text:
Florida governor needs to sign landmark alimony reform and shared parenting bill
By Rachel Alexander
A bill has passed out of both the House and Senate in Florida that would greatly reform the unfair and outdated child custody and alimony laws. SB 668 would make the default when parents split up nearly equal timesharing of children. It is a commonplace reform that is gradually being implemented around the country, to reflect the reality that children need both parents and most women work outside of the home. It would also put more limitations on alimony, by taking significant consideration of the length of the marriage and both divorcees' incomes. SB 668 passed both houses by wide margins, and polls show 70 percent of the public support the reforms.
Unfortunately, powerful special interests, like the Family Law Section of the Florida Bar, are lobbying Florida Governor Rick Scott (R) hard not to sign it — even though family law attorneys themselves generally support it. He has 15 days to sign the bill, and there is a concern he is just sitting on it to eventually veto it.
One woman told me she was ordered to pay lifetime alimony to her ex-husband based on a 14-year-long marriage. Many couples who were only married for 10 years are now in their 20th year of alimony. Some didn't have any children, or if there are any, they're often grown.
The current unfair alimony law is starting to hurt women as much as men. Approximately 50 percent of students in graduate schools are women, which could mean eventually 50 percent of alimony payers will be women.
Rose Carbone, who has no children of her own, got married when she was 51. Her husband had three boys with his ex-wife, and was initially ordered to pay $90,000 year plus an extra $300 per month in rehabilitative alimony — which his ex never used — unfairly based on his highest year of earnings. Even though he is now around age 60, and his boys are all well into their 20s, he is still required to pay $5,200 per month and maintain a $1 million life insurance policy. When he tried to object, he was warned to back off or Carbone's income would be taken into consideration as well. He spent $20,000 in legal costs just getting the modification. Carbone is also around age 60 and says they both have no way to retire.
Carbone voted for Hillary Clinton and calls herself "a proud Democrat who has never voted for a Republican." But she says this isn't a partisan issue, it's about equality. "You can't empower women through entitlement," she told me. "These laws aren't family-friendly. They call us second wives, but we're not second wives to anyone. These laws discourage families, they use the children as ammunition."
The League of Women Voters is supposed to be a nonpartisan, civil organization. But in a letter to the Florida legislature last year, the organization said no new laws are necessary, the existing ones have worked for 200 years. Carbone said that's like saying slavery worked. That kind of mindset would have prevented women from getting the right to vote.
Ultimately, however, she says it will require a change in mindset, comparing it to President Eisenhower's remarks on civil rights legislation, "I don't believe you can change the hearts of men with laws or decisions or anything else."
Lori Barkus, a family law attorney in Florida, explained how the child custody reform half of the bill would work,
Karen Wood, a licensed mental health professional who has worked with the Florida family court system for over 20 years, relayed to me why this bill is so important for children,
Barkus has seen the devastation of families caused by the unfair laws firsthand as a family law attorney. She says, "The bill would reduce the never-ending court battles that have become sadly common in our society. The vague and outdated current law does nothing but promote litigation and produces inconsistent results."
Let's hope Governor Scott does the right thing and stands up to the bullying by the Family Law Section. The left-leaning do-gooders who run it would rather keep the cruel system in place which has mostly punished men and rewarded women at the expense of children — but they cannot get away with it forever since women are increasingly taking the brunt of it.
Rachel Alexander and her brother Andrew are co-Editors of Intellectual Conservative. She has been published in the American Spectator, Townhall.com, Fox News, NewsMax, Accuracy in Media, The Americano, ParcBench, and other publications.


text:
The National Organic Program (NOP) is designing an Organic Integrity Learning Center to provide online professional development and continuing education training for organic certifiers, inspectors, reviewers and professionals serving a compliance and enforcement role in organic control systems. The Organic Integrity Learning Center will launch in Winter 2019, so we want your input.
Aligned with NOP's Enforcement Action Plan, the new online Learning Center will support USDA's goals of fair and consistent organic certification and enforcement, and National Organic Standards Board's recommendations for inspector qualifications.
Join the virtual town hall to learn more and to provide your feedback.
Virtual Town Hall
Date and Time
Thursday, November 15, 2018
1:00-2:00 PM Eastern
Step 1: Dial in by Phone
Toll-free (U.S. & Canada): 866.740.1260
Access Code: 7202000
International callers, find a local number at https://www.readytalk.com/account-
Access Code: 7202000
Step 2: Access the Web
Meeting URL: http://www.readytalk.com
On the left side of the screen, enter Participant Access Code: 7202000
NOTE: Attendance is limited to the first 150 connections.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Can't turn a succubus around with magicians cards
A Heart not made for a hill climb beat
marked out for the morning.
Opening up late night for a golden view
Of hand signals for a once bull rushed market
Pisces of a fixed scene always out of water.
as the willow brush the ledge
Pressing feathers into leafs for dancing magpies
Within the mathematicians springtime
the missing coin now Folds paper nests
roses to float and ruses to fall.
Leaden legs sailing past the temple Islands
of old longitude rivers and latitude minds
banks joined by ironed out bridges
ones that can't be burnt.
To sit amongst rising lavender fields
with bowed bumble bee strings
A chiming machine penny for paper
Great races change like sunset isobars
Setting rhythms of Oval points
to all the missed stars.
above a head Of crowned new heights
Still they Hide the streams
feeding rivers below fallen dropped her shawl
As antlered shields of consciousness
a domino red box of a paradise laden future.


text:
General Nonsense20 Jul 2006 @ 6:22
One Week Hence or "Thank you for choosing Allergan, this is John"
So it's been one week since I have been on my own on the phones in the Allergan Customer Service department and it's been great! I started on the phones by myself last Thursday, 13 July. On Thursday I was on the Dr's. Botox line – essentially just taking orders from doctor's offices for Botox. On Thursday afternoon they asked me if I would mind being put on the MD Forte queue the next day (Friday) – I said, "Sure, why not." So I did some reading up on how to process orders for the MD Forte skin care system and the next day was doing it.  MD Forte is only sold in doctors office, so still dealing with dr's office most of the time – with the occasional consumer who doesn't know who they should call and with them they just get transferred to the right number.
So far it's been a great time.  I like the people that I work with and my supervisor, who just started last Monday, 10 July.  I've also adjusted pretty well to the early morning hours, my regular schedule is 0630 – 1500 – I really like getting out early.  Today just for coverage I'm working 0730-1630 for phone coverage, I tried to sleep-in, but it didn't work. I'll keep everyone posted with new developments.
On a different subject, last Saturday Kurt, Becky, Sharon and I had the pleasure of spending a good portion of the day at the Disneyland Resort.  Kurt's new job had their company picnic at Disneyland and gave Kurt two admission tickets to use for the day…since Kurt and Becky both have annual passes they let Sharon and I use their tickets instead.  I had a great time and at the end of the day Sharon and I finally broke down and renewed our annual passes. We were able to apply the face value of the tickets that we used for admission as a discount towards the passes.  I opted for the least expensive pass with plans to upgrade later when necessary. We did go on the redesigned Pirate ride and I thought that it was pretty good; fortunately, most of the things that they added can be taken out when the whole movie buzz fizzles out.
Ok, that's all for now – I have to get to work!


text:
What happens if you've been injured in a motor vehicle accident with a stolen car?
Thankfully, in Queensland, even if the vehicle involved in a motor vehicle accident was stolen, a claim for compensation can still be made.
A stolen car with a current registration certificate (current "rego") is insured and you can lodge a claim with the CTP Insurer of that vehicle if you are injured.
If you have been injured in a motor vehicle accident involving a stolen vehicle you should call Patinos on 1300 1 72846 for expert legal advice and assistance delivered in an easy to understand way.
You may also be interested in reading about how to make an insurance claim against an uninsured vehicle.


