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Tax Day 2011 Freebies
Several companies are offering relief to taxpayers by giving away goodies or offering special deals.
Tax day probably isn't on the top of anyone's list of favorite days. But here's a reason you can actually look forward to April 18 (the deadline for filing your tax return this year): FREEBIES.
Several companies will be offering relief to taxpayers in the form of free treats, food, workouts and massages, and drink and dining specials. "After the stress of filing taxes, everyone deserves a break," says Rick Tasman, chief operating officer of P.F.Chang's, one of the restaurants offering a special deal on tax day. "This is a small way to do something extra for our guests to show our appreciation for their business."
Here's a rundown of who is offering what:
Arby's will have a Free Curly FryDay April 15 at participating locations from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. to kick off tax weekend. Visit the Arby's Facebook page later this week to print out a coupon for free fries.
Bally Total Fitness is letting anyone work out for free April 18. Members can sign up from April 15 through April 21 for a free 30-minute personal training session. And during that same period, non-members can take advantage of a tax day membership special with a two-year Premier National Access membership for $418, a savings of $61 from the standard price.
California Tortilla is giving customers free chips and cheese (queso) with a purchase on April 18 because "you have to pay the big cheese."
Chili's has a coupon on its Facebook page for a free appetizer or dessert on April 18.
Cinnabon will offer two free Classic Cinnabon Bites on April 18 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. as part of its Tax Day Bites promotion.
DIRECTV is giving subscribers a free trial of HBO and Cinemax April 15 to April 18.
HydroMassage locations nationwide will provide free massages between April 14 and April 18 to help eliminate the stress of tax filing. Get a coupon for a free message at www.hydromassage.com/taxday.htm and call ahead to schedule a session.
IHOP has a kids-eat-free special offer the entire month of April. From 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., children 12 and younger get one free meal with each paying adult.
MaggieMoo's Ice Cream and Treatery will offer a free mini ice cream sundae from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. April 18. The "Sundae Stimulus" will feature the new Crumb Cake Fundae, which includes cinnamon Hostess® Streusel Cake, cinnamon "Cinamoo" ice cream, caramel sauce, mixed nuts and whipped cream.
McCormick & Schmick's will have tax relief drink specials during its Early Filers Happy Hour on Friday, April 15. On Monday, April 18, McCormick & Schmick's will host an all-day Tax Relief Procrastinators Celebration, featuring a variety of $10.40 entrée specials (available in the bar only) and tax relief drink specials. For extra tax relief, all guests who make a purchase in the bar during Happy Hour on April 15 and all day on April 18 will receive a $10.40 dining certificate (while supplies last) to use the next time they visit the restaurant.
Office Depot is letting customers make free copies of their tax returns (up to 25 single-sided pages) through April 15.
P.F. Chang's is offering a 15% discount on dine-in and carry-out orders April 18 (alcohol and happy hour items excluded).
Unfortunately, several companies that offered tax-day freebies in the past won't be doing so this year. For example, you won't get a free cup of coffee at Starbucks this year. Subway, Jamba Juice, Dunkin' Donuts, Kimpton Hotels and T.G.I. Friday's won't offer any special deals on tax day, either. The McDonald's corporate office does not have a list yet of its locations that will be offering tax-day specials.


text:
Easy product returns
Buy a product and check it in your own time, at home.Show details
You can return the product without providing a reason within 14 days.
You can return the product without providing a reason within 14 days.
14 days to withdraw from the contract
Your satisfaction is very important to us, therefore you can make a return without providing a reason within 14 days.
No stress and worry
We care about your comfort, that's why our shop offers returns on favorable terms.
Easy returns wizard
All returns processed by our shop are managed in a easy-to-use returns wizard which gives you the ability to send a return parcel.
This product is available in our stores
You can buy this product without placing an online order at one of our stores in your area. Check where the product is in stock.Check availability
Ecological glass cake has slight green tint and may contain natural air bubbles. Handmade products may show minimal differences in dimensions.
Tech specs:
Discounts apply only to glass from the Huta szkła Ładna
Users reviews

subset: commoncrawl


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Students accepted into Option 1. of the program will complete the work term component during the third semester of the Diploma in Information and Communications Technology program. The dates for starting and finishing the work term are shown in the University Diary. To be eligible for the work term, students must have successfully completed all other courses in the program. Successful completion of the work term requirement is a prerequisite to graduation from the Diploma in Information and Communications Technology.
General management of the work terms is the responsibility of the Division of Lifelong Learning. It is responsible for assisting potential employers to become involved in the program, for the continual development of employment opportunities, for arranging student-employer interviews, for counselling of students, for visiting students on their work assignments and for the evaluation of the work term. Students are also encouraged to seek out suitable work term placements.
Students and employers choose each other through the placement competition process. Employers interview students, and both the students and employers express their preferences. Placement is not guaranteed but every effort is made to ensure that appropriate employment is made available.
Students accepted into the Diploma in Information and Communications Technology, Option 1., give permission to the Division of Lifelong Learning to supply their resumes and transcripts to prospective employers.
Salaries paid to students are determined by employers and are based upon their internal wage structures. However, students should not expect the income from work terms to make them completely self-supporting.
Students may obtain their work term placements outside the competition. Such work terms must be confirmed by the employer, and be approved by the Division of Lifelong Learning before the first day on which the student commences work.
A student may, with the permission of the Division of Lifelong Learning, be self-employed during a work term provided that the student and the Division of Lifelong Learning agree at the start of the work term on the information to be provided to the Division so that it can evaluate the student's work during the term.
A student who is unable to obtain a work term or work in approved self employment within four weeks from the start of the work term will be expected to undertake work under contract to a client within a faculty, another entity of the University, a company, municipality, non-profit organization, or the like. The contract work may be part-time, or occupy only a portion of a semester, and may allow the student to earn an income in other ways. The contract, whether paid or unpaid, must be approved by the Division of Lifelong Learning.
When neither an approved full-time work term nor an approved contract has been obtained, the Committee on Undergraduate Studies may approve a program which provides these students with technical and professional experience expected in the work term. The program must be such that the development, including the development of the students' communication skills, through the program can be monitored and assessed by the Division of Lifelong Learning with criteria equivalent to those used for full-time work term positions.
A work term report must be submitted. This report will be assigned by the Division of Lifelong Learning. Evidence of the student's ability to gather material relating to the job, analyse it effectively and present it in a clear, logical and concise form, will be required in the report. Late reports will not be evaluated, unless prior permission for a late report is given.
The evaluation of the work term is the responsibility of the Division of Lifelong Learning. Two components are considered in work term evaluation: on-the-job performance and the work term report. Each component is evaluated separately.
Evaluation of the work term will result in the assignment of one of the following recommendations:
PASS WITH DISTINCTION: Indicates excellent performance in both the work report and work performance. The student is commended for his/her outstanding performance in each of the required components; pass with distinction has been awarded to each of the work report and work performance.
PASS: Indicates that performance meets expectations in both the work report and work performance. The student fully meets the requirements of a passing work report and completely satisfactory work term performance.
FAIL: Indicates failing performance in the work report and/or work performance.
On-the-job performance is assessed by the Division of Lifelong Learning in conjunction with the employer.
If a student fails to achieve a passing grade from a work term, the student will normally repeat that work term in a work situation approved by the Division of Lifelong Learning. A given work term may be repeated only once during the program.
Students who fail to honour an agreement to work with an employer, or who drop a work term without prior approval of the Division of Lifelong Learning, or who conduct themselves in such a manner as to cause their discharge from the job, will normally be awarded a failed work term.
Permission to drop a work term does not constitute a waiver of diploma requirements, and students who obtained such permission must complete an approved work term in lieu of the one dropped.


text: Frequently asked questions When can MIA students take part in an exchange programme? Exchange semesters are possible and recommended in the third term. It is not possible to go abroad on an exchange during the first or second term as you have to complete the compulsory courses at the University of St.Gallen. Can I start the MIA in the Spring Semester? No, you can take up studies in the MIA programme only in the autumn term. Is it possible to work while attending the MIA programme? If you work part-time during your studies, it is possible to extend the MIA Programme to 8 semesters maximum. Is it possible to enter the MIA programme directly with a licentiate in economics and law, for instance from the University of Zurich? To be admitted to the Master's programme in International Affairs and Governance, students must hold a Bachelor's degree in Economics and Business Administration, Social Science or Law and be able to provide evidence of at least 30 ECTS in Economics or Business Administration, Law, Political Science, Administrative Sciences or International Affairs. You are also eligible for admission to the MIA programme if you hold a consecutive Master's degree in a subject other than «International Affairs». Please see the admission criteria on our website. I have completed the B.A. HSG with a major in Business Administration. Which supplementary work must I complete before starting the MIA programme? According to the new course regulations 20, you do not have to take supplementary courses. However, we strongly recommend that you make up for missing foundations in the other disciplines involved in the MIA programme before taking up your master's studies. Recommended literature is mentioned in your letter of admission. Do I need to know German to apply? No knowledge of German is required in order to apply for the MIA programme. However, students who do not provide any evidence of German at the beginning of their studies at the HSG are obliged to learn some German before graduation. Do applicants for the MIA programme need to demonstrate proficiency in English before beginning studies? External and internal applicants have to provide proof of Level I English proficiency when applying. Alternatively, Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (C1), a TOEFL (written 600, computer 250, Internet 100) or IELTS (minimum score: 7.0, academic version) can be accepted. This is to ensure that all MIA students are proficient in English at the start of their studies. Which activities and organisations are suitable for the recognition of practice credits? «Qualified activities in areas related to politics, economics and law» are required, in particular, internships with governmental, international governmental and nongovernmental organisations, positions with political agencies and other public institutions. In the past, MIA students have successfully completed internships, for instance, at a political foundation in Brussels, at the Foreign Office in Berlin, at NGOs in Thailand and India and at the State Chancellery of the Canton of St.Gallen. How can I receive practice credits for my internship? Please observe the implementation provisions for practice credits in the MIA Programme. In general, only work completed during your studies at Master's Level or during the year before taking up the master's studies can be credited. Can I study in the MIA programme, participate in an exchange semester and also participate in a double-degree programme, for instance with Sciences Po? This combination is not possible, as you must earn at least 60 credits at the University of St.Gallen.


