text:
As legal journalist Rachel Rothwell said on Friday afternoon, "Twitter really came into its own" as the social network buzzed with anticipation over the hearing at Court Number 1 in which the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers and MASS faced up to the Ministry of Justice over the legality of the reduction in fees for portal cases.
For those hitting the refresh button at around 4pm on Friday afternoon to find out the latest updates from reporters at court or onlookers in the gallery, it was a case of the sublime to the ridiculous. At one point, the court stenographer apparently went AWOL and the decision was delayed, adding to the tension still further.
In the end for the claimant lobby however it was to no avail as the court found against them and judged that the decision had been arrived at legally. With an instant reaction from Chancery Lane, Desmond Hudson, CEO of the Law Society said: "We remain deeply unhappy with the new recoverable costs rules and the process by which the Government made its decision. However it was clear that the decision, however unfair we considered it to be, was going to be difficult to challenge. We will continue to impress upon Government the need to ensure that those injured through no fault of their own need to be able to seek redress, without putting themselves in severe financial difficulties."
The Judicial Review came in the wake of greater travails for personal injury professionals, who now have less than a month to absorb a string of new regulations published by the Ministry of Justice.
Rather like a crash course in brain surgery, the MOJ provided its new set of rules and regulations only five weeks in advance of the new regime, prompting desperate calls at the House of Lords Grand Committee for a delay.
Nevertheless, appeals to Lord MacNally at the Committee on 25th February for some respite so the industry can accommodate these changes fell on deaf ears. Every change is being implemented with the government clearly hell bent on getting every instrument and order required and through the system in time for April Fool's Day. This week the House of Lords was due to push through those regulations, in particular CFA Order 2013 and Costs Regulations 2013.
Often at the heart of personal injury professionals' position on civil justice reform debate has been the need to place the claimant at the heart of the system. It was with this issue firmly in mind that Premextra was buoyed to see a marked increase in practitioners taking the rehabilitation code seriously in their everyday work.
A report from the International Underwriting Association and the Association of British Insurers revealed that 97% of claims handlers, 93% of claimant lawyers and 88% of insurance lawyers use the code "at least some of the time" and that just under two thirds of the market are either "totally" or "very" satisfied with the code's wording. This contrasted with similar exercises in 2001 and 2006 which found far fewer practitioners either familiar with or using the code on a regular basis.


text: The Excellence in Entrepreneurship Small Business Awards is a chance for CommunityWorks and the Greenville Chamber to recognize and celebrate all the entrepreneurs, micro and small businesses, that make our region unique and vibrant. The event is a part of our National Small Business Week festivities The Excellence in Entrepreneurship Small Business Awards is a chance for CommunityWorks and the Greenville Chamber to recognize and celebrate all the entrepreneurs, micro and small businesses, that make our region unique and vibrant. The event is a part of our National Small Business Week festivities the week of April 29 – May 5.

industry_corpus2: Others


text: CHAMP is a variety of winter spelt developed at the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center. Although a few varieties of spelt were developed in the early part of this century, none appear to exist in recent years. Local collections made in the 1970’s do not fit the early published descriptions of improved varieties; thus, they have been referred to as “common” spelt. Champ, the first public variety released in recent decades, is the progeny of a wheat-spelt cross. At the end of the 1985 season Champ had been tested in a total of 15 trials over 5 years and has out yielded common spelt by an average of 23.2%. Champ is an awnless, brown chaffed cultivar with approximately the same maturity and equivalent winter hardiness as common spelt. The variety is slightly taller and has considerably improved straw strength. Champ possesses very good resistance to leaf rust but is only moderately resistant to powdery mildew. It also appears very resistant to wheat spindle streak mosaic virus (WSSM). Protein content of Champ has consistently been 1 to 1.5% higher than common spelt.

