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A toddler linked to the E. coli outbreak died Friday, according to his family.
E. coli complications have claimed the life of a toddler, and health officials said the number of reported cases of infection is expected to continue to rise.
Twenty people are now reporting symptoms of the illness throughout the region.
Officials said those who have reported the illness all attended the Cleveland County Fair, but so far that�s the only common thread.
Gage Lefevers, 2, died on Friday at Levine Childrens� Hospital in Charlotte, according to state health officials.
�We extend our deepest sympathies to the family,� said Al Delia, secretary of the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services. �Losing a child is a devastating thing for a family to endure and our thoughts are with them at this difficult time.�
State Health Director Laura Gerald said in a news release that the boy�s death is �a tragic reminder of the seriousness of this kind of infection, especially in children.�
The 20 cases are people who either have confirmed symptoms of E. coli or a high probability of the presence of infection.
Three of the patients are on dialysis, and four are suffering from HUS, a type of kidney failure, said Gaston County Health Director Chris Dobbins. Health officials said HUS is a serious, life-threatening condition.
Dobbins held a conference call with state health officials on Saturday and said he would be in contact with them again each day as the outbreak continues.
It is a �safe assumption� that the region will see more confirmed E. coli cases in the days ahead, Dobbins said. E. coli symptoms are expected to show up as late as 10 days after exposure. Oct. 17 will mark the 10th day since the close of the Cleveland County Fair.
�He was a special little man�
Claudine Cobb attends Trinity Church of the Living God in Kings Mountain, where she said some of the Lefevers family worships, including two of Gage Lefevers� grandparents and his great-grandmother.
Cobb said the boy was a �sweet child,� and church members are praying for the family and will probably take them food.
�It just devastates me. I just couldn�t believe that he passed away from this,� she said. �He�s real precious.�
Cobb said Gage acted chipper at church.
�He was a special little man,� she said. �I feel for the family. We�re all praying for them. It saddens me.�
Fighting back tears thinking about the situation, Cobb said the congregation is like a family and Lefevers is now with Jesus.
Many are sharing their condolences for Gage and his family online.
Illness investigation continues
Health officials are reaching out to local doctors� offices, instructing them on E. coli symptoms to look for in patients and what to report.
Dobbins said health officials are still working to determine how the people became infected with E. coli. Forthcoming research and analysis will paint a picture that will hopefully better explain how the people got sick, he said.
Officials are working to compare people who attended the fair that are now healthy with those who are sick.
Anyone who attended the fair and has experienced diarrhea for more than three days, or had blood in their stool that began on or after Oct. 1, is asked to seek immediate medical attention.
Reach Wade Allen at 704-869-1828 or twitter.com/gazettewade.
Who are the confirmed cases?
Health officials said Saturday 20 people had confirmed cases of E. coli. Among them:
* 14 children and six adults
* six of the children are hospitalized
* 2-year-old Gage Lefevers died Friday, according to health officials
* nine Cleveland County cases
* five cases each in Gaston and Lincoln counties
* one case in York County, S.C.
* three on dialysis
* four suffering from a type of kidney failure
Source: State, local health department officials
Symptoms of E. coli
* Most carriers of E. coli may not display serious symptoms for up to 10 days.
* Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and stomach cramps worsen nearly four days after contracting the infection.
* If the symptoms are accompanied by a high fever and a bloody stool, one should seek the attention of a doctor.
* E. coli may cause, primarily in children, severe blood and kidney problems, resulting in possible kidney failure. It is important to consult a doctor if these symptoms are identified.
How people contract E. coli
* E. coli is transferred through human or animal feces.
* One can become infected with the disease by eating food, drinking water or coming into contact with a species that is infected and has not be treated or sanitized.
* Raw milk, fruit and vegetables can carry E. coli as well.
* The best way to avoid getting E. coli is by frequent hand washing.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention


text:
212 (Hardcover)
Email or call for price.
Special Order
"The plot of an Alafair Burke thriller doesn't just rip from the headlines. She's one step ahead of them. 212 scares you and keeps you turning the pages into the wee hours."
--Harlan Coben
"Burke has created a strong female protagonist in the tradition of Sara Paretsky's V.I. Warshawski and Marcia Muller's Sharon McCone.... Utterly authentic."
--Boston Globe
212 is acclaimed author--and former deputy district attorney--Alafair Burke's gripping thriller featuring hip, Manhattan-based detective Ellie Hatcher. Fans of Lisa Gardner, Sandra Brown, Karin Slaughter, Harlan Coben, Sue Grafton, and PJ Tracy will find it hard to put 212 down until the very last page.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Food & Drink
New site promises hot people a free ride
By Ashley Fantz, CNN • Updated 26th April 2012
There's a hot new travel site -- but it doesn't really arrange any travel.
The Internet blew up Wednesday over Misstravel.com, a site that launched April 9. According to its founder, Brandon Wade, the site connects rich people with good-looking people who want to gallivant around the world on the rich person's dime.
"We are a meeting space like a nightclub or a bar for people who are interested in talking," Wade said.
"This isn't an escort service."
Wade points out the "Escorts are not welcome"
disclaimer linked from the home page
. Visitors to Misstravel.com may miss that message initially when confronted immediately upon arrival by the image taking up most of the home page, a young woman sitting school-girlishly (short skirt, head tilted) on a pink suitcase.
A video play button appears over her. Click and hear a woman's voice speaking sexily as a female cartoon delivers the pitch.
"Are you attractive but you don't have the money to travel?" she asks. "What if you could travel around the world, stay in five-star resorts, dine at top-rated restaurants and do the fun things travelers do, all for free?"
On Misstravel, you can, the voice says. Male cartoons of doctors, lawyers, bankers, athletes and such pop into the frame, and the voice says, "Best of all, they have the money, and they are willing to spend it on you."
No one on the site has gone on any trips that Wade knows about -- mostly because the site is so new -- and Misstravel does not arrange travel, he said. Like a dating site, Misstravel only provides a platform for people to create profiles and communicate.
There are two categories on Misstravel: "attractive" and "generous." Judging from photos of the attractives, they evidently have so little money they can't afford many clothes.
The site offers no promises that a generous will not stick an attractive with any bills. It's up to the two of them to negotiate, Wade said.
The generouses include "YoungCEO4U" who claims to be 27, worth between $500,000 and $1 million and from Farmington, Michigan. He is interested in "no strings attached" and going to the Dominican Republic.
An attractive could also choose a 6 foot 2 inch generous named "Bigmoolah" from Florida or "Texan323," who lists himself as single but is open, he indicates, to "Mutually Beneficial Arrangements (Sugar Daddy / Sugar Baby)" and "Married Dating/Discreet Affair."
If you register as an attractive, you pay nothing. If you're generous, you pay a minimum of $50 to be able to communicate with 10 attractives, Wade said. For $250, you can communicate with up to 100 attractives.
Wade said the site allows people of all types; although it's called Misstravel, men and women, gay and straight are welcome to be either an attractive or a generous.
When these categories connect, Wade said, they should consult the
safety guidelines
Misstravel provides, such as, "Never travel out of the country or to a different city to meet someone you do not know well."
Something to keep in mind when dealing with "Manimal" a 30-year-old from the Chicago area who asks in his profile, "Are you woman enough?"
Wade said he was a "nerd growing up in Singapore" who didn't have a girlfriend or a kiss until he was 21. His site is intended, he said, to help people who are shy like him connect. He is trying to follow some wisdom his mother shared with him years ago.
"A little bit of generosity," he said, "goes a long way when it comes to dating."
What do you think? Would you search for travel companions this way? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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text:
Moody's expects temporary GSE exemption from mortgage risk rules
Analysts at Moody's Investors Service said Monday regulators may exempt Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac from upcoming mortgage risk retention rules – at least temporarily. The Dodd-Frank Act directed federal regulators to determine the standards for a qualified residential mortgage. Securitizers must retain 5% of the credit risk on loans written outside these standards, which may include a possible 20% down payment. Securitizers are allowed to pass the risk-retention requirement to originators, and Moody's expects the GSEs to do so if they aren't exempt. Speaking before the Senate Banking Committee last week, Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner and Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan said the GSEs would not be exempt from the qualified residential mortgage rules. However, other regulators maintain the GSEs would be exempt as long as they are in conservatorship. Moody's analysts said many market participants had hoped for the exemption given the fragile state of the housing industry, but another possibility would be a QRM definition fitting closely to the current GSE underwriting standards. Consumer advocacy and trade groups, including the National Association of Realtors wrote a letter to the regulators in March, expressing concern over the high down payments, noting that "hundreds of thousands" of creditworthy borrowers would be shut out of the market. "While we support a reasonable and affordable cash investment requirement, that requirement can be coupled with other underwriting features to ensure loan sustainability without unnecessarily narrowing access to credit," according to the letter. Federal regulators are scheduled to propose new QRM rules April 8, according to Dodd-Frank, and Moody's expects that by the second quarter of 2012, securitizers of new transactions must begin holding the risk. Loans outside of these standards will become scarce, analysts said, and those that are offered outside of QRM rules will come with high mortgage rates. Analysts did admit it was difficult to pin down how scarce these loans would become, but given the growth of GSE market share coming out of the crisis (click on chart below to expand) rules written with noticeably stricter requirements will not be good for a market still trying to recover. "Owing to an increase in mortgage rates and a decrease in mortgage availability, anything more than a minor portion of GSE loans being subject to risk retention will be negative for the fragile U.S. housing market and, in turn, holders of mortgage credit," Moody's said. Write to Jon Prior. Follow him on Twitter @JonAPrior.


