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On Wednesday, 14 September 2016, the President of the European Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker addressed the European Parliament in his annual 'State of the Union' speech.
The State of Union address, which is delivered by the President of the European Commission every year in September, takes stock of the European Union's (EU) political, economic and social situation and sets out the actions and initiatives the European Commission intends to take in the following year. It also provides the initial framework for the European Commission's work programme for the following year, which will be agreed by between the Commission, the EU Council and the European Parliament in the coming weeks and will outline a detailed list of initiatives to be proposed in the near future.
In his speech, Juncker acknowledged that the EU faced an "existential crisis" and called for a more united and stronger Union, advocating for more integration particularly within the socio-economic sphere and in the area of defence and security. A greater unity and integration of the EU was the central theme underlying the specific initiatives in various areas announced by Juncker in his address. In this regard, Juncker also highlighted the need to stem the risk represented by populist movements, who threaten to fragment the Union.
The Commission President outlined his intention to push forward a range of proposals to strengthen the EU and help it cope with the various challenges it is currently being presented with, ranging from proposals to deepen security and defence co-operation, to ambitious copyright and telecommunications reforms, to measures to increase investment in strategically important projects by doubling the scope and duration of the European Fund for Strategic Investment (EFSI).
The EU initiative and actions announced in the speech focus on the following five key areas:
- European Defence and Security
- Social Europe
- Economic and Fiscal integration
- EU as a global player
- EU after BREXIT
The speech was followed by a debate in the European Parliament, which demonstrated, that despite the show of support to Juncker by the largest political groups in the Parliament, the way ahead in implementing the announced initiatives and achieving the objective of a greater integration will not be an easy ride for the EU.
In the briefing below you can find an overview of the priority actions discussed by Juncker in his speech, which are expected to dominate the EU's policy and legislative agenda in the coming months. The briefing also discusses the reactions of the main EU political groups to Juncker's speech, and provides DLA Piper's analysis of the main takeaways.
Main highlights
In his State of the Union Speech on 14 September 2016, European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker focused on the following priority actions and initiatives to be proposed by the European Commission:
European Defence and Security:
- Proposal to create a permanent EU military and defence structure, a single headquarters for EU operations and common military assets. The proposal – the President assured - would be developed in full complimentarity with the transatlantic cooperation in NATO. The President also highlighted that the lack of cooperation between EU countries within the defence and security sphere costs the EU between €20 billion and €100 billion a year. This initiative is one of the most radical proposals announced in Juncker's speech and is expected to face a difficult political process and controversy going forward.
- Establishment of the European Border and Coast Guard. The proposal, whose primary aim is to reinforce the management and security of the EU's external borders, was adopted by the European Parliament in July 2016. On 14 September 2016 the EU Council gave its final approval on the establishment of the European Border and Coast Guard, paving the way for it to initiate its activities in mid-October 2016. • Creation of a European Travel Information System. This tool will address the parallel challenges of managing migration flows, the fight against terrorism and organised transnational crime.
- Creation of a European Defence Fund. This economic instrument would boost research and innovation within the European defence industry.
- Reinforcement of Europol, by providing it with better access to the Member States' databases and more resources - particularly to counter terrorism.
Social Europe:
- Further development of the EU Youth Guarantee. With this tool, which has already helped 9 million young people to get a job, traineeship or apprenticeship in the past three years, the European Commission intends to increase opportunities for young people and tackle youth unemployment.
- Creation of the European Solidarity Corps, which would allow young people across the EU to volunteer their help where it is needed most, in response to crisis situations like the refugee crisis or the recent earthquake in Italy.
- Posting of Workers Directive (proposal currently discussed by European Parliament and Council). President Juncker reiterated the Commission's commitment to this proposal which is a concrete weapon against social dumping. The objective of this proposal, which to date has a strong opposition from the Member States in Central and Eastern Europe is to ensure that EU workers posted to other Member States receive the same remuneration for their work as the local workers.
Economic and Fiscal integration:
- Acceleration of the work on the Capital Markets Union (CMU). In order to make the European financial system more resilient, the CMU aims to expand funding options for businesses, improve incentives for large and small investors, integrate Europe's capital markets and tackle structural barriers in diverging tax systems, insolvency regimes and securities laws.
- Strengthening of the European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI). Juncker called the EFSI, launched two years ago to mobilise investment in strategic projects a success and announced that the Commission will double the duration and financial capacity of the fund providing a total of at least €500 billion of investments by 2020.
- Application of the Stability and Growth Pact. The President highlighted that the Pact should be implemented with the flexibility that was built into the rules, in order to support and not punish ongoing reforms in Member States.
- Implementation of the EU General Data Protection Regulation, adopted by the EU institutions in May 2016.
- Revision of Europe's copyright rules. On 14 September 2016, the European Commission published a package of proposals to reform EU copyright, including a Commission communication on "Promoting fair, efficient and competitive European copyright-based economy", a draft EU Regulation on the exercise of copyright and related rights, a draft EU Directive on copyright in the Digital Single Market, a draft Regulation on cross-border exchange between the EU and third countries of copyright-protected works for blind and visually impaired people, and a draft Directive on permitted uses of copyright-protected works for blind and visually impaired people. Juncker highlighted that the ambitious package has a clear focus on empowering European artists, creators, journalists, publishers and authors and protect their works.
- Reform of the European telecommunications markets. On 14 September 2016 the Commission published it's connectivity package. The package aims at creating a new legal framework that attracts and enables investments in connectivity, and sets the objective of deploying 5G across the EU as of 2018, equipping main public centres of every European city and village with free wireless internet by 2020 among other objectives.
- Abolishment of the mobile roaming charges. Juncker promised a new proposal, drastically reducing the cost of roaming for consumers, in the coming weeks.
- Ensuring fair taxation across the European Union. President Juncker took pride in the fight against tax evasion conducted by the Commission in the past year and confirmed that they will continue to protect consumers against cartels and abuses by powerful companies.
EU as a global player:
- Launching of an Investment Plan for Africa and the Neighbourhood with the potential to raise €88 billion in investments. The logic behind it is to use public funding as a guarantee to attract public and private investments to create real jobs and stability. The fund is intended to complement EU development aid and aims at addressing one of the root causes of migration.
- Enhancement of the role of the High Representative to become a European Foreign Minister. By pooling together their forces, European diplomatic services would increase their leverage in international negotiations, and carve a more prominent role for the EU in world diplomacy.
- Designing a European Strategy for Syria. According to President Juncker the EU – represented by the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini - should have a seat at the table when the future of Syria is discussed so that Europeans can contribute in rebuilding Syria as a peaceful, pluralistic and tolerant nation.
- Reiteration of the EU's commitment to Free Trade and the commission intention to push forward with the ongoing free trade negotiations and the recently reached agreements. Juncker praised the EU-Canada free trade agreement "the best and most progressive deal the EU has ever negotiated", promising to work towards the ratification of the agreement as soon as possible. The Commission President further emphasised the EU's leading role in global trade, stating that the EU is the largest trading bloc with trade agreements in place or under negotiation with over 140 partners across the world.
- Implementation of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change. Juncker called Member States to swiftly implement the Paris agreement on Climate Change, stating that slow delivery on promises may undermine the EU's credibility on the global stage.
Europe after Brexit
- Triggering of official negotiations on Brexit. President Juncker stated that the EU deeply regretted the decision of the UK to leave the Union, but that such a decision must be respected. He further called on the UK to formally notify the EU of its intention to leave as soon as possible. He also noted that, in order to gain access to the EU's internal market, the UK will have to accept the four freedoms - namely the free movement of goods, capital, services, and people.
- White Paper on the future of the EU. The European Commission will set out its vision on the future of the EU in a White Paper in March 2017, in time for the 60th anniversary of the Treaty of Rome, taking into account the political and democratic challenges that the Union of 27 will face in the future.
Political reactions
Overall, President Juncker's State of the Union was welcomed by the leaders of the three major political groups in the European Parliament: the European People's Party (EPP), the Progressive Alliance of Socialists & Democrats (S&D) and the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE). It is not a coincidence that these parties are also the strongest supporters of the European project, as they most likely wanted to give a message of unity in support of the European Institutions. Although only briefly mentioned by Juncker in his speech, Brexit has been one of the most debated items by the members of the European Parliament. The comments, however, mostly reiterated already well known positions.
The European Conservatives and Reformists Group (ECR) and Eurosceptic groups, such as Europe of Freedom and Direct Democracy (EFDD) and Europe of Nations and Freedom (ENF), expressed criticism for the Commission's push for more Europe. The ECR representative, MEP Syed Kamall, bluntly stated that by responding with more integration to European citizens' concerns about EU interference with Member States sovereignty, the Commission is neglecting to listen to the people. Marine Le Pen (ENF) promised that she will organise a referendum on France's EU membership, if elected as French President in the elections scheduled in 2017. Nigel Farage (EFDD) stated that the EU needs the UK's market more than the UK needs the EU.
DLA Piper Comment
A missed opportunity - It was a rather uninspired and poorly delivered speech. Juncker failed to reach out to the European Citizens. He sounded as if he was addressing his own bureaucrats.
In his speech President Juncker rightly assessed the situation faced by the EU as "existential crisis" as the coming year will present a significant challenge for the EU institutions to regain the public trust in the European project and keep the union together. The recent political developments, including the rise of populist movements and the UK's decision to leave the EU indicate that this will be difficult task, requiring a strong unity and resolve.
Interestingly, while one of the most important events this year in the European Union has been the UK Referendum on EU membership, President Juncker did not spend more than a few words on it, showing that the EU's position on Brexit remains steadfast and clear. Instead, the Commission seems to be fully focusing on the post-Brexit phase, trying to prove that this event does not represent the beginning of the end of the European project, but rather an opportunity to reform and improve it.
It is clear that the European Commission is calling for more European integration, particularly in the field of defence and security, international trade and diplomacy. At the same time, President Juncker has tried to give the European project a more human face, reminding people why the Union was created, what it has achieved and what it can do for its citizens. He acknowledged the challenges Europe is facing in terms of migration, terrorism, growth and employment and called specifically upon Member States to work together to tackle them. Much emphasis was put on the word "solidarity" in what can be seen as a call to everyone, but especially Member States, to put aside individual perspectives and work towards addressing issues collectively.
The European Commission's initiatives within the socio-economic and financial spheres pose both challenges and opportunities for European companies, which should stay engaged with the EU's institutions in order to capitalise as much as possible on the proposed actions, measures and initiatives in the coming year. Both the copyright and the telecom reforms, for instance, are expected to generate fierce debate among stakeholders and, whatever the final result will be, it will undoubtedly considerably affect the industries concerned.