text:
God is a brilliant mathematician (the real Creator of the Laws of Physics). Therefore, it seems like a mistake to think He follows a simple 1+1=2 equation in our lives. What I mean by this equation is that some people think God always rewards good behavior with good conditions and punishes bad conduct with bad circumstances.
You hear this formula whenever someone responds to a bad circumstance with the question, "Is God punishing me for something I did?" Some people will laughingly say, "If I step into a church, I'm sure the roof will collapse, or lightning will hit." People who believe like this often assume God doesn't love them and He doesn't want anything to do with them. Sadly, they think that God is keeping an eye on them solely for the pleasure of zapping them when they mess up.
You see this view of God clearly fleshed out in the Bible's book of Job (pronounced with a long ō). Job was a very good man and very religious. He was one of the wealthiest men in his community and very generous towards the less fortunate. In a single day all the good things in his life were replaced with bad stuff. All his successful businesses were looted and destroyed. Even worse, that same day, all ten of his children were killed in a tragic accident. Then, one week later, his body was wracked with a terrible disease. I can't imagine the depth of grief this man endured.
Some of Job's friends gathered to encourage him. But sadly, they believed the 1+1=2 equation. Instead of comforting Job in his grief, these "friends" tried to convince him that God was punishing him for some sin. They thought that the sooner Job would confess his sin, the sooner God would restore his positive conditions. Can you imagine?! Instead of receiving encouragement, Job had to defend his integrity against their accusations.
That's what 1+1=2 does. It often accuses the victim as "deserving" the bad things they've endured. How cruel! Where's the comfort in this view for the innocent victim of rape, abuse, theft, or violence? This view drives people away from God. These 1+1=2 people have not tasted the sweetness of God's mercy and grace.
I think a more accurate expression of God's arithmetic is love + justice = JESUS = mercy + grace. Justice may seem odd in this equation, but according to the Bible, sin isn't something that can be ignored – it must be punished. We have each stubbornly refused God's leadership and deserve His justice for our sins. But still, God loves each of us and doesn't want to judge us. That's why Jesus' death is so important. His crucifixion on the cross paid the penalty our sin deserved. As a result, God extends mercy and grace to us.
An acrostic to help us understand grace is God's-Riches-At-Christ's-Expense. God offers you His priceless treasures of forgiveness, peace, a cleansed conscience, joy, salvation, and love through Jesus. A verse from the Bible that summarizes this is Ephesians 2:8-9, "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith — and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God — not by works, so that no one can boast."
Notice that Heaven is not the reward for good things you've done. It's a place where God welcomes all who admit their need for Jesus. Or, in math vernacular, my sin + Jesus' grace = eternity with God. If you've been under the impression that God doesn't like you, I hope you'll look to Jesus. He invites you to come to Him and find rest for your soul.
Remember Job? Read the rest of his story. You'll find he got through the howling storms of life because he knew that bad circumstances were not a reflection of God's punishment. Rather, he believed in the mercy + grace equation and trusted that God was still good despite his circumstances.


text:
Princess Toyin Kolade In A Frenzy
Celebrated high society woman, Princess Toyin Kolade is presently in a frenzy following the proposed Ijesha Day celebration which holds tomorrow in Lagos.
The event will take place at the prestigious Anchor Event Centre on Lateef Jakande Road, Agidingbi, Ikeja.
Prominent sons and daughters of Ijeshaland such as wife of former vice president Atiku, Hajia Titi Abubakar; the Lefosan of Ijesha, Chief Olu Falomo, Oba Adekunle Aromolaran and several others are expected to grace the debut edition of Ijesha Day celebration.
The event aims at celebrating the diverse culture of Ijesaland and promises to be grand.
Receive News Alerts on Whatsapp: +2348136370421


text:
Construction Lawyer Melbourne
Dealing with a dodgy builder? Resolve your dispute through litigation!
Get expert legal advice on building dispute resolution processes. Consult us now.
Our construction lawyer in Melbourne can guide you in construction litigation matters. You can be confident that you're taking the right legal steps with your building dispute.
Litigation might not always be the solution. Consult with our building dispute lawyer for any alternative legal resolution that you can still take aside from litigation such as mediation.
Our building dispute lawyer can guide you when resolving problems through the Dispute Settlement Center of Victoria (DSCV) and Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT).
Disputes can escalate and are brought to court. When this happens, our building dispute lawyer can defend your legal rights in the Magistrate, County and Supreme Court of Victoria.
In the case coming up with a resolution is impossible, you can opt to terminate your contract. We'll help you do it the legal and proper way so you get to avoid trouble.
Hurry! Get expert legal advice and quickly resolve your building disputes.Get your FREE first consult NOW.


text:
Woah Nelly
eggstacee.com …ahhh….
I jumped on the host's site building tools like a necrophiliac locked in a morgue after hours. NO clue where to start so I called tech and they assumed from my lack of a need for spoon feeding I was – and I quote – a "twirly head" … a code mistress and threw my into drupal and joomla (all css or ccs whatever, It was like trying to see the redheads dozer saw in the scrolling code in the matrix, meant jack to me) They thought they were being helpful …
I was knee deep in dip. So I jumped all over everything else quickly learning they wanted more scratch. I already paid what I'm going to pay. Any ads on MY domain will be tucked away together to huddle in a "closet" page and EVERYONE will be warned before getting anywhere near it. I'm not down like that. The domain is my bitch. HAHAHAHAHA
So, anyway, it's been mutating like the crap in a hot lava lamp lately, for that I apologize but I've been trial and erroring it. I THINK I have it now. At least I have a crap ton of cool stuff lined up. Now I have to see how to fit the puzzle pieces together.
Today I had an uber bitchin thought… EGG HUNT contests with prizes yeah yeah yeah. I had QQ rolling with the crap I'm going to lay out.
House of Egg. My own personal playground and OHHHH how everyone is invited. It's in the works, I promise it may look like hot ass in the beginning (now) but that's just part of the fun. Like having a puppy, better, having a neighbor with a puppy. You get to watch it grow, play with it, goof off and all but don't have to lift a finger to help it along (:
Laugh with me as I screw this thing up and MomGyver it into what I know it can be in the back of my head !
I have NO CLUE what I'm doing… I just know what it is going to be when I'm done. I'll get it done if I have to put my flip flopped foot off in my isp's arse. (hiiiya)
yeah baby… supernocodewysiwygbangbangpartyhouseclickGO!
http://eggstacee.com I have no idea what it looks like right now, I'm too scared to peek. waitill I slap the plug ins and widgets and superuber dropdown menu on – then who's the boob. boobs haha I said boobsRead Full Post | Make a Comment ( 2 so far )
Magic Word Contest
It's here, it's here – try to figure out the Magic Word Contest. and WIN
Real contest, FREE TO ENTER, Multiple guesses welcomed
ANYONE can enter and WIN (except where prohibited by law)
(Where it's prohibited I haven't a clue, we'll play it by ear!)
Real PRIZES whoohoo!Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( None so far )
Magic Word Contest
It's official. I offer you all a challenge. This time with tangible prizes! Simple enough right?
1. An original ~hand written~ work from my collection (genre and date of piece will be at my discretion)
2. An original piece from the unique and unparalleled Marcimallow Jewelry Collection
The rules are as follows:
1. Follow my blog (YAY FUN!)
2. Read the July 11th repost "For Your Consideration" : https://eggstacee.wordpress.com/2011/07/21/for-your-consideration/ .
3.Try to guess/deduce what the "true magic word" is as indicated by the piece posted.
4. Email your your guess to email@example.com.
Winners will be notified by a reply to their entry email address. I promise you, your email address is safe with me. I wouldn't know what to do with it if I tried to gather them all up haha. Do not worry about that.
5. No words submitted in the posting area will count, any guesses posted there will be deleted or ignored. However comments are STRONGLY ENCOURAGED and will get a response. No hints though!
6. The first person to email firstname.lastname@example.com with the correct word in English shall be declared the winner. For the record: I DO NOT want your email address for any reason other than to contact you if you win. I'm no web genius, by any means, and I have no motive for gaterhing information.
7. Multiple guesses are welcomed however ONE guess per email and MASSIVE SPAMMING WILL DISQUALIFY YOU. Sending "mass mailings" of every word in the dictionary… will get you banned from the contest. (8 Either give it honest tries or move along. Don't start firing off Websters at me.
8. By entering the contest you agree NOT TO DISCLOSE THE ACTUAL WORD TO ANYONE ELSE. EACH EMAIL ENTRY IS CONSIDERED YOUR PROMISE THAT SHOULD YOU BE THE WINNER YOU WILL KEEP THE "TRUE MAGIC WORD" SECRET.
9. Once the first correct entry is received, the contest will continue until the winner is contacted and arrangements are made for prize delivery.
10. ONLY the winner will get a response once their correct entry is received should the first correct entrant fail to respond and claim the prize within 7 days of a second correct entry, the prize offer will be rescinded the second person with the correct entry will be contacted and given 7 days after the third correct entry arrives to claim the prize and so forth.
12. I – Stacy Clark – the owner of this blog, reserve the right to end this contest at any time due to any extenuating circumstance.
13. Prizes will be sent through the U.S. mail and all details will be discussed with the winning entrant.
14. This contest is open to anyone of legal age, anywhere, except where prohibited by law, contest entries must be in English to be eligible.
*************By entering the contest you agree NOT TO DISCLOSE THE ACTUAL WORD TO ANYONE ELSE. EACH EMAIL ENTRY IS CONSIDERED YOUR CONSENT THAT SHOULD YOU BE THE WINNER YOU WILL KEEP THE "TRUE MAGIC WORD" SECRET****************Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( 1 so far )
For Your Consideration
Ask anyone to say the magic word
invariably they will say "please."
That is a fallacy, a lie, it holds no power.
I know true magic.
A single word – when spoken properly –
can devistate.
This word can end lives.
Destroy families.
Cause the mightiest of men to question their own worth.
This damning word is tricky,
it is generally benign in nature.
We use it every day.
The evil magic it holds is manifested by the speaker.
It's duality only exsists due to the capacity
for cruelty in men's hearts… or women's.
Both are as likely to curse another
with this life altering utterance.
Once viciously used, once Pandora's box is opened,
it's never truly the same afterward,
it's never quite shut again.
Try as you wish, no ammends are complete.
The word leaves it's mark on the receiver.
I dare not divulge the secret
I will say this:
Speak not in anger and do not be rash.
Words can be powerful.
Burning bridges can consume in a literal sense…