industry_corpus2: Agriculture & Fisheries


text:
A January-7 deadline approaches and I noodle notes here and there: on my studio chalkboard, a scrap of paper, my laptop. Can’t find the focused time I need right now to hunker down and write the grant and that seems all right.
Underneath, there’s a sense that things will fall into place as and when they should. There’s time for the busyness, it tells me, later. Right now, I need to sit with the larger question than meeting a deadline. Can I do the projects that align with the funding? Will I have the personal energy, the volunteers and enthusiasm of others? This is clearly not a solitary endeavor, even though it seems so in this moment.
I’m wary of completely giving myself away to projects that will obviously companion and deepen Artsy Fartsy*. I stand at an all-too-familiar crossroads. I have given myself away countless times before. Is this one of those times or is it really where God is leading me? Could my surrender be to let go of the pretense of a livelihood and live my passion sans a paycheck? I struggle here. Earning my own way is so intrinsic to who I have been.
More simply, deeply and profoundly for me is that taking care of myself, independently, is all I’ve known. It’s a locked pattern, trapped in my psyche. Perhaps mistakenly, I’ve thought my task was to ask for help, human help.
I had a wide opening Wednesday during my monthly shamanic-counseling session. Insight into where, why and how I have been wounded. It’s almost too much to discuss yet. Generally, I was hurt and left alone to tend to the wound, then never given the opportunity to talk about it. Alone, alone, alone. That’s where I always seem to be.
Until I remember I’m not. This sucking up that I do whenever there is something that I [think I] have to do myself, which is most of the time, is so wrongfully inherent. I’ve been surrendering to God half-assed. Saying yes, but still feeling responsible and trying to control aspects. Surrendering some aspects is not surrender.
So how do I let this rip, I mean really rip? Like the way I felt a layer melt off Wednesday through breath work. I feel apart right now, like I’m living somewhere in between. Some kind of waiting-to-totally-surrender purgatory because I don’t know the next step.
I keep getting the message to pursue my passion and the paycheck will follow. Not sure what that means, but, I believe, it includes carefully discerning what is mine to do and what is not … not just doing because I have or can.
So through the holidays, the celebration of Jesus’ being in the world and anticipation of the clean slate of a new year, I will wait and see what settles and where I can surrender fully.
• How have I only half surrendered?
• What will it take for me to fully surrender?
• What’s holding me back?
• What patterns must I break?
• What is my prayer right now?
Christmas has arrived early. Unannounced, in smallish ways and yet, it's really here in my heart forever.
These gifts are altering my attitude about generosity, abundance and money – greatly. Oddly enough, I think this wave of Spirit began four weeks ago EXACTLY at the Alamo. The floodgates opened and anything is possible. I am proof.
To backtrack a bit, I arrived at the Alamo on a chilly-for-San-Antonio morning to visit the Mission. Yes, though remembered for its bloody battle in American history and the stirrings of Texas' independence, it was first built as a Spanish Catholic Mission – a sacred spot. Many consider it hallowed ground for the violent sacrifices that occurred. I stumbled in as an official gathering was happening and was encouraged to stay. It was an invitation I'll never forget: the presentation of Segways to American veterans of Afghanistan now rendered immobile ... as in missing or non-functioning legs, mostly. At its conclusion, I found myself third in line shaking each soldier's hand, looking him/her square in the eye and saying thank you. Some hung on, most thanked me and a few found the direct contact unsettling. I was just the vessel: a peace-loving, anti-war, gun-shy Quaker thanking soldiers.
That experience has opened me. Forever, I hope.
To new encounters, new leadings, new openings, new friends, new understanding, new compassion.
Is this the New Kingdom of which Jesus speaks? I want to hope that it is, Heaven on Earth. Early Quakers believed it was in the here and now.
So odd for me to use that language. I'm typically more inclusive, yet it is what's on my heart.
Thursday, I went to an interview with a wonderful BIG arts organization to see if my at-risk kids' arts exploration, Artsy Fartsy , was a match. Normally, I would have over-prepped and stressed. I wasn't nervous. I did my homework the day before (because that's all the time I had) and waltzed in joyful to find the interviewer easy. It was just a conversation. One in which I was affirmed in this work and encouraged to apply for a grant next month. I even expressed my philosophy that this project is about depth, not breadth and he agreed that was the right path.
Wow, I'm still pinching myself. I may get some new programming funded. Of course, I am still battling the idea that I can't yet fund myself ... but I am learning to trust that will come, just as everything else has aligned.
Today, I felt compelled to return a long overdue call ... I am almost ashamed to admit it took me so long because it was a reminder that something awaited me. Just before that life-altering trip to San Antonio, someone I respect from our days together mending the local racial divide said she had a bunch of stuff left over from the local Obama headquarters for Artsy Fartsy (AF) if I wanted it. "Yes," I said sight unseen.
Well out of sight and mind, I had forgotten until her gentle reminder call. So, today, I toddled on over the hill to her wonderful home and came back loaded with six boxes of binder clips, paper clips, pens, markers, highlighters, flashlights, hand warmers, hand sanitizer, paper towels, napkins, plastic cups, paper plates, sticky tack, tacks, clipboards, paint sponges, post-its, staplers, staples, staple-removers, giant flip charts, balloons and reams of printer paper. Unpacking it all was better than Christmas morning. All the ideas of how AF can use these flowed through my head. Can't you just imagine using twine and binder clips to hang a show of the kids' work? Let them create shadows with the flashlights ... maybe give them a ghost tour of Milford Main? Load them with school supplies when they run low or can't afford them? Make them feel important writing on clip boards?
And then I came across a plain, unmarked box. I gingerly lifted the lid to discover a stash of manilla file folders. Exactly what I had needed to get all of my forms, lesson plans, agendas, meeting notes and locker assignments organized. I'd been too busy and, perhaps, too cheap to purchase a box. God really had taken care of my needs! The room, especially the car, looked like Staples had exploded.
I am so thrilled that one AF kid's family for whom I am collecting to purchase a computer, printer and, hopefully, internet, has an almost-eternal supply of paper!!!
Christmas has come early and I hope its spirit stays forever ... in my heart and being.
• What happens when I let Spirit in?
• How does it alter my thinking?
• My way of being in the world?
• How am I opened?
• How do I express that opening?
* I wrote this Friday, turning off the radio when I heard there was going to be bad news and not yet knowing what it was. I was better able to handle it Saturday and Sunday, with my faith community.
I was wired in Meeting for Worship Sunday from the wonderfully wild drumming of the day before with my Artsy Fartsy kids. I tried to settle in, but it just wasn't happening. I was fully attentive to the minister's message on giving. She and I had had a conversation a few days earlier on the subject. I mentioned I was tired of an idea I had that kept meeting with conditions and restrictions. So I decided to sit with it awhile. My choice.
I couldn't handle it Sunday, especially after her message. I fought it, pushed it out of my head and heart. Re-focused, yet it kept returning, making my heart churn faster and faster. In the Quaker tradition that usually means you have a vocal message you're meant to share in worship. So, up I stood. Struggling, even telling other worshippers I didn't want to do this.
I talked about Dorrian's family of seven. Mom, dad and five kids ages four to 6th grade. They live in a teeny house between a church and my best friend, just down the block from me. The kids are always outside playing ... no room inside, it seems. Lately, I've been seeing Dorrian and his younger brother on bikes all over the neighborhood probably getting off on their own. Often dad's with the younger ones. He's the caregiver.
I'd never seen mom until last Thursday, when I made a personal visit to ensure Dorrian got to Artsy Fartsy Saturday. There was a mix up last month and he'd forgotten. Mom opened the door and warmly welcomed me inside. She hugged me and thanked me for taking an interest in her oldest. "He forgot and went off to play last month," she confessed. "When he got back, he cried because he'd missed it. You know he has such beautiful writing, this will be so good for him. So does my son Dalton." Dalton pretends to be mad at me when I see him with Dorrian. It's because he's too young for Artsy Fartsy and keeps trying to charm his way in. I tell him he has to wait, but each smile he flashes chips away at my resolve.
Then mom pointed to another son, playing games and confided that he's on an IEP (individualized-education plan) at school for learning disabilities. She's battled leukemia for 13 years and through all the pregnancies. The only one she struggled with was his. I think she blames the chemo. She whispered so as not to get his attention. Then she looked me square in the eye, though her tone was conversational and casual, and said "we really need a computer. It would make such a difference for him."
I immediately recognized this as God speaking to me through this woman. Getting this family a computer has been on my heart two years. It gained momentum when I reconnected through Dorrian, a great kid with loads of potential.
I'd recommended this family to my Quaker Meeting as needing financial help this Christmas, though I really wanted to get them a computer. Over the years, when I have vocalized this concern, I am often kindly reminded that refurbished or used computers are easy to find.
My hearts silently screams: "But why can't they have new, like everybody else? Why does this family with very little and only what the mother's assistance check can supply, have to get castoffs?
