Services
The 511NJ gives free web and phone services that consolidated the New Jersey traffic and transportation information into just one step resources Motorists and commuters in the Garden State. NJ511 also provides up to date traffic conditions in New Jersey and this service is available 7 days a week throughout the year. No Parking Signs Complete detail and list
In 2000, FCC (Federal Communications Commission) Designed the 511 as a national travel information phone number. In 31, October 2009 there were around forty-one 511 services available to the traveling public that is operating in 35 States.
The Travel and traffic information offered on the 511NJ website and the telephone service is managed by a partnership of public agencies that are following.
- New Jersey Department of Transportation.
- NJ Turnpike Traffic Authority.
- South Jersey Transportation Authority.
- Port authority of both New Jersey and New York.
- The Delaware River Joint.
- Toll Bridge Commission.
- New Jersey State Police.
The NJ 511 greatly provides benefits to commuters and motorists. The Motorists can make informed decisions about trips planning, departure time and alternate time by using NJ511 resources. How do you legally fight the parking violations? Real-world Scenarios
This timely information helps individual drivers trip and reduces the congestion and improves the safety of drives on the state highways. NJ Traffic Up to Date information & 511NJ Services
NJ Turnpike Traffic Report real time
The New Jersey Turnpike is not just a road, it is a cultural icon. Now the Web visitors can get the real time traffic(NJ traffic) information and up to date NJ Turnpike Traffic information.
If you are planning to travel through NJ turnpike then you can check the traffic on the Turnpike using the 511NJ.org website. NJ Dmv hours & the NJ DMV license renewal
NJ Traffic Violation code and fines
The traffic violation fines are same throughout the state but they vary depending upon the type of violation. However, judges have the authority to reduce the charges. Now you can pay the Traffic fines online Through NJMCDirect.


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Privacy Policy
Your privacy as an individual and as a customer is important to us, so we don't use the information you provide on this site to learn any more about you other than what is required to fulfil your orders or offer you services such as new alerts or reminder services.
Anupa UK Ltd does not combine your individual information with any kind of site analysis, but we do look at the overall browsing behaviour of our customers to improve the way the site navigates. We also do not track your behaviour on any other sites or follow you once you've left www.anupa.net, but we do use cookies to help us provide a personalized service.
By visiting our Site, you will be accepting the practices described in our Policy.
Any personal data gathered by us in your use of this site will be recorded electronically and only used in accordance with the UK Data Protection Act 2003.
1. Collection of Information
On this Site we collect information from you in a number of different ways. Our main goal in collecting personal information from you is to provide you with an efficient, meaningful, and customized experience. For example:
• Make this Site easier for you to use by not having to enter information more than once.
• Help you find information, products, and services promptly.
• Help us create content on this Site that is most relevant to you.
• Inform you of new information, products, and services that we offer.
a) Registration and Ordering
Before using certain parts of this Site or ordering products, you will have to complete an online registration form. Once you have been registered you are ready to purchase your item(s). At this point you will need to provide us with certain personal information, for example your name, shipping and billing address, phone number, e-mail address, and credit card number. We will also ask you for your country of residence so that we can comply with the relevant laws and regulations. The personal information you provide is used for billing purposes, to fulfil your orders, to tell you about your order and our site, and for internal marketing purposes. If we come across a problem when processing your order, we will use the personal information to contact you.
b) E-mail Addresses
When you enter your e-mail address to register, you are automatically signing up for our e-mail newsletter and special offers.
c) Cookies
Cookies are small pieces of information that are stored as text files by your Internet browser on your computer's hard drive. Most Internet browsers are initially set to accept cookies. You can set your browser to refuse cookies from websites or to remove cookies from your hard drive, but if you do this you will not be able to access or use portions of this Site. To enable you to select products, place them in an online shopping cart, and to purchase them we have to use cookies. They act as a record of your browsing activity and purchase.
This site's cookies do not and cannot infiltrate a user's hard drive to gather a user's confidential information. Our cookies are not "spyware."
a) Internal Use
Your personal information is used to process your order and provide you with customer service. Sometimes your personal information will be used internally to improve our Site's content and layout, our outreach and for our own marketing purposes.
b) Communications with you
Anupa UK Ltd uses your email address as a convenient way to contact you about your order. From time to time, we may update you on relevant Anupa UK Ltd news but only with your permission.
You will not receive any marketing email from any third parties as a result of your use of the site.
c) External use
We do not sell, rent, trade, license or otherwise disclose your specific personal or financial information to anyone, except in response to requests from law-enforcement officials conducting investigations; a court order; or if we are otherwise required to disclose such information by law.
Personal information will also be released where disclosure is necessary to protect our legal rights, enforce our Terms of Use or other agreements, or to protect ourselves or others. For example, we may share information to reduce the risk of fraud or if someone uses or attempts to use our Site for illegal reasons or to commit fraud.
We use appropriate security measures to protect the information you give us. However, while we take all reasonable steps to protect your personal information, you accept that no Internet data transmission can be guaranteed to be secure from access by unintended recipients and will not hold us responsible for any breach of security unless this is due to our negligence.
Physical, electronic, and administrative procedures are incorporated in this Site to safeguard the confidentiality of your personal information such as the use of a Secure Sockets Layer ("SSL") for all financial transactions through this Site.
We use SSL encryption to protect your personal information online, and take several steps to protect your personal information in our facilities. Access to your personal information is restricted to employees who need access to your personal information to perform a specific job.
By accessing and using the anupa website, you consent to our collection, use and disclosure of your information as described in this privacy policy. We reserve the right occasionally to make changes to its privacy policy or practices. You should therefore review this page from time to time to get updated information including in particular, each time you use the online shop. We will notify you of any changes in our privacy policy by posting the modifications online.