text:
This release was updated to note that the 2300 9th St. S. item pertains to a requested change in land use designation, not a rezoning request.
The County Board will consider dozens of items at its July 2018 meeting on Saturday, July 14, and Tuesday, July 17, including adoption of the County's FY 2019-2028 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP).
Meetings are open to the public and take place in the County Board Room on the third floor of the Ellen M. Bozman Government Center at 2100 Clarendon Blvd. Scroll down to learn more about speaking at the meeting or watching live online or on cable.
Saturday, July 14 – Regular Meeting
The Regular Meeting starts at 8:30 a.m. with public comment. View the agenda and read the staff reports for each agenda item. (Note: Some reports will be posted closer to the meeting date.)
- 10-Year Capital Improvement Plan & 2018 Bond Referenda: The Board will discuss and adopt the County's FY 2019-2028 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) outlining $3.2 billion of investments in public facilities and infrastructure, including parks, roads, Schools, water and sewer infrastructure, Metro and more. This is the culmination of a months-long process of review and input from County staff, advisory commissions and the public. In a separate action, the Board will approve the 2018 Bond Referenda to be put to voters on Nov. 6 seeking authorization to issue general obligation bonds to pay for planned capital improvements. To read the staff report, scroll to Item Nos. 56 & 57 on the agenda.
- Ballston Quarter Pedestrian Bridge, Digital Display Screen & more: The Board will take action on several items related to the Ballston Quarter development project, including a Site Plan Amendment extending the required completion date for the planned pedestrian bridge over Wilson Blvd. to late winter or early spring 2019, allowing installation of a large digital display screen in a public plaza, and encroachment allowances for canopies and entrance vestibules planned by mall tenants. The Board will also consider a request to allow temporary staging and assembly of the Ballston Quarter pedestrian bridge in a portion of the nearby Mosaic Park prior to the start of planned park improvements early next year. To read the staff report, scroll to Item Nos. 5-10 on the agenda.
- Shirlington Rd. Land Acquisition for Bus Fleet Storage: The Board will consider the acquisition of three parcels of land along Shirlington Rd. to be used as storage for the County's ART bus fleet. The County had previously been using the parcels through a lease agreement that was set to expire. The purchase of these properties, made with funding from regional transportation sources, will help the County solve what had in recent years been one of its most pressing facilities challenges. To read the staff report, scroll to Item No. 44 on the agenda.
- Parks Construction Projects – Gunston Synthetic Turf, Glencarlyn Picnic Shelter: The Board will consider awarding construction contracts for planned upgrades at two County parks. One is installation of synthetic turf at the Gunston Park diamond field, with a portion of the cost being covered through a donation from the Arlington Sports Foundation. The other is replacement of Picnic Shelter #2 and parking area renovations at Glencarlyn Park. To read the staff report, scroll to Item Nos. 35 & 36 on the agenda.
- Changes to Real Estate Tax Relief Program: The Board will consider changes to the application timeline and eligibility criteria for the County's real estate tax relief program for qualifying older adults and persons with permanent disabilities. The proposed changes are based on recommendations from the County Manager-appointed Real Estate Tax Relief Working Group's April 10, 2017 report, and extensive community outreach. To read the staff report, scroll to Item No. 55 on the agenda.
- Grants for Local Arts Organizations and Artists: The Board will consider approval of approximately $216,000 in FY 2019 grant funding to selected Arlington arts organizations and artists. Recipients were selected by the Arlington Commission for the Arts, a Board-appointed advisory group, following a competitive application process. Arlington has been supporting the arts through a combination of direct grant funding and extensive in-kind space and technical support since 1990. To read the staff report, scroll to Item No. 40 on the agenda.
- 2300 9th St. S. Special GLUP Study: The Board will consider authorizing public hearings by the Planning Commission and County Board on a General Land Use Plan amendment to change the land use designation at 2300 9th St. S. from "Service Commercial" to "Low Office-Apartment-Hotel," allowing for an adaptive reuse proposal for the existing property. To read the staff report, scroll to Item No. 54 on the agenda.
- Total Compensation Philosophy for County Workforce: The Board will discuss and adopt a revised philosophy guiding efforts to offer fair, competitive pay, benefits and retirement options to County employees. To read the staff report, scroll to Item No. 58 on the agenda.
Tuesday, July 17 – Recessed Meeting
The Recessed Meeting starts at 3 p.m., with a short break taking place before resuming again no earlier than 6:30 p.m. View the agenda and read the staff reports for this meeting.
3 p.m. – Board and County Manager Reports, Awards and Recognition
No earlier than 6:30 p.m. – The Board will hold public hearings on, and consider, any items pulled from Saturday's Consent Agenda.
No earlier than 6:45 p.m. – The Board will consider Regular Hearing items.
How to Speak at the Meeting
The County Board invites public testimony at numerous points during its meetings. Comments on any topic can be made at the start of the Regular Meeting at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday. Item-specific comments are heard at the beginning of the given item. Learn more.
Watch Meetings Online or On Cable
County Board meetings are live-streamed on the County website and YouTube, and broadcast live on the County's cable channel, Arlington TV – available on Comcast channels 25 (SD) or 1085 (HD), and on Verizon channels 39 or 40. Archived video of past meetings is available on the County website and on YouTube.