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Employee Benefits Cheektowaga NY :: How to Corp Human Resources
Companies and organizations featured in the Cheektowaga Employee Benefits section usually offer employee discounts, employee perks and group health insurance plans alongside the full suite of Employee Benefits to local and, in some cases, national clients.
To see full contact details, company information, and overviews of the products and services they offer, click on the company links below.
Laborers Benefit Fund
New York
More Information about Laborers Benefit Fund
Also commonly referred to as benefits packages, employee benefits consultants or company benefits, Cheektowaga based Employee Benefits provide B2B clients with a wide range of specialist services and products which often include benefits administration, employee benefit plans & group benefits.
Click on a link to contact one of the companies and organizations listed above, or click here to search for Employee Benefits in another part of New York.


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Baseball players are the world's biggest meatheads. A player admires his home run? Throw a ball at his face. An athlete in a totally different sport talks trash? Throw a ball at his face. A fellow union member files a lawsuit in a last-ditch effort to salvage $25 million? THROW A BALL AT HIS FACE. RESPECT THE GAME.
Yahoo's Jeff Passan and Tim Brown have the inside story of the MLB Players' Association representatives' response to Alex Rodriguez suing the union, and it's pretty much what you'd expect.
"When [Rodriguez] gets up to bat, you can hit him and hit him hard," one player on the conference call told Yahoo Sports. "That's what I'd do. He sued us. Jhonny Peralta and Nelson Cruz screwed up. You know what? They owned up to it. They took their medicine.
"[Rodriguez] needs to be scared of coming back and facing people he sued. If he can't fear the wrath of getting kicked out or not being included, he's going to be forced out."
Keep in mind that this is Plan B.
Plan A, with near unanimous backing among union reps on the Jan. 13 conference call, was to kick Rodriguez out of the union. According to Yahoo, the idea was raised by the very first player to speak, and even after being told by executives that wasn't an option, more and more players threw their support behind it.
"That's what everyone was thinking," the player said. "We wanted to get on this call and not let him back. [To say,] 'This is our game and we don't want you in it.'"
I get why they're angry. Alex Rodriguez is scorching the earth in his attempt to overturn the most serious PED punishment in baseball history, handed down via a process that he argues was capricious and unfair. (He also believes the union didn't do much on his behalf, and he's probably right on that count.)
But suing the MLBPA wasn't personal. As Craig Calcaterra noted last week, labor law requires a plaintiff to name the union as a defendant when he sues his employer for breach of contract. THROW A BALL AT HIS FACE ANYWAY.
Sources: MLB Players Association would expel Alex Rodriguez – if it could [Yahoo]


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Featured Amenities
Featured Amenities
Featured Amenities
Fuel Up
Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and more
Plan a day trip or catch up on email with free high-speed Internet. Sleep well, and wake up to a free 8-item SuperStart breakfast. Free RV and truck parking is available, so you can freely explore the region. Each guest room features a mini-refrigerator for your convenience.
While You're Here
Catch a hockey game, ski in the winter, or have fun at waterparks in the summer
The Adirondacks offer a unique combination of leisure and adventure, and our hotel keeps you close to it all. Watch a hockey game at Glens Falls Civic Center or hit the slopes for skiing or mountain biking at nearby West Mountain. Keep the fun going with roller coasters and waterslides at Six Flags The Great Escape and Splashwater Kingdom. Just up the road from the amusement park is a shopper's paradise at The Factory Outlets of Lake George.
Hotel Amenities
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Plan Your Group Travel With Us
Book your wedding party, sports team, or other group travel at our hotel. Submit your request for information about special rates on blocks of rooms.


text:
I get a lot of questions about how to get started making games and figured this would be a good place to chat about it.
(actually I'm pretty sure I've written a few things like this before, but hey, this is the updated version then)
Should I make games?
EVERYBODY should make games.
The same way everybody should try writing stories, drawing, singing, and playing the guitar. The difference is, with making a game, you can do ALL OF THAT STUFF and put it in the game!
It's the ultimate creative outlet. You can make something with your own essence inside of it and share unlimited perfect copies of it with everyone.
Yeah, whatever, will I get rich?
Well... because it's so easy to write games these days, even making good ones doesn't guarantee that anybody will want to buy it. It's the same thing with starting a rock band - the odds of "making it big" are small, but who cares, you're in a rock band! That said, it's certainly not impossible to invent the next Tetris but, well, cool your jets and do it for fun first. The whole experience of marketing and submitting to stores and publishing is kind of a headache that saps the fun out, I wouldn't worry about that until much later.
How do I get started?
To tie together all the stuff you create you need to "program" - tell the computer the rules and how to show stuff. Naturally there are a million ways to do this (different languages and tools) but these days here is how I recommend people get started:
- Download Unity and do some tutorials
- Everytime you have a problem, question, or get stuck, google the answer first <-- this is the ultimate programmer's secret
For very young kids, Scratch might be an easier place to get started but be warned, it's a dead-end once you get into more complicated stuff.
What is Unity?
Unity is a free program (well, you don't need the Pro version) that helps you make games. You just need a Mac or PC and internet access. With that, you can write 2D and 3D games that run on most platforms, even in web browsers so it's easy to make a game called "Punching my uncle in the face" and send the link to your uncle, or whatever.
This means learning to write code in C#. There are thousands of youtube video tutorials out there to help you learn it. If you've got money to burn, this Udemy course is good too.
What languages/programming environments do you use?
I use a lot of different things. Unity, Unreal Engine, C++ with Open GL and more. Once you learn one programming language, the knowledge lets you jump around to other languages as needed. Don't worry about picking the "right language", it's more about picking the correct tool and language for the job at hand. Stay flexible and jump around.
What kind of game should I make first?
You've gotta start simple, hone your craft, then little by little make more complicated things. I know it sounds boring, but you can't be a pro weightlifter by starting with the heaviest weight, right?
After you do a bunch of tutorials, try making some simple games that only take a few days to do. Don't get mired in a fifty year Grand Theft Auto clone first because if you hit too many stumbling blocks it will take you a year to learn what you would've in only a month.
The difficulty of making your game has to match your current skills - too easy, and you learn slow, too hard, and you learn slow.
I try to add one "unknown" or "new thing I don't know how to do" each project - so I'll keep learning but not get stuck too bad.
What is the cycle of progress?
There is a pattern I see for people who get good at game making and stick to it:
- Make a game
- Put it out there so people can see and play it
- Get energy from the comments and feedback
- Go to 1
If you don't release, you don't get the cycle going. So show your work (at least to friends and family), no matter how bad or broken it is!
A note on security and viruses
Unless you REALLY trust someone, don't run their .exe game. It's safe to run a web version though, so this is why I recommend Unity, it can output the same game both ways.
Help, I have a question or I got stuck!
Join these forums and ask your question! We'll try to help. Finding a small group (forums, discord, IRC, etc) is key.


text:
Produts details: flower vase
Item No.#: flower vase
size: 7*7*20.5cm
any sizes we can do for you
each one put in Bubble paper+Wrapped in white paper avoid scratch,also each one use egg cell separation
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Wedding Decoration, Festival Decoration, Parties,
Home Decoration, Holiday Gift,Window Displays,
favors and thank you gift ,Christmas,Valentine'sDay ,
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Products more details show:
1.we are factory: our factory address is: NO.1919-6,tingzhu Rd,Tingling Town,Jinshan Area,shanghai,china
1) our Laser engraving worker had more than 16 years Experience
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about 50 years old. very good and kindly woman
4) The packers skilled more 10 years experience.
5) Electroplating tech worker more 19 years experience
6) Silver and crakle worker about 10 years experience
7) we had The latest high-tech equipment
8)we have Strong after sale service team best service for you
2. Low MOQ: our factory have many base materials for new sample and order, so small quantity we accept it
eg:5 pcs,10 pcs,50 pcs,100 pcs,500 pcs,1000 pcs,3000pcs etc dfferent quantity level for you choose
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two big showroom for you choose anytime, also from our showroom you will be know popular and best selling items for market.
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5.Good Quality :We have strict quality control system .Good reputation in the market. our long time Customers always said our quality is very good, like Germany BB
Japan customers, kemart,lifetime etc.
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spray colored and Laser engraving item sample only one days ,
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2).we have ourself forwarder and We have big discount from forwarder (Long Contract).
7.Low Prices-- We try our best to make sure our prices are the lowest anywhere,factory lowest price for you. We can get you a better
deal almost every time. We are proud to help you save money on the products you want
8.we have very Professional Sales team for you service 24 hour online. also more than 18 years export Experience All over the world
Check below for more information on placing an order
1. Inquiry-Professional quotation.
2. Confirm the price, lead time, artwork, payment term etc.
3.our sales send the Proforma Invoice with our seal.
4. Customer make the payment for deposit and send us Bank receipt.
5. Initial Production Stage-Inform the clients that we have got the payment,And will make the samples according to your request, send you photos or Samples to get your approval. After approval, we inform that we will arrange the production & inform the estimated time.
6. Middle Production-send photos to show the production line which you can see your products in . Confirm the estimated delivery time again.
7. End Production-Mass production products photos and samples will send to you for approval. You can also arrange the third party Inspection .
8. Clients make payment for balance and Ship the goods , Inform the tracking number and check the status for clients.
9. Order can be say "finish" when you receive the goods and satisfy with them .
10. Feedback to our about Quality , Service, Market Feedback & Suggestion. And we can do better .
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Our some customer visiter our company show:
pls feel free contact us anytime, it's our honor to service for you. we are together