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Sodium Alginate is primarily used in food production as a thickener and emulsifier although it also has a variety of uses in areas such as printing, packaging, industrial, and medical/dental applications.
In the textile craft industry Sodium Alginate can be used to thicken liquid fabric dyes so they can be brushed onto fabric like fabric paints, as well as stamped, stenciled, or silk screened. Some Tie-Dyers add a tiny bit to their dye solutions to make their lines more crisp, so the dyes don't bleed as much, for fancy patterns. While thickened dyes may be more work to use than paints, the reward is they leave absolutely no feel on the fabric the way paints can.
Sodium Alginate is natural, non-toxic, and also the most economical thickener for fabric dyes. It is extracted from seaweed (brown algae or kelp), like what you find along the California beaches. At Dharma Trading Co. we carry two types of of Sodium Alginate Thickener: High viscosity (typically used for cotton, silk screening and stenciling) and low viscosity (often used on silk). The high viscosity sodium alginate creates thicker dye and the low viscosity allows for finer lines (like drawing colored lines of thickened dye with a gutta applicator bottle) but does not get as thick.
Sprinkle the thickener into the chemical water or liquid dye slowly, mixing continuously. (You can also use a blender - add the alginate through the top with the blender going). Let sit for an hour or so to continue to thicken before use. Refrigerate to store. Don't over-thicken, thinner is better.


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Free Makeup Samples
Free Makeup Samples - Before Buying Any Makeup, Skin Care & Beauty Products Always Try Free Samples
It is always advisable to try free makeup samples without surveys before buying any skin care product. Most of the fashion boutiques and outlets have free samples. One should try them before purchasing a product. Mainly products are manufactured for satisfying different needs of a customer. Some makeup emphasizes on anti-aging while others may highlight on other aspects of beauty.
You should know your skin type before buying a make up. free makeup samples free shipping In order to buy a good skin care product for your membrane, it is generally advisable to consult the beautician who can guide you easily. Ingredients in a beauty product play a major role. You should normally opt for a nature-based product if you have a rough skin. Some good brands may not suit your covering while an inexpensive product may go well with your membrane. In order to buy the best makeup, you should try free makeup sample.
Makeup, skin care and beauty products are considered to be a woman's best friend. In order to look gorgeous and ageless, a good makeover is very important.
Before Buying Any Makeup, free makeup samples cosmetics & Beauty Products Always Try Free Samples
* Most women like to experiment with different products. They keep on trying dissimilar brands, which can be harmful for their membrane. In order to nourish your covering, you shouldn't switch products free makeup samples and coupons.
* Liquid based skin care products are always considered to be beneficial for your membrane. They can easily absorb and lack side effects. You should generally try free makeup samples in order to avoid wrong selection. The effectiveness of a good cream mostly depends upon your skin. There should be an affinity between your skin and the make up.
Read Also free makeup samples by mail, free makeup samples no surveys


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June 15, 2010 – Is it me or the pink culture is slowly taking over. Some studies on the pink colour suggest that male weightlifters seem to lose strength in pink rooms, while women weightlifters tend to become stronger around the same rooms.
With the battle of sexes steaming up, pink then seems like a double-edged sword for the fair sex. Why? Because it helps them kill two birds with one stone. That is, it empowers them while weakening men at the same time. That is an ultimate win-win situation.
Our women seem to know this all too well. It's the reason they love all sorts of pink items; pink bras, pink mascara, pink Vitz etc. They also get obsessed with kittens with pink noses (how do you even notice that?). "Details, details and details," they say.
As such, a tinge of pink in their daily ware is becoming a 'must-have' rather than 'nice-to-have'. Matching pink with other non-pink attires calls for an intricate hue-balancing act. Throw in a laptop that should be ferried in a dull black bag and you got yourself an almost certain recipe for fashion disaster.
Good news, an IT multinational firm will soon introduce pink laptop cases for ladies and those brave men who don't mind carrying the 'gay title'. I got a chance to inspect what is in the pipeline and I really liked what I saw. For some reasons.
Trust me, these are laptop cases. Apart from good looking, they all carry the aspects of a good laptop bag. This offers a good blend of function with style.
For doubters, their inside is padded and divided into compartments. The padding helps protect your laptop or notebook while inside the case. The compartments help store the laptop accessories like power cords, USB drives or internet modems.
They also come with extra pockets on which to keep personal effects. I know at this point ladies are thinking mmmh…make-ups, mirrors and a copy of 'True Love' magazine. However, someone from the firm tells me they are careful to limit the number of pockets. This is because numerous pockets are a temptation for ladies to carry more unnecessary stuff, which will make the bags heavy.
Talking of heaviness, the cases are made of light materials and with laptop alone, they weigh far much less than the ordinary handbags women carry around town. Some come with shoulder straps that are double adjustable and padded to reduce strain on your shoulders.
Perceived security is the hallmark of these bags. Unlike the conventional black bags, these pink cases don't shout 'laptop inside'. This might come in hand when walking along streets inundated with phone grabbing kids and other muggers. Be careful though, since they might get interested in the bag.
Other laptop cases will score great points and earn you bragging rights in a business board meeting. Consider this one made of light aluminum light casing. It keeps all your laptop and accessories safely locked inside with a three digit central combination lock.
All these features seem to prove that there is a thin line between technology and art or fashion as it were.
I confess to geek-ness more than journalism. And being the geek I am, I have a problem connecting with the fair sex. All geeks do. But my lawyer brother David, who has no problem nabbing the 'chips fungas', advises me to try sending a pink gift for her birthday. I am thinking, why not a pink laptop case accompanied by some pink Lillies? Ladies, please advice.