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calmat®: max 1,5''
calmat®: Prevents Scale and Rust
calmat® Europe / World:
|The salt-free alternative to water softeners
calmat® is an eco-friendly water treatment system that protects your piping system and appliances against scale deposits and rust. The calmat-Impulse-Technology is based on the principle of physical water treatment. Special electronic impulses change the crystallization process of the liquid calcium. This way the hard scale loses its adhesive power. The technology works exclusively with capacitive electric impulses: no use of any salt or chemicals.
Information Film
10 reasons why calmat® is so good
|calmat® clearly stands out with its quality and performance. Please compare calmat® against other products by matching some quality indicators:
|German 24 Volt Impulse-Technology (capacitive): The water is treated with electric impulses that control scale in an eco-friendly "green" way. It is an electric system that is not magnetic-based.
|calmat® works on a frequency range between 3-32 kHz with different frequency peaks (wobbling distribution). The secret to the right performance of physical water treatment lies in the composition of these impulses. CWT has developed and fine-tuned them for over 30 years.
|calmat® uses customized isolated copper impulse cables. The secret to a maximized performance is not only the impulse composition but it is also etermined by how that is transferred onto the pipe. The calmat impulse cables are specially manufactured and contain a high number of single individual copper cables inside. The more single cables, the more powerful the transfer.
|calmat® is designed with an isolated plastic frame that withstands water and humidity. Furthermore: Unlike many other products where you face a black box that prevents you to understand what lies inside that product, calmat comes with a transparent top that allows to see what the product consists of.
|calmat® comes with external UL and TÜV-approved electronic switching adaptors. They operate with a very low power consumption of 100-240V and equalize possible power instabilty.
|calmat® is not magnetic-based. Therefore, it operates 100% independent of the velocity (water flow rate) in the pipe and constantly provides reliable impulses that guarantee the right output at all times.
|Material-matching programs for different materials: calmat treats any pipe material. No need to buy a different product for metal, PVC, plastic etc. any more.
|The automatic memory program keeps calmat running correctly. In case of the unlikely event of a power failure calmat automatically resets back to the last program once power is regained.
|calmat® holds numerous certifications by renowned international institutions: the German TÜV, the German CE, the UL-approval for switching adaptors etc.
|calmat® needs only little electric power as it is very economical. The units operate with 4.3 Watt. The running costs are appox. 7 USD (~6 EUR) per year.
|Made-in-Germany: calmat is a German quality product is manufactured by the family-run Christiani Wassertechnik GmbH, Berlin.
|5-year international warranty is granted for all calmat units world-wide.
|Download calmat® Flyer - English
0.3 MB pdf
| Download calmat® Manual
0.8 MB pdf
Technical Data
Technical Information
|1) Display
2) Program switch
3) Control light
4) Socket
5) Power cable
6) Impulse cable incl. plug
|Data sheet calmat®
calmat® Installation
|Final check
The electricity supply is indicated by the green control light (3). The display shows the activated program.
Installation instructionsThe electronic water treatment system calmat prevents scale and rust deposits in pipes and devices. The unit is installed on the main water supply (e.g. close to the water meter) according to the following instructions:
|Installation Manual calmat®

subset: commoncrawl


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A One-Of-A-Kind Luxury Technology Event to Showcase Best-In-Class In Electronics - includes Ultra HD Displays from LG Electronics, Panasonic, Prima Cinema, Samsung, Sim2, Sony and VutecNEW YORK, Feb. 19, 2014 — (PRNewswire) — RAND Luxury announces their sold-out brand lineup for The Luxury Technology Show with the addition of the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA)® and top brands including LG Electronics, Panasonic and Samsung. This unique, invitation only event will attract press / media analysts, retail executives along with affluent consumers interested in acquiring the world's finest technology innovations, on March 4th at The Metropolitan Pavilion in New York. Brand ambassadors from a wide variety of industries will be on site to showcase their latest technology. Product categories include but are not limited to: photography, Ultra HD TV, wearable technology, home & business automation, high-end personal audio, exquisite home appliances, smart watches and wellness & fitness devices.
"Our recent CEA study supports that seeing Ultra HD TV technology in-person is critical for consumers to appreciate its benefits, stated Jeff Joseph, CEA (senior vice president communications and strategic relationships). "Many say, seeing the technology in-store had a significantly positive impact on their opinions of Ultra HDTV, an impact that could not have been achieved through reading a description of the technology alone. We are excited to be part of this unique event to demonstrate just how incredibly immersive an experience Ultra HD televisions offer."
BRANDS & PRODUCTS TO BE SHOWCASED AND DEBUTED INCLUDE: Photography: HasselBlad Bron (Lunar and Stellar), SONY (digital camera, SLR camera, 4K camcorder)
Mobile Accessories: Puku (portable chargers), Dark Energy (portable power solutions), Opulus (mobile fashion)
Home: Honeywell (WiFi smart thermostat), Simplehuman (tools for efficient living), Moen (faucets), RSI Energy Group/ISPBC (self-powered building)
Audio: Audeze (high-end headphones), Avegant (Glyph), Astell & Kern (portable audio, in-ear monitors, home audio) Audio Doctor (retail/integrator), Krell (high-end audio/video), Libratone (soundbars), NYNE (audio products), Phiaton (headphones), SONY (personal stereo, high resolution audio), Stellé Audio Couture (portable speakers), Superhive (home theater), Velodyne (headphones/subwoofers), Waterfall Audio (glass loudspeaker), Wren Sound Systems (sound systems)
Video: Audio Doctor (retail/integrator), LG Electronics (Ultra HD TVs) Panasonic (Ultra HD TVs), Prima Cinema (cinema player), Sim2 (projector), Samsung (Ultra HD TVs), SONY (4k Ultra HD TVs), Superhive (home theater), Vutec (projection screens)
Heath & Wellness: Avita Artesian Alkaline Water (Water producer & distributor), Aura Breathalyzer (breathalyzer), Blendtec (blenders), Blueair (air purification), DBC City Bike Design (handmade bicycles), Peloton Cycle (exercise bikes), P3ProSwing (golf simulator), Zensorium (fitness monitor)
Home Automation: Audio Doctor (retail/integrator), Control4 (automation & controls), Creston (control & automation systems), Honeywell (controls, security) Prima Cinema (remote finger reader), SONY (electronics), Superhive (controls)
Business: iWallet (biometric locking wallet), MWE Lab, STIR (kinetic desk), Trov (personal cloud app), PIM (advanced printing & video technology)
Transportation: DBC City Bike Design (handmade bicycles), Jetson Bike (electronic bike), McLaren Automotive (luxury automobiles)
"Guests in attendance will be in for an evening to remember," states Bradford Rand, CEO of RAND Luxury. "The exciting highlights of The LTS include unveilings of the LG Electronics, Panasonic and Samsung Ultra HD TVs and Sony's 4K Ultra HD projector as well as a consumer 4K camcorder and the Glyph from Avegant, an audio video device with a retinal display. Also featured will be, premium lifestyle technology company, Stellé Audio Couture, showcasing their newly released DwellStudio Pillar Bluetooth speakers that feature beautiful metallic patterns, highlighted by the product's sleek, circular design. Wearable technology smart watch brands such Android and MetaWatch with its high-resolution display will be available for purchase. From an experiential view, the guests can test drive the MWE Lab's state-of-the-art computer work environment and practice their golf swing with P3ProSwing. Blendtec, one of most powerful blenders in the world, with its entertaining award winning promotions will be showing its latest Blendtec Designer 700."
Guests will also enjoy exquisite cuisine from Vai Restaurant, cocktails from Russell's Reserve and CAVODA Vodka and ultra premium ice cream prepared by executive Chef, Chris Leung of Cloud 10 Creamery. For those that appreciate rare, hand rolled cigars, Elite Mobile Cigars will be treating special guests to their collection. The official concierge company for The Luxury Technology Show is Quintessentially.
The Luxury Technology Show
March 4, 2014
The Metropolitan Pavilion
125 West 18th Street, NYC, NY
Press / Media / Industry Only: 3pm - 5pm
Guests / Clients: 5pm - 9pm (Press/Industry also welcome at this time)
RSVP to www.The LTS.com/attend
About RAND Luxury:
RAND Luxury, the producer of The Luxury Technology Show and The Luxury Review is an international event production company that caters to the world's finest luxury brands. Based in Manhattan, the RAND team is best known for their Invitation-Only events where it partners with fine automotive manufacturers to support the launch of their latest automobiles. RAND has produced unveiling showcases, evening of luxury events and elite brunch events for Lamborghini, Bugatti, Rolls-Royce, Aston Martin, Bentley & Maserati. Adjacent to these fine motorcars, RAND creates a luxury lifestyle experience by inviting complementary brands to showcase their products and services to the distinguished list of guests and media. The Luxury Review and Luxury Technology Show are press/media events that showcase a wide variety of products & services that cater to the affluent consumer. Details: www.TheLTS.com < http://www.TheLTS.com>
The next Luxury Technology Show will be on west coast and planned for October 15, 2014 at the Petersen Museum in Los Angeles. Brands interested in showcasing please contact: Alex Reiff, 212-655-4505 ext. 237, Email Contact
Media inquiries and invitation requests: Jim Noyd, Noyd Communications Inc., 310-374-8100, Email Contact
SOURCE RAND Luxury
|RAND Luxury
Jim Noyd, Noyd Communications Inc., 310-374-8100
Email Contact and Bradford Rand, RAND Luxury, 212-655-4505 ext. 223
Email Contact
Web: http://www.thelts.com