All weekend, I plotted in my head what I wanted for them: a new iMac, two years of internet (because, frankly, what's the use of a computer these days without it?), printer, cache of ink and technical assistance. About three grand, I figured.
I didn't share my financial noodling with my Meeting when I spoke. I wasn't asking for anything, just releasing what had a tight grip on me and requesting prayer. Unlike anything I have ever experienced in Quaker worship before, someone tossed cash in the collection plate and it made the rounds, landing at me. I could barely bring myself to touch the wooden bowl overflowing with money ... let alone count it. Someone else did and, in a matter of minutes, about 20-some people donated $500. Noting short of amazing.
Yesterday, a neighbor brought me a $100 Best Buy gift card. There's a printer, I thought.
Just as I wanted others to release their idea of used goods for this family, I am releasing mine of the perfect scenario. I have a feeling I will know when the collecting is finished (I'm not putting a Christmas deadline on it) and am confident there will be enough to purchase whatever this family is supposed to have.
Spirit is moving and I best get myself out of the way!
• When has Spirit pushed me to speak or act?
• What happened when I resisted?
• How was the result better than I ever could have imagined?
• What have I learned as a result?
The second Thursday, late afternoon, of every month is reserved. Without question. Not even marked on my calendar. That's when I dutifully pull out my log of Artsy Fartsy kids' names and phone numbers and begin the round of reminder calls.
The first time, I was a bit nervous. I hadn't yet met many of these parents. What if they have no idea what I am calling about? What if they hang up on me? Yell at me? Don't answer?
Get a grip, I told myself then. You were, afterall, a reporter and called strangers ALL of the time. Not just strangers, but important, intimidating people and you always more than ambled through those calls. You often had friendly conversations. Remember when your husband overheard once and asked how long you'd known the person on the other end? A half hour, you replied. Instant phone rapport: one of your gifts. Why should this be any different? Because this matters more; this isn't a job, it's a calling. So get CALLING!
That's pretty much how it began. It never hurts that I start in the order in which the kids came to Artsy Fartsy. Always, Layla and Justice, sisters, first. I remember the drive up the hill from my house, into the Oakbrook parking lot. How I pulled out the beautifully printed yard signs announcing this new program and art-filled afternoon of registration. Layla was right there, reading the sign, bobbing up and down with excitement. "When? When? When?" she asked.
She, her dad, and sister, were the FIRST in line (as if there were a line, more of a slow trickle throughout the afternoon), Right on the dot at one o'clock.
So I start with Brandon first. I consistently catch him live on the phone. "Oh, yes, they will be there!" He's one caring dad, ensuring his girls make the most of their opportunities. He never fails to thank me for the program. Even wished out loud that he could volunteer to drive, but, at the time, his car wasn't running and he couldn't afford to get it fixed.
This week, I didn't catch Marilyn, Emijah's grandmother. We had quite a talk, getting acquainted over two of her granddaughters on that August registration afternoon. She's called me just to chat and I've bumped into her at Kroger's. Or Anjela's mom. A recording said the phone was no longer in use. This has happened before when parents can not afford the minutes. So, I asked another mom to check for me, though I may have to see for myself.
A few hours after I made my calls, this time disappointed to reach mostly voice mail, I answer my vibrating phone, unable to quickly recollect the familiar voice. "Did you call this number? she asks. "Oh, I made a bunch of calls for Artsy Fartsy a few hours ago and I'm sure I called you. "Oh, Miss Cathy, is that you?" "Yes, Nia, just reminding you about Saturday. You know your daughter was sassy this last time. I mean sassy as in fun. She's not so shy anymore." "Yeah, it takes her awhile to open up. And, yes, she knows it's this week."
I understand it's hard for the kids that it's once a month. It can seem like an eternity, even to me. That's one reason, midway through, I write them each a personal postcard. Parents usually mention on the reminder calls that the sons and daughters loved getting the mail. I feel it's a good way of nurturing the child by remarking on the exceptional project they completed last time, the way they helped another child or how much I enjoy their energy. When I have made similar comments to the parents about their child, I see that it buoys them as well.
This chore has really become prayerful and so filling for me. Plus, it builds the anticipation in my heart as I look forward to seeing these amazing creatures in two days. Sometimes I can hardly stand it ... waiting. Fortunately, there are a myriad of tasks to complete before they bounce off the van, up the stairs and into Artsy Fartsy every second Saturday afternoon.
But, always, two days before, the date – Thursday, late afternoon – is permanently etched on my heart's calendar.
• When has an ordinary task taken on a prayerful dimension?
• How have I witnessed that transformation?
• How does that influence other areas of my life?
• How do I own it?
• How does it connect me more deeply to others and also Spirit?
Last week, I wrote about serendipitously meeting Rebecca at Whole Foods. Today, I believe that wave of Spirit put me in the path of Amanda and Scott, again, two strangers I encountered while having tea.
I'd taken my younger daughter to Starbucks enroute to picking up her sister from band practice. I had to be fair, not necessarily by my accounting, since I'd schlepped the older one out earlier in the week for refreshment.
Hadn't but just sat down, when, the man sitting across from me noticed my keycard was the same as his wife's. He wondered if we worked at the same place. No, we just had the same brand of key cards. The conversation got deep very fast as I learned they have 5 sons, one of whom died in his mother's arms, was revived and, later, survived a heart surgery. There were two miscarriages. Amanda, who was also present,though more quietly so, was a stay-at-home mom until Scott found himself out of work. Their roles are reversed. They used to live close to me in Milford, but moved six years ago when busing was cut and they could no longer afford it here.
Once again, death entered the equation. But so did religion, spirituality and faith. We talked about so much distraction in the world when I mentioned I was Quaker and, for the most part, we wait in silence listening for God. That captivated Scott. He is an informal student of religion and open to new ideas. Scott and Amanda actually met at church. He spotted her all in black, beautifully playing the trumpet, when they were both pretty young.
It was a very even exchange of listening and being listened to: a rare gift, especially in the care of complete strangers. But then, were they – really? Scott didn't think so. Upon parting, which we were disinclined to do, he said he had felt not only blessed by the encounter, but certain we were supposed to meet. "Usually, we just get our coffee and go," he said. "But something told me to comment on your keycard; not what I'd normally do."
They both looked me back straight in the eye, which I liked. I think you get soul-to-soul that way. In the same manner I'd get naked-to-naked, skin-to-skin with my kids when they were babies. It's a way I like to connect and the manner in which I recently greeted wounded American soldiers back from Afghanistan. Mostly amputees and those with limited mobility that I think rarely get seen as whole. (link) Looking someone square in the eyes helps me witness their essence, their wholeness.
Scott's eyes told me more than his words. At some point in the conversation, I mentioned how wise they seemed for their ages, mid 30s. That blew Scott away. "Just today, I was praying for wisdom and right here, right now, you just gave me my answer."
How often do we experience this? Perhaps more than we recognize.
Well, they had to be on their way and we soon had to be on ours. We vowed to meet again at Starbucks because we just knew we would. They left ahead of us and as I was packing up, I used the last $10 in my wallet to buy a gift card for them next time they visited. A random act of kindness? A thank you for such instantly deep community? A desire to see them again? Who knows? Only Spirit.
• When have I felt on a wave of Spirit?
• What was it like?
• What were my experiences?
• Who or what came into my path?
*homage to my favorite book, the last line, from Maurice Sendak's "Where the Wild Things Are"
She's still out there, somewhere, on her own, tending to her mother's death, trying to find like-minded community for the few weeks she's visiting. She's still tugging at my heart though.
I met Rebecca earlier this week as I was writing the last post, as a matter of fact. My oldest had been off sick and I gathered her up mid afternoon and took her for tea and a homework session at Whole Foods. I had some supplements to purchase and a blog to write. I like the energy in the communal cafe.
Funny thing is I was writing about feeling disconnected from meaningful community as I overheard a conversation happening next to me. One sided, clearly a woman was finalizing insurance and cremation details after her mother's death. She was so matter of fact and clear. Unlike someone lost or stumbling. Nevertheless, I felt compelled to say something.
"Not that I was really eavesdropping, but I happened to hear that your mother just died. I am sorry," fell from my lips almost before I could really think too much and shut off my heart.
Unsure as to what the response would be, I braced myself a bit. The brown eyes penetrated mine and she said something like "Thank you. Yes, she did and I'm the only one left and have to handle everything."
All else melted away and we merged into a very engaging connection that covered diverse topics from her reiki work to my fibromyalgia, her home in Hawaii and schooling at SCPA*, my amazing shaman and how she's been her mother's therapist since she was two and that this death, welcomed by her mother, was, somehow, freeing, for Rebecca.
She admitted that she doesn't connect easily and was struggling to find some deep community in Cincinnati while she's here for three weeks. As we parted, she thanked me for reaching out.