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Pre-Service Prep
Follow These Steps Before Your Visit
The best way to keep your HVAC system operating the way it should is to contact your Champion® Contractor. Whether it's for regular maintenance or to check on an issue, a little preparation can make those service calls run more smoothly and more efficiently.
By following some simple steps, you can help your Champion® Contractor more quickly identify anything that needs to be addressed.
- Check the troubleshooting guide and write down the issues you're noticing.
- Take a look at your air filter. A dirty air filter can often cause a number of issues.
- Record the model numbers of all your Champion® products.
- Write down approximate dates that your issues started.
- Move anything that could be in the contractor's path to your HVAC equipment.
- If this is your Champion® Contractor's first visit, locate every Champion® HVAC unit so you can direct them.
- Tell your contractor about any smart home connected devices.
- Collect any notes you have from previous service visits/repairs completed.
- Secure pets in a different room to keep them safe.
- Make sure that an adult (18 or over) can be present to give your contractor access.
- Give your contractor your phone number so they can contact you to confirm the appointment.
- If you rent, get your landlord's permission to have your system serviced.
- If your heat pump or air conditioner is frozen, shut it off and let it thaw before the technician arrives.
Maximize Your HVAC Service Time
Pre-Service Checklist Quick Tips
- Describe the problem or service needed in detail.
- Have past service notes ready.
- Ensure your HVAC system is easy to access.
- Record any questions before your appointment.
- Ask about next steps if any issues are detected.
Speak with an Expert
Our Certified Comfort Experts are highly trained in home heating and cooling needs, and can provide you with a personalized solution that's right for your home.Schedule a Home Consultation
Learn More
HVAC Care
Helpful tips for inspecting your own home comfort system – including indoor air quality (IAQ) equipment, air handlers, air conditioner/heat pumps and furnaces.
Repair or Replace: Replacing Existing Equipment
Find out how to get replacement parts for Champion® residential equipment here.
Troubleshooting Steps
Before making a maintenance call, check this troubleshooting guide for tips on what may be happening with your HVAC system.


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Suppose you were in the position of evaluating professional money managers with whom to invest your own money. Let's say you met with John, a veteran money manager of some 30 years. If I were you, the first question I'd ask is "show me your track record." I know that's the first question my investors ask me. John smiles and pulls out a stack of reports he has written about the stock market and his picks in the stock market dating back to the 1990s. You're thrilled because you know this will be a data-driven discussion. You sit there for hours reading through all of his predictions about the market and all of his stock picks. But, as you read, you're baffled because John got it wrong every single time. When he predicted the market would go up, it stayed flat or went down. When John said, "Get out, the market is going down," it went up. His investors had lost money for more than 20 straight years.
At this point, you were completely confused. Needless to say, you had decided to run out of John's office and find a different money manager. But, you were also curious how he could be so consistently wrong and yet still be in the money management business. So, you asked him a simple question: "John, why were you so wrong for so long?"
John gives you a look that says, "you just aren't sophisticated enough to understand the investing business." Then he explains it to you.
Things changed in the early 2000s. We used to talk about "bear markets" or "bull markets." Back in 1995, when the Dow was at 4700, I said we were in a bear market, meaning the market would go down for a while. Five years later, with the Dow more than doubled to 11,000, people tried to say I was wrong because I said the market would go down. But, they didn't understand how things had changed. By 2000, we no longer talked about Bear Markets or Bull Markets; what mattered was "Market Change." We realized in 2000 that it was really not possible to predict whether markets would go up or down. Markets are too random! Our models just weren't accurate enough to do that and it was terribly embarrassing when we got it wrong. We realized that the safer bet was to tell folks that markets would definitely change. We didn't know which direction they'd move, but we predicted they would change. It was also cool because we made it clear that some sectors would go up while others might go down. And, it might even happen at the same time. Technology might go up while mining stocks go down. Once a few money managers started talking about market change instead of trying to predict whether markets would rise or fall, the rest of the money managers fell quickly into line. Oh my, life was so much easier. We still ran our models and they were still wrong at least half the time, but we could always claim we were right because, indeed, markets continue to change. And, I'm telling you now, the entire money management industry works like this. In fact, I just read a study that said that 97% of all money managers agree that the "market change" theory is real.
John leaned back in his chair, sipped his latte and smiled knowingly again. He figured he had landed another client. But, you were not convinced. You thought to yourself, "what the hell, why would I invest money with a guy who's been consistently wrong for 20+ years and instead of trying to improve his performance, he gives me some bullshit about 'market change?'" If his models were wrong for more than two decades, they're probably still wrong. You're also absolutely infuriated by this bullshit about 97% of money managers agreeing with him. Well, of course they agree with him. They were all wrong most of the time as well. If an entire field uses the same market models and everyone gets it wrong, it's a lot less embarrassing to just redefine success than to own up to your failures. Indeed, what you really wanted to do was go find the 3% of money managers who disagreed with all these crappy models and who refused to redefine success when they were wrong. You want to invest with the managers who said, "Whoa, wait, Bull Markets and Bear Markets do matter!" But, they had all been hushed by the 97% of money managers who had collectively agreed to change the dialogue over to the "market change" theory. This infuriates you even more. Of course markets change, you think. It's predicting the ups and downs accurately that enable me to make money.
You leave John's office in despair. There's so much at stake. You realize that your entire nest egg is invested with people who have no ability to predict anything and have just changed the rules to make themselves right no matter what happens to the markets. Their models are all wrong and have been for decades. And, yet, only 3% of them are bold enough to own up to it.
You get home and pick up the New York Times and there's more bad news. The front page headline story quotes the President of the United States saying that the biggest threat to our country is "climate change." Just as you're about to pour a tall glass of bourbon to drown all your sorrows, you think back to the 1990s and all the cataclysmic predictions of global warming and how wrong those models were. You wonder how and why "global warming" became "climate change." The New York Times tells you that 97% of "scientists" believe that "climate change" is real and that it is a terrible threat. Then, suddenly, your mood turns positive. You reflect on your day with John the money manager and how easy it was for you to call bullshit on his redefinition of success from bulls and bears to "market change." You recall how he tried to bamboozle you into investing with him by pointing out that 97% of his buddies in the money management field agreed with him. You put the bourbon away and realize the planet will be just fine. You understand that the 97% of "scientists" were wrong just like John. And, instead of owning up to decades of failure, they just redefined success and all of their friends, who had been equally wrong, were happy to join the party. You understand precisely why those 97% who were wrong were quick to silence the 3% who were right.
When you left John's office, there was no chance you would invest your money with him. No chance you were buying his bullshit. As you put down the New York Times, you heaved a sigh of relief about "climate change." There's no chance you're buying that bullshit either.
P.S. The graphic below plots 38 different models by "expert scientists" showing their predictions on global temperatures in the colored lines. The solid black line is the actual recorded temperature. 36 of 38 models were wrong, most of them by a lot. That's 95% of the models that got it wrong. So, it's not terribly surprising that 97% of the folks who got it wrong were so willing to change the rules so they could get it right. Hint: don't invest with them.