text:
Global Stress Testing Market 2017-2021, has been prepared based on an in-depth market analysis with inputs from industry experts. The report covers the market landscape and its growth prospects over the coming years. The report also includes a discussion of the key vendors operating in this market.
About Stress Testing
• Stress testing comprises non-functional software testing solutions and services subscribed by enterprises and application developers to test various aspects such as the reliability and robustness of software or applications.
• Stress testing is a subset of performance testing solutions that is basically a multi-dimensional approach to testing the feasibility of software products and applications under an environment of extreme workload. Performance testing tools, such as HPE LoadRunner, are implemented to test the real-time implementation of the software application under maximum workload.
Browse Detail Report With TOC @ http://www.hexareports.com/report/global-stress-testing-market-2017-2021
The Global Stress Testing Market to grow at a CAGR of 11.87% during the period 2017-2021.
Covered in this report
To calculate the market size, the report considers the cloud computing and consulting services for stress testing.
The market is divided into the following segments based on geography:
• Americas
Request A Sample copy of This Report @ http://www.hexareports.com/report/global-stress-testing-market-2017-2021/request-sample
Key vendors
• Accenture
• Capgemini
• Tata Consultancy Services (TCS)
• Wipro
Market driver
• Growth of agile testing and test automation services
• For a full, detailed list, view our report
Market challenge
• Network and data isolation issues
• For a full, detailed list, view our report
Market trend
• Advent of cloud-based testing
• For a full, detailed list, view our report
Key questions answered in this report
1. What will the market size be in 2021 and what will the growth rate be?
2. What are the key market trends?
3. What is driving this market?
4. What are the challenges to market growth?
5. Who are the key vendors in this market space?
6. What are the market opportunities and threats faced by the key vendors?
7. What are the strengths and weaknesses of the key vendors?
You can request one free hour of our analyst's time when you purchase this market report. Details are provided within the report.
Browse More ICT Related Market Research Reports:
• Global Intelligent Transport System (ITS) Market 2017-2021 –
• Global M2M Homeland Security market 2017-2021 –
About Us:
Hexa Reports is a market research and consulting organization, offering industry reports, custom research and consulting services to a host of key industries across the globe. We offer comprehensive business intelligence in the form of industry reports which help our clients obtain clarity about their business environment and enable them to undertake strategic growth initiatives.
Media Contact
Company Name: Hexa Reports
Contact Person: Michelle Thoras and Ryan Shaw
Email: email@example.com
Phone: +1-800-489-3075
Address:Felton Office Plaza, 6265 Highway 9
City: Felton
State: California
Country: United States
Website: http://www.hexareports.com/report/global-stress-testing-market-2017-2021


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MCMC Perfume Oil - Phoenix
Perfumer Anne McCain studied natural aromatherapy at the Grasse Institute in the south of France and went on to blend her own line of fragrances under her brand MCMC. She mixes and bottles her own fragrances by hand in her Brooklyn studio in small batches and her fragrances reflect memories and moments and therefore are layered and deep. Sold individually.
Phoenix - The scent is about a girl Anne knows. With fair skin and light blond hair, she's ethereal and beautiful like a mythical fire bird. When she calls her she does not come, but she floats in and out of her life. With top notes of peach and cherry blossom, gradually giving way to sturdy Tunisian neroli and a light, powdery vanilla.
Read more about our studio visit with Anne and see exclusive photos on our Journal


text:
In the 1970s, Michael Hilti owned a 1972 BMW 2000 Touring. He loved it. It was also the car that he owned when he met his wife, but life forced him to sell oh-so-many years ago.
Hilti's wife tracked down his old 1972 2000, bought it, and then brought it to BMW Group Classic to complete an incredibly thorough restoration to make the car as close to brand new as they could.
This it the fantastic result. It has 170 horsepower, a new five-speed transmission, and is said to be in A1 condition. That's as good as it gets without a time machine. Kudos to BMW for doing such a great job restoring it, but most of all, kudos to Hilti's wife for the great gift.
Good luck topping that next year.
(Hat Tip to SnapUndersteer!)


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Highly recommend- for my boys birthday party we had the assault course & football bouncy castle. The kids had such a good time! Great prices too. Thanks!!
Nikki Elaine Friday, March 23, 2018
I cannot recommend Alan enough, you really went out of your way to help us at the last minute and made a 7 year old very happy by coming to his rescue and quiet literally saving the day. I cannot thank you enough. Brilliant day brilliant service and when it comes to community centre/council parties don't pass him as he ticks all the boxes and takes the hassle out of planning a party. Big thanks again and I will definitely be using ACDC again..
Lorraine Cooke Tuesday, October 10, 2017
Very good kids love the disco dome and side that I hired on the 9th of this month staff were very very good and polite x I will be telling all my friends and I will be hiring more very very soon again thanks guys
Emma Milligan Monday, August 14, 2017
Couldn't have been happier with the bouncy castle and service from jolly jumpers, they are not only jolly by name but jolly by nature, my kids had a brilliant day. We will be booking again very soon. Thanks guys
Pauline Mckay Monday, June 26, 2017


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Mind Coaching: Developing A Champions Mindset - An Australasian Leadership Institute Workshop
*Voted Best Training Company In New Zealand
**Voted Best Leadership Development Company
Eliminate self doubt and become more motivated, focused and disciplined
Attend a workshop that has been described as "Inspiring" "thought-provoking" & "life changing"
If there is a gap between where you are now and where you want to be then this workshop is for you. It's inconceivable to imagine a successful athlete without a Mind Coach or a Sports Psychologist because they fully understand the importance of having the correct mindset can have on their performance yet outside of the sports world it's still common to see people fail to reach their potential because of self doubt, limiting beliefs and even self destructive behaviour.
If you want to be successful you need to understand how you can make your mind work for you rather than against it.
What you will learn on the day:
- Learning the essential skills for developing mental strength and a champions mindset
- Learning decision making tools for effective results
- Developing strategies for higher levels of thinking and clarity of thought
- Dealing with pressure
- Developing confidence to perform at your optimum and integrating mental conditioning into daily practices for optimum performance
- Strategies to develop mental toughness and characteristics of world-class athletes, leaders and teams
- Understanding the science behind motivation
- Learning the key elements to develop a growth mindset
After the workshop:
Each participant will receive a certificate of completion and will be eligible for a follow-up Mind coaching session.
This is what previous participants have said about this workshop
"This was a thought-provoking & worthwhile workshop. Lots of good techniques & practical ideas to become more motivated & thinking like a champion" - Many Carian
"It was an overall great experience & I learnt a lot. It also helped me unlock & discover my true potential. The topics were current & there was never a dull moment. Would recommend this to anybody" - Mel Saga'itu-Atalifo
"If you feel like you're stuck in a rut or losing motivation then by all means take up this training. This has been really helped me in all areas of my life. You will totally enjoy it" - Sarafina Wedlock
"Very constructive, useful & applicable. This workshop enables one to understand ways to overcome mental toughness at personal level. Provides an energy to strive, it's like this workshop activates the dead cells and gets them to work." - Natasha Ram
"Best workshop I have ever been on. Love to attend more workshops. Interaction with Mark was awesome" - Rinal Chand
Individual coaching and in-house versions of this workshop are available. Contact Mark Wager, the Chief Leadership Coach of the Australasian Leadership Institute at firstname.lastname@example.com for more details.
*APAC business insider magazine NZ Business awards
**Excellence in Asia Pacific Business Awards
About the Australasian Leadership Institute
Based in New Zealand the Australasian Leadership Institute is the premier organisation for developing Leaders across the Asia Pacific region. Many of the world's top organisations have benefited by having their Leaders attend our workshops including Amnesty International, ARISE Church, AUT, Barnados, The Blues, Cure Kids, Department of Internal Affairs, Fiji Broadcasting Corporation, Fisher & Paykel, Girl Guiding NZ, Heartland Bank, Kiwibank, Ministry Of Justice, Ministry of Primary Industries, NZ Netball, New Zealand Rugby League, NZ Soccer, Oxfam, Te Whānau o Waipareira Trust, Save The Children, St Johns Ambulance Services, Sofitel Resort & Spa, SPCA, Radisson Blu Resorts, Unicef, Van Asch School For The Deaf, Wellington Phoenix, Weta Workshops FX, WWF and many more.