I went back to my daughter and blogging, but I wasn't finished with her. As she was packing up, I stopped her and hastily jotted down my phone number. I selfishly prefaced it, handing it to her with "I'm not always so available with kids and all, but if you'd need to call me or need someone here's my number."
I'm not very proud that I didn't do this right off and that I had to set some boundary. That may be experience speaking. I have the kind of face that complete strangers spill their life story to, entangling me in something before I even realize. She had mentioned that she didn't have a car and if I was going to see the shaman, maybe I could give her a ride. I knew I wasn't while she was in town, so I didn't offer. Besides, how inconvenient would it be to drive from Milford to Hyde Park to take her to Goshen and then get her back -- all when I didn't even have a shamanic session scheduled?
How utterly selfish. I am kicking myself a bit and secretly hoping she'll call.
She's not like that, I believe now. And I also understand that I did act on some spiritual leading and now I have to let the rest go. I did give her an opening; albeit a narrow one, but an opening nonetheless.
• When have I unexpectedly encountered a stranger?
• How did I open myself?
• Did I fully trust Spirit's leading?
• How do I let go of my response and not judge it?
• What has a Rebecca-like experience tapped in me?
After experiencing the intensity of a gathering of caricature artists secondhand during my husband's recent convention, I returned home a little deflated. Jealous even. Missing something. Not feeling connected. To the point of posting so on Facebook.
The first response came from a young adult, whose wisdom I have learned to trust. Remember "awesome Quakerness," she responded. Oh, yeah, my Quaker Meeting, the one I have attended regularly for 14 years, served on numerous committees, loved and been annoyed with, but mostly loved. The place I feel accepted for who I am, but, sometimes, also unseen. The one I've disengaged from a bit to go out into the real world and complete the work to which God calls. That one.
So I journeyed there Sunday with those thoughts in my head and heart. I wanted someone to reach out to me. Little did I know it would start with my 15-year-old being tempted to worship with a bookstore trip after. As I headed into worship, I left her and my younger daughter behind to debate whether to attend First Day School or hang, silently, with the adults. The younger went one way and the older, another. When she brushed up against me on the pew, my being fluttered. It took me Somewhere Else. To the first time I held her hand, we pushed through the glass-and-wood doors and took our seats on the satiny benches polished by 50 years of phantom fannies. She was a toddler and I, a young(er) mother seeking relief from the pain of an auto accident. When my favorite song, the Shaker "Simple Gifts," lulled out of the piano, I knew I was home. Before any worship had officially begun.
How many stories had I heard of people seeking the right faith community for, well, years? I merely went where my mother and daughter told me to. My mom had known I was struggling and searching and encouraged me to try the Quakers. "I think you'll like the simplicity," she said. Didn't hurt that my favorite Methodist pastor from childhood was the interim. Shortly before that, one morning my daughter greeted me, unprompted, with "Mommy, I know Jesus." Yes you do, I thought, and it's time to find a spiritual home.
That home has been Cincinnati Friends Meeting, through thick and thin. Sunday, the minister's message focused on getting young Quakers back to meeting. Like Autumn and baby Carter, who came with his dad (the first person to ever give Autumn, gum and I reminded him) and mom, granddad, who grew up in the meeting, and great-grandparents. They have been rocks of this meeting. In fact, Papa Paul was the first to speak to me that initial visit with Autumn. We bonded over his Cincinnati Mortuary School shirt because I had worked in the funeral industry.
After a few months, back when Autumn and I first attended and when a permanent minister was hired, Quakers asked if I would leave as well. No way, I invariably answered because I remembered Paul and his kindness to a stranger. He reminisced about how he'd get down on the playroom floor with both of my girls, just like he now does with Carter.
It all was a warm reminder that I do, indeed, have more than pockets of community.
• Where do I experience community?
• How do I experience it?
• What's my role in building that community?
• When it seems lacking, how do I fill that need?
• How has Spirit filled it for me?
It was a smaller affair, which may have sharpened the lens of perspective. So often, we tumbled out of the house, food in hand, kids in tow and arrived a few minutes late for Thanksgiving at my parents'. This year, we were ahead of schedule with the exception of my husband driving back a half hour later to pick up our 15-year-old after her outfit was out of the dryer.
Mine were the only children: my nieces grown up and onto their own lives, my out-of-town sister making the trip at Christmas.
And yet, my mother had polished the silver, laid out the family china, cooked a turkey, made two kinds of dressing (one gluten free just for me), boiled the potatoes and arranged appetizers ... all the while on oxygen. She struggled with the long, green snake trailing her for 50 feet as she flowed between the dining room and kitchen. She was most concerned someone else would trip.
Just last week, as I was out of town on a trip planned for months, she, my father and twin sister traipsed to the Cleveland Clinic to get more definitive answers on what, specifically, could be done for her two weakened heart valves. Essentially, she was told they'd have to get her lung pressure down before they could do anything invasive, hence the full-time oxygen. I remember when she came home from a long hospital stay this summer and talked her primary-care doc out of the full-time air. He made her take a healthy walk without and agreed she could cut the day-time cord. I also remember her, two days home, green snake in hand, riding her stationery bicycle: I want to get in as good a shape as I can, she said at the time. She was sick of having been in a hospital bed for 10 days.
Wednesday evening as my mother and I were making last-minute food decisions, we talked about her cardiologist appointment earlier in the day. She said that doc calculated she'd be having her heart surgery in a few months. How's that? I asked because it didn't seem to square with what she heard in Cleveland. Oh, she said, we misinterpreted the surgery risk. What we'd thought was risk of survival, which looked pretty low, was risk of failure!
When I discussed this yesterday with my sister, she had not misunderstood the risk as we had, but it wasn't good enough yet for Cleveland.
If anybody can beat those odds I know it's my mom. She never ceases to amaze me with her positive attitude, hard-work ethic, sense of humor and deep faith that she is where God wants her.
We've had some pretty amazing talks about death lately, a subject that I welcome because it is so little spoken about. Hasn't hurt that I worked in the funeral industry a few years. Turns out neither of us, my mother or me, is afraid of what comes after life. It occurs to me that we have been heavily influenced by my mom's baby sister who died of breast cancer, but with such a rare and glowing grace that you could palpably feel God's touch. You just knew she wasn't alone.
That comforts me as I know my mom's time is limited here, as it is for all of us.
• Who have been my examples of faith?
• What lessons have those encounters imparted?
• What are my feelings about death?
• In general? For someone I love? For myself?
• How can I witness God's presence even in death?
I have a broken body though you can't see it. I hide it pretty well. Unfortunately, years of chronic pain have twisted my mind toward the negative. I am working on reversing that trend and I see rays of hope. This invisible cloak, however, isn't always so easy to wear. Take, for example, the time I was desperate and visited a new physician begging for help. "Well, you don't look sick," he said. I told him looks could be deceiving.
But then, last week, I witnessed my predicament in reverse. Overtly wounded veterans looking tall as they strode in – braces, canes and prosthetics in place – on Segways in a ceremony giving them the gift of mobility in return for their courage and loss. It all transpired at the Alamo.
It broke my heart. Broke.
At the conclusion, we were invited to meet these veterans of Afghanistan. Staring into their young faces startled me. My instinct was to grab their hands and hold on for dear life, theirs and mine. I detected anguish and uncertainty in those brave eyes. I think they were soldier expressions for the most part. And not used to being looked at so directly since the loss of wholeness. But the touch, that was revealing. Some was tentative, but some was fierce, accompanied by a constant round of thank you Mams after I thanked them. I felt they were reaching for connection in this new state. Perhaps thanking me for noticing they were still human, if bionicly so. No complaints, no whining, simply a demeanor of acceptance and a preparedness for what comes next.
What a lesson for me! I have never experienced being seen as unwhole in the way I suspect these injured soldiers have.
Stilled awed, I stumbled away, caught off guard by a city ambassador with whom I struck up a conversation. I related what I had just witnessed at the Alamo. He was riveted and mentioned a fellow guide was struggling from the ravages of war silently, mentally and alone. He was angry at how this invisible wound is not recognized. We talked a bit more and he said a WWII veteran told him once, "There are no atheists in the fox holes."
I believe that means we're not alone, ever ... in the good stuff or the bad. It's mostly that we don't notice during the hopeful times.
All of this brokeness can be overwhelming until I am reminded of healing and that mending often makes the wound stronger. Knitting together injured parts creates a new bond, one that had not previously existed and one tougher than the original. It's that liminal place where two or three come together to create a newness. The wounded, Spirit and healing.
Our brokenness makes us stronger, if only we could recognize and acknowledge that in each other, then thank God.
• In what ways have I been broken?
• How have I experienced that in others?
• How do I respond to brokenness?
• What has it taught me?
• Where do I see God in the brokenness?