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The following excerpts are from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Fact Sheet.
Bed bugs are small, flat insects that feed on the blood of sleeping people and animals. They are reddish-brown in color, wingless, and range from 1 to 7 millimeters in length. They can live several months without a blood meal.
Infestations of these insects usually occur around or near the areas where people sleep or spend a significant period of time. These areas include apartments, shelters, rooming houses, hotels, nursing homes, hospitals, cruise ships, buses, trains, and dorm rooms.
Bed bugs are experts at hiding. They hide during the day in places such as seams of mattresses, box springs, bed frames, headboards, dresser tables, cracks or crevices, behind wallpaper, and under any clutter or objects around a bed. Their small flat bodies allow them to fit into the smallest of spaces and they can remain in place for long periods of time, even without a blood meal. Bed bugs can travel over 100 feet in one night, but they tend to live within 8 feet of where people sleep.
Bed bugs are usually transported from place to place as people travel. Bed bugs travel in the seams and folds of luggage, overnight bags, folded clothes, bedding, furniture, and anywhere else where they can hide. Most people do not realize they can transport stow-away bed bugs as they travel potentially infesting new areas, including their homes, as they relocate.
One of the easiest ways to identify a bed bug infestation is by bite marks that appear on the face, neck, arms, hands, and any other body parts. However, these bite marks may take as long as 14 days to develop in some people so it is important to look for other clues when determining if bed bugs have infested an area. These signs may include the exoskeletons of bed bugs after molting, bed bugs in the fold of mattresses and sheets, a sweet musty odor, and rusty-colored blood spots from their blood-filled fecal material that is often excreted on the mattress or nearby furniture.
When bed bugs bite, they inject an anesthetic and an anticoagulant that prevents a person from feeling the bite. Because bites usually occur while people are sleeping, most people do not realize they have been bitten until marks appear. The bite marks are similar to that of a mosquito or a flea – a slightly swollen and red area that may itch and be irritating. The bite marks may be random or appear in a straight line. Other symptoms of bed bug bites include insomnia, anxiety, and skin problems that arise from profuse scratching of the bites.
Everyone is at risk for bed bugs bites when visiting an infested area. However, anyone who travels frequently and shares living and sleeping quarters where other people have previously slept has an increased risk for being bitten and for spreading a bed bug infestation.
Bed bugs cause a variety of negative physical health, mental health and economic consequences. Many people have mild to severe allergic reaction to the bites with effects ranging from no reaction to a small bite mark to, in rare cases, anaphylaxis (severe, whole-body reaction). These bites can also lead to secondary infections of the skin such as impetigo, ecthyma, and lymphanigitis. Bed bugs may also affect the mental health of people living in infested homes. Reported effects include anxiety, insomnia and systemic reactions.
The current national problem with bed bugs is likely due to the convergence of three human behaviors: lack of awareness of the historical and biological link humans have with bed bugs, increased international travel, and past over-reliance on pesticides. Bed bugs are a "nest parasite" that resides in the human nest – the bedroom. Over time, bed bugs have evolved to develop resistance to many of the chemical pesticides currently used. In fact, bed bugs were widely resistant to DDT by the mid-1950s.
Now that bed bug populations are rapidly increasing, additional research is needed to determine the reasons for the resurgence, the potential for bed bugs to transmit disease and their impact on public health.
Bed Bug Lawsuits
With the recent resurgence of bed bug infestations in the U.S., personal injury claims and lawsuits have been filed against hotels, dry cleaners, cruise lines, rental furniture companies, apartment buildings and complexes, etc. Some lawsuits are also filed against pest management companies for their alleged failure to properly treat and manage bed bug outbreaks.
One problem with efforts to control bed bugs is that bed bugs have evolved to develop resistance to many of the chemical pesticides currently in use. Treatment and management efforts usually consist of using monitoring devices, removing clutter where bed bugs can hide, applying heat treatment, vacuuming, sealing cracks and crevices to remove hiding places, using non-chemical pesticides (such as diatomaceous earth), and/or use of effective chemical pesticides.
One of the most common allegations in a bed bug lawsuit is that the owner and/or manager of the hotel, apartment building, cruise line, etc. knew or should have known of prior bed bug infestations in their facilities and either failed to timely and effectively address and resolve the bed bugs (that is, failed to treat) or negligently (inadequately) treated the infestation. The claims typically are based on breach of contract and/or breach of a duty owed from the owner/manager to the tenant/resident/passenger. Some states allow for punitive damages if the actions of the owner/landlord were wanton and willful or intentional and malicious (a common allegation is that the owner/landlord knew of the bed bug infestation but denied the prior infestation or intentionally failed to warn the tenant/resident/passenger of the bed bug problem).
If you or a family member were subjected to bed bug bites or a bed bug infestation, you may have a claim for damages against the responsible parties. Our website may be able to put you in contact with lawyers in your local area who handle bed bug lawsuits. Or call us toll free 800-295-3959.