text:
What does student engagement truly look like? And are we making it a priority when entering classrooms and leading lessons? As an educator who now spends time in other teachers' classrooms, I think about this topic often. And as someone who is wary of using technology just because it's bright and shiny (aka "tasks before apps"), I always want to make sure we're using digital tools with a purpose.
Using Technology to Increase Student Engagement
In this blog post, I feature an interview with Heather Wolpert-Gawron about her new book Just Ask Us: Kids Speak Out on Student Engagement. She is committed to helping educators reach their students through engaging learning activities. Heather shared the story behind her book as well as some of her must-have technology tools. Before diving into the interview, I've highlighted a few of my own favorite ways to leverage the power of technology to increase student engagement.
Social Shares
You can take a spin on a traditional exit slip by giving students a chance to create something more social. In this blog post on virtual exit slips, I offer an idea on setting up students with Spark Post. They can use this graphic design tool to create the same social graphic they are familiar with seeing on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Although you might not ask students to share their thoughts on a lesson or new strategy on Instagram, there are other options. You can simulate these social shares in a space you already use with students like Seesaw or Google Classroom. Students can post in this space to share their learning in the same way they might use a social network to share a moment from their weekend.
As you'll see Heather mention below, Today's Meet was a go-to tool for sharing with educators. I featured it in my book #FormativeTech and when presenting on the topic to educators across the country. In a webinar earlier this year I provided an overview of BackchannelChat, a similar online tool. Educator Chris Beach who has taken my EdTech Reboot course, sent out a tweet this fall about using it in his classroom.
BackchannelChat provides a space for a discussion in your classroom. You can share a prompt with students or give them directions on how to use the space. Alternatively, this may be a way to engage students in more organic discussions; the possibilities are truly endless.
Making a Plan for Student Engagement
I met Heather Wolpert-Gawron in California a few years ago. We both attended an event at Edutopia's headquarters north of San Francisco, and Heather's enthusiasm and passion for education was contagious. Heather has written a number of titles you may have heard of including DIY Project Based Learning for ELA and History and 'Tween Crayons and Curfews: Tips for Middle School Teachers. Her new book from Corwin is titled, Just Ask Us: Kids Speak Out on Student Engagement. She was kind enough to carve out some time to answer questions on student engagement and her new book, and share tech-friendly ideas for your classroom.
What motivated you to write a book on student engagement?
Before we can implement our content, before we can ask students to dive deeper into rigor, we need to engage them. What I call, "The Student Engagement Standards" are as important as the content standards. Yet in many classrooms, in many schools, thinking about engagement is the gravy, it's the extra if-they-prove-they-have-foundational-skills layer that takes second stage to content. We need to flip that model. Engagement leads to grit. Engagement leads to intrinsic motivation. It's the key.
And we're not talking about constant smiles. Engagement can also lead to sweat. Engagement is about the basic element of implementation that begins with "how do we make the kids WANT to learn this?"
So what makes this book unique, is that my research began with the students themselves. I conducted a nationwide survey of 6th-12th graders and asked them one simple question: What engages you as a learner? The answers came from coast to coast, from rural to urban areas, from every model of school. And the same ten categories of strategies came up from every student surveyed.
Look, we've all read research on student engagement. We've all read about the academic outcomes, white papers, keynotes, all done by adults. But all those resources missed out on asking the most important stakeholders of all: the students. And it comes as no surprise that what these students were asking for was backed by academic research. See? Kids know what they're talking about.
Why is this topic important to you?
I was a disengaged student. B if I wanted. C, D, if I didn't care. I know these kids. So it was a shock to me when I reflected on myself as an adult when I looked at what my strengths were and how I wanted to spend my day and decided that I wanted to be a teacher. So I went back to school in my late-20s and got my credential. In my program, I still sat in rows. I learned how to collaborate by being asked to work in groups with no norms or scaffolds set up to ensure successful group interaction. I learned about Hands-On Learning by reading about it. It was sage on the stage even while being told I should be the guide on the side. What I discovered was that engagement is key… way beyond the K12 system.
I also am a greedy person. I want to enjoy my day-to-day life every day. And the way to do that is to cultivate an engaging environment in my classroom. It feeds me as much as it feeds students.
What surprised you when investigating the research on student engagement and reviewing survey results?
I found surprising results time and time again when going through the results of the student engagement survey. One of the most interesting results that students are begging for is for content to be new. Now, this surprised me. I mean, of course they get new information each year, right? Nope.
Once I went down the rabbit hole and started doing my own research based on what they were asking about, I discovered that 20-50% of a student's year is spent in repeat. We're not talking about spiraling to a deeper place; we're talking about content that is repeated over and over again, or methods of learning these kids are asked to do over and over again. For instance, maybe a district conducts a PD on using flipbooks. What results is year after year of using flipbooks. So we have to really use collaborative vertical articulation to be aware of what's happening and how.
How can educators make student engagement a priority in their work?
Create a bullet point in your lesson plan that is simply about engagement. Remind yourself that it's engagement first, then content, then rigor. So if you haven't thought about it, then students most likely won't absorb what you want them to leave the lesson learning.
What are your "must-have" tech tools or strategies for using EdTech to promote for student engagement?
- Screencasting – The kids want their learning to be more visual. This strategy allows you to give more visual feedback. Screencasting allows you to develop directions and instructions that can be viewed, read, and heard over and over, whenever needed.
- Creating Infographics using Piktochart – Piktochart allows data to be viewed more visually as well. It will enable you and students to create interactive infographics, artifacts that combine data with symbols and text.
- Google Suite – Obviously. I'm not saying it's perfect, but when it comes to student collaboration, Google Docs, Slides, and Forms are vital. I've also moved from Weebly to Google Sites for student portfolio creation. I really wish that Google Search Story and Google Motion Charts were still active, and it's frustrating to fall in love with an implementation tool that disappears, but that's the risk you take with using a dynamic, always-trying-to-improve platform like Google Suites.
- Padlet – I love using Padlet to create more visual archived resource libraries that are curated by the students themselves.
- Todaysmeet – RIP (worth mentioning in memoriam) Note: Monica has put together a list of "replacements" that you can use for the same backchannel strategy
Do you have advice for an educator who has student engagement as a priority this school year?
First things first, know that teacher engagement trickles down to student engagement. In fact, one of the most engaging elements you can bring to the classroom is you. Students want to know their teachers. They want their teachers to be "more human." Share your stories. Share your humor. Share your failures. What do you geek out about? What do you find interesting? How can you bring your own comforts to the classroom? What engages you is an element of what engages them. Isn't that comforting?
Secondly, feed yourself. Cast yourself as a student and allow yourself your own learning. Maybe this is trying out a new tool or strategy that you know nothing about. Maybe it's grabbing some PD in a field that's totally out of your wheelhouse. Not only does this fuel your brain, but it reminds you of your own learning process and what engages you as a student.
Lastly, think back to what engaged you as a student. Some things haven't changed all that much. Yes, tools have changed; but the concepts: using visuals, keeping things new and fresh, allowing them to move, getting students to talk and work together…those are timeless.
If you're ready to jump into Heather's new book Just Ask Us: Kids Speak Out on Student Engagement, head over to Amazon and add it to your wish list, shopping cart, or check out more reviews from readers!
Ready to make this the best year yet?
Sign up for my weekly newsletter and periodic special messages...
and you'll get INSTANT access to my special guide:
12 EdTech Tips for The Most Successful Year Yet!
I can't wait to share my favorite EdTech tips, tools and lesson ideas with you!
Yours in Learning, Monica :)


text:
Building Man & thePOOSH.org
Hello and welcome to thePOOSH.org! You are just a couple of minutes away from receiving your Buildingman 2013 participation tickets!
Simple fill out this short form and BOOM - you'll be all signed up!
You can then print or save your E-Ticket to a mobile device, for entry to the first ever Buildingman Festival!
Before you leave thePOOSH.org, take some time to check out the other amazing sustainable build projects from around the globe who are seeking volunteers urgently!
The site is free to join and use and gives opportunity for its global user base to help one another build natural and sustainable homes. Its about skill sharing with one another!
List your build project or create a volunteer profile on thePOOSH.org!
Be Constructive, Build The Movement!
See you at Buildingman!!
Also check out www.thePOOSH.org community map to see the global sustainable build projects seeking volunteers now!


text: The picturesque community of Oxford is everything Goodwin loves – warm, caring, diverse, and with a strong commitment to nature. He loves to make Oxford mulch delivery runs because it gives him a chance to visit Oxford Memorial Park with its 113 acres of sports fields, trails, and other fun, or he might show off his hip moves at the skate park. The chief mulch monkey enjoys helping out the Des Fleurs Garden Club or reading the memorial tree plaques around town, and he can't resist a stroll along Pugh's Mill Covered Bridge, the last covered bridge in Butler County and one of the longest in Ohio. And of course, since Oxford is home to Miami University, Goodwin is a RedHawks fan! One yard at a time, delivering mulch in Oxford is entertaining and educational, and the mulch monkey is thrilled to be a part of this amazing community.


text:
Histopathology of the lung following 1.25×104Orientia challenge.
2014-07-10T03:09:33Z (GMT) by
H & E stained uninfected lung tissue (A-20×) and IHC of uninfected lung (B-40×) compared with lung from i.p. inoculated mice 12 dpi (H&E C-20×, IHC D-40×), and lung from i.v. inoculated 15 dpi (H&E E-20×, IHC F-40×). All i.p. infections were lethal with less severe pulmonary cellular infiltrate when compared to that of i.v. infected mice with capillary endothelial cell infection of the aveolar septa.


text:
Public speaking is one of the most unspoken, yet difficult, parts of the business world. Some people have a knack for it. Others need help, to the point where some universities have semester-long courses for it. It can be a tough ask for someone to stand in front of a group, or a camera/microphone, and deliver information to the masses.
Now try doing that while also being in charge of 3 or 4 other strangers.
Moderating a panel, whether in-person or on a webinar, is complicated. It involves preparation, public speaking, and tactfulness, all while keeping the viewers engaged, as well. Parmonic has seen its fair share of panels, as we continue to develop the smartest B2B video AI out there. Here are some of our tips on how to moderate a panel.
- PREP YOUR PANELISTS: Not everyone has gone to improv classes. As mentioned above, public speaking is hard enough without having to come up with an answer on the fly. Give your panelists some guidelines before the panel itself so they can have an idea of what to expect. An email with draft questions would more than suffice and put your panelists (and your mind) at ease.
- YOU HAVE THE POWER: As a moderator, your primary job is to give the audience an informative and fun experience. You are not meant to stroke the panelists' egos or let the discussion become a monologue. If you feel like someone has gone on speaking for too long, the audience most likely feels the same way. Use a positive statement to interject yourself back into the conversation, and use that time to steer it towards another panelist.
- LET THE CONVERSATION BE FLUID: There is a middle ground when it comes to structuring a panel discussion. On one side, there are those who do not establish who should go first or answer a follow-up question. One the other side rest those that stick to "person 1, then person 2, then person 3" for everything. Neither is ideal. Part of finding the middle ground comes from knowing your panelists. If you think panelist 3 might have a great insight on something panelist 1 says, there is no harm in skipping panelist 2.
- YOU ARE THE AUDIENCE SURROGATE: If you are confused by something your panel says, the audience feels the same way. Do not be afraid to ask for clarification or elaboration. Oftentimes, those responses will lead to a more worthwhile talk.
See all our blogs for more great articles!


text:
Learning curve weekend....
For days I watched Mac suck all the data from Dell. Days and Days. Finally finished sometime early early early this morning. Now....I can't find any of my gazillion imported pictures. They're here somewhere. Just not in "pictures".
The above are part of my #1 assignment for the photography class I just started...fortunately, I still had them on my camera memory card (which I can't figure out how to "safely" remove from the computer. This could be trouble!) Assignment...find a building (my house) and set your camera on about 50 focal length and let your feet be your zoom. 20 different shots. (On the coldest day of the year, so far. If you look very closely you will see the tiniest bit of snow. So glad I'm a knitter once again. Socks, sweater, wooly scarf, fingerless mitts, hat--I layered them all!) Didn't think anyone would be interested in seeing 20 pictures of my house, but here are two of them. They were my "guinea pigs" while I tried to figure out how to import pictures. I've really made a mess of my files. I've been clicking buttons right and left. Intuitive???? I don't think so.!!!! At least not yet. Any and all suggestions will be GREATLY appreciated!!
Besides computer issues...I had a wonderful weekend.
:: lunch with some friends--then dinner with some other friends. (no cooking!!)
:: cheered on JayBob's basketball team to a victory--everyone won! love those kind of games!
:: watched a little sports on TV (our TV only gets sports channels, I think)
:: did a little knitting
:: started a little more knitting
:: did my "assignment"!!!
:: and opened the most unexpected, surprising email EVER EVER EVER. After I thought there wasn't a prayer of a chance.....I GOT INTO SQUAM!!!!!!! For the summer session. I've never been. I've wanted to go. And now I am. I immediately checked the Rav group and discovered that it is now closed. Minutes after I received my email it closed. Is it possible that I was really the last person to squeeze in?????
joining amanda for weekending!