text:
The last of the swordplay skills you’ll need to demonstrate for your Green Spur is an understanding of the three turns of the sword. These turns have the same names as the turns of the body, which makes them easy to remember. It may be helpful to review the cuts and thrusts of the sword to refamiliarize yourself with their terminology.
The stable, or fixed point turn changes the orientation of the sword’s edge from inside to outside, or false to true, without moving the point significantly. It is easy to think of this in terms of rapier guards. Changing from guard to guard involves a stable turn: the hand moves, say from palm up to palm down when switching from quarta to seconda, but the point stays on line. With a longsword the hands may move farther and the wrists may cross when switching from a low to a high or an outside to an inside guard, but if the point stays on line it is a volta stabile.
This turn is used to change the line on which you are defending your body, to change a cut into a thrust, (eg, to change from a fendente to an imbrocatta), or to reach around the opponent’s sword in a punta dritta or punta roversa.
Practise your stable turns by placing your point gently on your partner’s open hand, or on a wall. Change through your guard positions, from high inside, through the stretta guards to high outside, and back again, keeping the point in one place.
In the half turn, the point of the sword travels in semi-circular arc from one line to another. Although the point makes a half-circle, the blade ends up about a quarter of the way along the cutting circle. For example if your sword moves from inside to outside on the high line (roverso to mandritto squalembratti) this would be a half turn. Another half turn is a cut that moves from a high to low guard on the same side of the body.
These turns often occur when the sword is parried but can also be used as feints, or to change the line of attack in response to your opponent’s movement. However for the Green Spur we are not looking for this level of sophisticated response. The ability to demonstrate a simple mezza volta of the sword is enough.
The full turn takes the point of the sword in a complete circle. A stramazzone (a wrist cut that makes a full circle) is an example of a tutta volta. So too is an elbow cut that starts in a low outside guard and delivers a roverso squalembratto to the opponent’s left shoulder. In order to make that cut you need your sword point to travel in a circle behind you and across to the other side of the body.
Tutte Volte generally travel along the diagonal cutting paths from low to high, inside to outside, and vice versa, and are good preparations for powerful cuts.
Next week: Anatomy of the Sword.