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Rooibos Tea
Rooibos (pronounced ROY-boss) is a dramatic red tea made from a South African herb that contains polyphenols and flavonoids. Often called "African redbush tea," Rooibos herbal tea delights the senses and delivers potential health benefits with each caffeine-free sip. Try our vanilla and chai flavors for a real rooibos treat!
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Given the significant amount of concern regarding the reliability of financial statement reporting under new filing deadlines (movement from 90 days to 75 days in 2003 and then to 60 days in 2006), the authors provide evidence which shows the concern was valid but only temporarily. The authors use originated misstatements to indicate the beginning of a misstatement, showing that accelerated filers experienced higher likelihood of misstatements after the first acceleration, however large accelerated filers did not experience such a change in response to the second acceleration. Additionally, implementation of SOX appears to have increased reliability with fewer originated misstatements upon implementation.
Boland, C. M., S. N. Bronson, C. E. Hogan. 2015. Accelerated filing deadlines, internal controls, and financial statement quality: The case of originating misstatements. Accounting Horizons 29 (3) 297-331.
Auditors should recognize that an implicit tradeoff exists between the availability of subsequent event evidence and timelier reporting. However, the net effect is not well understood because prior research has only focused on quantifying the benefits of timely reporting, not the costs associated with obtaining less subsequent event evidence. The low evidence discovery rate reported by participants suggests that the current audit methodology might suffer from inefficiencies. Further research should establish relative frequency information to help auditors generate hypotheses and guide audit planning.
Janvrin, D. J. and C. G. Jeffrey. 2007. An Investigation of Auditor Perceptions about Subsequent Events and Factors That Influence This Audit Task. Accounting Horizons 21 (3): 295-312
The study provides helpful insight on auditing and financial reporting public policy issues and initiatives. The report focuses on the roles of the SEC and PCAOB in the setting of standards, convergence of standards, and the formation of a new public oversight regulating body. The author provides her personal perspective on the complications and thought processes behind many of the tasks taken on by the SEC from 2006 - 2008.
For more information on this study, please contact Zoe-Vonna Palmrose (email@example.com).
Palmrose, Z.-V. 2010. 2010. Balancing the Costs and Benefits of Auditing and Financial Reporting Regulation Post-SOX, Part II: Perspectives from the Nexus at the SEC. Accounting Horizons 24 (3):487-507.
The commentary provides an overview of activities that have occurred since the creation of the PCAOB. The article examines the PCAOB and guidance that has enhanced its ability to fulfill its duties over the past decade. The commentary provides information relevant to evaluating the effect that SOX, the Dodd-Frank Act, and the JOBS Act have had on the PCAOB in its relation to audit regulation. The commentary also provides information relevant to the future of the PCAOB and audit regulation.
For more information on this study, please contact Zoe-Vonna Palmrose (email@example.com).
Palmrose, Z.-V. 2013. PCAOB Audit Regulation a Decade after SOX: Where It Stands and What the Future Holds. Accounting Horizons 27 (4):775-798.
This research is important for several reasons. First, the authors provide insight into how a monitoring mechanism, such as the staff of the DCF, adds to the oversight of the financial reporting process. The findings illuminate the importance of understanding the conflict between boards and CEOs by suggesting that a strong CEO's influence over a board may adversely affect the effectiveness of board oversight. The authors provide evidence that the DCF may target companies with strong CEOs and weak board monitoring for more intensive review. Second, the results imply that the discovery of the need to restate is different for DCF-instigated restatements. DCF-prompted restatements lead companies to re-evaluate their governance structure.
Cheng, X., L. Gao, J. E. Lawrence, and D. B. Smith. 2014. SEC Division of Corporation Finance Monitoring and CEO Power. Auditing: A Journal of Practice & Theory 33 (1): 29-56.


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11 Perfect Jobs for Larry King After He Returns from the Dead
Here's a chilling thought — Larry King wants to be frozen after he dies. The former CNN personality says, "I want to be frozen in the hope that they'll find whatever I died of and bring me back."
While the thought of a thawed-out King doing his best Brendan Fraser in 'Encino Man' may make you chuckle, we wondered what exactly he would do if he was brought back from the dead after hanging out in a meat locker with future hamburgers.
Here's a look at some potential jobs King should look into with his second chance at life:
1. A good interviewer. This would be uncharted territory.
2. An escort. Since he's a new and improved Larry King, though, he'd be smart enough to only date women his own age. Assuming there are any.
3. A Civil War rep-enactor. His first-hand knowledge and experience of Antietam will make for great theater.
4. A spokesman. He'd work on behalf of a movement that seeks to inform the public that life doesn't have to end just because you're turned 150.
5. A 'Dancing with the Stars' contestant. If Buzz Aldrin can do it, so can Larry.
6. A bartender. He'll be familiar with things on ice.
7. A salesman. He can make a nice commission if he convinces Hugh Hefner to freeze himself, too.
8. A time traveler. He'll return to 2011 to show Herman Cain how he can bring his campaign back from the dead.
9. A skeleton in a biology classroom. Wait, he can do that now.
10. A doctor. He can defibrillate himself.
11. A '60 Minutes' host. They need to get the average age back towards the triple digits.