text:
Copper Barrel has partnered with Scarlette Productions and several other North Carolina businesses to present a benefit concert for the Patriot Sportsmen -a selfless organization that enables children with special needs, veterans and their families experience healing through outdoor activities.
Date/Time: Saturday, April 20, 2019 from Noon until 6PM.
Location: Copper Barrel Provisions, 508 Main Street, North Wilkesboro, NC 28659
The event will take place on Main Street in the legendary Moonshine Capital of America and doors open at noon on April 20, 2019 for VIP ticket holders and at 2PM for General Admission ticket holders. Gold VIP ticket holders will be treated to an exclusive 5-course celebratory dinner at the historic Tory Oak restaurant following the day's festivities.
Shinetopia will feature live music, local craft beer, fresh food & desserts, artisanal crafts by members of the ACoRN Cooperative, a variety of kid-friendly activities as well as a Cornbread Cook-off -with over $1,000 in prizes. Attendees will also have an opportunity to meet John Francis Trump, managing editor of Carolina Journal and author of "Still & Barrel: Craft Spirits in the Old North State" and Kathleen Purvis, who spent 30 years as food editor of the Charlotte Observer and author of three books including "Distilling the South: A Guide to Southern Craft Liquors and the People Who Make Them".
A variety of music groups who will provide entertainment include: local artists Drew Willardson, Josh Perryman and Will Easter; Nashville, TN recording artist, Donnie Lee Strickland; dark country voodoo artists Diamonds and Whiskey from Charlotte, NC; and regional favorites Matt Dylan (whom you may remember from his hit "Carolina Moonshine") and the HonkyTonk Outlaws from Winston-Salem, NC.
Food will be provided by the Boro Bistro & Bakery (who graciously volunteered for their parking lot to be used as the Kids Zone); the famed MoonRunners Food Truck from Garner, NC; Nina's Bakery; and the Screamery Creamery with some truly spirited ice-cream. Planetary Elixirs and several award-winning NC breweries including Boondocks, Booneshine, Granite Falls and Lost Province will all be on-site to quench your thirst with their tasty beverages.
Additionally, the event will showcase a wide variety of automobiles from the prohibition era owned by legends such as Bill Blair Jr., Dub Harris and Kenneth Nicholson to modern day performance cars by members of the Generation Vettes club based in Winston-Salem.
All-inclusive tickets range in price from $10 for a youth package (11 to 20) to $125 for the Gold VIP package and may be purchased at http://shinetopia.eventbrite.com.


text:
Monday, March 05, 2007
Dow, Nasdaq Head Toward Lower Opening
NEW YORK — Wall Street appeared headed for a lower opening Monday as stock markets around the world suffered further selloffs.
The overseas pullback, in which Japan's Nikkei stock average saw its biggest one-day drop since June as the yen hit a three-month high against the dollar, resembled the selling that triggered the recent unease in world markets last Tuesday.
Investors could find some relief from comments attributed to U.S. Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson by Japan's finance minister, Koji Omi. Neither Omi nor Paulson, who began a three-nation Asian tour in Tokyo on Monday, were concerned by the fluctuations in regional stock markets, Omi told reporters in Tokyo. Both men contend the market mechanism was functioning well, Omi said.
Click for more
Posted by Suzie-Q (S-Q) at 3/05/2007
Labels: Dow, Nasdaq, Nikkei, Wall Street
No comments:
Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)


text:
Created in 2018 by professional artist Rachel Town.
This painting depicts when the sun and moon are polar opposites and the high tide of the water at the beach is about to roll in as you can view the waves further back picking up momentum. Beach glass from my personal secret collection found on the shores of Lake Erie in Ashtabula, Ohio, was utilized within this masterpiece.
Beach glass can be discovered amongst the beach sand and pebbles once the waves toss them around and naturally polish and frost them into rare beach gems.
When high tide arrives while I'm combing the beach for beach glass treasures it's my favorite part of the day, I love the rush when the waves start to warn its getting close to this time. This is the reasoning why I've included one of my treasured ultra-rare beach glass marbles on top of the beach glass stacked vertically glistening in the sunshine!


text: If a violation of a federal criminal law occurs within the borders of New Hampshire, then it will be prosecuted with a federal court, rather than a county or state court, by the U.S. Attorney's Office. Successfully defending a federal criminal case an attorney to have the experience required to identify issues that are unique to the investigations and prosecutions of federal crimes, in addition to knowledge of federal sentencing guidelines. Our law firm maintains a capable team of Brockton Massachusetts criminal defense lawyers who rigorously defend clients from federal charges including tax fraud, white collar crimes, federal drug crimes, and public corruption. Continue reading


text:
A manufacturer will improve efficiency 15% with a new energy management plan
Photos via Albéa.
A global beauty and personal care packaging company has launched a plan to improve energy efficiency 15 percent by 2020 and better manage its carbon footprint.
Albéa, a packaging solutions provider to beauty and personal care companies, previously managed energy reduction and sustainability efforts locally across its 38-site, 15-country industrial footprint.
The absence of a cohesive strategy and a common approach to sharing data and best practices lacked efficiency and created gaps in reporting and analysis.
To overcome this challenge, Albéa adopted Schneider Electric's cloud-based EcoStruxure Resource Advisor to visualize, measure and manage initiatives across its entire portfolio. This tool allows the company to standardize conservation efforts across sites and measure progress through one single interface.
The latest phase in the three-year partnership includes strategic procurement to optimize utility contracts and rates to manage the risks and price volatility associated with energy sourcing. This phase builds on earlier energy efficiency-focused efforts to uncover opportunities and implement measures to help Albéa meet its 15-percent reduction goal.
Schneider Electric has also worked with Albéa to improve Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) reporting — the manufacturer has raised its rating from C to B — and evaluate science-based targets for additional, more rigorous climate action.
"Our clients are asking for more carbon management transparency from their suppliers, including detailed strategies to reduce consumption and emissions," said Gilles Swyngedauw, director for corporate social responsibility at Albéa. "We needed an advisor to help meet those demands, as well as our own sustainability targets. Schneider Electric has provided the guidance and technologies that will allow us to address these dual goals and showcase our industry leadership."
With the addition of a company-wide energy procurement program, Albéa has adopted an integrated, data-oriented approach to managing the strategies, data and resources needed to reduce consumption and maximize savings, a practice known as Active Energy Management.
The need for coordination across energy efficiency, supply and sustainability departments has never been greater. A recent study found that most organizations are not taking the necessary steps to integrate and advance their energy and sustainability programs. Many are focused on conventional approaches to energy management and climate action, and few have coordinated efforts between procurement, operations and sustainability departments.
"Organizations are starting to integrate how they buy and use energy with sustainability initiatives to see additional benefits such as increased efficiency, financial savings and more sustainable operations," said Steve Wilhite, senior vice president of Energy & Sustainability Services, Schneider Electric. "When these efforts converge into a single global program, companies can uncover new opportunities and drive even greater savings."
Topics: Building Owners and Managers, Energy Audit / Energy Management, Energy Saving Products
Gary Wollenhaupt
Gary Wollenhaupt is an experienced writer and editor, with a background as a daily newspaper reporter as well as corporate and agency public relations and marketing. He is constantly looking for affordable green upgrades to make to his home in eastern Kentucky.www
Sponsored Links:


text:
Milagroso by Isabel Yap
My rating: 3/5 cats
He remembers thinking, It can't be a miracle, because we've already INVENTED the miracle.
science, nature, and religion all weigh in on the matter of food. in this near-future philippines, natural food'll kill ya, with all of its diseases and toxins, while bioengineered food is safe and oh-so-delicious, just like real food! i mean, listen to this:
Marty takes a bite of the roasted chicken. It's delicious. He feels a swell of pride. He helped make these things. Not directly—that was the research team's job – but he handled most of the exports and imports that provided the raw materials for their meats. After the lockout with China he had shifted grudgingly to more expensive vendors in Vietnam, only to realize that their bio-plasticine millet (BPM) adhered to flavorants more easily, and could be molded into more convincing shapes. Chicken and tuna, in particular, could be replicated using Vietnamese BPM for a cheaper unit cost, and San Miguel was quickly able to launch a new line of canned goods, labeled: More nutritious. Extra-delicious!
convincing, no? bring on the flavorants!
it's interesting to take a step back and consider which is the real miracle – that food springs forth from the ground, ready to eat, full of all the nutrients we need to keep us healthy, or that it can be created in a lab, "nearly" as good as the real thing.
good energy, good for leaving hooks in your brain, medium three for me.
i'm determined to continue reining myself in on this SHORT REVIEWS FOR SHORT STORIES path i'm on, although even with these rules in place i STILL managed to leave last week's free tor short unreviewed. time to get it together, brissette!
in a minute.
read it for yourself here:


text:
The Human Rights Code and the Occupational Health and Safety Act prohibit harassment and discriminatory practices for all people. The Human Rights Code specifically prohibits harassment and discrimination on the basis of race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, gender identity, gender expression, age, record of offences, marital status, family status, receipts of public assistance (in the case of the provision of services), or disability. The Occupational Health and Safety Act specifically prohibits harassment and sexual harassment.
The London Transit Commission (L TC) as an employer and service provider, complies with, supports and adheres to the Human Rights Code and the Occupational Health and Safety Act, including the principle that every person is free and equal in dignity and rights, and therefore, should be free from harassment, sexual harassment and/or discrimination in their work environment and with the provision of L TC's services.
The L TC continues to foster an inclusive and supportive workplace, recognizing that a diverse workplace draws upon, and respects the unique characteristics, capabilities, and experiences of each employee and that a diverse and inclusive workforce benefits individuals, the London Transit Commission and the community it serves.
Means the individual who brings a complaint against another individual for harassment or discrimination pursuant to this Policy.
Means a course of vexatious comment or conduct that is known or ought reasonably to be known to be unwelcome. It is conduct and/or behaviour which could create an intimidating, demeaning or hostile working environment whether or not it is based on the prohibited grounds defined in the Human Rights Code and/or the Mutual Respect in the Workplace Policy (noting the latter would be dealt with under respective Policy).
Sexual Harassment:
Means a course of vexatious comment or conduct against an individual because of sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, where the course of comment or conduct is known or ought reasonably to be known to be unwelcome, or making a sexual solicitation or advance where the person making the solicitation or advance is in a position to confer, grant or deny a benefit or advancement to the recipient of the comment or conduct and the person knows or ought reasonably to know that the solicitation or advance is unwelcome.
The above definitions of harassment fulfill the definitions of harassment per the Ontario Human Rights Code, and the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
All types of harassment introduce a disruptive element into the work environment and can upset the well-being and job performance of individuals and, if not dealt with, may lead to workplace violence.
The individual against whom a Complaint is brought concerning allegations that the individual has breached this policy.
The individual who is in charge of the workplace or has authority over the worker making the complaint.
Includes all facilities and worksites, including vehicles and any other locations where the business of L TC is conducted by employees. Harassment and discrimination which occurs outside the workplace or hours of work but related to the work environment are also considered as workplace harassment.
The L TC will not knowingly participate in or tolerate any harassment or discrimination against any of its employees, representatives or customers.
Kelly S. Paleczny, General Manager
January 1, 2020


text:
Gabe Paine is the senior vice president of enterprise marketing at Sharecare, the digital health company founded to help each person – no matter where they are in their health journey – build a longer, better life by enabling health transformation at the individual, organizational and community level. Paine is responsible for driving platform and partnership growth among enterprise clients, focusing on member acquisition and engagement. For more than seven years, Paine has provided leadership in a variety of roles at Sharecare, including business development, strategy, account management and marketing across payer and health system verticals. As an experienced digital marketer, Paine maintains a strong focus on aligning the Sharecare platform to clients' brand strategy.
Paine has substantial experience within the digital healthcare sector, having held senior digital strategy positions with leading advertising agencies and health care services companies for more than 20 years. In 1995, he helped launch one of the first internet service providers in Australia, before joining Johnson & Johnson in a sales and marketing role. After relocating to the U.S., Paine spent seven years in digital strategy and account management roles for the CDM Group, the largest full-service healthcare advertising agency in the country. During that time, he also served as a senior marketing manager for Pfizer and spearheaded the digital brand strategy for its primary care portfolio, which included Viagra and Lipitor.
Paine earned a bachelor's degree in marketing and international business from the University of the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, Australia. Based in Nashville, Paine also serves on the board of Health eVillages, a nonprofit organization focused on providing healthcare services to needy communities in Africa, Haiti and here in the U.S.


text:
Monster Munch Halloween Mix – popcorn, candy corn, peanuts, Reeses pieces and almond bark – this stuff is crazy good! EVERYONE loves it! It is a great treat for the classroom, neighbors and friends. I have a hard time sharing it! 🙂
Monster Munch, Halloween Popcorn Bark, CRACK! Call it whatever you want – this stuff is crazy good!!! This is sweet & salty to the max! Needless to say, everyone loved this stuff. I had to share this with co-workers and family so I didn't eat it all by myself. Make sure you add this to your Halloween party or treats this weekend! It makes a ton – so give some away (if you can tear yourself away from it) and make some new friends!
Monster Munch
- 1 (16-oz) package vanilla Almond Bark or white candy coating
- 2 bags of microwave popcorn, popped (approximately 16-20 cups popped popcorn)
- 1 cup candy corn
- 1-1/2 cups dry roasted, salted peanuts
- 1 cup Reeces Pieces
- Pop popcorn and place in a large bowl. The largest you have. Pour peanuts, candy corn, and Reeces pieces on top.
- Break up almond bark. Melt according to package directions.
- Pour over popcorn mixture. Stir until everything is well coated and then spread out onto waxed paper, parchment, or foil.
- Let sit until completely dry and then break up into clumps.