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Pensioners Day
Mini Scrapbooking Albums
Melinda Kuns/Art
is an Art and Craft manufacturer in Vereeniging
We manufacture stencils, ceramic mosaic inserts, multi coloured stencils, stencil pastes, paper glue, couloured grout and craft paint.
Ceramic Mosaic Inserts
Every insert is hand made and painted, therefore the colours may vary. Melinda Kuns/Art mosaic is unique with our three dimensional approach to mosaic. You can paste them on top of each other using our Tawwe Tienie glue.
Our stencils are unique because it can be used to complete an image in different colours, creating a multi-dimensional picture.
We cater for all your creative needs, from supplies to classes, workshops and High quality framing services to galleries, artists and the public alike.
We accommodate wholesale customers and retail direct to the public.


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Fruit Filling
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 4 cups fresh or frozen blueberries (about 2 pints)
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
Biscuit Topping
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 4 ounces reduced-fat milk
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
Directions: Preheat the oven to 400ºF.
More From Runner's World
To make the fruit filling: In a large saucepan, mix together the sugar and cornstarch. Stir in the blueberries and lemon juice. Cook, stirring constantly, over medium-high heat until the mixture thickens and boils. Boil, stirring, for 1 minute. Pour the fruit mixture into an ungreased small baking dish. Cover to keep hot.
To make the topping: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and baking powder. Add the milk and oil, stirring with a wooden spoon until a dough forms. Drop the dough onto the hot fruit to make 6 mounds.
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the biscuit topping is golden brown. Serve warm.
Makes 6 servings
Per serving:
281 calories
3.5 g protein
52 g carbohydrate
7.5 g fat
1 mg cholesterol
3 g dietary fiber
139 mg sodium
Number of 5-A-Day servings: 1
This recipe is an excerpt from 5-a-Day: The Better Health Cookbook by Dr. Elizabeth Pivonka and Barbara Berry, published by Rodale Press. This book and many other healthy living publications are available at the Rodale Bookstore.