industry_corpus2: Sports


text:
Rendering of the completed South Operations Center.
In 2017, Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) purchased property at 4500 W Marginal Way SW for use as a new Drainage and Wastewater South Operations Center (SOC). Construction permits have now been issued by the Seattle Department of Construction and Inpections to construct four new buildings (warehousing and vehicle wash). Outdoor storage is also proposed. The existing building will be remodeled and a garage will be demolished. Surface parking for 112 vehicles will be provided.
SPU said its current facilities are no longer adequate to house essential field crews, vehicles, and equipment that clean and repair the City’s sewer and drainage systems, investigate waterway pollution, provide emergency response to storm events and natural disasters, and more. The new facility will allow SPU to continue providing efficient and equitable utility services for residents in West and South Seattle.
SPU has spoken to nearby neighbors and community groups to build awareness of the new facility and ensure we are being responsive to community needs and expectations.
In partnership with the Office of Arts and Culture and representatives from the community, the Seattle Arts Commission has selected an artist to develop a vision for permanent public art to be displayed on-site.
In partnership with Pathfinder K-8 School, SPU has commissioned a student art project to develop temporary art that will be displayedon the site’s outer fence throughout construction.
SPU has begun using the site for interim operational activities, such as vehicle and materials storage to enable crews to coordinate operation of multiple SPU programs from one location.