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This Svaja Basil Bird is carefully hand-made by Lithuanian Artisans in Baltic regions.
With an unwavering commitment to quality and craftsmanship at its finest, the Founder & Designer Kristina Svajone Bobs has created stunning pieces along with her team.
The Svaja stunning designs will make the perfect gifts for family and friends and beautify and accentuate any home interior styles.


text:
Ithaca College Conference on
Instrumental Music Education
June 29 - July 1, 2014
Preparing the 21st Century Artist-Teacher
The Ithaca College Conference on Instrumental Music Education: Preparing the 21st century Artist-Teacher addresses the preparation of the instrumental music teacher primarily through opportunities via large ensembles. Sessions focus on traditional and contemporary methods of developing the future music educator. It is open to all members of the music education community including public school teachers, members of CBDNA, SMTE, and IMTE.
In addition to evening panel discussions featuring prominent guest speakers, time for roundtable discussions, a rehearsal masterclass with the Ithaca High School Concert Band, and syllabus sharing, session topics will include:
- The Role of the College Wind Conductor and the Music Education Faculty
- Conducting Techniques
- Teaching Rehearsal Techniques
- Comprehensive Musicianship
- Technology in Music Education and Rehearsals
- Undergraduate Curriculum Offerings
- Public School Music Curricula
- Assessment in Music Education
- The Standards in Music Education
The conference will be held at Ithaca College on June 29
- July 1, 2014. The hosts for this conference are Dr. Mark Fonder, Dr. Beth Peterson,
Dr. Dan Isbell,
and Dr. Steve
Peterson. The Northeast
Wind Conducting Symposium will occur at the same time, allowing
conference attendees to observe this workshop as well. Dr. Karl Paulnack, Dean of
the Ithaca College School of Music, will deliver the keynote
address on June 29.
Sponsored by CBDNA, The Paynter Foundation, and Ithaca College
Fee: $80. Click here to register online.
Individuals with disabilities requiring accommodations should contact the School of Music at 607-274-3717. We ask that requests for accommodations be made as soon as possible.


text:
WelcomeEdible Forest Gardens.com is dedicated to offering inspiring and practical information on the vision, ecology, design, and stewardship of perennial polycultures of multipurpose plants in small-scale settings. We intend this website to grow into an information and networking resource for newcomers, amateurs, students, and serious practitioners and researchers alike.
Forest gardening is an idea whose time has come. We can consciously apply the principles of ecology to the design of home scale gardens that mimic forest ecosystem structure and function, but grow food, fuel, fiber, fodder, fertilizer, "farmaceuticals," and fun. Indeed, we must begin learning to apply ecological principles to the design of our food production systems now—we have surpassed the peak of planetary oil production, so the world of energy descent lies upon us. This sea change in our culture will require that we learn to live within our energetic means and rebuild ecosystems that support human and humane lives without diminishing the ability of the ecosystem to support our children and grandchildren.
While this global problem is huge, most of the solutions available to us are local, personal, empowering, and potentially enlivening, enlightening, and fun. Edible forest gardening is one of these solutions, and we now have the resources at hand to transform our own yards and gardens into productive paradises. We intend this website and the book Edible Forest Gardens that you can buy here to give you the most sophisticated and down-to-earth information available to maximize your success as a forest gardener.
Forest gardens have much to offer on a practical level, and they have much to teach us about how to live in community as free and interdependent beings in a functional way. We hope that you will trust your innate ability to learn and contribute to the larger community of human beings who care about living sanely and humanely as we journey through energy descent. Welcome to the adventure of our lifetimes!
We hope you enjoy what we offer here, and that you will visit often to add your thoughts and experiences to the mix.
Peace and blessings to you and yours.
Dave Jacke
Above photo of skirret (Sium sisarum) roots by Eric Toensmeier. Skirret roots are edible and tasty, and the flowers provide nectar to specialist and generalist insect predators. This is one of many forest garden species ripe for development into a high-value crop.


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Posted: April 29, 2013 at 10:14 pm
By: Karissa Blackburn, Kirk Auvil, and Rachel Simpkins
The recent slaying of Mingo County Sheriff Eugene Crum brought southern West Virginia's drug problem into the national spotlight. Crum had vowed to eradicate the problem of prescription drug abuse in Mingo County and when he was killed in broad daylight, many wondered if his crackdown on pill mills in the region was somehow responsible for his death.
West Virginia, after all, has the highest rate of prescription drug overdoses in the nation, and many of those deaths come from the overuse of legally prescribed opiate painkillers like Oxycontin and Vicodin. Crum and other law enforcement officials worked to close a number of pain clinics in southern West Virginia, but former Wood County Sheriff Jeff Sandy says some doctors are still doling out painkillers to addicts who crush the pills to get high.
"It still goes on," he says.
Recently appointed U.S. Attorney R. Booth Goodwin II says that prescription drug abuse in southern West Virginia is a massive problem, tearing families and communities alike asunder.
An aide to Goodwin says his office has successfully prosecuted more than 200 prescription drug dealers over the past two and a half years. But while Goodwin has made strides in fighting the problem, his aides acknowledge that preventing prescription drug abuse is the best way to put a lid on the problem.
While an estimated 22 per 100,000 West Virginia residents die from drug overdoses (compared to 18 per 100,000 nationwide), the Mountain State does not have enough treatment and rehabilitation services for addicts who want to stay clean, according to the Centers for Disease Control. The federal figures estimate that only 13,000 residents in West Virginia are currently getting addiction treatment.
There are only two rehabilitation centers in all of Mingo and Logan counties: Crossroads for Women in Mingo County and the Appalachian Rehab Center for men in Logan. Both have a limited number of beds and an endless waiting list.
The problem of drug abuse in the Mountain State ripples far beyond the addicts themselves. Circuit Court Judge Roger Perry of Logan County says that many cases on his docket illustrate the detrimental effect that drug abuse has on families and the community.
"Probably 90 percent of what I deal with in the abuse and neglect cases has to do with drugs, and most of that has to do with prescription medication," Perry says. "Most of the problems that we have are prescription-drug related, including cases that involve violence and theft."
Perry says that the West Virginia Board of Medicine is not as diligent in monitoring doctors who over-prescribe addictive painkillers like Oxycontin and Vicodin as it should be.
"There's been a lot of criticism about the medical licensing board," Perry says. "Are they being aggressive about policing the doctors?"
West Virginia law requires doctors and pharmacists who are prescribing or filling prescriptions for painkillers and other commonly abused drugs to check for duplicate prescriptions on the state's digital database, but many don't bother. And the West Virginia Board of Medicine is not diligently enforcing its own rules, according to Perry.
"Doctors have a permission slip to [over-prescribe drugs]," Perry says, "And they've been doing it for years and years."
West Virginia Senators Jay Rockefeller and Joe Manchin have introduced many legislative initiatives to reduce the prevalence of drug abuse in West Virginia and across the nation. For example, Manchin recently introduced S. 1760, the "Pill Mill Crackdown Act," with Sen. Mark Kirk (R-Ill.). The bill would increase penalties for pill mill operators, put some of the seized assets from pill mills toward the more effective electronic monitoring of prescription drugs and make drugs containing hydrocodone (like Vicodin) more difficult to obtain illegitimately.
The federal Office of National Drug Control Policy provides funds to local law enforcement agencies located in counties with high rates of drug trafficking. There are 11 counties in West Virginia currently designated as High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas , and Manchin is working with regional authorities to get more areas accepted into the program.
A group of concerned citizens in southern West Virginia known as "Strong through our Plan" or S.T.O.P. is trying to increase the number of treatment services available for addicts. According to a study of 22 treatment facilities in West Virginia, nearly 60 percent said they had a waitlist. And of those clinics, 27 percent said they had 1-25 people on their waitlist, while 18 percent had 25-50 people on the wait list.
Gov. Earl Tomblin recently decided to expand Medicaid coverage to 91,500 working West Virginians. This move could also help cover the cost of treatment for the 33,677 people currently struggling with addiction. Tomblin has indicated to anti-drug activists in southern West Virginia that funds will be appropriated to expand treatment facilities in Mingo County and other hard-hit counties.
"I just hope [Tomblin] hurries," says Lora Perry, an addict support counselor with Celebrate Recovery, a non-profit faith-based program for anyone seeking freedom from 'hurts, habits, and hang-ups'. The Celebrate Recovery meetings are held in various churches throughout Mingo and Logan County.