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Okay, where do we begin?
Abe Gaines' adorable baby daughter, Lucy, was facing surgery if one last round of powerful drugs didn't fix the issue with her heart. Abe juggles this and nearly being outed as both a Fed and as having used his sick daughter to gain the Meyerists' sympathy when Eddie turned up by surprise in Lucy's hospital room. I'll let you decide just how exactly Eddie found their specific room when he only had Abe's fake name to go on. Pretty sure the front desk didn't let him in because he knew a kid called Lucy was having heart surgery, but what do I know?
But in a series of genuinely moving scenes, Eddie and Abe –who Eddie knows as Sam — come to a new, more developed understanding of each other, or at least, Abe does of Eddie, who admits his new found state as an atheistic bachelor. AbeSam is, of course, incredibly curious why Eddie chose to leave but Eddie skips the answer and prays a Meyer prayer over Abe and his family and in response to Abe's question of praying when he's having his lack of faith, Eddie explains 'it can't hurt'. Which, is the realest shit in the world. Religious or not, asking the universe at large to keep a baby alive isn't hurting anyone.
In a twist I admit I saw coming, Lucy recovers enough at the very, very last minute to not need the dangerous, open-heart surgery at all, but I'm okay with it. Not every show needs to kill children for drama. I just hope Abe stays as rational as he is and doesn't see this as some kind of Meyer miracle and get sucked into their vortex. We leave Abe at something of a lose end, his daughter healthy, his job probably safe but his case and involvement with Meyerism all the more complex than ever before. But let this warm your heart.
Meanwhile, Mary met her In-Laws to be and while Sean's father remains uncomfortable with his sons choices, his mother, Karen, is just happy to see her son happy.
The best piece of dialogue of the night is delivered by Sean's father, who bitchily asks if the couple were allowed to choose each other or if they got paired up like 'Moon People'.
If you knew. If you knew, Mr. Sean's dad.
Later, in a scene that made me sob, Karen gifts Mary her own vintage wedding veil. She admits having wanted to give it to her daughter, Sean's murdered sister, but Mary will be her daughter now. It's such a beautiful, sweet moment. But this…this is Mary.
So, she goes to Cal and talks him into bed, finally. And makes clear that despite marrying Sean, she will always want, and presumably will come to, Cal. And now she's had him. And her face when she does…
Lady Macbeth would be like 'girl chill'.
Because the show really does love to stick it in and break it off, they hit us with a series of scenes of Hawk and Summer dealing with their parents' ending marriage. Divorce is always confusing for kids but for the Lane bobbins, the added layer of Meyerism further complicates the issue. Eddie has refused to sign paperwork in which he would admit to being a 'Denier'. In doing so he would lose access to his children, and Sarah — in her only decent moment of the last few episodes of just being a terrifying viper lady — doesn't force the issue. A rough visitation is arranged and I can't wait for something to happen that forces these people to deal with real Courts when it comes to custody.
I am predicting a future season will feature Sarah fleeing with aaaat least Summer, out of the country, to get away from US courts. Hawk, who turns 16 the day his father leaves, appears to be re-committing to the Movement. In another truly tragic scene he attends his final day of high school and through a series of nods and pained looks manages to convey his choices to a distraught Ashley.
Who, I wish would just tell him what happened.
The scene ends with Hawk walking slowly into a blurred fade and a later scene and later we see him taking his vows during the same ceremony which sees Mary and Sean married, and…
…sees Alison, recommit to Meyerism.
See, remember how she read Jason's journal and then tried to end her life? She couldn't go through with it, thankfully, but she does reveal what it said; Jason had gone crazy. Or maybe there's something in Meyerism.
Jason had been claiming to have found The Ladder and to have made repeated, failed attempts to climb it. His hands had been left burned and bloody by these failures and in his last diary entry he spoke of his commitment to climbing the ladder or dying trying.
By rights the Meyers don't have to let her stay; which didn't stop them from locking her in a room on the compound, by the way.
But Cal intervenes. Because he probably fucking pushed Jason. But he escorts her to the dining room and while both he and Alison, astonishingly, don't catch fire under the heat of Sarah's enraged glaring, Cal talks the room into forgiving Alison, a new facet of the Movement as described in the new Rungs.
See, because Cal is still claiming that. He's got the completed Rungs, Steve will visit them soon and hooo boy, Cal…is that one going to bite you in the ass.
You see, first of all, Sarah…
Sarah has come into her newly found strength and confidence and though Michelle Monaghan is predictably outstanding as Sarah does deal with the breakdown of her marriage with crying and shouting, her main mood this week is that eerily calm place of anger she has found and in which she now resides.
She's bitter at Eddie, her family, Cal, everyone. She refuses Cal's continues advances, even sort of semi-admitting that her emotional, semi-sexual visit to his cabin when Hawk left was part of a bid to keep her boy around.
She's also finally on the hunt for Silas and after A FULL MONTH finally figures out the hand wrapped, hand carved Pachamama icon found on her desk was likely left there by Silas himself. She speaks with Felicia who doesn't pause for a second before pointing out Cal was missing the same night the icon appeared, which is suspicious, no?
Sarah confronts him on this and he manages to turn it around on her by 'admitting' that she knows where he was that night, in his cabin, diving deep into a bottle of scotch. She's like '…but were you?'
Sarah runs her own little investigation, which includes another hilarious scene with the sole security guard we have ever, ever seen on this show, having to be reminded he was 'on duty' the night Cal was absent from the vote on the Honduran families. He finally 'admits' to helping Cal back to his cabin after finding the man fall-down drunk, and with Eddie leaving and a seeming alibi for his whereabouts, Sarah is happy enough to accept Cal's offer and stand beside him as the new Guardians of The Light. She smiles and claps while he tells people Steve has 'become pure light' and is no longer with them physically but will be when ever they see the sun and light! She marries Sean and Mary, she and Cal see Hawk through his vows.
And then she encounters Mary's dad, who in the clumsiest dialogue ever — for any show, let alone one of this calibre — he admits to being there the night of the Honduran vote, and to seeing Cal leave 'Like he was running from something'.
That's an honest to god line Mary's dad delivers and I had to go and read a book for a half hour. Fucking…you're better than this, show.
But, that BS is enough to send Sarah to Cal's office, where he later finds her. She's hacked his computer, chiding him for the 'romance' of his passwords being her name, and she's learned he wrote the final Rungs.
Cal goes all in, admits he had to as Steve is dying, but it's based on Steve's vision. Then he asks, a little smug, if she's going to tell. Sarah's smart enough to know he's too popular to derail so she'll just figure something out. Like what happened to Silas? Then she forces him to drink with her.
And I have to pause for a second to talk about that. It dragged the episode down for me in such a huge way, in the same way I've been distracted by the portrayal of the passage of time and other little bits here and there. Sarah made an incredible leap of logic that Cal lying about leaving the compound means he's guilty of something, more to the point that he may have harmed fucking Silas, a man she took a month to even really think of as missing. In a day she's gone from 'he's probably fine' to 'Cal absolutely murdered him' with basically no work in the middle.
The show hasn't made clear how much time passed between the Honduran vote and Cal staggering into Sarah's garden but it seemed like a couple of days at least. If nothing else, if he turned up in her garden, she can reason he left the compound. And she believes Mary's dad about the exact time? A man who just asked her to buy his daughter from him? And Mary's dad not only paused to note the time Cal threatened him but remembered it?
Also, how did Mary's father switch from demanding money for Mary, to happily feeding Sarah all the vital details and clues she needs but not demanding a penny for information she clearly, hungrily wants?
In a season finale that's otherwise pretty damn solid, this whole leap for Sarah was just so weird and strange. And, while I've talked before about my concerns about Sarah's abilities and her inner darkness and ruthlessness, the cold, calculating, can handle her liquor like a pro Sarah she magically morphs into was just too much. We've seen her rapidly develop and grow in the last few episodes but this fireman pole descent into being actively evil and scheming and not just a brainwashed lunatic was unnatural and felt forced. Even accounting for what she's been through, accounting for the continually combative nature of her relationship with Cal and the strange inference of her much earlier conversation about his 'wandering hands', it didn't feel right to have her basically morph into his female counterpart. It felt like a scene was missing somewhere that mapped at least some of her thought process from her conversation at the compound gate, to her decision to break into Cal's office and break into his personal files. And, not a small scene but a hugely important one. It threw me out of that entire aspect of the story and left me not so much waiting for the conclusion next year but wondering what in the fuck I missed.
Things are a little better with Eddie.
As described above, Eddie is out of Meyerism but rather than move further away from all the crazy, he falls headlong into it. When he's not nearly blowing Abe's cover, he's immediately plagued by a series of visions, first of the same albino python he saw in Peru all those months (weeks? Years? Centuries?) ago. Later in a toy store he sees a dead, trained hawk-the bird, not his son-wearing a falconer's mask and laying prone on its back.
The bird, with the slow blurry fade on Hawk earlier in the episode immediately rings alarm bells for me. Hawk is going to die because of Meyerism. He'll die like Jason did, trying to find a truth that isn't there.
The visions are enough to send Eddie back to Richard, the stateside Shaman who appears to fulfill Silas' role for the New York based members. Richard is the guy who gave Eddie and Sarah their marriage counseling, and oversaw Eddie's 'In House'. Eddie tells Richard of not only his new vision but his 'vision' of Steve dying back in Peru. Richard, curiously and like he knows something, asks if Eddie saw the Ladder, while Eddie wonders aloud if he's having a break down.
Richard is a dyed in the wool Meyerist and I laughed myself dizzy when Eddie was shocked, shocked that Richard thinks the visions 'Come from The Light'.
Eddie, babe, what you honestly think he was going to do? Send you to a doctor??
Eddie listens to Richard and heads back to Peru. In a scene slightly clumsily intercut with much longer proceedings that make Eddie's adventures seem to take days, Eddie searches the Peruvian compound. He finds Silas' workshop and the evidence the man is long gone, but no one else is present, or at least visible to Eddie, which raises…so many questions.
He also finds the dead hawk from his vision, a pet of Silas' which has died in his absence. Eddie is shaken by this. He must know this means the man is dead.
Brilliantly, or perhaps too obviously, the shot cuts to young Hawk taking his vows at that exact moment.
Hawk is doomed, guys. Calling it.
And eventually Eddie finds the corridor from his vision, and behind the door he finds that same hospital bed only this time, no snake. No Steve.
Because Steve is standing right behind Eddie. Because Steve got better.