industry_corpus2: Water Resources & Marine


text:
It all started with one person taking a chance. In 1954, Ethelyn Kaplan, a single mother, defied the conventions of 1950s America—packing up her family and heading west to realize her dream of opening a toy store. After she set up shop in Northern California, educators soon began calling her for supplies, and Ethelyn discovered a higher purpose—serving teachers. Two generations later, Lakeshore still remains true to Ethelyn’s founding principles of listening to customers and meeting their needs.
Lakeshore has grown from that first brick-and-mortar store to a leading developer and retailer of top-quality educational materials for early childhood programs, elementary schools and homes nationwide. Today, we have a thriving e-commerce business, a national sales division, catalogs and 60 retail locations across the country, but we still consider ourselves “64 years young”—a company that experiences record growth year after year. We attribute that growth to the more than 2,000 people who make up our team. While 30% of our full-time employees have been with us for more than a decade, we’ve also been fortunate to attract lots of new talent—with all the fresh ideas and outside experience they bring to the table. The combined talents of our people allow us to reach for the stars—as we continue to experiment and try new things. In recent years, we have expanded our export market, opened offices in Asia and built a second distribution center in Midway, Kentucky—increasing our inventory and distribution space to more than 1.2 million square feet.

industry_corpus2: Subject Education


text:
has been serving farmers for more than two decades!
Northern Plains Tiling is a locally owned and operated agricultural drainage contractor providing drainage solutions to farm operations in west central Minnesota and eastern South Dakota.
Northern Plains Tiling has a vast amount of experience in various soil types, elevations, shared outlets, permitting requirements, lift pumps, etc.
These many years of experience from Northern Plains Tiling will insure the best results for your drainage investment.
Northern Plains Tiling is also available to help with custom dozer, backhoe and other services as time permits.
In addition, Northern Plains Tiling is a Dekalb® and Asgrow® Seed Dealer supported by Monsanto® technologies, serving many area grain producers looking for a trusted hybrid seed product.
Call Scott Halvorson or any of the knowledgeable staff at Northern Plains Tiling at 320-598-3999 or use our Contact Form.
Contact Northern Plains Tiling today!
Hardworking Crew Members & Reliable Equipment!
Please contact us if there are any problems that need correction!