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Gov. Brown to lead trade mission to China
He announced news during State of the State address
Gov. Jerry Brown will lead a trade mission to China this spring to promote California businesses and strengthen ties with the world's second largest economy, the governor announced Thursday during his State of the State address.
The Democratic governor is expected to lead a delegation of about 50 businesses, economic development and policy leaders for the mission, currently scheduled April 8-15, said John Grubb, chief of staff for the Bay Area Council, the business group that is organizing the trip.
The trip will focus on reopening California's trade and investment office in Shanghai, which closed in 2003. The delegation also is expected to stop in Beijing and other cities to promote clean energy, entrepreneurialism and California products and tourism.
Brown announced his intention to visit China last year when he welcomed Chinese leader Xi Jinping to California. During that visit, Brown hosted a round table with U.S. and Chinese governors, Xi and Vice President Joe Biden.
"California's exports are booming and our place in the world economy has never been stronger," Brown said in his address. "Our ties with The People's Republic of China in particular are deep - from the Chinese immigrants crossing the Pacific in 1848 to hosting China's next president in Los Angeles last February."
According to the council, attendees will pay their own way and there are federal grants available for promoting the state abroad. That could defray the cost to taxpayers for the governor and his staff.
"The impact on California taxpayers will be very minimal to zero and the benefit will, hopefully, be huge," Grubb said.
This will be Brown's first overseas trip since he took office in 2011, said Brown's spokesman Gil Duran.


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ORLANDO, Fla. – An Orlando man is fighting city officials to keep his vegetable garden in his front yard.
You have to step over radishes, wax beans and kale to get to Jason Helvingston's front door in College Park.
However, his 25 x 25 foot micro-irrigated vegetable garden is against city code, and the city of Orlando has asked Helvingston to dig it up by Wednesday.
[UPDATE: City allows man to keep veggie garden, considers changing law]
[READ: Orlando developer flips-flops on layoff threat after Obama re-elected]
"I said, 'You'll take my house before you take my vegetable garden,'" he said. "There's nothing wrong here, there's nothing poisonous here. This is a sustainable plot of land."
City code requires ground covers to be planted in a way that gives off a finished appearance so neighborhood lawns are clean, and inviting -- keeping property values up.
Helvingston has decided not to listen to the city. Instead, he's trying to petition the code to allow for veggie gardens in the front yard.
He's gathered more than 200 signatures, including one from his neighbor, Shelly Snow.
"(I'm) definitely not bothered by it. As a matter of fact, we love it," she said.
Helvingston hopes the city will reconsider the code when he meets with a code board in December.
"This is another example of the government telling us what we can do with our own property -- that should never happen," he said. "In any economic downturn in the past history of the United States, the government has always encouraged the people to grow their own food, and so we want to continue with that movement."
Other College Park residents tell Local 6 they're worried the city may come after them about their gardens.
Greg Clifton tells Local 6 he is growing 1/4 of an acre of vegetables in his backyard.
"But I have every intention of using my front yard as a garden and I think the more I can grow the better it is," Clifton told Local 6.
[SEE THESE? Tattoo spell check | Worst tattoos ever | Bizarre airport sightings]
Watch Local 6 News for more on this story.


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See Taylor Swift, Justin Bieber, Selena Gomez + More Stars' First Tweets
Twitter just launched an awesome new first tweets tool that allows users to see their own (and others') first tweets without having to annoyingly scroll back through their timeline. Of course, as soon as we saw this we just had to go back and look at our favorite celebs' inaugural tweets (it's a tough life here at PopCrush!). Take a look at Taylor Swift, Justin Bieber, Selena Gomez, Miley Cyrus and many more of our favorite stars' first stabs at Twitter.


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DR. HOOK- No shame: Take the stigma out of HIV
Sex ruins everything. Or should I say, most people ruin anything remotely related to sex. Even on I Love Lucy, 1950s TV censors struck out the word "pregnant" several times. Holy Babalu! You mean Desi had sex with Lucy and produced an embryo? Maybe the censors should have renamed the show I Love Lucy– from a Distance. That really would have made Lucy cry, "Waaaaaah!"
A PG-rated movie can show a thousand people getting murdered with enough blood spurting out to feed a village of vampires, but when there's sex on the screen, the movie rating goes up to NC-17. What happened to the hippie saying, "Make Love, Not War"?
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is as popular as Rosanne Barr singing the National Anthem to GW Bush at the White House. There's an enormous stigma about having HIV– because it can be considered a sexually transmitted disease. For example: have you heard any celebrities talking about their genital herpes or syphilis? Yet, we see commercials with Bob Dole talking about his erectile dysfunction (ED) to sell pills– and that isn't a disease you catch from sex. If gonorrhea were associated with ED, I highly doubt any celebrity would advertise for ED medications.
December 1 marks World AIDS Day. The United Nations met in Geneva on November 21, 2006 to discuss their concerns over the growing global epidemic of AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, which is caused by the HIV virus). Since HIV/AIDS was described in 1981 among MSM (men who have sex with men), it has become as lethal as the Bubonic plague of the 14th century or the influenza pandemic of the early 1900s.
Twenty million people have died of AIDS, which is the same as the combined population of Virginia, Maryland, West Virginia, and Tennessee. The population of these four states plus that of North Carolina, Georgia, and D.C. comes out to about 39.5 million people-– the number of people in the world currently living with HIV. Could you imagine the public outcry for help if all these places were completely filled with persons with HIV?
Every day about 13,000 people become infected with HIV– mostly women and minorities. Each day, 1,500 babies are infected with HIV from their mothers during pregnancy/delivery. Fifteen million children are currently orphaned because of AIDS. This is as happy as the ending of an opera.
Education has been shown to be effective in many regions in reducing the spread of HIV, but funding and interest usually dwindle– and HIV transmission increases again. It is like that U2 song, "How long, How long must we sing this song..."
The UN report states "Knowing your epidemic and understanding the drivers of the epidemic such as inequality between men and women and homophobia is absolutely fundamental to the long-term response to AIDS..." In this country, HIV is taboo to many people because it's associated with homosexuals, intravenous drug users, and prostitutes, oh my! (Sorry, Dorothy.)
What people don't realize is that an infection is an infection. There should be no shame because of an infection. Sure, there are higher risk behaviors that can lead to catching an infection– like sharing a handkerchief with someone who has a cold. But you don't shame someone for getting sick. Do we say, "I'm glad he had a heart attack since he smoked"?
Those who have died from AIDS or are living with HIV include Arthur Ashe, Rock Hudson, Magic Johnson, Gia Carangi, Robert Reed, Ryan White, Halston, Herb Ritts, Freddy Mercury, and Rudolf Nureyev– to name a few. Your family, friends, co-workers, and neighbors might be holding a secret from you because of the stigma. Get the word out, and let's defeat HIV.
For more information visit worldaidscampaign.net.
Got a medical question? Dr. Hook wants to hear from you!