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1. Abstract
Abstract is the systemized brief presentation of the scientific study revealing its main contents, special features and advantages. Abstracts provide efficient attraction of the interested reader, subject systematization, statistical selection, citation and scientometric indexing of the research.
To be published the report must include grammatically correct, readable abstract in English.
Informational specificity of distribution of scientific data is in the fact that abstract and title of the scientific report are first things perceived by experts and readers. Besides, scientifically and grammatically correct abstract is also the obligatory condition of inclusion of your publications to scientometric databases.
In this regard we would like to emphasize the following: title of materials, abstract and keywords must be obligatorily presented in grammatically correct English in the most understandable form for the reader. Use of automatic text engines is prohibited. Materials not meeting our requirements will not be published.
Materials submitted for publication in the journal may contain abstracts of two kinds:
1) standard abstract, not exceeding 5-7 sentences, must be an integral part of the report in English;
2) extended abstract, not exceeding 10 sentences and limited by one page of typed text, must be an integral part of the report presented not in English (in any widespread (acknowledged as widespread) language of international communication or other language understandable by the widest range of persons.
Rules of presentation of the abstract, example
The abstract must reveal main sections of the article. It must be designed with observance of international standards and include the following main points:
Actuality. From the very beginning it is necessary to show the importance of the problem under study or the offered project under study.
Problem statement. After presentation of actuality it is necessary to describe the problem the scientific study is devoted to.
Ways of solving the problem. In this section of the abstract the author must list all concrete steps directed to the solution of the existing problem. In qualitative studies (not including the description of the experiment and analysis of its results) it may be the listing of theoretical matters under study. In quantitative studies (those including statistical data of the experiment) methods of experimental work performed and indexes under study are listed in this section of the abstract.
Results and conclusions. This section of the abstract includes quantitative and qualitative results of the research. It is also necessary to emphasize the sphere of implementation of results of the research, the extent of widening of existing ideas concerning matters under study, new methods of solution of existing problems offered in the report. Conclusions may be supplemented by recommendations, assessments, offers, theories described in the article.
Every section is limited by 1-2 sentences.
While writing the abstract authors should also bear in mind the following:
- Parts of text of the report and its title can not be duplicated in the abstract (the author can not take sentences from the report and use them in the abstract). The abstract must not include numbers, tables, intra-textual references. The author should not write the word "Abstract" before the text; the text is formatted in a way similar to the article but marked as italic.
- The abstract must include significant facts from the report; materials not mentioned in the article itself should not be included in the abstract.
- In the abstract the author should use syntactic constructions inherent to the language of scientific and technical documents, but avoid complex grammatical constructions. The abstract must be short and clear without any unnecessary introductory words or general formulations.
The abstract sample
The paper contains results of comparative research on emotional intelligence as a probable factor of vocational preferences. The author strongly advocates that emotional intelligence is an important component of professional preparation and competences in pedagogical professions.
2. Keywords
Keywords of the report are concepts characterizing main contents of the report and capable to represent the report by relevance (semantic correspondence to the search inquiry).
The list of keywords is the obligatory part of the material accepted for publication in the journal
Rules of presentation of keywords, example
The main criteria for selection of keywords is the potential value of words for expression of contents of the document (or convenience in searching for the document in electronic bases)
Keywords must be reduced to the canonic form:
- single words (nouns, adjectives, verbs, adverbs);
- nominal phrases;
- lexically significant components of compound words;
- reductions of words and phrases.
Total number of keywords must not exceed 10. Keywords must reflect the branch of science the article belongs to, subject, name and the object of the research.
While determining keywords the author should:
- use only the clearest possible and unequivocal terms;
- do not use words with several meanings without determination of the exact meaning;
- do not use the same word in two different meanings or different words meaning the same thing.
Keywords sample
Keywords: emotional intelligence, helping professions, teacher competences, socio-emotional competences, vocational preferences.
3. Innovative summary
Innovative summary is a brief presentation of the main idea of the report. It is characterized by novelty and represents the actual contribution of the author to science.
Innovative summary is not the obligatory element of reports submitted for publication in the journal.
Innovative summary is intended for fixation and mass distribution of exclusive elements of original ideas of authors through informational channels. Innovative summaries of reports submitted for publication are distributed through own informational resources and accounts in social networks of the IASHE and its official partners.
Requirements to innovative summaries:
- The text must contain brief information about the innovativeness of ideas, presented in the article.
- The size of the summary: not more then 140 symbols (with spaces and punctuation) in one informational block, including the last name and initials of the author. Innovational summary of one report (article) must contain from 1 to 3 informational blocks.
- The summary may be distributed in English or in the language of the article published (decided by the author).
- Informational summary conclusion and distribution in 3 informational blocks is carried out by authors independently.
Example of the innovational summary in 1 informational block:
Popov S. The religious world-view of the society, adjusting ethical standards in every era, influences the development of the law system (136 symbols)
Example of the innovational summary in 3 informational blocks:
Vashuk N. (1) Sporting violation, as juridical fact, is deprived of the status of legal violation by social consent with competition rules (138 symbols)
Vashuk N. (2) In case of obvious violation of rules and acceptable competition hardness criteria – this is an infringement of the law (134 symbols)
Vashuk N. (3) Criminalization comes on the basis of social consent violation on the acceptable limits of violence and existence of legal ban (137 symbols)


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The Guidance
Guidance on the Practical Application of the Espoo Convention
To the next page (Introduction)
The Guidance
|Document Title
Directives concernant l'application concrète de la Convention d'Espoo
Руководство по практиприменению Конвенции Эспоо
(No. 8 in the environment series)
The Espoo Convention requires that procedures for environmental impact assessments are extended across borders between Parties of the Convention when a planned activity may cause significant adverse transboundary impacts.
This Guidance aims at offering practical ways and solutions for applying the Convention to all stakeholders involved in the development of activities within the Parties' territories. The information will be of use to competent authorities, points of contact, other authorities on federal, national, regional and local levels, developers, international financing institutions, non-governmental organisations, and the public.
Additionally, the Guidance emphasizes issues that are mandatory under the Convention, such as public participation and assessment of long-range impacts. It also provides ideas on how to improve the efficiency of the practical application through, e.g. national rules for implementing the procedures, entering into bilateral and multilateral agreements, and making assessments.
This Guidance was developed in response to Decision II/2 of the Second Meeting of the Parties of the Convention. Finland, the Netherlands and Sweden took the lead in drafting the Guidance, while the Finnish Environment Institute (SYKE) carried out the practical work. The Parties have actively participated in the development of the Guidance through workshops and editorial rounds.
The Guidance on the Practical Application of the Espoo Convention is either available here on these World Wide Web pages or it can be printed easily by opening the PDF version.
These pages are designed for the use on the Internet. The guidance can be read by following the order of contents or by choosing the parts of interest by the topics of the contents. The key words lead you to the Article 1 of the Convention text and to the sections of the guidance where the particular subject is dealt with.


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MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA (Sept. 19, 9:45 a.m. ET) — Melbourne-based polyurethane systems house Pacific Urethanes Pty Ltd. said Sept. 18 that it completed the purchase of Ceram Polymerik Pty Ltd. on Aug. 3.
Ceram Polymerik has developed innovative new products for the passive fire protection industry. Pacific Urethanes said that, in a fire, the polymer composites transform into a ceramic once the activation temperature is reached, while retaining the original structure. The material is stable at up to 1000 deg C, the company notes.
Pacific Urethanes said the technology, sold under the trade name Cerpol, is "very effective in a wide range of polymers and rubbers, including foamed and elastomeric polyurethanes."
Composites can be made flexible or rigid to meet the particular requirements of a fire-protection component or material including sealing penetrations, rigid extrusions, mastics, sealants and sheet.
For the complete story, see www.urethanes-technology-international.com.


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Is there a temperature at which Celsius and Fahrenheit readings are the same?
Are these estimates of physical quantities accurate?
When you change the units, do the numbers get bigger or smaller?
Which units would you choose best to fit these situations?
Use your skill and knowledge to place various scientific lengths in order of size. Can you judge the length of objects with sizes ranging from 1 Angstrom to 1 million km with no wrong attempts?
Work out the numerical values for these physical quantities.
Many physical constants are only known to a certain accuracy. Explore the numerical error bounds in the mass of water and its constituents.


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Second Annual Five Mile Swim-A-Thon Takes Place on Saturday
By ODU Athletics
Oct. 19, 2012
Norfolk, Va. - The Old Dominion University men's and women's swimming and diving teams will be hosting their 2nd Annual Five Mile Swim-A-Thon on Saturday, October 20, 2012. Activities are set to begin in the morning at the J.C. "Scrap" Chandler Pool in the Student Recreation Center.
All of the swimmers and divers have been diligently working on getting sponsors for this event. Each swimmer pledged to swim five miles and every diver pledged to dive 150 times. The ultimate goal for the program is to raise $15,000.
Head coach, Carol Withus said, "I'm really excited about our 2nd Annual Swim-A-Thon this weekend. The team has been working hard getting sponsors for the event. We are looking forward to working together to reach our goals for the event."
Last weekend the Lady Monarchs started the season off 2-0 by beating both UNC-W and Richmond. The men's team lost in heartbreaking fashion by one point to UNC-W.
Both the men's and women's swimming and diving teams will return to competition Saturday, October 27, 2012 when they will travel to Newark, Del. to take on the Blue Hens of Delaware.
Follow Old Dominion Swimming and Diving on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/ODUSwimDive