text:
The Fringe. You came, you saw, you conquered. But no-one reviewed you. Your triumph goes undocumented. Like the metaphorical tree in a forest, if a person performs at the Fringe and there's no-one there to review it, does it make a sound? (The answer's yes. You don't need us for validation.)
But say you do want a review. You want the promotion, you want the quotes, you want the evidence for your funding bid. How should you go about it?
In case it helps, here's an extensive list of tips based on how we at The Wee Review organise our reviewing at the Fringe. It's only one publication's stance, but there's lots that will be applicable to any publication you approach. Believe me, the bad PR techniques that drive one editor screwy will more than likely drive others screwy. It's the fastest way to the reject pile. There are things you can do to help improve your chances of getting someone in to see you, but the tl;dr summary is: keep it simple and polite and make it easy to find you if we need to.
Gimme more detail, you say? Well, first, the bad news, and it breaks my heart to say it, but:
Your chances are slim. There's 3,000+ shows at the Fringe and only about 25 of us. In our case, we're also covering the International Festival, Book Festival and Art Festival. Plus many of us are working full-time as well. Plus we have to have actual time to write up the reviews! We usually manage around 400; I'd love it if we could get to 500. But that's still only a fragment. So, please don't feel ignored or overlooked. It's honestly no slight on you or your work.
On the plus side, there's a lot in your favour:
We genuinely want to review your show. With infinite time, we would cover the entire Fringe brochure. No joke. Those tweets several of us send after the Fringe saying "sorry, we didn't get to see you" are heartfelt. Personally, hand on heart, there is nothing I wouldn't go and see if someone wants me there and I have the time.
We know how hard it is. You have our understanding. The Fringe is a slog. It's amazing, but can be knackering and dispiriting. It's not easy getting bums on seats. It's not easy standing out. It costs shedloads. We as reviewers push ourselves to do as much as possible because we respect what you're doing. If we can't do anything for you, it's not out of callousness or disinterest. It really is because we're at our limit too.
We want to discover good stuff. People imagine that reviewers love putting the boot in, but it's mainly a myth. The opposite is normally true. Imagine how much more satisfying it is to say, "I gave them their first review", "I saw them when they were first starting out", "They were ignored until I found them". That's what we're after. You have our ear.
Other things to remember:
We have the Fringe brochure. And we know our way round it. There's little a press release can add to that. A lot of our Fringe schedule writes itself – there's talking point shows we must see, things we know we'll have a particular insight or perspective on. We're a year-round Scottish website too, so there's a certain duty to cover the people we work with regularly or that'll be touring here afterwards. It's almost tempting to say "don't call us, we'll call you", but that's not in the spirit of things. We do want our attention drawn to things we might have missed. Just beware of what you're up against.
We are overrun with e-mails. From May onwards, we are absolutely bombarded. It's probably 8-10 per day to start with, which is already enough when we're also managing our ordinary year round reviewing and normal life too. By the time the Fringe is underway, it's not unusual to come out of an hour long Fringe show to find another 10-12 new press releases in the inbox. It's beyond the laws of time and space for a human to process all this. Outwith Fringe time, I'll try to respond to every request that comes in. Once the Fringe starts I'll respond to none. Your best chance to get heard and replied to is in that golden period, May – July.
We're quite a decentralised place. We co-ordinate things centrally, and we will point writers to things we know might interest them, but we don't delegate specific reviews. The best response you can get from my fellow editors and I, unless it's something we're going to do ourselves, is that we'll run it past the team.
So how should you approach us?
I'm afraid, given the volume of e-mails and time pressure, we're looking for excuses to not respond. Absolute fastest way for this to happen is:
"While you're in Edinburgh…" The clue is in our name and the fact that our entire website is full of Scottish arts content. We are here all year.
Other things that don't help:
Don't multi-channel us. We operate mainly by e-mail, and one short one will do. Exception: some individual reviewers don't mind a tweet or a DM. But don't start approaching us multiple ways, hunting out our personal pages on Facebook, leaving voicemails etc. Not so much for the privacy, more because it becomes impossible to track and find things. I have missed things I would otherwise have seen because I've not been able to remember what medium they contacted me on.
Don't try to "sell" the show. Simple facts are enough. We can connect the dots. Introduce yourself, if we don't know you. Point out anything that might not be immediately obvious. Reference why it might be of particular interest to us (but don't force a tenuous connection with the site). It's OK. If you've got a good idea for a show it will be immediately obvious to us and most other publications. PS: Everything is "award-winning" and an awful lot of things are "breaking the last taboo" and/or "about a really important and timely issue".
Don't ingratiate yourself. "We've read the Wee Review for years." Well, we've only been the Wee Review since last year, so unless you can reference our previous name, that's not true, is it? Honestly, we don't need our arses kissing. It's nice to know if you have read and appreciated the site, but we can always tell when someone's faking.
Don't hassle. "Did you get my e-mail?" Yes, probably, is the normal answer (see volume of e-mails above). Worst thing, and this happens every year, is when you're on a bus between venues, in a rush, possibly writing a review on your phone, when it rings – an unknown number. "Did you get the e-mail about Client X?" (Yes, probably) It's the poor PR intern who's been left behind in London to do the donkey work. "They've been getting excellent reviews. It's been tipped for the Comedy Award. We'd really like to get you in for tomorrow…" This doesn't work.
Don't tell us what other publications thought. "We've had five stars from the Guardian, Scotsman, New York Times, Pravda, Antarctica Gazette, Alpha Centauri Chronicle…" You don't need any more then, do you? And an honest reviewer doesn't like to go into something that feels pre-judged. We'd prefer to reach our own conclusions.
Things you can do, though:
Tell us your first review dates. I always try to get a few shows in before the Fringe officially starts. If you're happy to have reviewers in then, tell us.
Make connections that aren't obvious. If there's a reason we in particular should be reviewing this – something I'm afraid you can only really get to know by reading the site regularly and getting a feel for who we are – then let us know.
Show an interest. We're all in the Fringe together. Chat with us on Twitter, read our reviews, share others' reviews. If we see your name popping up and you seem like a decent human being who's interested in other people and performers, you seem like someone worth spending time on. There's nothing worse than an entitled performer who thinks they can waltz into Edinburgh, sweep five stars from everyone and waltz off again.
Keep an eye out. Every year I tweet from my personal account something like, "I've spare time around 3pm, George Sq area, looking for solo comedian / sketch troupe". Normally only eagle-eyed PRs get back to me. That's what some of you pay them good money for, of course, and they earn it. But I'm looking to support the DIYers too, the ones doing it all on their own. That's your chance.
Sound like you want a review. Seems obvious, doesn't it? But nothing attracts a reviewer's attention like "I'd really like to know what you think". You have to mean it, though. And you absolutely must want an honest appraisal. Please take reviews with good grace.
Be honest. Fakery is obvious. Don't be ashamed to say it's your first Fringe and you don't really know what you're doing, or you're struggling to get reviewers in. Don't heap on the sob stories, X Factor style, but seeming human is no bad thing.
If you've read this far, well done. You deserve this final tip. This is the kind of communication it would be a joy to get. If you could produce something like this, you'd be ahead of 90% of the press releases that get sent. I can't say all reviewers would feel the same way, I can't guarantee I'd be able to see you, but I can say you'd have a much better chance than most. And remember, although we happily work with PR companies all the time and that works for some performers, please don't think you're at a disadvantage doing it yourself. Follow the basics and it'll see you right.
Hi Robert
I don't know if you remember me, but we spoke at [such-and-such event].
I'm an [interesting sounding style of performer] from [ideally something that doesn't scream the standard RADA/Footlights already halfway to a BAFTA/Radio 4 show, but it's OK if it does, just be honest].
The show I'm doing looks at [original issue] from [original perspective], and it's told via [original medium]. It was inspired by [interesting inspiration] and I've been working on it [explain a bit of background]. I have to be honest, it's a [minor sob-story if needs be].
I appreciate you're probably very busy but I saw your review of [comparable show] and I wondered if you or perhaps [other named reviewers] on site could give me a similarly honest appraisal of mine? I'm on at [venue and time].
I realise you'll get lots of requests, but if you could spare any time, I'd be very grateful. I can reserve a ticket for you myself or else you can go through the venue.
Best wishes and hope you enjoy the Fringe,
A Performer
PS If you need any more info, it's on my website. You can also download pictures there.
I've probably set us up for dozens of cut and pastes there, but not to worry. It would still make my job easier and more pleasurable. I look forward to hearing from you! Addresses for your e-mails are here.


text:
Connected Devices & Remote Sensing Workshop
Are you developing connected devices or remote sensing technologies or solutions? Are you looking for solutions or collaboration partners?
The Technology Collaboration Center will hold a workshop on Connected Devices & Remote Sensing technologies on April 16, 2019, hosted by Ecolab in Sugar Land, with presentations on the latest technology developments or unmet challenges, covering the following topic areas:
- Sensors: Electronic sensors for enabling the performance, efficiency and/or remote monitoring of connected devices & remote sensors
- Long Range, Low Power, Wireless Connectivity: infrastructure to connect multiple devices across local and medium to long distances
- Low Power Sources & Geo Tagging: Low cost power sources for connected devices & remote sensors, and the latest advances in low-cost geo-tagging devices, essential in many industries for remote sensor operations
- Software, Data & Security: The software, data handling, and security required to implement and integrate connected devices & remote sensors
If your organization is interested in connected devices or remote sensors, please visit the TCC's website to register for the workshop or request an opportunity to make a presentation. Tickets for the workshop are $100. TCC Members get a 50% discount. TCC Individual Memberships can be purchased for $150, which includes a ticket to the workshop and discounts on TCC workshops for the next year.


text:
|Panoramic view of the Ruteng rice terraces
I am better this morning and manage to eat one egg and a piece of toast before Yance and a local guide pick us up for a walk through the rice terraces and to visit a local village home. The morning is breathtakingly beautiful and I nearly forget about my malady while walking along narrow dirt paths and trying to keep my balance on the rice terrace dikes.
|Walking through the rice terraces
|Walking along the Ruteng rice terrace dikes
|Rice farmer and his children
|Boy carrying a sack of rice?
|Rice farmer
|Alisha and our local guide
We pass a few farmers, oxen and a young boy carrying a bag on his shoulders that is nearly as big as he is. I push myself to keep up with the others and am relieved when we reach the village beyond.
|Oxen tethered on the rice terrace, Ruteng
|Freshly planted rice terraces, Ruteng
We walk through the Ruteng rice terraces into our guides village. It is more modern than the villages of Luba and Bena that we visited yesterday, and this is the village where he and his father live.
|Walking into the village from the Ruteng rice terraces
Our guide invites us into his house for coffee. I dread another cup of black and gritty coffee but accept graciously and sit on their oddly formal and out of place sofa while Alisha plays singing and hand clapping games with a group of young children who have gravitated inside from the village to gawk at the strange white tourists.
|Marty sitting on the sofa in our Ruteng guides home
|The guides father sits beside me
|Closeup of family photos on the wall
Alisha with her big smile and easy rapport is a kid magnet and I wish that her kids could be here to play games with these beautiful children. Our guides father is at home and sits awkwardly beside me on the sofa. I wonder what he thinks of us foreign intruders. The interior of their home is dark and sparsely furnished and three family photos hang askew on a wall above a curling poster of a Virgin.
A wood cooking fire smolders on the hard packed dirt floor of their kitchen. We can see into a bedroom off of the kitchen and the mattress is strewn with clothing.
|Our guides kitchen
|Bedroom in the house.
The children are captivating and Alisha plays with them for nearly an hour before we say our goodbyes and begin our afternoon drive to Labuan Bajo. I so wished that I felt better because I know what a remarkable experience this is and want to savor all the memories.
|Playing with the Ruteng Village children
|Playing with the Ruteng Village children
I doze in the back seat of the car until we arrive at the Spider Web rice fields in the mid afternoon. There is a small ticket price to pay before we can climb the stepped pathway to the top of the hill for a vista view of the rice fields beyond. Beside the ticket kiosk are several women and girls pounding coffee to sell to the tourists. Alisha grabs a pole and gives it a go, presumably crushing the beans inside the wooden vat.
|Alisha pounding coffee
|Alisha and Yancy, Spiderweb rice fields
The climb is not long but the day is hot and I am weak and sick. I feel faint when we reach the top to gaze at the spiderweb patterned fields below.
|View of the Spiderweb rice fields
On the drive to Labaun Bajou, Alisha sits beside Yancy while I sleep in the back seat of the car. We pass wonderful road side scenes that I regret not experincing personally. Happily Alisha is a great photo journalist and I have the following photos to share.
|Boys playing alongside the road
|Children playing
|School girls waving to us
|Muslim women resting along side of the road
It is late afternoon when we arrive in the outskirts of Labaun Bajou—a bustling and grimy port city from which we will depart to the Komodo and Rinca Islands in the morning.
|View of Labuan Bajo Harbor
|The Golo Hilltop hotel in Labuan Bajo
|We say goodbye to Yancy
Yancy drives us through the crowded city and up to the lovely Golo Hilltop Hotel. The afternoon light bathes the hotel and the grounds in a magical golden hue. We say good by to our delightful guide Yancy and he informs us that Yosep, our guide to the islands, will stop by shortly to introduce himself.
|Poolside view
|Alisha taking a late afternoon dip in the Golo Hilltop pool
There is a small jewel of a swimming pool and Alisha quickly changes into her swim suit to enjoy a before sunset dip overlooking a picture perfect view of the harbor below. I manage to take a few photos before retreating to our room to sleep.
|Sunset from the Golo Hilltop Hotel, Labuan Bajo
I vaguely remember Alisha telling me that Yosep has arrived but my fever has returned and I continue to sleep leaving her in charge of collecting any information that we might need for our trip to the Islands in the morning. Alisha sets another pot of ginger tea on the night table beside me when she turns in for the night.