text:
Angels drop sixth straight against Rangers
Scioscia holds team meating after Texas swipes six bags
ANAHEIM -- The Angels' list of problems in 2013 is long and unrelenting, from Josh Hamilton's slump to Albert Pujols' foot, starting pitching concerns, key bullpen injuries and an overall dropoff defensively. One issue that has mostly flown under the radar, perhaps because so many others exist, lies in this team's inability to control the running game.
On Tuesday night, the Rangers brought that to the forefront, using six stolen bases to beat the Angels for the sixth straight time.
And Angels manager Mike Scioscia -- a former catcher who's a stickler about this sort of thing -- was not happy.
"If this is going to become an Instructional League," Scioscia said after an 8-3 loss that prompted a team meeting, "we need to make some changes. Because guys up here should be able to do a better job."
The Angels had just allowed their most stolen bases in a nine-inning game since May 3, 1992 -- putting their season total at a Major League-leading 94 -- to give up their most runs without an extra-base hit since May 5, 1988. Those steals, Scioscia emphasized, were "not on Chris [Iannetta] at all."
"Chris," Scioscia added about his catcher, "is throwing the ball well."
The only runner Iannetta threw out on Tuesday was on a pickoff play. For the year, he's thrown out only 11 of 82, putting his caught-stealing percentage at a Major League-low 13.4 percent. But Scioscia believes the problem has more to do with his pitchers' times to the plate.
"Some guys have a poor rhythm, some guys have a high leg kick, some guys have the same rhythm where runners are getting a jump," Scioscia said. "And as much as we've talked about it or worked on it, some guys are having trouble making adjustments. Rangers are going to take advantage of it, a lot of teams are going to take advantage of it, and they have this year."
Garrett Richards pitched well, giving up three runs in six innings to put his ERA at 2.50 in three starts since taking Joe Blanton's spot in the rotation. And the Angels opened the first inning against Yu Darvish with back-to-back homers by Kole Calhoun and Mike Trout, who reached base for a 37th consecutive game to pass Chili Davis for the record among Angels outfielders.
It was the second time in team history that the first two hitters in their lineup had homered to start a game -- and it marked the end of the Angels' highlights.
Josh Hamilton flied out with runners on the corners and two outs in the seventh with the score tied at 2, making him 2-for-21 on this homestand and putting his batting average with runners in scoring position at .167 for the season. In the next half-inning, Scioscia chose to pitch to Adrian Beltre with a runner on third, one out and the infield in, and the veteran third baseman sneaked a grounder through to give the Rangers (64-50) a one-run lead.
And in the ninth, the wheels came off. The Rangers batted around against Nick Maronde and Ernesto Frieri -- members of an Angels bullpen that has a 5.89 ERA since the All-Star break -- to plate four runs, the most the Angels have allowed in the ninth this season. Beltre, Elvis Andrus and A.J. Pierzynski each had RBI singles. Craig Gentry scored from second on an infield single to the right side, crossing home plate while Maronde was busy arguing a call at first base. And, fittingly, two more stolen bases were recorded.
"They were holding us on," Andrus said, "but they were a little slow to the plate so we waited for our opportunities and took advantage of it."
The six stolen bases allowed -- one shy of the club record, done three times -- was far from the Angels' only problem on Tuesday, which saw them fall to 10 games below .500 and 7-for-12 since the All-Star break.
But it's a problem that hasn't gone away.
"It's a three-part play," said Iannetta, who also played a part in three wild pitches. "I have to do everything I can to control my aspect of it. That's a clean transfer, quick release and make a good throw to second base. I felt like I was able to make some good throws."
"We've been trying to be better as a pitching staff as far as getting our times to the plate better to give our catchers a better chance at throwing guys out," Richards added. "Tonight that wasn't the case, obviously."
In Scioscia's previous 13 years as Angels skipper, the Angels have allowed more stolen bases than they've picked up only two times, in 2000 and 2010. This year will be No. 3, as they've stolen 54 bases and allowed 94.
It's one of many problems this year, but also a big one.
"Some things have gotten away from guys, and we need to get more proficient at that," Scioscia said. "There's absolutely no doubt about that. And we will."


text:
Matt Brewster
Rust Guitars and Basses
New York, NY
Years Building: 20
Wait Time: Approx. 12 weeks for custom build (some available immediately)
Price Range: $1800-$2200
Contact: (212) 868-2660
The product line seems very "meat and potatoes." What are your staples?
My product line is the staples. We make only 4-string basses, a vintage P and a vintage J model. All traditional hardware is used, and traditional pickups and components. We do not make a 5-string. It's like you said, meat and potatoes.
Is any custom work available?
We can build anything a customer desires. If we need to install a preamp on a customerordered bass, that's easy enough to do. Pretty much, our product line is pure, classic '60s, but utilizing a "retro stance." Take this bass, for example (pulling out what looks to be a heavily modified '60s P-Bass). This is a custom order for the bass player in the band Jupiter One. It's a '60s-style P that was built to look like it was modified during the bad old days of the '70s. It has a period-correct DiMarzio Model One pickup and a '70s-style black guard. It's what the customer wanted, and we built it.
What type of components do you use?
I love the Lollar pickups. CTS pots and Switchcraft jacks are key. Bridges are Fender vintage reissue. For tuners, we use Fender or Gotoh. All the parts are relic'd in-house. For pickguards we use Pickguardian guards. Tony makes an amazing product.
Where do you get your wood?
Our bodies and necks are all USA sourced and built to our standards. Only premium stuff is used. We do all wood prep and fretwork in-house. We use alder for our colors and ash for sunbursts.
Is there anything special you do before sending the bodies out for paint?
We inspect the grain and feel the weight of each body. Different grains and different weights lend themselves better to different types of finishes and tones.
Are you a believer in "lighter is better?"
Actually, no. Sometimes if you get a body that is too light, there is not enough mass, and it sounds like the bass has no energy. Heavier bodies have a darker sound, where lighter ones are airy and bright. Like I said, a body that's too light sounds too bright, sometimes lighter is not better.
Do you do your finish work in-house?
Finish work is impossible to do in NYC on any commercial scale. We send work out to one of two sources. We use a guy in NY state and another in Florida. The relicing is done in-house.
Are you using poly or nitro?
We only use nitro for our finishes. We do not use poly of any variety. I have found on my basses poly sounds stiff compared to nitro. We don't use any hype, we don't use any wizardry. We use old-school finishes.
I'm looking at your painted, pre-relic'd bodies. They are all done impeccably. Why do a perfect finish only to do a heavy relic?
A perfect finish to start with only lends itself to a better relic.
Do you do any fancy bodies or finishes?
We use no figured wood. We try to keep as authentic as possible. We want to keep to the vibe of a 40- to 50-year old bass. That's not to say we won't use a 12" radius fingerboard, but we try to keep strictly old school.
Do you use old-school or more modern techniques with your building?
We are strictly old school. We use every type of hand tool, and traditional bench power tools if needed.
Rust is one of the smaller players in this genre of bass, but every time I'm in here, there's always a client with a Rust instrument in hand to try out or purchase. Why is the product so hot right now?[Literally as I am asking this question, one of Matt's clients, Steve "Godfather" DiVentuta, says, "I'm taking this one."]
My instruments are made of all top-shelf components. The finish work is exacting. The setups are perfect. When you look at a Rust, you are not just buying a "relic," you are buying a bass that is built to an exacting feel, an exacting emulation of the real thing.
Who is the target audience for the product line?
Our buyers vary from rock stars to pros to breakout artists to working NYC musicians in the bars—this is our main clientele. Pretty much it's all the guys out there "doin' it," who want to leave the real stuff at home or are just priced out of the vintage market.
What is the secret to the success of the product line?
Slow and steady! Sometimes bigger is not better, and I am at the advantage of offering a high-quality, custom-to-spec bass at a reasonably affordable price. My rule is: nothing crazy will be built. If the bass is crazy, Matt is crazy. Matt does not want to be crazy!


text:
Royals Minor League Report: Aug. 6
Omaha Storm Chasers (59-59)
Salt Lake 3, Omaha 0
LP: Everett Teaford (4-3)
HR: None
Omaha settled for a 2-2 series split, as the Bees scored all three runs in the sixth. Teaford tossed seven innings, allowing the three runs, three hits and three walks while striking out six. He carried a no-hitter into the sixth before allowing all three hits. Irving Falu led Omaha with two hits. Chris Getz was 1-for-4 in the second game of his rehab stint. The entire PCL is off today. Omaha hosts Sacramento (Athletics) on Friday.
NW Arkansas Naturals (22-23 second half, 47-68 overall)
Corpus Christi 7, NW Arkansas 3
LP: Kyle Zimmer (2-1)
HR: Angel Franco (4), Cheslor Cuthbert (four with NW Arkansas, six overall), Jorge Bonifacio (one with NW Arkansas, three overall)
Northwest Arkansas fell short in the opener at Corpus Christi. Franco, Cuthbert and Bonifacio all homered, however, that was the extent of the scoring. Bonifacio's long ball was his first at the Double-A level. Kyle Zimmer (4 2/3 innings, five hits, four earned runs, two walks, eight strikeouts, two homers) allowed his first runs since joining the Naturals.
Wilmington Blue Rocks (18-25 second half, 51-62 overall)
Wilmington 3, Salem 0 (Five Innings)
WP: Leonel Santiago (2-1)
HR: Jared Schlehuber (8)
Wilmington won a rain-shortened contest at Salem. Santiago held the Sox scoreless on three hits and a walk over five innings. Schlehuber hit a two-run homer in the third. Justin Trapp recorded two hits, including an RBI double in the fifth. The series wrapped up with a matinee today.
Lexington Legends (27-18 second half, 60-53 overall)
Lexington 4, Asheville 3
WP: Zeb Sneed (1-0)
SV: John Walter (7)
HR: None
Cameron Gallagher's two-run single in the fifth helped Lexington edge Asheville. Raul Mondesi and Bubba Starling scored on the play, and both finished with two hits. Miguel Almonte yielded three runs, six hits and a walk over four innings. Sneed tossed 3 2/3 scoreless innings for the win.
Idaho Falls Chukars (3-4 second half, 22-23 overall)
Ogden 14, Idaho Falls 5
LP: Tyler Mack (3-4)
HR: Dominique Taylor (3)
The Chukars dropped to 3-2 in a home-and-home series against Ogden. The Raptors plated eight in the first and built a 10-0 lead. Taylor was 3-for-4 with a two-run home run and two runs. Elier Hernandez added two RBIs.
Burlington Royals (21-24)
Burlington 12, Danville 3
WP: Luis Santos (4-1)
HR: Sam Bates (9)
Burlington built an 11-0 lead in a win over Danville. Bates hit his league-leading ninth home run as part of a four-run second. Burlington scored six in the fifth, including two-run doubles from Mauricio Ramos and Andrew Ayers. Ramos finished with two hits, three RBIs and two runs. Santos tossed six shutout innings, limiting Danville to four hits and a walk.
Surprise Royals (4-6 second half, 14-24 overall)
Arizona Brewers 5, Surprise 4
LP: Chase Darhower (0-1)
HR: None
Surprise scored three in the first but could not hold on at home, losing by a 5-4 count for a second straight day. Edinson Rincon continued his rehab stint, going 2-for-3 with a double, an RBI and a run. Xavier Fernandez added two hits and an RBI.