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Searching For Jewelry: A Guide For Novices Along With The Seasoned Shopper
Ever desired the perfect jewelry accessory to accentuate an ensemble by using a "pop" of color? When the former question isn't true, then are you presently planning to purchase a gift for a person special in your lifetime? If any one of these questions pertain to you, you're certain to discover ideas within the below article.
When looking for genuine sterling silver jewelry, you will need both a discerning eye plus a small magnet. Imitations is going to be attracted to your magnet. This is an good way to recognize quality. You can generally tell genuine sterling silver by its stamp, which will look something like ".925 ster." If the bit of presumed silver is not really marked, be skeptical that may be real silver. It could very well become a fake.
Observe the type of metal they wear, such as white gold or yellow gold. Also notice if the one you love usually wears hoops or studs. This can be a great starting point when deciding on out that special item.
Stop your jewelry from tarnishing so that it keeps looking great. Avoid wearing your jewelry near water. Lots of metals will rust, tarnish or dull when they are available in contact with water. To safeguard your jewelry from exposure, apply a single coat of clear nail lacquer to the surface.
Wear the jewelry piece for any day to enable you to get an idea of how comfortable it is and in case it hangs right. This too enables you to see its durabilityhttps://www.youtube.com/embed/pCSMeAXDyoE
When searching for jewelry, look at the stones within the pieces. Choose stones that have a reflection in your personality which also complement the color of the skin. The best option is usually to choose a natural color to complement any outfit. Having a beautiful part of jewelry is rather worthless if you cannot put it on.
You can use a brooch to produce your belt stand out, as it is likely to be eye-catching. You can add it anywhere in the belt that you simply think looks good.
Even knotted necklaces with delicate loops could be untangled. As an alternative to letting go of a knotted chain as hopeless, try using plastic wrap plus some clear oil. Position the necklace onto a wrap, and put mineral or baby oil upon it. You might then untangle the necklace using needles. Once it's untangled, use dish soap to wash the necklace and pat it dry.
If you're selling jewelry online, ensure your depiction of your piece is detailed, clear and eye-catching. This is very important because people need to assess the jewelry from your picture because they cannot handle it directly. Make sure any photos of your jewelry pinpoint the item itself and don't have distracting backgrounds or additional items.
You can have a more beautiful diamond when it is cut correctly, as opposed to a diamond of a bigger size. You need to think about person that will be wearing the jewelry.
Since now you have a good amount of useful information, it is possible to apply the things you have learned to the ventures into the world of jewelry. If you choose quality jewelry, you will appreciate it for several years..