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I spent some time yesterday running instances with Elentari. She'd recently hit 85 and was all shiny and ready to hit heroics. I ran her through Ahune the Frost Lord (hello haste cloak!) and then thought "I have time to run my daily heroic" and queued up. I notice that healers have the call to arms buff (or whatever it's called) and figured that I shouldn't have to wait too terribly long for my queue to pop up and get started.
Sure enough, within a couple of minute my queue flashes up on my screen and I find myself looking at the Grim Batol loading bar. Now, this instance can be a nightmare if the group is careless/doesn't know what they are doing, but I'm down with it. I mean, I'm a fresh 85, but it's not as if I don't have experience healing this zone as a new druid. We start the instance and the third pull the tank falls off the edge. I have no idea how this happened, but there you have it. Of course, PuGs are now too good to use CC *ahem*, so all of the mobs are running rampant and we naturally wipe.
Everything is fairly uneventful and we get to the first boss. It is fine – except the entire time they are killing the boss I'm running around like a chicken with my head cut off asking people to kill the troggs and praying I can survive until nature's grasp comes up off of cooldown again. All the while, I am continuing to heal the tank and not one time (as I am frantically kiting the troggs that no one can be bothered to kill) does the tank drops below 50% health.
We move along to the next boss, the big thing with the swords and the shield and the mace. As we pull the hunter disengages himself off of the ledge. I cannot make this shit up folks. It takes me a while to realize this as I search around to combat rez him. All of the while this is happening the DK not only stands in lava pools, but doesn't move from the falling rubble on the ceiling. No matter how much I heal, I cannot save him. I combat rez him up, for him to do the exact same thing again and die…again. While all of this is going on, the mage doesn't move from the flaming shield breath and dies – declaring "I got no heals". And the tank, the tank stands there and tanks the boss while he is encumbered, and I somehow manage to keep him alive. For the next five minutes, with the three dead DPS, I manage to keep that tank alive before I am so out of mana that there is nothing for me to do.
We wipe.
As we release and run back, I ask the DK "do you understand how this fight works". There is no response. And as I am reaching the zone in I get a message telling me "you have been removed from the group". My jaw hit the floor. I had never, ever been vote kicked out of a group before. Ever. And I've been having the kind of emotional roller coaster week that the action of four people who played poorly and then blamed me really shook me up. I wasn't even going to be given a second chance after one wipe? A wipe that wasn't even my fault?
I sat there for a minute staring at my screen, somewhat in denial that this had happened. I went through the fight in my head, I started going through Skada doubting myself – "did I really not heal the mage"? But the truth was there – I hadn't done a bad job. I fact, the mage had a WG and a Rejuv running on him that ticked as he was standing in the flame dying. I can't heal through blatantly bad play. Nor, frankly, should I be expected to do so. Had I been on Beru, I might have been able to save it – but I might not.
So there I was, standing outside of the instance, summarily removed from my group by the four people who were responsible for failing the fight. And I was pretty hurt by that. Eventually I shook it off. I knew it wasn't my fault. But it took me a good 10 minutes to muster up enough chutzpah to queue up for another heroic.
And then it hit me.
The real tragedy wasn't really that I was vote kicked. What if I hadn't been a veteran of the game, the LFD or healing? What if this had been my first experience with healing a heroic or the LFD tool? What if I didn't know about the mechanics of the encounter and couldn't know where people were making mistakes? What if I didn't know about tools like Recount or Skada that I could use to see exactly what killed someone? What if I was kicked from that group and believed that it was my fault?
I mean, here I am not only a veteran of the game but this is my second druid and I'd like to think that I know what I'm doing. Being voted out of the group had a pretty negative effect on me – I can't imagine what the result would have been if this was one of my first experiences healing. I imagine that I would have perhaps felt dejected and I am not entirely sure that I wouldn't have logged out at that point rather than queuing up again. I mean as it was I damn near logged out and started up Portal thinking "I don't need this shit".
And as I thought about that, it made me pretty angry.
No wonder people don't feel any longevity in this expansion. Part of that disconnect is because right now WoW is filled with players that lack accountability and are less interested in helping other players improve than they are with doing what's easiest and fastest for them.
I mean, I got one pull. One. And then it was decreed that I wasn't good enough and instead of giving me another opportunity I was told, by these four people who don't know me, that I wasn't good enough to play with them. And the kicker is that their mistakes that killed them, I really had nothing to do with it. But forgetting all of that for a moment, the real question to ask is how on earth a new player supposed to improve if they aren't ever given the opportunity to learn? If people write them off after one or two wipes?
I guess what I'm trying to get across here is that before you hit that vote to kick button – make sure that they player in question really ought to be kicked from your group. Don't kick a new player just because they are new – explain encounters to them, help them learn to become a better player. Don't kick a new player because you wiped once or twice, especially if you don't even know for fact that they are to blame. Don't assume a player is just "bad" – take a minute and try to understand that player, maybe this is the first time they've ever tanked. If you are a tank and your healer is struggling during trash, maybe ask yourself "is part of this my fault?". If you are a DPS that dies constantly, ponder if you are making mistakes like standing in the bad or pulling threat.
Whatever you do, don't be so quick to hit that vote kick button.
Honestly, part of me wishes that the vote kick was never given as an option. Sure it's nice to be able to kick that guy that's being an asshole or the guy that went link dead 10 minutes ago or has been AFK the first half of the instance – but more often than not it's being used to kick someone who probably doesn't deserve to be kicked and just wants the chance and opportunity to improve. And it's disheartening to think about how many people find themselves staring at the zone in of a dungeon wondering what they did wrong when they were trying their best.


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[Verse 1: Game]
It's not usual, the game be, all up on some South shit
Straight West Coasting, you can tell by my outfit
Red 'nati fitted, "Blood in, Blood out" shit
Empty jelly jars, nigga, bird in the couch shit
The mad rapper, Oscar the Grouch shit
Except when I'm hopping out of cans, I'm pulling out shit
Dippin' a 4 though, double X 3-D Polo
If hip-hop was the league, I'd be the motherfuckin logo
Your last shit was so-so, you should sign to Jermaine
I've been hard since I was solo
Niggas feel my pain, I make it rain without the strippers
Go against the grain, and push your shit back like some clippers
I bang and then I hang out at the Staples like Blake Griffin
You can tell I'm getting money the way that glass house is sitting
I mash out the strip then like Nash when I'm dippin
Feeling like God's Son, the way that It Was Written
Them boys want they music on blast
Don't turn me down, turn me up every time them cops pass
Mashed on the gas, am I getting high, don't even ask
Cause I got another ounce up in the stash
Them boys want they music on blast
Don't turn me down, turn me up every time them cops pass
Mashed on the gas, am I getting high, don't even ask
Cause I take 2 hits, and then I pass
[Verse 2: Game]
I see the cops in the rearview, why can't a motherfucker chill in the car
Feelin' like Missy, why you all up in my grill
They must know that I got bird stashed all up in my grill
Camouflage by the Armor All while it's sparkling off my wheels
And I fuck hoes that prey on Dwight Howard and Shaquille
Not them throwback rats they be on showin' college hill
For real, I think my first album sold 5 mil'
And you say to yourself "He's broke"
Well how the hell am I ballin', like Spalding
I did a couple of movies, now agents calling and calling
Can't get to the phone right now cause balls is all in this bitch mouth
When did we start taking these tricks out?
Now she gon' run her big mouth and tell her girlfriend
You had her all up in the wind
Blowing yo cheese on Louboutins, and now that bitch is in the wind
And after the next draft, she gon' start that cycle again
How you claimin' that bitch when she with him?
Come again cause
[Verse 3: Big Boi]
Daddy Fat Sax
If my balls are on your chin, then can you tell me where my dick's at?
Gag order ghetto, head hunter, head buster through the chit-chat
I skip to the lou, my darling bring the thunder, I'm the lightning that strikes twice
Motherfucker, call me massa
Cause I runs the plantation and I'm whooping niggas asses if they disrespect the presentation
Below the Mason-Dixon, we facin' the basis, never missin' pimpin'
You can embrace it or come face to face with total devastation
My mojo is never fadin', I'm in my Optimus Prime transform
Switch it up, heat it up, speed it up, that means I'm gone
Light years, ahead of your Buzz, Toy Story and club songs
Boy, gone, the A-T-L-iens are phoning home
But I feel like a librarian, cause style's are being' loaned out like books
A castle full of crooks, rape and pillage
They'll do anything for money, I bet misleading the village
[Verse 4: E-40]
Not from New England, but I pack a patriot
Not from Atlanta, but I got the cater
Not from Chicago, but I'm a bear
I'm a bay area nigga, 49er, Raider
I'm about my bread man, I ain't no sucker
Now these bitch ass niggas soft as table butter
I'm about my riches, magazines, street hustler
You can ask your uncles, daddies, mothers, and your older brothers
But I used to flea flick that yola white
Sellin' that shit below the retail price
I'm a rare breed like the bike club, get it right
Desperado like Toriono, shout out to Dynamite
I got my red cup, and some green
What kind of green you smoking pimp? Blue dream
My nigga let my hit that there hemp, do your thing
How many woofers in your trunk? 4 15s
Even though Game claims it's unusual for him to be on a Southern-type beat, he's done it before:
Basically, Game has been doing at least one South-type beat every year since he got discovered.


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Columbus Public Library is a member of Wisconsin's Digital Library. Click here to get started with borrowing materials for your computer, tablet, e-reader, phone or other mobile device.
Extra, extra! Read all about it! OverDrive now offers places just for kids and teens! Click here to visit the Kids eReading Room. Click here to check out the Teens eReading Room.


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APR Motorsport - Homestead-Miami Speedway 2012
| 04/26/2012 < Back to Blog Home
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New England Newspaper and Press Association awarded The Valley Reporter second place in the New England Better Newspapers Competition 2012 for the Community Involvement category, which looks at ways in which to "allow members of the community to be involved with and have input into the paper," according to the contest criteria. The award was presented at the annual convention in Boston on February 8.
The Valley Reporter staff submitted the "My View" section from the April 5, 2012, issue, which featured six "My Views": Carl Lobel wrote about Green Up Day, Susan Russell wrote about National Crime Victims' Rights Week, Jennifer Stella wrote about S.199, the right to say no to vaccines, Steve Joslin wrote about the proposed flavor descriptions for maple syrup, Dr. Steve Zonies wrote about dental disease, and Gene Bifano wrote about Citizens United and corporate personhood. The Valley Reporter thanks the community for its ongoing contributions to the newspaper.