text:
Education stakeholders study state policy and collective bargaining language
Report highlights need for collaborative professional development
DALLAS - August 09, 2010 -
A new report, "Advancing High-Quality Professional Learning Through Collective Bargaining and State Policy," calls for more collaboration and a common set of standards for developing policy on professional development for teachers. The study is the result of a three-year partnership between the National Staff Development Council (NSDC), National Education Association (NEA), American Federation of Teachers (AFT) and the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO). This report explores how states and districts can support high-quality professional learning opportunities for educators.
Professional development—or professional learning—refers to activities teachers undertake to enhance professional knowledge and skills or career opportunities, with the goal of improving student learning.
The report contains recommendations and examples of legislation, regulations, administrative guidelines, and collective bargaining language in 12 policy areas. Members of the task force who worked on the report hope it will be used to guide the development of collective bargaining agreements, memorandums of understanding, and state policies that strengthen professional development in order to improve teaching and learning.
After examining state policies and local bargaining agreements, the task force drew some broad conclusions:
- There is wide variation in state policies and collective bargaining language pertaining to professional development across states and districts;
- The quality of professional learning for teachers is improved when it is embedded in state policy and collective bargaining; and
- Collaboration among stakeholders at the school, district and state level is needed to create and sustain policies that promote high-quality professional development for teachers.
"The project is a landmark collaboration among school, district and state stakeholders to develop policy recommendations about professional development for effective teaching and student success," said Stephanie Hirsh, NSDC's executive director. "The four national organizations formed a productive partnership that serves as a model for how state and local stakeholders can join forces to create and promote collective bargaining agreements and policies to strengthen and enhance the quality of teaching and student learning."
"High-quality professional development is necessary to ensure that all teachers are able to meet the needs of diverse student populations, effectively use data to guide reform, engage parents, and become active agents of their own professional growth," said NEA President Dennis Van Roekel. "This report demonstrates that professional development is most effective when it is incorporated into collective bargaining agreements and policies that drive the day-to-day work of teachers."
Six states were represented on the task force: Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, and Texas. To read the full report and review the task force recommendations, please visit www.nsdc.org/news/advancinghighqualityprofessionallearning.pdf
About National Staff Development Council
The goal of the National Staff Development Council is to ensure that every educator engages in effective professional learning every day so every student achieves. NSDC is the only education association working solely to increase student achievement through more effective professional development. For more information about the impact of high-quality professional learning, visit www.nsdc.org.
About National Education Association
The National Education Association is the nation's largest professional employee organization, representing 3.2 million elementary and secondary teachers, higher education faculty, education support professionals, school administrators, retired educators and students preparing to become teachers. For more information, visit www.nea.org.
Contacts: NSDC: Joellen Killon (303) 432-0958, email@example.com
NEA: Michelle Hudgins (202) 822-7649, firstname.lastname@example.com


text:
Eclipse IDE
1478 Solutions and counting.
ecFeed is a tool for modelling generating and executing tests. Test cases are modeled as a classification tree. Extensive constraints provide a way to specify relationships between test case's ...
GraphWalker (http://graphwalker.github.io/) is a open source Model-based testing tool for test automation. The GW4E project (https://gw4e.github.io/) is separate from the GraphWalker project and it...
Jnario has the goal to make writing executable specifications for Java as simple as possible. It provides two different languages, one for writing high-level acceptance specifications and one for w...
Clover measures Java and Groovy code coverage and optimises your test execution so you can prioritise new test development, get faster feedback of test results, and reduce risk of defects.
The PHP IDE project delivers a PHP Integrated Development Environment framework for the Eclipse platform. This project encompasses the development components necessary to develop PHP-based Web Appl...
Swingcorder is a utility that provides the ability to record and recreate user input for Swing applications. Recorded input is translated into Java code that, when executed with the Swingcorder lib...
Easily develop, execute, analyze and debug your tests on remote physical devices
End-to-end mobile test automation from Eclipse
Perform test development, automation project development, and t...
Squish is the leading automated GUI Testing tool for Eclipse/RCP, AWT/Swing and JavaFx applications. In addition Squish supports testing of Qt, QML, QtQuick, native Windows, native Mac, Web/HTML5 a...
BREDEX has been dedicated to providing tailor-made solutions for our customers since 1987. Over the years and through various complex projects, we have gathered experience - and set trends - in the...
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Web, Programming Languages, Editor, Tools, IDE
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COLA Tests m2e connector - No longer required (see details)
JUnit + BDD = COLA Tests
COLA Tests is a BDD framework built on top of JUnit.
It is easy to use, setup and above all, DOES NOT r...
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A plug-in for Eclipse IDE based on TestDox. TestDoxon assists the user by showing test method names according to this standard.
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Last Updated on Monday, February 4, 2019 - 13:57 by Test Doxon


text:
Abstract Wall Art "Misty Glow"
is a mixed media fluid painting on a wooden panel.
Free shipping Australia wide. Contact for a shipping quote for
orders outside of Australia. Please allow 1-2 weeks shipping.
Returns & exchanges — I gladly accept returns
Contact me within: 14 days of delivery, ship items back within: 21 days of delivery
Please contact me if you have any problems with your order.
PLEASE NOTE: Colours and hues are sometimes distorted depending on monitor screens, can differ from mobile devices and tablets too. All pieces for sale are original and one of a kind
Follow my work…..
Facebook: Please "LIKE" me on Facebook to get updates on new paintings.
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com.au/petrameikledevlas/boards/