text: WATERLOO, ON, April 13 - Imagine medicine that is predictive, personalized, preventive and participatory - it could revolutionize healthcare and healthcare costs. One powerful way to think of biology is to view it as an informational science requiring systems approaches that include two fundamental types of biological information - the digital genome and environmental signal. Applying this lens to medicine could transform the field over the next 5-20 years from its currently reactive state to a mode that is proactive. On Wednesday, May 4, as part of Perimeter Institute's Public Lecture Series presented by Sun Life Financial, Dr. Leroy Hood, a pioneer in systems approaches to biology and medicine, will discuss emerging technologies that may transform medical research over the next decade. Dr. Hood will also share insights on the computational hurdles the field faces with explosions of complex data, analyzing millions of complete genome sequences and other challenges arising from the human proteome project. Leroy Hood, MD, PhD, is President and co-founder of the Institute for Systems Biology in Seattle. Dr. Hood's research has focused on the study of molecular immunology, biotechnology and genomics. His professional career began at Caltech, where he and his colleagues developed the DNA sequencer and synthesizer and the protein synthesizer and sequencer - four instruments that paved the way for the successful mapping of the human genome and lead to his receiving this year's prestigious Russ Prize. A pillar in the biotechnology field, Dr. Hood has played a role in founding more than fourteen biotechnology companies. In addition to having published more than 700 peer reviewed articles, he has coauthored textbooks in biochemistry, immunology, molecular biology and genetics, as well as a popular book on the human genome project, The Code of Codes. He is the recipient of numerous awards, including the Lasker Award, the Kyoto Prize and the Heinz Award in Technology. Dr. Leroy Hood's lecture, entitled "Systems Biology, Emerging Technologies and The Transformation from Reactive to Proactive (P4) Medicine" will be held on Wednesday, May 4, 2011 at 7:00 pm in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada. Tickets will be available starting Monday, April 18th, 2011. Further details and past PI Public Lectures can be found at www.perimeterinstitute.ca.


text:
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Measurements: 36C-24-36
Alex Blake might be sweet and innocent looking, but between the sheets, she's an unrestrained sex-machine. The pretty, curvaceous alt-girl rests tantalizingly in the intersection of cute and sexy, simultaneously a levelheaded girl-next-door and sizzling siren. The bodacious Ms. Blake's blowjob skills are a sight to behold, as she deliberately works the shaft and cradles the balls with unsurpassed skill. Down-to-earth and friendly, Alex believes in being a good sport, having a positive attitude, relaxing, and just trying to have a good time. What's more relaxing than the quivering orgasms you can watch Alex Blake have in one of her many scenes? For a really good time, check out Alex's bodacious booty and watch her shake it, then keep an eye on the lass as she squats down on a hard cock. Whether she's giving a patented sloppy blowjob (with suction so strong you can hear the pop when she comes up for air), or lapping at a sexy starlet's fresh, tight pussy, Alex Blake goes out of her way to tease and please, so click a scene right now because you just discovered your favorite new pornstar.
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text:
Multitasking the Sane Way – 10 Tips to be a More Productive Entrepreneur
Whether you're a full-time entrepreneur or you're starting a new business on the side, you typically find yourself filling multiple roles and juggling a variety of tasks. On Monday, you're the CFO; on Tuesday, you're the CMO; and on Wednesday, you're the VP of Engineering. Does this sound familiar?
In spite of the many research studies that indicate multitasking worsens most people's ability to get things done, you still find that it's a necessity in your busy line of work.
Become a "Super Task Manager"
Have you heard the term "Supertaskers?" According to research published by Jason M. Watson and David L. Strayer from the University of Utah, only 2.5% of the population are effective multitaskers. Performance of tasks performed simultaneously is degraded for the majority of people.
I know many of the entrepreneurs who are reading this are thinking – yep, I'm a supertasker! If you think so, here's a test from David Strayer that enables you to confirm your theory.
Multitasking is inevitable at times, so how do you survive in our multithreaded world? For the majority of the population, we recommend you become a "Super Task Manager," rather than a multi-tasker. This doesn't require genius-level, supertasker brainpower, just a bit of discipline.
Do you want to become a "Super Task Manager?" Follow the tips and tricks we've outlined for you today and you'll be on the road to success.
1. Do a Daily Brain Dump
I don't care if you won last week's Jeopardy match; I still believe when it comes to remembering things to do, your memory is terrible. Not to mention, when you keep your to-dos in your brain, it creates stress and doesn't leave room for creative thoughts.
Every day, when you start your workday, record all your tasks into a to-do list; this is your brain dump. Consider this the birth of your important assessment of daily tasks. This begins the process of deciding what's most important for moving your business to the next level.
2. Grasp the Needle-Movers
Your business has goals – whether you want to increase profits, grow sales, widen awareness or increase customer satisfaction. Decide which of your tasks will move the needle toward those goals.
80% of what's on your list is probably busywork and 20% of those tasks are needle-movers. Think about your long-term goals and outcomes and get these needle-moving tasks to the top of your priority list.
3. Be an Obsessive Compulsive Scheduler
When you schedule everything you need to do, you know exactly how many tasks, meetings, etc. you can fit into your daily schedule. In fact, research says that mental fatigue is reduced by better control of work scheduling.
When I say schedule everything – I mean EVERYTHING – not just events. Include your to-dos in your schedule; add meetings to your calendar; add lunch to your schedule; even add social media time to your calendar. Do you want to watch "Dancing with the Stars" or "Monday Night Football?" Then schedule it, as well.
What's the best way to schedule everything? The LifeTopix app is a great app for recording and scheduling a variety of different types of things, while on the go. Many LifeTopix customers are busy freelancers, entrepreneurs, solopreneurs and real estate professionals.
4. Learn to Let Go
Entrepreneurs typically like to take control of everything in their business, but sometimes they need to let go. Now that you've assessed and prioritized your tasks, you have a fantastic idea of what can be delegated.
Cloning yourself is not realistic, so if you have a team of employees, take the time to train them to complete tasks that are not highly strategic to your business or hire people who are up to the task. If you're a solopreneur, outsource business tasks or items in your personal life to make more time for your business.
5. Hack Distractions and Interruptions
The problem with distractions and interruptions is you lose your momentum. Some small business owners and entrepreneurs manage distractions by blocking out their time to focus. However, distractions indicate your business is healthy and thriving because you're supporting various employees, prospects and customers. Being accessible to answer questions and provide support keeps the business moving along at a healthy pace.
One simple hack to effectively manage these distractions is to record your thoughts (whether through audio or writing) at exactly the point when you left off each time you're interrupted. This way, you're not taxing your brain by trying to remember where you left off; and then you can easily switch back to the task at hand.
6. Get Online-Savvy
Using the Internet for research and everyday tasks is a necessity for freelancers, business owners, solopreneurs and entrepreneurs. But many don't realize there are helpful tools, such as browser extensions and add-ons, to manage open pages and prevent online distractions.
Entrepreneurs typically have numerous tabs open on their browser. "Too Many Tabs" on Chrome and Firefox is a helpful extension/add-on that arranges your tabs in an easy-to-read format and also allows you to suspend tabs to release memory, which improves browser performance.
Another helpful tool to manage online distractions from advertisers is AdBlock, which allows you to surf the web without seeing the ads. And now, with iOS 9, developers have provided a variety of ad blocking apps to work with Safari on your iPhone or iPad, which are available at the Apple App Store.
7. Take Advantage of Background Tasking
One of the great advantages of modern computing is the ability to run processes in the background. You can run reports, compile code, run virus checkers, and more while you do other important work. By now, you understand what can run in the background and what cannot.
Like computers, we, as humans, can also run processes in the background. We quickly understand what type of tasks we can do simultaneously and when we must focus on a more complex single task.
Smart multitaskers make use of waiting time, such as doctor's appointments, public transportation rides, long lines and while commuting (safe tasks only, such as Podcasts!). They also know which types of tasks can run in the background while they're completing important projects, such as running a sales report while making cold calls.
8. Utilize "Thinking Time" in the Background
Everybody needs leisure time, and sometimes this time can be used strategically. When you're playing golf, running, hiking, biking or knitting, take this time to think deeply about your business.
For example, imagine you've been invited to the opera, but you secretly have a distaste for opera music. You can use this time to think intensely about your business. Sometimes, stepping away and putting yourself deep into thought is a great way to find a new perspective, set goals and to unleash your creativity.
9. Harness Your Willpower
Have you ever noticed that your willpower is stronger during particular times of the day? Typically, your willpower is strongest in the morning, and you really propel forward when deadlines are quickly approaching. Take advantage of those times to get things done.
Moreover, much of willpower is simply about forming desired habits. According to research from the European Journal of Social Psychology, it takes approximately 66 days to develop a new habit – and then it becomes automatic.
For example, if you have a habit of watching YouTube videos first thing in the morning as a form of procrastination; instead, focus on making a to-do list for at least 66 days in a row. Once this habit is solidified, you'll never think about those silly cat videos again.
10. Resurrect Good Meetings
Being a "Super Task Manager" requires that you make the most of meetings. How often have you attended a meeting where participants are secretly responding to email, tweeting or completing work? They're attempting to effectively multitask, but ultimately they're performing two tasks at the same time very badly. This is a sign that the wrong participants are in attendance or the meeting is unnecessary.
Providing a good agenda is the best way to conduct useful meetings. Currently, a popular agenda format called TTOG is being used to improve the state of meetings. TTOG stands for Topic, Time, Owner and Goal. Essentially, it ensures that the subject, time spent, task owners and goals are clear to the participants. Once these guidelines are established, you and the team can move onto your important tasks.
Your Turn
With these simple hacks, I believe you're on your way to being the "Super Task Manager" you wish to be. Good luck, and please share your multitasking and time management tips and thoughts.