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Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Tonight! Sandy Koufax Bobblehead
Looking forward to get my hands on this bobble. Is the game sold out? I haven't heard. Hopefully it's full and energize the players to play better than last night.
See ya there!
7 comments:
- Unknown said...
Tickets are not sold out, in fact, they're incredibly LOW! StubHub has Field tickets for $3.33 each right now.
- August 7, 2012 at 3:03 PM
- Koufax Kid said...
Yeah because they made it for only ticket package holders, guessing lots of seats available. I'm getting there very early. Any word if Koufax is going to be there?
- August 7, 2012 at 3:22 PM
- Unknown said...
I would like to once again thank the dodger autograph nazis (autograph alley) staff members, for ruining my collection. Sweet Lou was about to put the numbers 65 on my ALREADY autographed ball, when this dude stopped him and looked st me and said, "oh sorry he can't do that." Come on man!! Really!!
- August 8, 2012 at 3:28 AM
- Mike Barnhill said...
I sat infield loge and paid $6 a ticket. Thanks for the heads up on Stub Hub.
- August 8, 2012 at 9:11 AM
- MarcoS. said...
According to the Dodgers 55,000 tickets were sold. 55,000 tickets were sold, but 50,000 people didn't even show up because they still had a few thousand bobbleheads left over. From the people who showed up there were a lot of people who left with tons of extra bobbleheads.
I was one of those people. Currently have 16 extra bobbleheads I bought for 2.50 each (fees included)on stub hub. A lot of those bobbles I'm hoping to barter to get other Dodgers giveaway items I missed. Thanks to Time Warner who also gave out a Dodgers cooler bag and a Dodgers/Galaxy towel up in the reserve section.
- August 8, 2012 at 10:23 AM
- S0CalGuy84 said...
@Desi I do hate those Dodger autograph nazis. I went to go for Paul LoDuca and I tried to get my baseball signed but they said, "Sorry, he will be not be signing any more memorbilla" and then I said "Can I get a picture?" and right when I was about to take a picture, they move my camera away from my hand and they said "Sorry, there's a long line, we gotta keep moving". I was so disappointed. I will not go to autograph alley again.
- August 9, 2012 at 6:15 AM
- Unknown said...
Cool I'm glad someone feels the same way I do. I'm sure there are people trying to make money off what ever they get signed, but I think the majority is people who collect. Hopefully they make changes.
- August 9, 2012 at 8:43 AM


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Olafur Eliasson Multiple Shadow House
Olafur Eliasson's Multiple Shadow House opened Thursday, February 11th at Tanya Bonakdar Gallery. Eliasson, who has been described as "an ecstasy-inducing Danish-Icelandic artist," has perfected the concept of smoke and mirror art that consistently wows its audience and draws crowds (including a Michael Bloomberg and numerous body guards). The packed opening felt a bit like Disney World meets the hands-on section of a science[…..]


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The image that I bring you is called "Afternoon Tea" I truly love this image and think it is very versatile. I made this card for a very dear friend of mine for her birthday. This is actually a set of 3 images and I have only used 2, the other is a single flower. I cut the cup and set it up on pop dots and set it somewhat in front of the pitcher as to give it more dimension. The sentiment is computer generated. I colored it with my Bic Mark-its.
To be eligible for the give-a-ways and the chance of a being a Guest Designer for February. You must have:
1. Started here and left a comment on all 10 blogs including this one.
2. Completed the "secret sentence" challenge by Dec. 13th
3. Participate in this "Recipe Challenge" with your project linked back here by Dec. 13th. 10:00 PM EST.
The "Recipe Challenge" consists of using this free image (C) "Fancy Surprise" and...
("Fancy Surprise" is no longer available for free... if by chance you missed this freebie during this challenge, you can now find this image in my store Paper Cupcakes)
... you MUST follow this "Recipe" to make a card:
Use 1 tag
Add 2 textures
Mix in 3 pattern papers
fold in 4 pieces of ribbon
and sprinkle with 5 brads or 5 buttons
You may also use one color card stock outside the color of the base of your card if you like, but only one.
example of a tag:
You have until Sunday, Dec. 13th to link your card back here to Mr. Linky and to fulfill the requirements. If you are not sure about the requirements for all the give-a-ways you can find them here.
All winners will be posted on TMITA's blog on Saturday, December 19th. Good Luck and mostly just have fun!!
|1. Justa
2. Jessie F
3. Lynda =)
4. Pattie G
5. Diana
6. Deanna Collins
7. Marsha Drain
8. Roberta Smith
9. Julye
|10. Gloria Westerman
11. Sue Walsh
12. Nikki C
13. Dwita
14. farida
15. craftykitten
16. Linda Payne
17. Katarina
18. Christi Hicks
|19. Sally McD
20. Pat P
21. Denise S.
22. Carol
23. Stacie
24. Toni
25. Pat Mayne
Learn more about Recipe Challenge "Fancy Surprise" here.
Get The Code
Powered by... Mister Linky's Magical Widgets.
Here is my yummy recipe, hope you will give it a try. I did this like a digi stamp so all you have to do is left click, then right click "save as" the larger image and you now have this yummy recipe saved ready to print off, the bake! ENJOY!
Also, we have a "Magical Monday" going on this week as well. It is our normal weekly challenge with a free image. I afraid with the business of the hop it might get lost in the shuffle. The image is super cute of Kim's dog Malie, so you won't want to miss out on that as well as the great creations from the designers. You can find that here! So, make sure you check out that challenge as well, it too had a small give-a-way. Thanks again for joining us today! ((( And make sure you leave me a message rather you do the challenge or not, because that will make you eligible for some of the give-a-ways!))) Have a "SWEET" day!


text:
Carrie Underwood's role model is CMA Awards co-host Brad Paisley.
Taylor Swift's album release reveals the big business behind music.
Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert find marital bliss amid chaotic careers.
Kellie Pickler flips the switch to turn the Grand Ole Opry pink.
Charley Pride parts with personal treasures for the Smithsonian Museum.


text:
Clarity Traveller EEG
- All India Fast Delivery
- Fast International Shipping Available - from $20
- Credit/Debit Card Payment
- Net banking and UPI Payment
- Easy EMI on Selected Products
- NEFT or RTGS to Bank Account
- Purchase Order
Minimum 12 months warrantyWarranty for all purchased Equipment from our online store is 12 months or more
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Q: What are the advantages or disadvantages of condensed milk over cream?
—Curtis Tuckey, Chicago
A: The biggest difference, I think, between cream and condensed milk can be found in the latter's alternative name: "Sweetened condensed milk." It is a mixture of whole milk and sugar "heated until about 60 percent of the water evaporates,'' according to "The Deluxe Food Lover's Companion," and "the resulting condensed mixture is extremely sticky and sweet."
Evaporated milk is unsweetened condensed milk. You'll find both side-by-side in the supermarket bakery aisle; check labels closely to make sure you're buying the right one.
Both condensed milk and evaporated milk have a thick, creamy texture. I've substituted both for cream (and vice versa) in pie recipes. Just remember condensed milk is already sweetened so cut back on any added sugar.
These condensed milks also have a somewhat "cooked" flavor as opposed to the taste of fresh cream or milk. I don't know if I'd want to drink either straight from the can without a few exploratory sips first.
Condensed and evaporated milks have the advantage over fresh cream in that they can be safely stored for months without needing refrigeration. This was particularly useful in the days before electricity or modern refrigerators when dairy products would spoil rather rapidly — especially in hot climes or seasons.
Latest Lifestyles
You can, of course, use condensed milk year-round in baked goods, desserts, coffee and drinks.
Speaking of drinks, curious tipplers planning a big to-do, such as for the upcoming Super Bowl XLVII on Feb. 3, may want to try this ponche crema, an egg nog-like drink from "Culinaria the Caribbean: A Culinary Discovery." (Ponche Crèma is also the name of a cream liqueur brand in Venezuela.) You'll note in contains both evaporated and condensed milks — and raw eggs. You might want to consider using pasteurized eggs if that's a concern for you.
To make ponche crema: Blend 12 eggs, 3 cans (12 ounces each) evaporated milk, 2 cans (14 ounces each) condensed milk, 1 cup rum, 1 teaspoon vanilla. Pour over cracked ice. Add a dash of Angostura bitters. Grate fresh nutmeg over the top.
Do you have a question about food or drink? E-mail Bill Daley at: firstname.lastname@example.com. Snail mail inquiries should be sent to: Bill Daley, Chicago Tribune, 435 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago 60611. Twitter @billdaley.