text:
This short animation tells the story of Saoussan, a young girl struggling to adjust to life in Canada after being uprooted from her wartorn homeland. She has come to seek a quieter and safer life, although memories of war and death linger, memories that are awakened when the children at her new school prepare for a scary Halloween. From Far Away speaks to the power within us all to adapt like Saoussan and to welcome a newcomer.
Part of the Talespinners collection, which uses vibrant animation to bring popular children's stories from a wide range of cultural communities to the screen.
Pedagogical evaluations and study guides are only available to CAMPUS subscribers.
Features designed specifically for teachers. Learn more
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text:
Blog Archive
- ► 2018 (17)
- ► 2015 (26)
- ► 2014 (64)
- ► 2013 (124)
- Apple-Palooza Pie Contest
- 2012 Apple Palooza – Final Schedule
- 6th Annual Hand Crafted Hoedown for the Holidays 2012
- Apple Pie Ideas
- Apple-Azing Race: "I Scream, You Scream: A Mystery...
- Apple-Azing Race: "Dewey" by Vicki Myron Challenge
- Apple-Azing Race: Arnie the Doughnut by Laurie Kel...
- Sauce-Sational – An Experiment in Applesauce Summary
- Vintage
- What's Cooking?
- Jalapeño-Ginger Butternut Squash Soup
- Apple-azing Race: "Cider House Rules" by John Irvi...
- Alice in Dairyland
- Apple Pie In a Jar – more than for just pies
- Saucesational – An Experiment in Applesauce: Shizuka
- Saucesational – An Experiment in Applesauce: Idared
- Apple-Azing Race: "Wizard of Oz" by L. Frank Baum ...
- Apple-Azing Race: "Grapes of Wrath" by John Steinb...
- Saucesational – An Experiment in Applesauce: Empire
- Tipsy Applesauce
- Apple Jam
- Brandied Apples
- Saucesational – An Experiment in Applesauce: Spartan
- Saucesational – An Experiment in Applesauce: Cortland
- Apple-Azing Race: "The Complete idiots guide to wo...
- Saucesational – An Experiment in Applesauce: Sweet 16
- Saucesational – An Experiment in Applesauce: Snow ...
- Photo Scavenger Hunt at Lapacek's Orchard
- Taffy Apple Cake
- Apple-Azing Race: "Animal Farm" by George Orwell C...
- Recipe- Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
- RAWards – VOTE Now please – non apple related
- Apple Pie Baking Contest – Prizes, Judges and Crit...
- Apple-Palooza 2012
- ▼ October (34)
- ► 2011 (119)
- ► 2010 (95)
- ► 2009 (167)
Informative Blog Posts
Sauce-Sational: An Experiment in Applesacue
- Akane
- Arlet (Swiss Gourmet)
- Baker's Mix - August
- Baker's Mix - October
- Bella
- Bonnie's Best
- Braeburn
- Cameo
- Chenango Strawberry
- Cortland
- Cox Orange Pippin
- Crimson Crisp
- Crimson Gold
- Dandee Red
- Duchess
- Empire
- Fireside
- Frostbite
- Fuji
- Gala
- Ginger Gold
- Golden Delicious
- Golden Supreme
- Granny Smith
- Haralson
- Hazen
- Honey Gold
- Honeycrisp
- Idared
- Jonagold
- Jonamac
- Jonathan
- Jumbo
- Keepsake
- MacIntosh
- Macoun
- Melrose
- Northern Spy
- NW Greening
- Overall Summary
- Paulared
- Red Gravenstein
- Regent
- Sansa
- Scarlet
- Shizuka
- Silken
- Smokehouse
- Smoothee
- Sno (Famuese)
- Snow Sweet
- Spartan
- Sweet 16
- Tolman Sweet
- Valstar
- Wealthy
- William's Pride
- Wolf River
- Zestar!
Popular Posts
The 2018 apple season started out with not the best weather – it rained and rained and rained some more. One afternoon on a whim, my mother...
Things have been busy at the Lapacek household these last few weeks. Jared has been spending all of his spare time when he's not at his 're...
Since the orchard now has ground cherries, I wanted to share this easy jam recipe. Ground cherries are delicious as a raw fruit, but they ma...
Lots has been happening at the Kroncke Road Orchard this spring. We're preparing to move the store over to our place in 2010 (don't panic…m...
The other day I went to my daughter, Capri's, Kindergarten classroom to do some apple taste testing. I brought three very different apples ...
This really only belongs on my crafty blog but since Diane and I both created a quilt for the contest I thought I'd share it with you all o...
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Assessing a Slow Year3 days ago
Hot Chocolate Bombs5 weeks ago
Lapacek's Orchard In the News!
Our Favorite Websites
Sunday Recipe's
- Amish Apple Grunt
- Apple Butter Madness
- Apple Cheddar Bread
- Apple Chicken Salad/Sandwiches
- Apple Cider Donuts
- Apple Crisp Parfait
- Apple Danish Pastry Bars
- Apple French Toast
- Apple Fritter Rings
- Apple Harvest Blondies
- Apple Nut Bread
- Apple Pecan Quick Bread
- Apple Pie Cake
- Apple Pie in a Jar
- Apple Raisin Loaves
- Apple Salad with Blue Cheese Dressing
- Apple Strudel Puff Pastry
- Apple Toss
- Apple Upside-Down Cake
- Apple-Jalepeno Preserves
- Apple-Pecan Cheesecake
- Baked Oatmeal
- Bavarian Apple Torte
- Blueberry French Toast
- Blueberry-Raspberry Streusel Muffins
- Brandied Apple 'N Cream Cheese Pie
- Caramel Apple Bars
- Coconut Apple Cake
- Cranberry Apple Bread
- Cranberry Apple Salad
- Creamy Apple Squares
- Crispy Festive Apple Salad
- Cucumber Tomatillo Salsa
- Dill Dip
- Dinner in a Pumpkin
- Easy Waffles
- Egg-cellent Apple Salad
- French Apple Pie
- Fresh Apple Salsa
- Great Apple Dessert
- Great Apple Dessert
- Hot Cinnamon Cider
- Hot Pirate Cider
- Kelly's Favorite Apple Pie
- Maple Roasted Acorn Squash
- Marinated Zucchini Salad
- Microwave Apple Muffins
- Pumpkin Cheese Ball
- Pumpkin Gingerbread
- Pumpkin Pie Cake
- Quick Apple Dumplings
- Scalloped Apples
- Sour Cream Apple Coffee Cake
- Spiced Apple Bagel
- Spicy Apple Pancake with Cider Sauce
- Strawberry Chocolate Mint Lemonade Cooler
- Tangy Ham in Cider
- Tomatillo Salsa Verde
- Warm Apple Pudding
- Wilted Swiss Chard with Fresh Basil
- Zucchini Bread
Where Can you Find Us?
(608) 635-4780
6th Annual Hand Crafted Hoedown for the Holidays 2012
Yes! We are having the Handcrafted Hoedown for the Holiday's again this year. I'm excited to be able to share with you some familiar faces and some new ones in this years collection of goods. Can you believe this is the SIXTH year for the sale! How amazing!
photo from the 2011 Hoedown
I'll start out with talking the basics:
What: An opportunity to buy unique, locally hand-crafted items for friends and family while listening to holiday music!
Items from numerous artists include: Quilts, Ornaments, Baskets, Bags and Purses, Belts, Scarves, Holiday Decorations, Baby Items, Hand-dyed Clothing, Jewelry, Crocheted Hats, Winter-Wear Items, Stockings, Tree Skirts, Candles and MORE! I'll be doing some 'sneak peek' posts this year to give you an idea what you can expect!
Don't miss the mini quilt shop!
Friday, November 16th from 9am – 6pm
Saturday, November 17th from 9am – 5pm
- A Girl Scout Cookie Booth will be set up on November 18th from 10am to 3pm!
Lapacek's Orchard
N1959 Kroncke Road
Poynette, WI 53955
Make and Take (or Kits) Ornaments – Start a New Holiday Tradition
For the first time we'll be holding a 'Make and Take' Ornament Station. We'll have some cute, simple drawings of either a snowman, a reindeer, an owl, or a penguin for you to choose from (Capri is holding the snowman and reindeer). At the station the child will stamp their finger print into the main body portion of the creature. We can add the date and any other personalization you would like to the ornament. It will hang from a canning lid…a perfect decoration for the tree this season and a fun keepsake! If you don't have your child with you we will also be selling the kits and you can do it with your child/grandchild/etc at your home. (Make N Take - $3, Kits - $2)
Each year we will plan a new Make N Take Station. These ornaments can become a tradition for your family to hang on your tree each year.
Gift Wrapping for Children in Need
We are going to be offering gift wrapping this year. For just a $1 donation we'll put your purchase in a nice bag with tissue and tag – all ready for gifting! 100% of the proceeds from the gift wrapping will be used to buy gifts for children on the Poynette Bank Giving Tree. I'm really excited about this! Cedi, Capri, Persimoni and I will do the shopping (yes - I love to shop!)
I'm really looking forward to another fabulous holiday sale. Although we'll be out of apples this year for the sale we will be offering apple cider donuts and caramel apples. If you need to stock up on either of these be sure to let me know ahead of time and we'd be happy to fill your order!
Because the apple store is closing earlier than normal you can expect to see some incredible new items from Diane and I. We've been brainstorming and working together on some projects…it's going to be incredible!


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BABCOR Packaging is still operating, but for health precautions, we will not be making LOCAL deliveries during the COVID-19 crisis. Local customers can pick up orders at will call, or we can FedEx orders.
Please call to arrange will call or LOCAL shipping. Online Orders will ship as normal.
Use(s): decorate gift boxes.
NOTE: For orders of 10 cases or more call us at 888-321-2248
$0.25 each @ 1 Case
$0.21 each @ 2 -4 Cases
$0.23 each @ 5 or more Cases
Code: A50035
Size: 2"
Color / Style: Red
Shipping Weight: 1.00 pounds
Units / Case: 100
NOTE: If you require this product by a special date please call us toll-free at 888-321-2248 to confirm delivery and availability options.