text:
MIDDLEBURY — Engineers are plowing head-on into planning for the replacement of the Merchants Row and Main Street railroad overpasses, a project they said would be accomplished with unprecedented rapidity and with what they hope will be minimal disruption to local businesses.
VERGENNES — While Ferrisburgh resident David Shlansky hopes to move forward soon with restoring the Shade Roller Mill and its Annex after a court case was settled (see related story), plans to renovate another Vergennes property he owns on an island in the Otter Creek falls may take a little longer.
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As a photojournalist I don't really fit the mold. Compared to other shooters out there I am pretty laid back and quiet. I try not to get in anybody's way (sorry if I have ever been in your way) and, please don't tell my boss, I am not always willing to do anything to get "the shot."
WEST ADDISON — A legion of dignitaries and hundreds of residents from both sides of Lake Champlain marked the much-anticipated opening of the new Champlain Bridge on Monday afternoon.
Gov. Peter Shumlin and state Rep. Diane Lanpher, D-Vergennes, were among the Vermont delegates who helped cut the ribbon on the $76 million bridge that was two years in the making. The former Champlain Bridge, build in 1929, was abruptly closed on Oct. 16, 2009, after it was deemed to be unsafe for travel.
BRISTOL — After two decades on the Vermont Agency of Transportation's to-do list, VTrans officials are making serious moves to get the Route 116 "Stoplight Bridge" replacement project in Bristol off the ground.
Dealing with a wide range of obstacles over many years, the crew at VTrans finally has a concrete plan to remedy the temporary bridge that's been in place for 11 years. VTrans engineer Martha Evans-Mongeon, who has been managing this project since 2003, told the Bristol selectboard last week that a new span could be in place by 2014.
BRISTOL — Bristol selectmen learned at a Monday meeting that plans for repair of two key bridges in town are coming together, but that residents should not expect for the spans to be in full working order any time soon.
A highway official explained the state's multi-year plans for repairing the one-lane bridge on Route 116 that crosses the New Haven River in the southern part of town, and town officials signed an agreement that will lead to repair of the closed bridge at the base of South Street just below the village.
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Tuesday, May 1, 2012
kitchen dreams
I am constantly all over the place with what I'd consider a dream kitchen. One day I love the rustic look, the next I want French country, and still the next I love a more industrial style. But time and time again, I come back to the all white kitchen. It's rooms like this one that remind me how clean and simple white on white topped with carrera marble and backed with subway tile creates the best environment for getting creative with colorful foods and rich flavors. Really the only change I'd make is switching out the overly feminine chandelier for something a bit more contemporary. Otherwise I'd say this room is picture perfect, right down to the blush pink plates in the dish rack.
To find your dream kitchen for your home check out Better Kitchens.
Make sure to stop on by The Everygirl as we've featured another round-up of Kitchen Essentials!
images via
11 comments:
Love your kitchen inspo -- the clean, open spaces are so dreamy!ReplyDelete
Gorgeous! I wouldn't mind having one of these kitchens in my home. Wouldn't mind it at all...ReplyDelete
I have the same problem - the nice thing about a white kitchen is how easily you can change the "look" with accessories too (new barstools, new fruitbowl on the counter, new window treatments and art take it from rustic to girly glam to modern and bright). Love this space!ReplyDelete
The lovely thing about that kitchen in particular is that it incorporates threads of all of those styles throughout. I love the exposed piping in contrast with the otherwise feminine details. beautyyy-ous,ReplyDelete
I'm always changing what I consider my "ideal" kitchen also. Sometimes it can be country rustic, others all stainless steel appliances!ReplyDelete
I am in lust with that kitchen!ReplyDelete
I love hat kitchen, I've been eyeing those chairs or quite a while. I think in order to get your dream kitchen you have to have many, so that's why I'm lobbying my siblings to let me spruce up their kitchens! That way I can experiment with other styles and colors.ReplyDelete
I have crappy white counter tops in my rental duplex. I don't recommend them! They attract stains like nobody's business. Drop of red wine? Instant spot. The only thing that gets it out is baking soda and LOTS of elbow grease.ReplyDelete
I'm such a fan of the white on white. That long table and set of chairs in the first photograph are fantastic - I'm in love.ReplyDelete
That is the perfect feminine/rustic/classic/French kitchen if I ever saw one. I'm lusting after some Tolix chairs for my own kitchen, and those white ones really take it up a notch.ReplyDelete
I could not agree more. My kitchen has black granite currently with light wood and I have made a vow to myself that my next house will have a white kitchen. They look so clean and call me crazy but does food just look like it tastes better in a white kitchen. Love love, thanks for sharing!ReplyDelete


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News editor
The federal government budget shutdown's effects are expanding beyond federal campgrounds at Marion Reservoir and the Department of Agriculture service center to healthy food for pregnant women, infants, and young children.
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment last week directed local coordinators to hold November and December food vouchers issued through the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children — commonly called WIC.
"That's terrible," said Pat Dalke, who handles WIC at Vogt's Hometown Market in Hillsboro. "What about those families with babies? Nobody that gets WIC can afford $150 for formula a month."
WIC provides vouchers for specific foods to families that meet income eligibility requirements. To qualify, a family must include a pregnant woman or a child 5 or younger. The foods available through WIC are nutrient-rich, county WIC Coordinator Sherrie Moody said.
Foods available include:
- Milk (cheese may be substituted).
- Eggs.
- 100 percent fruit juice.
- Peanut butter.
- Canned beans (dry beans may be substituted).
- Whole grains.
- Fruits and vegetables.
- Infant formula.
- Baby food and cereal.
WIC vouchers are normally issued for three months at a time. October vouchers haven't been affected, and November and December vouchers could be issued if the government shutdown is resolved before then.
At any given time, Marion County has 170 to 180 clients receiving WIC vouchers, Moody said. WIC participation also includes nutrition education, which hasn't been affected by the shutdown so far.
Moody said the income guidelines for WIC aren't as strict as for the program formerly known as food stamps. Families earning less than 185 percent of the federal poverty level qualify. For a household of one, that would be $21,257 annually, increasing by $7,437 for each additional member of the household.
"A lot of our WIC families are working families, two-income families," Moody said.
Moody, who also works with WIC in Morris and Dickinson counties, is available at the Marion County Health Department on Thursdays.
In the county, Vogt's, Carlsons' Grocery of Marion, Dale's Supermarket of Hillsboro, and Peabody Market are WIC-approved grocery stores.


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Please note: You are viewing an archived Bucknell University news story. It is possible that information found on this page has become outdated or inaccurate, and links and images contained within are not guaranteed to function correctly.
By Heather Johns
LEWISBURG, Pa. — The beam swung 50 feet above campus, approximately 30 feet and 600 pounds of painted steel gleaming bright orange against a blue sky. It's the last piece of steel to be placed in Academic West, which is the first structure in the single-largest building project Bucknell University has ever undertaken.
President John Bravman, representatives from the Board of Trustees and construction team, and more than 100 Bucknell students, faculty and staff watched from the ground. They could barely make out the Bucknell "B" emblazoned on the hoisted beam's side, or the names they'd signed in black marker only moments before. But they knew they were there.
"Literally and figuratively, we're building the next chapter in the University's history," said Bravman over the din of forklifts and cranes. "Today we all step into that history."
They had gathered for Bucknell's first recorded "topping out" ceremony since the University was founded in 1846. The Sept. 13, 2012, event marked the erection of the last piece of structural steel in Academic West. It is the first new academic building constructed at Bucknell since 2004. || Related: architectural renderings of Academic West
One hundred and seventy years ago, the 50-acre tract of land just south of Bertrand Library was farm, field and forest. When it opens for classes in August 2013, the new three-story Academic West will house 70,000 square feet of classrooms, offices, laboratories, meeting areas and hearth spaces, and be the nexus of a new academic quad for Bucknell. "Imagine looking down the center line of this quad — east, toward the Susquehanna River," said Bravman. "This is the next iconic vista that we're building here at the University."
Academic West is part of the Campus Master Plan initiated in 2007, which serves as a blueprint for future campus buildings and green spaces. A Nov. 13, 2010 groundbreaking ceremony marked the start of work on infrastructure that supports the expansion, and the Board of Trustees approved construction of Academic West in October 2011. The facility will house the economics, environmental studies, geography, international relations, Latin American studies, political science, and sociology and anthropology departments. || Related: Facebook gallery
Academic West will be LEED certified at a silver level, meeting strict standards for energy efficiency and environmental impact and stewardship. The facility will include a partial "green roof," rain gardens with native plants to help manage stormwater runoff, water-efficient fixtures to reduce potable water use by at least 30 percent and energy performance that is at least 24 percent more efficient than that achieved under typical design standards. The cost of construction for Academic West is estimated at $24 million. || Related: Ask the Experts with Associate Vice president for Facilities Dennis Hawley '72, M'73
"This truly is a great day for the University," said Bravman. "Academic West is a perfect metaphor for how we are building our young people, and the agency of our faculty and staff." Bravman offered his deepest thanks to the University's Board of Trustees, including Ellen Bush '79 and John Mathias '69, as well as the Bucknell community as a whole for helping make Academic West a reality.
"The University is about people," said Bravman. "But you can't bring great people together to do great things unless you also have great places for them to work and build together. This is what we're doing today. It is the legacy of the next, best version of Bucknell."
Contact: Division of Communications