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Back in the Northeast
A wrap-up of South-by-Southwest
By G.L. | NEW YORK
I AM back in New York, and Austin, Texas feels a bit like Oz, shimmering in the distance and faintly unreal. This, I hasten to reassure my readers and especially my jealous colleagues, is not just the result of party fatigue. It's because there is very little structure to my experiences there on which to hang memories. The most interesting things I learned came not from particular events like panel discussions, but from what felt like a continuous bifurcating conversation ranging across many subjects with a succession of fascinating people who drifted in and out of it like characters in a film; think the eight-minute-long opening tracking shot from Robert Altman's The Player. One sleep-deprived venture capitalist I met on the flight back had not gone to a single talk or panel. "I shouldn't have paid for a pass," he said ruefully.
More on these subjects will dribble out on this blog or in the paper in the coming days, but for now this wraps up the live SXSW coverage. I end it with four tips for anyone considering going for the first time:
- Take a battery pack or battery-powered charger for your phone.
- If you have to write from the conference, take the lightest device you can possibly find that has a physical keyboard; you will be walking a lot, and touchscreens are not blogger-friendly.
- Spend no time thinking about all the amazing events/talks/parties/shows/scenes you missed; focus instead on making the most of the ones you happen to encounter (in this sense, SXSW is good training for life itself).
- Whenever someone you've only just met proposes going to something you've never heard of, check it is not something they are selling, and if not, accept with alacrity.
More from Babbage
Why 10, not 9, is better than 8
For Microsoft, Windows 10 is both the end of the line and a new beginning
Future, imperfect and tense
Deadlines in the future are more likely to be met if they are linked to the mind's slippery notions of the present


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Hi there!!! Here is Amelie and today some cards created with our July Hip Kits! I hope you will enjoy them;) Some close ups;) See you next week! Amelie
Day: July 23, 2015
Good Times With Irit
Hi! Irit here with a new project using the June kits. I thought it was time to use that gorgeous Simple Stories paper from the main kit after hoarding it just a little. Here's my finished layout, again using multiple photos like last week. I love tone on tone and color matching, so I used … Continue reading Good Times With Irit


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Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – January 2011
We didn't know much about Kuala Lumpur upon visiting, but since we were flying through a number of times during our month in SE Asia (it's an Air Asia hub), we decided that we should stop and stay a few days between flights. We were surprised to find out in short order just how metropolitan and western it was! There are sky scrapers like the Petronas Towers, huge malls, scads of business professionals running about, and expensive prices. Evidently it's a real melting pot of asian culture, making for good diversity in the food and sights. We wouldn't recommend it for those on a tight budget though.
We stayed at yet another Marriott property for free on points – this time the Renaissance. I think we got a room upgrade as our suite was bigger then some apartments and had a cool view of the city. As usual in our experience in Asia, the concierge lounge was fully stocked with free alcohol and some decent snacks.
Our favorite experience was visiting the Suria mall, which was a multi-level affair and reminded Mayne of the Mall of America. We stumbled across a "Dr Fish", fish feet "spa" where you pay money to immerse your feet in a kiddie pool full of small (2 inch long) fish, which proceed to swarm them and nibble off all the dead skin. The fish don't have teeth so there is no biting and it's not painful, but man it tickles!! The fish go crazy at first, and then, once they've had their fill of your dead flesh, start to dwindle off in search of other tasty morsels.. It's a unique experience for sure. Elisa hated it and I could only get her to dip just the soles of her feet in for about 10 seconds during our 5 min session! Apparently they have them in the states as well if you are interested.


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Regular price
Sale price
A fantastic gift for a daughter, niece, or grandchild in your family. These are small bracelets approximately 6 " on very strong stretch cord. They will fit adults with small wrist size.
And yes, the cross is actually a pearl! In this case, the mollusk is nucleated with a small plastic cross and the nacre forms around that cross. The pearls are slightly smaller on the version with the dangling cross.
*Since no two pearls are alike, please expect a slight variation on the definition and color of the cross as well as the size of the round pearls on the bracelet.