text: How do I create a signiture or footnote in my Email? I want to put my name and disclaimer at the bottom of every Email I create. How do I create this? Ronald3952, 3 years ago Last reply: DBArnold, 3 years ago 1 1 me too 1 1 reply Question Archived


text:
PHP Web Developer
Cadence LabsRemote | Posted: 1 year ago
Cadence Labs is looking for an experienced remote PHP developer to join our team! Only applicants from the United States will be considered.
Why work for Cadence Labs?
You'll work on a variety of Magento projects for brands large & small, and solve a myriad of interesting technical challenges. This is a great position if you love PHP and are interested in learning / using the Magento and Laravel frameworks.
We support a variety of clients utilizing eCommerce platforms, custom web applications, and progressive web apps. Daily tasks vary and will combine feature development, bug fixes, and devops.
Finally, we are an agency started by, and run by, developers! We get it, and we're growing: Cadence Labs was ranked as the #1 fastest growing company in Boulder, Colorado by the Mercury 100 in 2017 and 2018.
This role would be responsible for:
- PHP / MySQL development utilizing the Magento framework and Laravel framework
- Some HTML / CSS frontend themeing
- Javascript Frameworks include Knockout JS, Angular JS, and ReactJS
- Application profiling and performance improvements
- Server Configuration & Database Design
Ideal Candidate:
- You're a self-starter, eager to learn and hone your skills
- You're an expert with PHP 7
- You're a pro with the command line, git, and your local environment
Bonus points:
- Previous Web Dev Agency Experience
- Experience with Magento
What you get:
- Competitive Salary (DOE)
- Matching 401(k) Plan
- Paid medical, dental, and life insurance, supplemental vision, ad&d, and disability available.
- Chance to grow your skills & work on a wide variety of projects.
- Be a part of a small, hard-working team
- Flexible Schedule, Core Hours are 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM Mountain Time


text:
A major reappraisal of the life of legendary entertainer Sammy Davis, Jr., Gonna Do Great Things is at once an intimate portrait and an exuberant celebration of a wholly American icon. Through his multifaceted talent and personality, Sammy became one of the most magnetic and contentious figures in modern entertainment history. His outstanding talents as a dancer, singer, actor, impressionist, and comedian, combined with his close association with megastars and his… (more)
Publisher: Scribner (June 15, 2010)
Format: EPUB
Page count: 448 pages
File size: 4 MB
Protection: DRM
Language: English
What's that song about?


text:
Promoting Change
In the Harvard Business Review's Management Tip of the Day dated 9/29/10, they talk about 3 ways to promote change:
a. Model the change through language and behavior.
b. Turn negatives into positives – this can be accomplished with good listening.
c. Find allies to help promote the change.
We have added one more dimension: Use your DISC people reading skills to identify colleague's behaviors to help them accept change in a positive, safe manner.
When a person can understand another's behavioral tendencies and approach that person in a way that will make them feel comfortable and they will accomplish much more, FASTER.
For example, when dealing with a person who has a domineering style, approach the need for change quickly and succinctly. When dealing with a person who has a very influencing, outgoing manner, let them know that the change will only enhance the comfort level in the organization. For a person who has a high sense of stability/steadiness, let them know the reasons for the change and that there will be minimal confusion and conflict. The person who has a high need to adhere to established standards and policies will accept change easier when you let them know that all policies, procedures, and controls have been reviewed and the change will be smooth.
Change is inevitable and you can make it easier for others to accept the change. Sharpen your people reading skills TODAY.
About this entry
You're currently reading "Promoting Change," an entry on Professor Insights Web Blog
- Published:
- 10.01.10 / 9am
- Category:
- Uncategorized


text:
There were rumors related to the Indus Motor Company (IMC), that the company is planning to replace the most popular 1.3 liter Toyota Corolla XLi & GLi variants with the Toyota Vios sedan in Pakistan, this is something that we have been hearing for more than a year now.
As previously the company had decided to not discontinue to the Toyota Corolla GLi because the brand remained the most popular in Pakistan. But at the same time, the company was looking to bring either Yaris or Vios variants in the market and it was sought that the Toyota Vios Sedan will replace the cars by mid-2018, however the plan was changed due to weakening economic condition of the Pakistan.
But, now there has been a change in plans as per source in the industry, IMC is now planning to launch Yaris Sedan in Pakistan instead of Vios a comparatively cheaper variant to own. It is difficult to say at this stage that whether the new Yaris sedan will replace the 1.3 liter Corolla variants or if it will be an entirely new model.
Toyota Yaris was first revealed in Thailand and was known as Yaris Ativ. However, it is likely to come with a smaller engine (1.2L Dual VVT-i 4-cylinder petrol engine) but might come with the same engine (1.3L) which is under the hood currently for Corolla Sedans.
Furthermore, Toyota is also testing the Daihatsu Bezza Sedan for the Pakistani market powered by a 1.0 liter or 1.3 liter engine and has a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission.


text:
Find us on
News Blog:
© 2008-2012 Magical Festivals Publishing - ISSN 1757-1677
All rights reserved. Website Created by Matthew Callow
Back to Product list
Inside the pages of issue 20 we have several photography features with artists from around the world. All of the contributors have created some very captivating pieces and each piece tells a story. Our 2016 Faerie Festival (which celebrates the 10th anniversary of Magical Festivals!) is set to headline The Roving Crows and in this issue we present and exclusive interview with the band themselves! We have two articles from Moon Books' writers Sheena Cundy and Lucya Starza who write about Magick and the earth's energies. Laura Perry talks about the Minoan civilisation which features some ancient pieces of artwork and Tylluan Penry talks about The Winter Goddesses. Australian authoress Lucy Cavendish talks about the wild green earth and in our Magical Locations column we take a glimpse at some mystical Welsh countryside. Linzi Martin unravels some handy hints for creating a happier home and Chris Alexander introduces the practise of 'Askfirmations' - the art of positive mantras. As we move towards the warmer months Ali English talks about herbs of the sun and Vivienne Moss uncovers the mysteries of the many faces of Hekate. Plus news, art features, event listings and more. All beautifully illustrated in this new larger format - enjoy!


text:
Meet the Team that keeps Thomas Jackson moving.
Samantha started her career back in 1989 when she worked for a small family run Residential Lettings company, after seven happy years Samantha then decided to diversify into Residential Sales and joined a large national corporate company initally as a Trainee Negotiator and worked herself up to Sales Team Leader before leaving to have her family. In 2006 Samantha decided to return to Estate Agency and with the help of her husband they founded Thomas Jackson (named after their son's Thomas and Jack). The company opened in April 2007 and since then has grown in strength. Samantha passed the Federation of National Property Professionals Qualification in Residential Sales during 2009.
David is an experienced Mortgage Broker and brings a wealth of knowledge to the company. David started his career working for a large corporate company selling Investments and Pensions and after 10 years David decided to expand his service to include Mortgages. David worked for a well known South Kent Company as a Mortgage Broker, covering many offices and during this time he received many accolades for "Top Mortgage Broker". In 2001 David decided to set up his own company with the help of his wife, Samantha and during this year DSG Homefinance Ltd was founded. With eight successful years and still going strong, David provides an array of services to the clients at Thomas Jackson.
Alex joined our team in 2013 as a Trainee Estate Agent. An enthusiastic member of the team, Alex is truly a people person, he has a professional, efficient and friendly approach and take enormous delight in showing potential buyers around properties on our books. Alex was born and raised in the area so has excellent local knowledge to help buyers and sellers. Alex was promoted in September 2018 to a Senior Sales Consultant due to his achievements and commitment to the business during the last 5 years.