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Started this discussion. Last reply by Leah Harpster Apr 15, 2011. 7 Replies 0 Likes
I am new to both the blogosphere and the Mom Bloggers Club, please check out my blog, www.iamcurlylocks.blogspot.com and follow. Leave a comment…Continue
Posted on March 7, 2011 at 12:12pm 0 Comments 0 Likes
I have had so many diverse topics on my blog lately, product reviews, political views, Curlitude hair tips....Check out my latest post at http://iamcurlylocks.blogspot.com/2011_03_01_archive.html
I would love for you to subscribe to my blog.
Peace and Love,
Najeema Iman, I AM Curly Locks
Hi! Just liked your page as Second Chances Girl
Hi Najeema ! How are you? How is blogging going? Talk to you sometime.
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I followed your blog just now I hope you reach your 100 followers soon! If you have a moment to follow my blog the link is http://tamingmyhunger.blogspot.com/ Thanks so much and I look forward to reading more of your blog!
Hi...I'm new to the Mom Blogger Club. I have a "Save a Life & Simple Reminder" Blog. I want to invite you & family/friends to check it out & if you decide it's something of interest, pass it on. www.mirrornote.com


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Dow AgroSciences is in the final stages of bringing a yet-to-be-named nitrogen stabilizer to the market. This new product uses a patent-pending microencapsulation process that allows it to be applied much like a foundation herbicide.
It contains the same active ingredient that is in N-Serve nitrogen stabilizer — nitrapyrin. The stabilizer helps control soil bacteria that begin nitrification.
"The product sits on the surface but, once incorporated, starts to work by preventing the conversion to nitrate and keeping the nitrogen available to the corn plant," explains Adam Manwarren, product manager with Dow AgroSciences.
Under a special use exemption, growers in Iowa are using the product this season on approximately 2,000 acres. "We will have demonstration plots out this summer and fall in both the UAN and manure application markets," Manwarren says.
The product should be available for sale throughout the Midwest in spring 2009, pending federal and state registrations.


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Since July 2007, Melissa Michaels has been inspiring thousands of readers by sharing her ideas on how to create an authentic life and home. A pastor's wife and a mom of three, she has extended her personal journey and embarked on a mission to motivate women to do the same. In just five years, her home decorating and interior design blog, The Inspired Room, has earned a readership of 300,000 unique readers each month. Read on and find out more about Melissa and her passion about stress-free and budget-friendly DIY decorating that leaves time to appreciate life's little wonders.
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Continue reading "Blogger Feature: Melissa Michaels of The Inspired Room" →


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Why See Capitol Steps?
A Sideways Glance at American Government
Keeping their collective finger on the pulse of Washington politics, Capitol Steps is a troupe of current and former Congressional staffers who have created their very own political musical satire. Taking a humorous look at the personalities on Capitol Hill and in the Oval Office, this show tackles the serious issues of the day with laughs and musical pizzazz!.
First steps to Capitol Steps
Born out of a desperate attempt to put on Christmas entertainment for a staffer's party back in 1981, the complete lack of three wise men led them to put on a series of satirical skits. Since those early days, many of the 'Steps' have given up their day jobs and turned satirical comedy into their livelihoods. Put together, the performers have worked in 18 Congressional offices and represent 62 years of collective House and Senate staff experience!
Who is in Capitol Steps' Sights
These guys are strictly bi-partisan, so everyone is fair game - if someone makes the news, they make it into the show! They've covered everything from the NSA leaks, to mid-term elections to foreign policy. While even the most serious subjects don't escape their scrutiny, the frothy (and very catchy) musical treatment guards against any slip into bad taste.
Additional Information
Performance date: 19 September 2019
Suitable for ages 10+
Contains innuendo
Run time
Between 90 minutes and two hours depending how Congress behaves that week.
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Thu, Sep 19
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You might also like
Open Run
That's Weird, Grandma
Audience members can expect to spend most of the show uncontrollably laughing
Until Jun 30, 2019
The most uplifting piece of new British musical theatre!
Open Run
This is one time where all the hype and hoopla is not only justified, but doesn't come close to suggesting the grandeur of the work on stage. A Triumph.
Please note: The term Genesee Theater and/or Capitol Steps as well as all associated graphics, logos, and/or other trademarks, tradenames or copyrights are the property of the Genesee Theater and/or Capitol Steps and are used herein for factual descriptive purposes only. We are in no way associated with or authorized by the Genesee Theater and/or Capitol Steps and neither that entity nor any of its affiliates have licensed or endorsed us to sell tickets, goods and or services in conjunction with their events.