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Black Printmakers and the WPA
Introduction by
Nina Castelli Sundell
"For the first time since the plantation days artists began to touch new material, to understand new tools and to accept eagerly the challenge of Black poetry, Black song and Black scholarship."1
By 1934 the economic destruction wreaked by the Great Depression had
put between eleven and fifteen million people out of work. Ten thousand
of these jobless citizens were artists. A year earlier, Franklin D. Roosevelt,
the newly elected president, had signed into legislation the Federal Emergency
Relief Act. Based on a system of work relief, this project's primary objective
was simply to get people back to work, artists included. The government
had no particular commitment to the arts, but it realized that artists
"have to eat like other people."2 New Deal employment projects,
however, didn't just put food on the artist's table. Through an innovative
set of programs, the government set the scene for a richly productive
era in American art.
In 1935 Roosevelt created the Works Progress Administration (later the Work Projects Administration) or WPA. Its purpose was to create all kinds of jobs at every level of the skill ladder, preserving professional and technical skills while helping individuals maintain their self-respect. Artists in the program were paid $15 to $90 a month for a wide variety of assignments. Work-relief programs functioned under this basic design from 1935 to 1939 when the WPA was renamed the Work Projects Administration and placed under the supervision of the Federal Art Project (FAP). The WPA/FAP lasted until 1943, when productivity and employment soared as the country marshaled its resources to fight World War II.
From 1935 to 1943 the WPA/FAP had four major areas of activity: the creation of art, art education, art as applied to community service, and technical and archaeological research. The most prolific divisions were those responsible for easel painting, murals, sculpture, and fine prints.
"Black Printmakers and the WPA" specifically addresses the area of fine prints and the community art centers where they were made. There, art education and community service combined to give significant numbers of Black artists the rare opportunity to be supported in their chosen line of work, to gain new avenues for expression, and to have contact with white artists, which under other circumstances would not have occurred.
The Black printmaker has only a few recorded historical antecedents. While there is documentation showing that Black printmakers were active in this country as early as 1724, the anonymity of the slave makes it almost impossible to trace individual achievements. We know that the only known portrait of the slave poet Phyllis Wheatley was engraved by Scipio Moorehead, a Boston slave, in 1773.3 Half a century later, three slaves, a father and his two sons, are known to have been active in the Boston printing shop of one Thomas Fleet, who had come to Massachusetts from England in 1821 to escape religious persecution.4 Only the two sons are identified by nameCaesar and Pompeybut all three men were said to have been "bred to press." These artisan slaves were trained in Fleet's shop to set type and to do woodblock engraving. According to Fleet, the father was an exceptional artist "who cut on wooden blocks, all the pictures which decorated the ballads and small books of his master."5
Patrick Reason (1817-c.1850), known to have been an engraver, draftsman, and lithographer, apprenticed as a youth to an engraver in New York. And Grafton Tyler Brown (1841-1918) owned and operated his own lithography firm in Oakland, California.
During the first three decades of the twentieth century, Blacks who followed this profession found outlets for their work in magazines, newspapers, journals, and other popular publications. Access for Black artists was primarily limited to the pages of publications that focused on issues of race relations and their sociopolitical ramifications. Magazines such as Crisis, Survey Graphic, and Opportunity afforded these artists the greatest amount of exposure.
It was not until the years of the WPA that Black artists found viable conditions to explore their own creativity, develop printmaking processes and gain access to new technologies. The graphic arts division of the WPA/FAP directly assigned artists in the Philadelphia program to develop original prints in all media, but many of the artists assigned to other projects also found time to experiment with print making. The main catalysts for creativity were the community art centers that sprang up in various urban centers and at Black colleges. The Harlem Recreation Art Center is the most famous for its list of alumni reads like a Who's Who in Black American culture: Selma Burke, Aaron Douglas, Palmer Hayden Jacob Lawrence, and Augusta Savage all worked there. But there were also vibrant centers in Cleveland, Chicago, Atlanta, Richmond, Oklahoma City, Memphis, Tennessee, and Jacksonville, Florida. One of the most exciting aspects of research into this era of American art is that a great many of the artists are still living and they are without exception still actively pursuing their art.
The community art centers provided young Black artists with new experiences in the arts, experiences from which they had been largely excluded by the segregated social conditions of the times. As teachers in the centers, professional Black artists were able to gain access to printing presses and tools. A very special relationship between artists, teachers, and students evolved during this time. Roles freely shifted or merged, as teachers and students explored new technologies together. Riva Helfond, one of the artistteachers at the Harlem center, recalled the lithographic process, and learning "how to manipulate the technique involved in printing from these mysterious, beautiful surfaces."6
In 1945, painter and art historian James Porter wrote, "The opportunities
afforded... so far through the WPA Federal Arts Projects raise the hope
that equal opportunities will soon appear through private and commercial
patronage and that the prejudice and mistrust that have restricted the
Negro artist and warped his milieu will be abolished."7
While such hopes have yet to be fully realized, during the years 1935
to 1945, Black artistsand in particular Black printmakersattained
remarkable artistic and technical levels of achievement.
Artists in the WPA graphic arts division produced more than 200,000 fine prints from more than 11,000 designs. They used the traditional media of woodblock, lithography, etching, and aquatint extensively, but the division's claim to fame was its artists' successful experiments with new techniques. As WPA historian Francis V. O'Connor observed, "This aspect of the WPA/FAP's activities was most noted for its many technical innovationsespecially its perfection of color lithography and the serigraph (silk screen) for creative purposes and the invention of the Carborundum etching."8
A large share of the credit for such innovations goes to the Philadelphia graphics divisionthe only one of the WPA's community centers to be specifically designated a fine-print workshop. The program had to its credit four young Black artistsDox Thrash (1893-1965), Claude Clark (b. 1915), Raymond Steth (b. 1918) and Samuel Brown (b. 1907)who were intensely committed to developing and expanding the print medium. Thrash, Clark, and Steth were assigned~directly to the prin't department, Brown was officially attached to the watercolor department, but he found the need and the time to test his skills at print making.
The kind of close working-relationships and creative energy fostered
by the centers is exemplified by the Philadelphia group. Thrash, the head
of the graphics division, had only three other artists, who were white,
in his section. None had much experience with the various print-making
processes. Roswell Weidner one of the shopmates, described the scene:
"We worked there every day. Five days a week. Nobody kept time on
us, but we all were gung-ho....This was a great opportunity...we all helped
each ether. The blind helping the blind."9
Weidner admits that it was a shock for him to find himself working with Thrash, a Black man. Yet he said, "To me, he was a man." And besides, Weidner recalled, the shop's energy was completely focused on the development of various print processes. "He was a nice guy, but he didn't talk. He came in and worked and we got along, and there it was. Print making, that was the extent of the whole thing."10
The Carborundum print can be directly attributed to Thrash. Carborundum is the trade name for a coarse, granular industrial product made of carbon and silicone that is used for grinding and polishing. The Carborundum print grew out of Thrash's use of Carborundum crystals to resurface used lithographic stones. Thrash experimented by manipulating various grades of Carborundum crystals until he achieved a wide range of tints and tonal variations in the final print.11 In notes for a book he was planning to write, Thrash acknowledged his colleagues for their assistance in "perfectinn" the method, but he cleariv and definitively stated, "I do claim credit for the discovery. "12
Because Carborundum was a commercial trade name, Thrash called his prints
"carbographs" and later "Opheliagraphs," after his
mother. The evolution of the Opheliagraph proved Thrash to be a virtuoso
printmaker. The Iyricism he was able to extract from this dense medium
produced portraits such as Charlott, Whiskem, and Abraham, which reveal
a vast range of tonal variation. The complex darks are sparked by transluscent
lights, enhancing an emotional depth and sensitivity not seen before in
Black portraiture in this country. Under the sensitive hands of Dox Thrash,
the manipulation of the Carborundum print process realized masterful achievements.
Clark, ohen working along with Thrash, also experimented with the Carborundum tint process, adding and experimenting with color. As today, it was not uncommon for an artist to take a single image and play in various ways with its potential. In the Groove and Boogie Woogie are Carborundum prints that Clark executed both in black and white and in color. Etchings and aquatints, however, appear to have been Clark's favorite media, since they allowed him to develop more precise draftsman's skills. These prints explored the elements of gesture and line in the popular dance movements of the period.
Steth, working primarily in aquatint and carbograph, produced a powerful series of studies that reflect deeply and often critically on Black life and culture in America. Where Thrash was a master technician, Steth was a master of content and commentary. A natural storyteller in the tradition of the African griot, Steth poignantly recorded the life of the Black community in such prints as Apostolic, which shows the congregation of a church caught ir' the fervor of spiritual ecstasy. Steth's narrative attains epic proportions in his series The Evolution of Swing, which traces the bistory of Black music from Africa through slavery to jazz. In Beacons of Defense the role of the industrialized urban worker is played out in the crossfire of beam lights crisscrossing the composition.
The breadth of many of Steth's compositions reflects the influence of
the Mexican mural movement of the twenties. The Mexicans had thrown off
Spanish and other European influences to develop an indigenous style,
one that was intended to speak to everyone, not just to the culturally
advantaged. Their ideals, and their vivid monumental forms, inspired scores
of New Deal artists, both Black and white, who felt they, too, were working
to bring about a new social order.
Like the Mexicans,.Steth addressed demanding questions of grave social
and political consequence. Such haunting images as Debris, Patton St.
Derelict, Despair, and / am an American delineate the Black
man's bitter experience in an America where all men were supposedly created
equal. The most searing indictment from Steth's stylus is a composition
entitled Heaven on a Mule. Two Black children wearing makeshift
wings of twigs and netting sit on a broken-down mule and look across a
barren field littered with discarded objects. To the leh of the picture
are the children's father and mother and a dog, all fitted with the same
wings. Steth gives the figures angelic forms to evoke their yearning for
deliverance from despair. This print clearly demonstrates the freedom
Black artists had under the WPA to express their unique perspective on
the American scene.
Brown, the watercolorist, did not spend as much time in the graphics workshop as the other three Philadelphia artists, but he did try his hand at a small variety of themes. Best known among his prints is Writing Lesson, which, like his watercolors, focuses boldly and directly on a single subject performing a task. Abstract is a more experimental composition. In its overall departure from the primarily figurative style of the American Scene artists, it shows the effects of a new familiarity with European forms of abstraction.
Community art centers provided many artists with their primary exposure
to print-making processes, but they not only taught the craft, they also
provided exhibition opportunities for the artists and students involved
in their projects. Without the centers, many artists never would have
had the time to spend on creative experimentation and artistic growth.
One of the most active centers was Karamu House, founded in 1915 in Cleveland,
which took its name from a Swahili word meaning "center of community."
Karamu House was an interracial hub designed to address the cultural needs
of one of the worst slums in the city. Although by the time of the Depression
it was already recognized for its renowned theater group, it was not until
Karamu House received funding from the WPA/FAP that it established a strong,
visible presence in Cleveland. The funds enabled Karamu House to hire
well- trained Black artists as teachers.