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Lot 1809, Jalan Bukit Kayu Hitam,
Jitra, Kedah 06050
Office+60 (0)4 922 2822
Fax+60 (0)4 922 2798
WebsiteVisit website
The Course:
18 holes. Parkland. Gently undulating terrain - easy to walk.
Jungle and rubber plantation.
50 km N of Alor Setar
Black Forest, Malaysia
Visitors welcome on weekdays and weekends.
Must book in advance.
PO Box 24, Bandar Daulaman, 06007 Jitra, Kedah.
+60 (0)4 917 0001Visit website
Darulaman G&CC (not covered by Where2Golf).
Black Forest
Lot 162, Jalan Tunku Ibrahim, P.O Box 319, Pejabat Pos Besar, 05000, Kedah
+60 (0)4 734 9999Visit website
Black Forest (55 km)
US Women's PGA Championship: located just outside Philadelphia, the famed Donald Ross layout of Aronimink Golf Club hosts the third women's major championship of 2020 (Oct 8-11).
Scottish Open: first played in 1972, this year's championship is again played on the Tom Doak-designed Renaissance Club course, which sits alongside mighty Muirfield in East Lothian (Oct 1-4).
Who's Who:
Jim Furyk: in winning the Pure Insurance Championship at Pebble Beach Golf Links, "The Grinder" joined Arnold Palmer and Bruce Fleisher as the only players to win their first two starts on the PGA Tour Champions.
Georgia Hall: recorded her first win in an LPGA Tour event on American soil at this year's Portland Classic, played at Columbia Edgewater Country Club … on the edge of the Columbia River.
Traigh Golf Course (pronounced "try", and meaning "beach" in Gaelic): You'll find this nine-hole seaside gem on the scenic coast road (as opposed to the more inland and quicker A830) between Arisaig and Morar. Although not on the well-beaten path of Scotland's "trophy" courses, if you are passing through this area, it's a must play.
Read More...
Cullen Links Golf Club: "immensely scenic", "quirky as golf can get", "short!", "hugely enjoyable" ... Cullen Links attracts as wide a variety of comments as it lays down golfing challenges. Shoehorned into this 4,600 yard treasure trove are ten par-3s, seven par-4s and a good-length par-5. Here you'll find all the seaside scenery a golfer could ask for, and a lot more besides. Read More...
You can subscribe to the Where2Golf channel on YT if you like to see more video content. You'll find a "Subscribe" button on any of our YouTube videos. Or if you want a quick and direct access subscribe here. Once done, any new published videos will show up in your Subscriptions feed.


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The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) issued an Investor Alert Wednesday warning investors about stock scams related to nutraceutical companies that sell fortified foods, energy drinks and "natural" medicines.
The alert, Nutraceutical Stock Scams—Don't Supplement Your Portfolio With These Companies, warns investors that "con artists behind nutraceutical stock scams may try to lure in investors with optimistic and potentially false and misleading information that in turn creates unwarranted demand for shares of small, thinly traded companies that often have little or no history of financial success."
The con artists behind these "pump and dump" scams, the alert says, can then sell off their shares, leaving investors with worthless stock.
Like many investment scams, pitches for nutraceutical stocks may arrive in a variety of ways—from cold calls to e-mail, tweets, blogs or message board posts, the alert warns.
While some nutraceutical companies are legitimate, others could be bogus operations with the potential to harm unsuspecting investors.
The alert says one company claimed to have acquired rights to "all-natural" medicines that treat maladies ranging from the common cold to kidney disease.
The company claimed it had "the potential to capture 3% of the U.S. market within a three-year period" and "potentially generate $100,000,000 in revenues," the alert says. FINRA's alert says that investors who took a look at the company's unaudited financials would have found a firm with almost no cash on hand and no track record of sales.
"While nutraceuticals claim to help people become healthy, investing in some of the companies associated with these products can make investors' portfolios sick," said Gerri Walsh, FINRA's Vice President for Investor Education, in a statement. "The best way investors can inoculate themselves against investment scams is to ask and check. Find out whether the promoter is licensed using FINRA BrokerCheck, and check out the investment using the Securities and Exchange Commission's EDGAR database of company filings."


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Hawk Talon
- Posts: 1047
- Joined: Wed Nov 04, 2015 12:27 pm
- Location: Airdrie, Alberta, Canada
ranger101 wrote:I built a 1500 point UCM list. In it I had a New York battleship, 2 Seattle Class Carriers, DFlist stated that I had a launch of 7 instead of 13. Upon checking I found the New York had a launch of + instead of 7.
So the error is that its supposed to be 1+7 but just got the 1 somehow. The Torpedo counts towards launch so 2 Seattle and a New York at 14 not 13.


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CINCINNATI, OHIO – July 15, 2017 – The Center for Closing the Health Gap is a non-profit organization founded in 2004 to eliminate racial and ethnic health disparities across Greater Cincinnati. Funded primarily through sponsorship contributions from the region's largest hospitals and health care organizations, the Health Gap also receives funds from national grants and tax dollars from the City of Cincinnati. The City recently released findings from an audit of the Health Gap's stewardship of funds and found the organization to be in compliance with all processes over the past five years.
"Over the past 13 years, the Health Gap has dealt with the most difficult health issues affecting our most vulnerable populations and specifically the black community," said Dwight Tillery, founder and CEO of the Center for Closing the Health Gap. "The issue of health disparities is among the most challenging we face as a society – not just for Cincinnati but for the entire nation. Instead of simple band-aids that address only the symptoms, we're doing the hard work of addressing the root causes."
Racial and ethnic disparities are caused by a variety of factors including social and environmental conditions, access to care and the structure of the health care system. Through advocacy, education and community outreach, Tillery and his Health Gap team work collaboratively with more than 100 different organizations including vulnerable neighborhoods, universities, hospitals, government, associations and businesses to address fundamental social determinants and make critical changes. Initiatives focus on disease prevention, promoting healthier eating and enhancing quality of life to promote a culture of health and make Cincinnati's neighborhoods and residents stronger.
"Since our launch, Cincinnati's major hospitals have funded the Health Gap and served on our board," said Mark Vander Laan, chair of the board of directors for the Health Gap. "They've contributed almost $18 million because they believe in our work, and they know firsthand the depth of our healthcare problem. Similarly, the City of Cincinnati continues to understand the value of our work and invest in it year after year. We were gratified, but not surprised, by the positive results of the City's compliance audit, and we look forward to continuing our strong partnership with Cincinnati."
In response to the audit, the Board of Directors of the Health Gap issued a joint statement to redouble its support of the Health Gap's work: "We take seriously the oversight of this excellent organization and its devotion to empowering individuals and communities to unleash their own potential to change health outcomes for themselves and their neighbors. The Health Gap has done, and will continue to do, significant work in this community to address the serious issue of health disparities."
Cincinnati's City Manager has placed the Health Gap in the City's 2018-19 budget at a level of $750,000. Like with previous taxpayer dollars, that investment will yield significant return in the improved health and well-being of Cincinnati's urban residents through programs such as:
The Health Gap's Annual Health Expo – The Expo has reached nearly 100,000 individuals since 2004. Nearly 30,000 free health screenings have been conducted – 38% of which were for individuals who had not received a health check in past three years. Said Tillery: "The Health Expo is saving lives. We have stacks of letters and emails from people who tell us that if it weren't for the free screenings, they would have never found out about their diabetes or high blood pressure. Lives are being changed and saved because the Expo is providing access residents couldn't have received anywhere else in our community."
The Health Gap's Do Right! Campaign – We work with Mt. Auburn residents to help them change their lifestyles with a focus on physical activity and healthier eating. Nearly 20,000 participants have been served since 2008.
Food Deserts – The Health Gap works to address food deserts in Cincinnati's most impacted neighborhoods. Added Tillery: "These areas where healthy, affordable food is difficult to obtain is an epidemic with no easy solutions. Take away what the Health Gap is doing through the Cincinnati Fresh Food Retail Financing Fund and the City of Cincinnati Food Access Task Force and there would be nothing for the thousands of residents in our urban core who struggle daily."
Do Right! Babies Infant Mortality Initiative and Community Health University – These programs equip individuals with tools to navigate and utilize the health care system efficiently.
"I'm proud of the work we do every day, proud of the community leaders who continue to support and fund us, proud of the residents who use our programs to take back control of their health," added Tillery. "There is no secret recipe to cure the root causes of ethnic health disparities and a system that's been broken for decades. But the Health Gap is using every tool at our disposal. The impact is real and it's all around us. And we'll continue to work hard to make a difference no matter the obstacles."
About the Health Gap
The Center for Closing the Health Gap promotes awareness about health disparities through education, training, advocacy and outreach activities for organizations and individuals in Greater Cincinnati. The Center maximizes collaborative opportunities by working with organizations, associations, health institutions and other stakeholders to promote health and disease prevention. The Center's goal is to improve the health status of the African American, Latino and Appalachian populations.
For more information, visit http://ClosingTheHealthGap.org
Media Contact
Company Name: Closing The Health Gap
Contact Person: Tillery
Email: email@example.com
Country: United States
Website: http://ClosingTheHealthGap.org