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Chapter 5 - The Search for Cadogan
Smoke still rises from a rectangular pile of wood about half a mile outside the west gate of Krakas, though it has begun to thin and no longer carries the heavy stench it did earlier. The scent still lingers though, the faint wisp of burning flesh and hair.
Beside the pile of burning logs stands a solitary figure, head covered and bent down. Periodically the figure trembles almost as if with cold. Those who get close enough though can hear the sounds of sobbing making it obvious that cold is not the reason the figure trembles.
As the fire begins to die, Blarth raises his head and pushes back his hood. Looking about him, he tries to decide what to do next.
A lone figure slides through the scrub on the wooded hillside, so unobtrusive and silent that even the squirrels do not flee her approach. Reaching a suitable vantage point, she stops and one leather wrapped arm reaches up to move a slim branch out of her line of sight. Somewhat far below the cloaked figure raises it's arms and a face appears as the half-orc lowers his hood and looks around.
Wrinkles appear at the edges of her grey eyes, though the lower half of her face is concealed by a midnight blue veil. She could smell charred flesh and she wondered who he was cremating. Not that it mattered.
Cadrius and Nicos were on the other side of the ridge waiting for her to scout out the source of the smoke; well, that was where she'd left them anyway. They may not have stayed there, knowing them. Either way, she had found out all she needed to know and now they could get on with this business of finding Cadogan. She turns to head back and after two steps she stops short as her vision blurs and her head suddenly aches. She presses her palms against her temples to dull the pain and squeezes her eyes shut - when she opens them again it is there. Like the afterimage of sun spots, a blood red hooded figure stands before her for a split second and then is gone.
She had pushed him and that damnable vision from her mind, but that poor sot standing so forlorn down there brought it all back. She looks down at Blarth and then her eyes tighten and she turns away, back toward Cadrius and Nicos.
Damn them both.
Once again, she only takes two steps before halting and looking down at the half-orc. Perhaps there was a way to rid herself of both of them. This fool was enamored with his friend Paladin, why not let him rescue the arrogant warrior? Pulling her veil down, she threads her way towards Blarth, forsaking all efforts at concealment. He looks up as she nears him, apparently having heard her approach. She smiles and raises one arm in greeting.
"Hello . . . Blarth, isn't it?"
He nods and she walks over, ignoring the painfully obvious funeral in progress. She made it a point not to delve too deeply into other people's business.
"Listen, I have some information on your friend Paladin you might be interested in. I think he needs your help - he sent me some sort of magical message, saying to investigate the Blood Magi on the west coast and break some sort of curse."
Blarth only looks more forlorn, clearly having no idea what she is talking about or how to go about finding his friend. He looks back to the pyre as she turns to leave once more. Well, she'd tried. A gust of wind brings smoke and the scent of charred flesh to her, along with the ghost of a dead aristocrat. Guilt swirls inside her like ashes on a hot wind and her feet drag as though weighted with lead.
I'm going to regret this.
A dozen paces away, she stops and turns toward him. He is still staring into the flames, lost in thought. She clears her throat.
"Look, I'm headed west anyway to find the wizard Cadogan. If you want to come along, maybe he knows something about these Blood Magi."
Unsure of what else to do, Blarth grabs the bag of armor at his side and follows Shade away from the remants of the funeral pyre.
I don't know what else to do. I need to fulfill my brother's wishes, but I don't know where to find the men. Also if Sir Paladin is in trouble I should help him, he help me find my brother. May Gruumsh guide my steps so that in time all will be fulfilled.
Cadrius shifts from his left foot to his right causing his newly acquired armor to grate slightly. It feels good to be wearing steel again. He can hardly believe how easily they had escaped. The rats Nicos spoke of had failed to materialize, but he had seen more than one very large looking nest. He's unwilling to question his luck and is simply glad to be armed.
His sword, once broken, has been restored to its previous caliber. The blacksmith had truly done a remarkable job with both the blade and the suit of armor. The first thing he did when they left town was to test the weight and balance of his hand-and-a-half sword. It fit his grip and after a few practice swings the fallen paladin could not tell the difference between the old blade and the new.
The armor was also well made, perhaps not like the blade, but well enough. The metal plates shine slightly in the afternoon light. His stomach rumbles, reminding him that they had not yet eaten. Pulling a wedge of cheese and a piece of semi-stale bread from his backpack, Cadrius slices a thin piece and offers it to Nicos.
"Eat, if you feel you can," he says, "I do not think we will get much rest until we put a fair distance between us and the town."
Turning back to the ridge before them, Cadrius clenches his jaw. Shade had forced them to stay behind, claiming they'd create enough racket to wake the dead. After glancing at the bard, Cadrius realized he would be making the majority of the commotion.
If there is trouble he knows Shade can handle herself, in this terrain she could likely do it better than he. Still, the rising smoke sets him ill at ease. There's too much for it to be from a camp, but perhaps it's a bondfire. As to why they would be building it escapes him.
What else could it be? he wonders, Did a hut catch fire? Perhaps. What else? A funeral pyre? Maybe, but who would be burning a body in the woods? No, it is likely a bondfire. It must be close to the late autumn festival, if they have such things here.
By the time the crest the ridge, Shade is beginning to have second thoughts about her decision. For one thing, the half-orc made an ungodly amount of noise lugging around that sack full of what could only be armor.
Why doesn't he just wear it?
Nicos and Cadrius hear them coming and both have weapons drawn when Shade steps into the clearing, irritibly waving their weapons down.
"It's just me. The fire was because of Blarth here -"
She jerks her head at the half-orc who is just now breaking free of the forest.
"- and I asked him to come along with us. I'll explain it some other time. Let's get the hell away from this place."
"What's that noise," Cadrius says more than asks Nicos. There is a slight scraping as he draws his hand-and-a-half sword from its sheath while unslinging his shield with the other.
Is she in danger? He asks himself, wondering for the first time if the fire had been some sort of trap designed to snare those foolish enough to investigate it. A slight chill runs through him as he remembers the ambush set by the gnolls. A woman screams and I rush in as blind as the mage.
Slipping his forearm through the leather loops, he firmly sets himself between the bard and the noise, keeping his shield in front of him and his sword raised to one side.
Yet his preparation turns to be unnecessary as Shade emerges from the forest, seeming to simply melt from the brush and into the clearing. She seems impatient, perhaps it is simply the eagerness to be away from Karkas.
He tilts his head slightly at the appearance of Blarth, but nods once, accepting him. He sheaths the bastard sword and sweeps one mailed arm outward, gesturing for Shade to lead the way.
The armor on Blarth's back makes quite a bit of noise as he trudges after the woman, only half paying attention to what he is doing. His mind wanders back to the funeral pyre and then further back to the life he and Trak had shared. For as long as he could remeber Trak had been both bully and protector. A guardian from the outside world who extracted a price for his services. No matter what though, Blarth had loved his brother and his loss weighed heavily on his mind.
Blarth is so absorbed in his melancholy thoughts that he barely notices that the woman has stopped in front of him until he practically steps on her.
Her name is Shade. Blarth reminds himself as he mentally scolds himself for not paying more attention, Trak would have never tolerated this kind of distractedness.
His head hung low he only half hears what Shade tells the others and doesn't even spare an iquisitive glance up to see who they are.
Looking steadily at the half-orc, Nicos keeps his swords out, not defisivly, but ready to bring it that way in a moments notice.
"What were you burning?"
I know that smell all too well ...
@}-`-- Coffee + Hate = itches
She is already a few steps away, but her back stiffens at Nicos' question and she half turns in his direction. Her eyes flash above the dark veil and her voice snaps out like a whip.
"Later. I'll explain it later."
Blarth probably wasn't in any mood to answer questions and she doesn't want anything to disturb her poorly conceived half-plan. On top of that, she wanted to be as far from this town as time and sweat would allow. She stops short of saying anything else, hoping that nobody else questions the situation. The sinking feeling in her stomach, though, tells her that hope is probably futile.
Nicos continues to talk in an almost conversational tone, still looking at Blarth.
"A few years ago, I spent some time in ... some tunnels. During my stay there, a fire broke out, and spread quickly. More then a few people were burned to death in that blaze. It was that fire that caused me to loose -"
Cutting himself off, Nicos grits his teeth.
"The smell of burning flesh isn't one you can forget easily. I took me a while to work out what that smoke smelt of, but it finally came to me."
Flicking his eyes to the other, Nicos repeats his question.
"What were you burning?"
@}-`-- Coffee + Hate = itches
When Nicos repeats his question, Blarth looks up at him with an empty stare.
Akward minutes pass as Blarth stares at Nicos, saying nothing.
"Yes, it is a distinctive smell. Your question doesn't really require an answer, then, does it?"
Doesn't look like you're going to get one in any case.
She holds the bard's gaze, waiting to see what he will do.
Moving behind the woman and standing well above her shoulder Cadrius interrupts the two, saying, "We can discuss this later. The more distance we put between us and the town the better I will feel."
As if emphasizing his point the fallen paladin shifts his gray-blue eyes back in the direction of Karkas before returning them to the group.
Gritting his teeth Nicos looks at the other arrayed in frount of him.
Calm down you fool. They havent done anything wrong, he was only ... AREYG
Angrily shoving his sword back into its scabbard, Nicos pushes ahead of the others leading the way away from the border town.
Just don't think about it. Just don't think about it. Just don't think ...
@}-`-- Coffee + Hate = itches
Shade's eyes narrow as she watches Nicos storm off, wondering what could be irritating the normally calm bard. She glances once at Cadrius and shrugs before following him into the wood.
Behind her, predictably, she can hear the clanks and cracks as Blarth and Cadrius make their way through the undergrowth. Other than the noise, there wasn't much in the way of chatter, everyone seeming occupied with their own thoughts.
Shade's were concerned mostly with the immediate past and the immediate future. Laronar, the elf, would be around here somewhere. He had a decent start on them, and was travelling alone. She wonders if they would be able to catch up to him even if they found his trail.
Not like this.
The road would be their best bet, although they needed to get away from the town before they attempted it. Doubtless they would be sending out patrols.
It doesn't take long for shade to catch up to the slightly calmer bard. Walking along together, it takes Nicos a few moments to break the silence.
"I assume we are going after the wizard Cadogan. I was slightly out of it when he was taken. Do you know where he is?"
@}-`-- Coffee + Hate = itches
She pauses to adjust the straps of her pack, her mind going back to the strange abduction of Cadogan. When she replies, her face is thoughtful.
"His captors said they'd be at a place called the Citadel, two days northwest of here, in the wastelands. It should be easy enough to find. If it's there."
She gives the bard a meaningful look; up until now she had assumed he knew something of these wizards and this place they had spoken of. Her pace, which had slowed, stops completely. Her eyes scan the northwest, even though it is impossible to see anything through the dense wood they were in.
"Either they mean him no harm or they are deliberately misleading us. I'm not the trusting type; have you ever heard of this place?"
Turning to face Shade, Nicos makes a vague gesture in the direction.
"Tales, nothing more. In fact tales I never attributed any truth to. There is supposed to be a safe house in the wastelands. A place where practitioners of magic can hide, and be safe - as well teach each other and share knowledge."
Shaking his heads and looking behind the woman to where Blarth and Cadirus were approaching.
"I had always though tit just a legend. Wishful thinking on the part of those who practice the arcane arts."
@}-`-- Coffee + Hate = itches
Cadrius' eyes narrow, watching the bard stomps off, twigs cracking and snapping in the cool, autumn air. There are quite a few evergreens present, but brilliant shades of yellow, orange, and red can be seen where they do not hold sway. The leaves rustle slightly as a light breeze picks up.
He looks at Shade, shrugging at Nicos' actions before returning his eyes to the foliage.
"It is really quite beautiful," he says quietly but she's already gone, her form fast disappearing into the woods. Blarth, the half-orc, seems oblivious of both his surroundings and his company.
"Look lively, sir," he says, placing one mailed hand on Blarth's shoulder, before turning and following after Shade.
Perhaps I should have been a bard, he daydreams. Singing, telling epic tales of heroism and loss, making people laugh, making ladies swoon.
Another life, perhaps, he thinks, Things would be very different now. Better, perhaps. No, not for the better. I would look damn foolish in tights, he smiles wryly.
His alertness snaps back into him as he comes across the two, standing in the middle of the woods. He tenses before his eyes tell him that the two are not about to come to blows and the matter, whatever it was, has been resolved. Relaxing somewhat he approaches to two, catching only the last bit of their conversation.
"Wishful thinking? Are you speaking of this...place where Cadogan is being held prisoner? How many days travel do we have?"
Before you, behind the thick trunk of an ancient tree you hear the familair voice of Laronar, although it is not in the most welcoming of tones.
"I thought I could smell you...it is very distinctive, you both reek of it, quite revolting. But I am forgetting Nicos aren't I...don't worry, you smell aswell."
You hear snickering from behind the tree, although, he has not revealed himself yet.
"Don't tell me...you now find it convinient to help me find Cadogan. How gracious of you all...how very gracious!!"
The tone in the elf's voice has turned from sarcastic to outright disdain. The form of the elf slowly edges out from the behind the tree, leaning upon it heavilly, moving rather slugishly. As a wind picks up, Laronars long silver hair flows over his shoulders, patches of blood are dotted about the areas of hair which can now be seen.
"It's not that I'm lazy. I just don't care. It's a problem of motivation."
° Office Space
"Two . . ."
The word still hangs in the air as Shade spins toward it's source, her hands reflexively dropping to the hilts of her weapons. Before the sound dies she recognizes Laronar's voice, and she listens to his mocking tones in silence until her reveals himself.
"My own plans have never been any different but I move in my own time, not yours. Gracious indeed; you lack the grace and wit to discern anything beyond yourself."
She purposely shifts her eyes to his bloodstained scalp for a moment before meeting his gaze once again.
"You seem to be having difficulty on your own. If you can swallow some of that pride, you might want to accompany us. If you can stand the smell, that is."
"You're still armed with that forked tongue I see, a formidable weapon...none could withstand, but my mind has always been on Cadogan, do not mistake that."
Laronar winces as he relies more on the tree to remain standing.
"Your time!! YOUR TIME!! It may be to late by the time you deem it fit to pursue a course of action. If I had not been waylaid...your time..."
Laronar drops to his knees, spitting at Shades feet in disgust. A small line of blood runs down his chin from the corner of his mouth. As Laronar turns onto his side to better support himself you can see the true extent of his injuries. They look serious, from the large blood stain upon his upper back, although the wound, which has two arrows jutting out is covered by his earthen green cloak.
"Swallow my pride you say....you mean like him, follow you like a puppy wanting to please its master?"
Laronar's gaze turning upon Nicos.
"It's not that I'm lazy. I just don't care. It's a problem of motivation."
° Office Space
"Pride: it will not feed or clothe you, nor will it keep you safe."
Her eyes do not soften as the man drops to his knees, nor do they harden as he spits at her feet. He was gravely wounded; how typically arrogant for him to lash out at the very people that might help him. She had seen Nicos heal, and she wonders if Laronar's tirade will affect the bard's decision - to rescue Cadogan or to help Laronar.
"I have my own reasons for my actions, and I ask nobody to follow me."
She pauses, grey eyes unscrutable.
"If you are truly concerned about Cadogan, you should consider my offer."
Before Laronar can respond to Shade's statements he collapses into unconsciousness. Sliding off the trunk of the tree, onto the ground. Blood continues to seep through the back of the cloak, however Laronar is still breathing.
"It's not that I'm lazy. I just don't care. It's a problem of motivation."
° Office Space
Although the conversation going on around him passes Blarth by, leaving him in his mournful thoughts, the sight of Laronar slummping over unconcious does not.
"NO! Two deaths in one day is too much," Blarth shouts in anguish as he moves to Laronar's side, dropping the sack of armor as he does so. Throwing back the blood stained cloak, Blarth recklessly grabs and pulls the two arrows out of Laronar's back, doing more damage as he does so.
What Blarth does next though suprises everyone.
Pulling up his shirt sleeve, Blarth exposes one of the tattoos on his arm. Placing it next to Laronar's wounded back, the tattoo seems to move. At first it appears to be just a trick of the light, but then its movement becomes completely apparent as the tattoo transfers itself from Blarth's arm to Laronar's back. Once the transfer is complete, Blarth touches the tattoo with his and and closes his eyes in concentration. Before everyone's eyes the tattoo begins to fade and as it does so the wound on Laronar's back begins to heal. When the tattoo is gone the ugly ripped flesh has been replaced by new tender skin.
|Thread Tools