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Continental X-King
You can have it all! Predictable cornering grip is combined with a fast-rolling tread pattern in Continental's X-King tire. Bump absorption is excellent due to its high-volume casing. Its open lug pattern hooks up in dry corners and sheds mud well when the terrain gets wet and sloppy. This is a great all-around tire!


text:
Many cats become fearful during storms, turning fall and winter months into high-anxiety time. Here are some ways to calm your cat until the thunder, lightning and rain subside.
First, know how to detect fear in your cat, since cats sometimes try to mask their emotions and state of health. "If your cat is fearful or anxious, his body will look hunched," says Kristen Collins, an animal behaviorist from the ASPCA's behavior department. "He'll hold his tail low, between — or curled against — his rear legs. He might flatten his ears against his skull and fold his whiskers back against his face. He also might cower close to the ground, leaning so that his center of gravity is over his rear legs to permit a hasty retreat."
To help ease such fear, you can provide a safe place for your cat to ride out the storm. Collins suggests a small, comfy and quiet place, like a bathroom, laundry room or closet. "Make the safe zone comforting with some soft blankets or pillows, a few favorite playthings and some treats or food-stuffed toys. Introduce your cat to his new hiding spot in advance," says Collins. "When skies get stormy, take him to the safe zone and let him hide there until he wants to come out."
It's OK to try to calm your cat, since it's a myth that paying attention to a frightened animal is rewarding bad behavior and worsening the problem. Instead, if you keep calm, your cat will feel that response from you and will relax.
If your cat becomes incredibly upset during storms, Collins suggests trying a synthetic pheromones spray. "Pheromones are a great alternative to behavioral medications because they're not sedatives and they haven't been found to cause dangerous side-effects," she says. Pet parents don't need a prescription to obtain them for their pets. If you opt for a spray or diffuser, use it in the safe zone you've set up for your cat.
Image via
Stacey Brecher is a freelance writer. She has contributed to Animal Fair magazine, and her blogs have previously appeared on The Dog Daily.


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Taylor Fedun
Edmonton Alberta
Eligible for draft:
Free agent signing, 2014
202 lbs.
Prospect Talent Score
Probability of Success
2008-09: Taylor Fedun skated in all 35 games for Princeton University as a sophomore as the Tigers set a school record with 22 wins. Fedun scored 3 goals with 11 assists and was +13 with 50 PMs as Princeton finished third in the ECAC Hockey League and reached the NCAA tournament in back-to-back seasons for the first time in school history.
2009-10: Fedun appeared in all 31 games for Princeton as a junior and was named to the ECAC Second All-Star Team. In what was a disappointing season for the Tigers – who slipped to eighth in the 12-team ECAC Hockey League – Fedun was the leading scorer amongst Tigers' defensemen with 3 goals and 14 assists and was +7 with 34 PMs.
2010-11: Fedun led Princeton defensemen with 10 goals and tied junior Derrick Pallis for the lead in points by a defenseman (22) in his senior season. Fedun skated in 29 of 32 games for Princeton, which finished in a three-way tie for fourth in the ECAC Hockey League but was upset by St. Lawrence in the first round of the league tournament. Fedun had a +7 plus/minus and was third on the Tigers with 38 PMs. He was named to the NCAA East All-American Second Team and First Team All ECAC. Fedun signed a two-year, entry-level contract with Edmonton in March 2011.
2011-12: Fedun suffered a broken femur in a pre-season game against the Wild that forced him to miss the entire season.
2012-13: Fedun returned from his leg injury to skate in 70 games for Edmonton AHL affiliate Oklahoma City. Overshadowed by the breakout season of Justin Schultz during the NHL lockout, Fedun was the second-leading scorer amongst Barons defensemen after Schultz' departure behind Martin Marincin. He scored 8 goals with 19 assists in 70 games and was +2 with 30 penalty minutes. The Barons finished third in the South Division and reached the Western Conference finals. Fedun had 3 goals with 3 assists in 17 playoff games and was +12 with 6 penalty minutes. He was re-signed as a restricted free agent by Edmonton to a one-year contract in July, 2013.
Talent Analysis
A cerebral, mobile, puck-moving defenseman, Fedun was slower to develop and played a full four years at Princeton refining his skills. He is slightly undersized for a blueliner, however his positional play, quickness, and high hockey IQ help compensate for that.
Following a devastating leg injury, Fedun resumed skating in early 2012 and was slow to come back as expected, coupled by the NHL lockout pushing him farther down the defensive depth chart. He worked his way back to a top four defensive-pairing by the end of the 2012-13 season and should be able to pick up where he left off in OKC for 2013-14.


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High Court Debates Obamacare
Reaction of the Supreme Court to oral arguments regarding President Obama's health-care reform legislation suggests that the law may be struck down.
WASHINGTON — The U.S. bishops advocated for universal health insurance for decades, but could not endorse the 2010 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act because of concerns about abortion funding and weak conscience provisions.
The U.S. Supreme Court completed three days of often contentious oral arguments on the constitutionality of the two-year-old health law at the end of March. And, for Church leaders, the proceedings serve as a painful reminder of the difficulty of securing universal health care in this country, but also the administration's failure to embrace the moral concerns of a natural ally on social policy.
Asked to comment on the high-profile case before the court, Sister Mary Ann Walsh, a spokeswoman for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, offered a terse comment in an email message: "The U.S. bishops are in favor of health-care reform that protects life from the moment of conception until natural death."
The future of the law is in doubt, according to unexpectedly gloomy media speculation. The New York Times offered an analysis likely to dampen the hopes of the law's supporters.
Summarizing the questions regarding the individual mandate from Chief Justice John Roberts and Justices Samuel Alito, Antonin Scalia and Anthony Kennedy, the Times' March 27 article noted, "The conventional view is that the administration will need one of those four votes to win, and it was not clear that it had captured one."
However, Gerard Bradley, a law professor at the University of Notre Dame, cautioned against this kind of speculation.
"It is perilous to predict the results of a Supreme Court case by the tenor of the oral arguments. Many times a justice who appears to be hostile to one side or the other (because his or her questions of counsel appear pointed or skeptical) is really looking for reassurance that there is an answer to a lingering question a justice may have," said Bradley — before predicting that the court would ultimately uphold the individual mandate "by at least a 5-4 vote."
At issue is whether Congress possesses the authority to force Americans to obtain insurance or impose a fine on them — the gist of the "individual mandate" under review. But if some justices raised concerns about a federal law forcing citizens to purchase health insurance or incur fines, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg took a different approach.
Ginsburg observed that similar questions had been raised about the establishment of the Social Security system and questioned rhetoric describing the new health bill as "a government takeover."
Ginsburg's plaintive remark would likely echo the thoughts of many Catholic supporters of universal health care who initially endorsed the Obama administration's effort to extend insurance to an estimated 30 million people.
"Health-care-reform legislation and implementation should be supported that 1) ensures access to quality, affordable, life-giving health care for all; 2) retains long-standing requirements that federal funds not be used for elective abortions or plans that include them and effectively protects conscience rights; and 3) protects the access to health care that immigrants currently have and removes current barriers to access," reads a February 2010 statement summarizing the position of the USCCB.
When the final version of the proposed Affordable Care Act failed to incorporate language barring subsidies for elective abortions or securing conscience rights for health-care workers, the bishops regretfully withheld their support.
"We will advocate for addressing the current problems in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, as well as others that may become apparent in the course of its implementation," stated the USCCB in a subsequent statement addressing health-care issues.
The conference's decision to withhold support for the bill was validated earlier in March, when pro-life groups reported that federal regulators had just approved a final rule requiring all state insurance exchanges to feature plans that include segregated monthly premiums for elective abortion services of no less than one dollar per subscriber.
"This scheme allows Obamacare to get around the controversial issue of government-funded abortions with a new funding source: mandatory private payments by you, the insured," wrote Dorinda Bordlee, Nikolas Nikas and Mark Rienzi in a March 27 National Review post.
While some bishops have expressed regret that the health-care law's anti-life provisions precluded a USCCB endorsement, Obamacare's many critics say its problems are not limited to federal subsidies for abortion and weak conscience provisions.
"The 'contraceptive' mandate, which is but the first of hundreds of governmental diktats in the implementation of Obamacare, should cause everyone to re-examine their thinking about the new health bill," argued George Weigel, who has written extensively on Catholic social doctrine.
"There must be ways to address the Church's concern that everyone has adequate health care without turning one-sixth of the economy, and a good chunk of the culture, over to the unregulated regulators at the Department of Health and Human Services," added Weigel.
James Capretta, an expert on federal health-care policy and a Catholic who serves as a research fellow at the Ethics and Public Policy Center, a Washington, D.C.-based think tank, said, "In some ways, the bishops had little choice but to be in favor of a process that they believed would result in a more equitable system, without having a lot of influence or control over that process." Capretta was associate director of the White House Office of Management and Budget from 2001 to 2004.
But Capretta argued that Obama and many of the special interests pushing for the health-care bill embraced an approach to expanding insurance coverage that is "dangerous for the health-care system and the position of Catholics in it."
First, the new law is a "mechanism for drawing power and authority to the federal government. Second, health care centers on important moral questions, and the federal government has a secular orientation different from the Catholic Church's view of human dignity," Capretta asserted.
The Supreme Court is expected to issue its ruling by June. But whatever the fate of the law, the bishops will be heartened to learn that Capretta believes the national debate on Obamacare has actually moved the country closer to accepting the need for dramatic reforms that reduce health-care costs and provide coverage for patients with pre-existing conditions — even though opinion polls point to broad support for repealing all or some elements of the law.
In an article in National Affairs, Capretta argues that a successful "replacement plan must be true to the Constitution and reflect a genuine federalist philosophy. Any program to address the problems in American health care will entail some degree of national policy, but it can still leave ample room for state initiative and encourage state-level solutions."
If the new law is indeed repealed, the next election could determine who gets the next chance to craft legislation that incorporates the Church's concerns about universal health care protected by strong moral guidelines.
And Notre Dame's Gerard Bradley suggests that the president's political fortunes are already bound to the controversial health bill — whatever its fate.
"The net effect either way is in favor of the Republicans," Bradley predicted. "If the court strikes down the individual mandate, the president may be seen as careless about the Constitution. If the court upholds the individual mandate and the whole reform, then he could be blamed for orchestrating an oppressive, unaffordable overhaul."
Joan Frawley Desmond writes from Chevy Chase, Maryland.
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- April 8-21, 2012