text:
E-String Use After Breast Cancer
Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts,"
I had a lumpectomy on Sept 7th and have ended 16 radiation treatments. Prior to my diagnosis, I had been taking Premarin 0.3 mg for approx 18 years. I stopped cold turkey when diagnosed. I have been having problems with vaginal dryness and would like to know what your opinion is of the E-string?
Nancy Zieber, RN, MSN, CRNP, Oncology/Hematology Nurse Practitioner, responds:
I usually ask my patients to try Astroglide (for use during intercourse) or Lubin (also for use during intercourse), in addition to using Replens on a regular basis, at least 3 x weekly (with or without intercourse, as it is absorbed, whereas the others are only lubricants). If this does not work after a month, then I go to E-string. Because E-string contains estrogen, one consideration is whether your breast cancer was estrogen receptor (ER) positive or negative, because theoretically, only ER positive tumors would be at risk of growing in response to estrogen in the body. Usually, to be safe, we say no to using estrogen products. However, quality of life is important as well, and there is minimal systemic absorption of E-string, so it may be safe.


text:
The plant looks like wheat, but the heads are larger and the grain resembles wheat or rye kernels. Triticale is able to adapt to a variety of climates ranging from temperate to tropical. The grain doesn't taste like rye, but it has a stronger, nuttier flavor than wheat. It is a delicious ingredient for breads and other baked goods.
Triticale combines the nutritional benefits of both wheat and rye. The protein content of triticale is closer to that of wheat than rye, but it actually contains more protein than wheat and it also contains a high level of lysine that is common in rye. There is a greater quantity of folic acid, pantothenic acid, copper, and vitamin B6 in triticale than in wheat, but a lesser quantity of niacin. Triticale is also an important source of iron, thiamin, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc and it is rich in fiber.
Triticale flour contains less gluten than wheat flour so when baking yeast breads, it can be combined with wheat flour for the best results. It can be substituted in equal portions for recipes requiring either wheat or rye. Triticale products include whole grain berries, flour, breads, and breakfast cereals.


text:
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Copyright © 1999 - 2012 RNC


text:
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©PornMD.com, 2019


text:
Story highlights
- Extreme retreats are designed to let teams bond away from the office
- Some have participants walk over hot coals and break arrows on their throats
- More thrill-focused away days let executives trial jet packs or compete in aerial dog fights
While the business world can be a hostile place, it doesn't often throw up situations where you'll literally find yourself with an arrow to your throat.
That's unless you're on one of a range of increasingly extreme corporate retreats and away-days, designed to build team spirit or put decision-making skills into practice by relocating participants away from the routine of the office and into demanding situations.
The United States is leading the trend for unconventional corporate retreats -- but just how extreme can they get?
James Carter is CEO of Be Legendary, an American company that offers extreme "survival retreats," held in the blazing heat of Nevada's deserts, or the avalanche country of the San Juan range in the Rocky Mountains.
"The basics of human survival are shelter and security," says Carter. "Executives, if they've ever lived in that world, have completely forgotten what it's like."
"We do what the military does in a safer way -- to break them down so we can build them back up again. We give them the skills to survive."
The desert experience involves archery and a "fire walk" across hot coals. The latter activity is intended to leave participants energized and on a "spiritual high," ready to attempt an even more cathartic challenge -- having an arrow pressed against their throat until it snapped.
"The arrows take 25 pounds of pressure to break, and it takes 75 pounds of pressure to pierce skin. But all of that information doesn't matter when you've got an arrow against your neck," said Carter.
"Even though they know they won't really be hurt, there's still a sharp pain. That's a watershed moment when people cry."
Perhaps even more grueling is the "Deep Snow Survival" retreat, held in the Rockies. Participants are given snowshoes, beacons and taught alpine survival skills, before trekking deep into avalanche country. Their guides then tell them there has been an avalanche, that they will have to overnight in the snow, and they need to begin building snow shelters immediately.
"Here's a real survival situation," said Carter. "You'll see someone who starts absolutely busting their butt to build a shelter. But if you sweat in that environment you'll get hypothermia. So you have to make sure they ease off, you have to take care of one another."
After a couple of hours, when the participants have built their shelters, they are collected, told there is no avalanche and returned to base. Although the avalanche is not real, the camaraderie and shared experience it inspired is genuine, Carter said, which is the true value of the exercise.
"That night the beer we share around the fireplace has never been sweeter," he said. "There's more color in the world. That memo you wrote last week, the one I was so annoyed about, doesn't matter now. Everything is put into perspective."
Adventure Associates is another firm that specializes in physically demanding corporate retreats. On one of their regular offerings, based in North Carolina, participants are made to cycle, hike or kayak in pursuit of tokens they will then exchange for materials that can be used to make a boat. Having designed and built the boat, they must then try to row it across a lake.
According to Adventure Associates director Ed Tilley, the retreat, with its mix of experiential challenges and corporate-training workshops, provides a good forum to strengthen team dynamics and implement communication and decision-making skills.
"It enables our clients to put into practice some of the skills they've been learning -- how to manage different team members' strengths, and manage around their weaknesses," said Tilley.
If that all sounds a little arduous, there are other offerings that focus on out-of-the ordinary bonding experiences that are more about thrills than endurance.
Jetlev Southwest, headquartered in Newport Beach, California, frequently caters to executive groups -- particularly from the tech industry -- seeking a novel team-building experience. A day out of the office trialling the Jetlev R200 -- a personal, water-powered jet pack that can propel the wearer 30 feet in the air over water -- fits the bill.
"It's a bonding experience, one that very few people in the world have ever had," said trainer Dean O'Malley, adding that first-time users typically managed to reach heights of 10 to 15 feet with the jet pack.
Another option for executives seeking an invigorating buzz is to take to the skies in an Italian military training plane for an old-fashioned dog fight.
Headquartered in Fullerton, California, Air Combat USA operates what marketing director Denise Jennings describes as a "fantasy camp for wannabe fighter pilots." Corporate groups receive training before taking to the sky in a SIAI-Marchetti fighter under the supervision of an instructor. A popular format is for corporate groups to book the aircraft for the day so they can operate a 10-person knock-out dog fight tournament.
Jennings said that as well as being a unique and physically demanding team-building exercise -- "People come back and say they feel like they've run a marathon" -- the experience appealed to competitive spirits of "Type-A personality" executives. "They're drawn to the fact that somebody's going to walk away the top gun."


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Re: Vanessa dress mishap by DeCarlo Rules
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Super Suckers: That Lady is a Real Witch
Started by PTF, June 07, 2018, 12:08:59 pmPrevious topic - Next topic
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Hack Hotbot, Part V: The ResultsJune 21, 2003
The Hack Hotbot contest winners are slated to be announced today, so it's time I tell my tale. Where to begin… A longish summary of the story thus far is found in parts one, two, three, and four.
But a quick summary because that's a lot of text to get through: Terra Lycos ran a CSS design contest open to US residents only. I complained on here and linked the contest. An employee found the link and e–mailed me, telling me I should enter, but obviously didn't bother reading that I was Canadian and therefore ineligible. I responded. They told me to enter through a US citizen. I did.
And I won. Grand prize was a huge TV, and two 'first place' prizes were 20GB iPods. I took one of the first place spots. I was informed back in the beginning of May, and the past month has been spent figuring out what in the world is going on. A big thanks to Lincoln Jackson (yes, the same Lincoln mentioned in part two) and Corey Matthews of Terra Lycos, and Douglas Bowman of Stop Design for helping me out, but their legal department decided I wasn't allowed to win.
Naturally I'm disappointed. I spend a lot of time working on various projects with no expectation of compensation, so when something like this comes along that I throw myself into, I figure it's a way of getting something in return. But not this time.
Maybe I should have known better. I had a bad feeling about the contest from the start. A World Wide Web design competition only open to US citizens — bad move. An employee spamming me to enter without reading the front page entry on why I couldn't — bad move. Code that was hard to work with and offered little to actually 'hack' about the design — bad move. Changing the code after the contest ended, thus breaking the entries — really bad move. And the past month of dwindling communication pretty much cemented that they weren't going to award me the prize, so now that I know for sure, it's no surprise.
The silver lining in all of this is that while not directly inspired by it, a by–product of my discontent with the contest was that we got a Zen Garden out of it. And the Zen Garden seems to be leading to some exciting opportunities for me, personally. So I can't help but take a Zen–like approach and realize that in the grand scheme of things, I won anyway. It would have been nice to have an iPod, but I suppose it wasn't in the cards.
update: I can't believe I missed him, but Joshua Kaufman also deserves some credit for the CSS work he did on the project. While his code didn't end up in my final submission, he did some great work as we hacked away together at this difficult challenge.
Reader Comments
Yeah, that sucks. I live in Toronto, and have run into similar situations when trying to enter US-only contests. Zen Garden is a worthwhile by-product IMHO.
By the way, here's my half-assed, half-finished attempt at Zen:
which is based on my site design:
Surprisingly, a lot of the stuff was directly transferable from my stylesheet. For example, my footer uses an id of footer just like the zen template, while other stuff was as simply as changing the name of the id/class in my stylesheet.
Well I gotta tell you the truth about these US only contests…we can't allow people like you in because we like to win! Hehe, but honestly that really sucks. The world is now a better place with Zen Garden.
Still no results posted on that page as of right now. But if you've been informed, it sounds final. As a former employee at Lycos, I'm ashamed of them, and I know other current employees are too. I'm glad it pushed you to create the Zen Garden. But, publicly stated, this blows.
Sorry to hear the news, Dave. It's really a shame they couldn't have their act more together than that. You can live knowing that one of the best CSS communities knows who the real winner is, and you'll be remembered for it. Keep up the excellent work and cheers.
Shhhh. All the good CSS coders are supposed to be from California or New York. Are you trying to ruin the secret!?!!??!?!!?!?!
You should definitely buy yourself an iPod as a consolation prize.
You got robbed, but the other posts are correct: Zen Garden is definitely compensation. I'm starting with CSS and the resources here have been a tremendous help in learning valid, standards compliant code & CSS. Thanks!
And you think it's bad in Canada… try living in Europe! There's still a few things that are open to US & Canadian residents but none elsewhere - so you've still got an advantage :-)
Actually, i was doing tabled designs (and sexy frames!) until i found Zen Garden. Now i'm all about the CSS :) Now i gotta work w/ IE around the bugs…!
I do find myself wondering just what laws would be contravened by giving you the damn ipod?
I guess it must be an anti money laundering thing?
On Zen Garden: I'm learning CSS for the first time. Zen Garden is exactly what I need: it shows me what can be done, and hints at what can't. It was the second link I tried on the w3c site (the first being a tutorial). Lots of nice code to inspire me. An excellent resource.
On that prize business:
Astonishing! OK, I can respect the limitation of their legal department. But there are two obvious responses:
(1) Get the permission of the person who whould otherwise have won - they'd be pretty much honour bound to recognize you.
(2) Donate an extra prize with an honourable mention and note that you would have won if you were in the US.
Pretty crazy, really, the damage to their image must be worth far more than the prize (probably the fee for the lawyer taking the decision was worth more than the prize too). Especially since you've produced such a great site!


text:
Employee Relations Committee By-Laws
The purpose of the Employee Relations Committee is to provide a direct channel of two-way communication between University administration and regular non-exempt employees for information and advisory purposes. The ERC will serve as a means for University administration to disseminate information concerning plans and programs affecting non-exempt University staff. It will also serve as a forum by which non-exempt employees can discuss issues of general concern to them.
ERC members may be called to serve on review panels to address formal employee grievances and will generally serve as employee advocates to promote a positive and productive work environment at UTC.
Membership of the Committee shall consist of a representative and an alternate to be elected for each defined area of representation. All regular non-exempt employees, full-time and part-time, are eligible to vote. The Office of Human Resources will conduct elections during October of alternating years. The term of office for representatives and alternates will be two calendar years. To be eligible for election as a representative or alternate an employee must have at least one year of continuous service credit with the University. Individuals removed from the ERC due to non-attendance are not eligible for election the following two-year term. The qualified individual with the most votes in each defined area will be elected the area representative. The qualified individual with the next highest number of votes will be elected the area alternate; except that, when the defined area contains more than one building or department, the alternate will be the individual with the second highest number of votes who is in a building or department other than that of the area representative.
- Representative
Works with the Director of Human Resources and ERC Chair to ensure proper representation of UTC's non-exempt employees. A representative and alternate will be elected for each defined area. A representative and/or an alternate from each area are expected to attend all scheduled meetings. Representatives may miss no more than four (4) regularly scheduled monthly meetings during a calendar year. A representative's absence is excused if the alternate attends in their place. After the third unexcused absence the representative will receive a memo or e-mail from the ERC Chair with a copy to the Director of Human Resources; upon the fourth unexcused absence the representative shall be asked to resign and will be replaced by the alternate.
- Alternate
Will attend meetings in the absence of the representative and is welcome to attend meetings with the representative. However, only one vote will be allowed from each area. The area representative will be the voting member, and the alternate will cast a vote in the representative's absence.
When the alternate assumes the duties of the vacant representative, the Chair will appoint a new alternate for the remainder of the term; the new alternate would ordinarily be the individual on the original area ballot with the next highest number of votes.
- Ex-Officio Members
The Director of Human Resources, the Chancellor, and retiring ERC Chair will serve as ex-officio members of the Employee Relations Committee. Human Resources will be responsible for composition and distribution of minutes to the representatives and alternates within five workdays before the next meeting, and will collaborate with ERC Chair and Subcommittees in various administrative duties.
- Officers
a. Chair: Will serve as liaison to the Director of Human Resources; will collaborate with the Director of Human Resources in determining meeting agendas, presiding over meetings, appointing subcommittees, and filling vacancies; will attend system-wide Employee Relations Board meetings.
b. Vice-Chair: Is responsible for general correspondence for the committee; will take minutes when necessary; will assume the duties of the Chair in his/her absence; will assist the chair with various duties as necessary.
- Election of Officers
a. Nomination and election of officers will be held at the January meeting.
b. Nominations for officers will be received from the floor at the January meeting. ERC members submitting nominations should ascertain in advance of the meeting that their nominee is willing and eligible to serve. Nominations will not be accepted without confirmation that the nominee is willing and eligible to serve. Election by ballot will immediately follow nominations.
c. To be eligible to serve as Chair or Vice-Chair, a candidate must currently be serving as an ERC representative or alternate and must have served continuously for at least one year as an ERC representative or alternate within the ten years prior to the date of election.
d. New term of office will begin immediately after election.
e. Officers will serve for a two-year term.
f. Officers are eligible to serve for no more than two consecutive terms in the same capacity, but may be reelected to another office.
- Monthly meetings will be held on the third Thursday of each month, unless otherwise indicated. As scheduling and time permit, the Director of Human Resources may arrange informational and training programs for which interest has been expressed by the ERC.
- Monthly meetings are also utilized by the Director of Human Resources to solicit and disseminate information of general interest to non-exempt employees.
- To appear on the agenda, business items should be submitted to the Chair or the Director of Human Resources within three days of the ERC meeting. Any other items may be subject to deferral to future meetings.
The ERC may establish sub-committees to study various issues or to make recommendations on items of concern. Membership of sub-committees is not limited to ERC representatives and alternates and is voluntary.
rev September 9, 2005