text:
A classic of silent-era horror takes the well-worn tropes of “old dark house” movies and runs them through Paul Leni’s exquisite Expressionistic tendencies.
It is logical, and it seemed easy enough, to begin a discussion of The Cat and the Canary with a discussion of the history of “old dark house” mysteries, those movies where a disparate and shifty group of people convene upon a mysterious old mansion and find themselves embroiled in — and probably accused of — either a murder or a theft. Lots of skulking, staring, and clutching hands appearing from behind curtains or the doors of hidden passages ensue. From the silent era to the end of the 1930s, there were a dizzying number of “old dark house” films produced. For major studios and Poverty Row productions houses alike, they were cheap to make, easy to write, and demanded little from the company or the audience. At their worst, old dark house mysteries were harmlessly entertaining. Often they were much better than that. The formula was so adaptable that it could be grafted onto pretty much any type of movie. Even established series like the Bulldog Drummond and Charlie Chan movies fell back from time to time on the old dark house motif. From horror to comedy to crime to thriller, it was easy to crank out an old dark house version of the genre and keep everyone at least moderately satisfied.
Unfortunately, tracing the lineage of the old dark house movie leads into the murky waters of low-budget moviemaking and lost films, which means proper records — let alone prints of the movies — become increasingly difficult to find the further back you go. So pinpointing the first “old dark house” movie is probably a study in folly. As soon as one film assumes the mantle, another will rise up that has it bested by six months or a year. Similarly, skipping over film and onto the stage, where the old dark house mystery was born (ignoring for the time being literature, because I can only juggle so many chainsaws at once…and lord only knows how many old dark house penny dreadfuls were written), it quickly becomes impossible to decipher where it all began. So my lofty goal of sketching some sort of history of the genre collapsed on itself in mere minutes. Suffice it to say that the genre has been with us for a long time. I’d be willing to put good money on there being some ancient Greek play in which a group of suspicious be-toga’d people find themselves together in an old temple on the outskirts of Athens, trying to figure out who is going to inherit old Aeimnestos’ fortune while a masked ne’er-do-well tries to kill them off one by one.
To scale back ambition, then, let’s concentrate on the task at hand. The Cat and the Canary began life as a play, written by John Willard and first staged in 1922. It was a big success, so it was natural that it would be adapted into a film. The task fell upon director Paul Leni, a veteran of the early days of German Expressionist film making and director of one of the great classics of silent-era horror, Waxworks. Well, he was the director of several classics of silent era horror, but as of 1927, when The Cat and the Canary was being made, it was Waxworks. Leni relocated to the United States, and before too long, he found himself helming Universal’s adaptation of The Cat and the Canary. Under normal circumstances, a parlor room whodunit such as this would have been a fairly simple affair — a living room/study set, a bedroom, a couple shots of the spooky exterior of a mansion to establish the place and mood. Sprinkle some cobwebs and shots of people looking side-eyed at one another, and there you go. Even in 1927, that was well-worn formula. In the hands of a German Expressionist like Leni however, things were going to be different.
When first we meet cranky old millionaire Cyrus West, he is a tiny man wandering amongst giant bottles and being menaced by a cat. He explains that, for years, he has endured the jackal-like scavenging of his greedy relatives, who want nothing more than to get their clutching hands on the old man’s money. He has the last laugh, however, when he passes away and his relatives discover that his will simply says that he will not name his benefactor for another twenty years. Twenty years later, what is left of his family convenes at Cyrus’ spooky old mansion to hear the reading of the will and find out who gets the loot. It’s the usual cast of shifty-eyed whodunit family members — the slickster, the greedy aunt and her airhead daughter, the boring guy, the slapstick goofball in Harold Lloyd glasses (Creighton Hale), and kindly young Annabelle West (Laura La Plante) who just wants to be a good person.
Glowering at them all is the mansion’s sole resident for the past twenty years: stern-faced, unsmiling Mammy Pleasant (Martha Mattox). The mystery isn’t who gets the money — that is taken care of quickly. It’s Annabelle, the only decent human among the lot of them (to be fair, Creighton Hale is not particularly evil, except for being the slapstick comedy relief). The mystery pops up when the lawyer gets murdered, a necklace is stolen from Annabelle, and a constable shows up to warn everyone that a lunatic has escaped from the local asylum. And, of course, there’s a powerful storm about the shake the world. Business as usual when you gather in an old, dark house.
One of the provisions of Annabelle’s inheritance is that she show no signs of madness — but these disappearing lawyers and visions of a menacing spook might be signs of insanity, a conclusion the rest of the family is all too happy to foster if it means the money might fall out of her hands and into theirs. The fun in mysteries isn’t always the whodunit aspect, especially with a film like The Cat and the Canary which, while perhaps surprising at the time of its release, has for so long served as the template for this type of movie that going back and viewing it in retrospect means that it’s all fairly obvious. Burdened as we are from our vantage point in the 21st century, with almost ninety years of copycats and canaries, one must hope that a film such as this has more to offer than a last-scene “it was that guy!” revelation. The Cat and the Canary, luckily, has plenty to offer besides the central mystery. For starters, this is as much a comedy as it is a mystery film — perhaps more so a comedy — and it succeeds at being sharp and witty. Most of the comedy is shouldered by cowardly goofball turned unlikely protector Creighton Hale, and while he plays the comedy a bit broad — as was the style at the time — he’s practically subtle by silent film comedy standards. Assisting him with the yuks is the least funny character of the bunch. Ironically-named Mammy Pleasant drifts through the entire film with a permanent scowl on her face, popping up from time to time to loom and look on in disdain. She must have been the template for all the creepy, disapproving caretakers who would follow, and she’s wonderful.
As the sweet-natured heir to the fortune, Laura La Plante is funny and charismatic. She also has a fabulous “fear face.” A shame she didn’t do more straight horror; she would have been great at it. The rest of the cast is similarly more naturalistic in their acting. They play their roles well and without going overboard. They are all a bit on the greedy and slimy side, but not broadly so, and not so much that you can actually grow to hate any of them. Since we will be spending a lot of time in the same rooms as the cast, it’s nice not to find them totally irritating. And heck, the most unrepentantly greedy of the bunch is the one who gets the best redemptive scene, wildly riding to the rescue atop a phalanx of police carriages and ice cream trucks. It also makes the central mystery a bit harder to guess, since it really could be anyone committing these foul deeds.
From the get-go, things in The Cat and the Canary are visually weird and inspired, but that’s not surprising if you have seen a few silent films, especially late-era films of the 1920s. During the 1910s, everyone was still figuring out what they could do in this new medium. Tricks and experiments and bold ideas tended to crowd into even the simplest of movies. Whenever technology takes a leap forward — from still photography to silent film, from silent film to talkies, then on to color and Cinemascope — the potentials of the new medium are almost always explored to their fullest by horror, spectacle, and adventure films. It is in these disreputable cinematic ghettos that cinema is defined and explored. Horror was particularly important during the silent era of film. By the 1920s, however, the language of silent cinema was well-established. However, new technological innovations came around all the time, so people still had room to experiment. Leni immediately sets himself apart as not someone who is experimenting and trying to figure things out, but as a man who already understands the language of film, its potential, and how to use the tricks of the trade to great effect.
What makes The Cat and the Canary an enduring piece of entertainment no matter how well-worn the formula may have become is the way in which Paul Leni stages it. The photography and set production is gorgeous. Even though these old dark house movies don’t call for much and can be small-scale, Leni shoots hallways to appear vast and cavernous, lined by billowing curtains and menacing shadows. Scenes of ominous Mammy Pleasant walking down such hallways, tiny and black against the sets, are easy reminders of Leni’s time as part of the Expressionist movement in Germany. At the same time, other scenes are impossibly claustrophobic, shrinking in on poor Annabelle as she gets a taste of what a miserable, oppressive life Cyrus must have led as “a canary surrounded by these cats.” Many silent films look like filmed stage plays — because that’s often what they were, as the language of film itself was still being born. But even though The Cat and the Canary started life on stage, Leni’s screen adaptation does not have the closed, static feel of a filmed play. It looks and feels like a dynamic, modern movie.
As with the mystery itself being softened by decades of imitation, so too might it be easy to overlook what technical and stylistic accomplishment Leni displays with this film. In its use of more natural realistic acting, its use of images to convey plot points and ideas, its blending of genres — The Cat and the Canary turns out to be a surprisingly important little film in the development of cinema history. It’s never too spooky, but also never too goofy, and it has no interest in slowing down to take a breath. While it may be too light to be taken seriously as a horror film, as a smirking thriller it’s a joy to watch. Menacing hands, disappearing corpses, madness, lunatics on the loose, sinister caretakers, cobwebs, hijinks — that’s about as perfect a slice of breezy late-night fun as you could hope for.

industry_corpus2: Film & Entertainment


text: Out of bounds on the right side is a good reason to keep left with the tee shot. Two trees guard the front of a long narrow undulating green. Don’t go left with your approach; a deep gully is waiting to swallow up the ball.


text:
The first half of the April Games with Gold has now arrived for Xbox Live Gold members to claim. Xbox One owners can grab a hold of The Technomancer, while Xbox 360 owners can get Star Wars Battlefront II for free, this is the 2005 classic version. Also, as the latter title is in Microsoft's original Xbox backward compatibility program, it can be claimed and played natively on Xbox One consoles.
Fight on the front lines where every weapon and vehicle is yours. And now for the first time, Star Wars Battlefront II lets you... Fight as a Jedi - Earn the ability to wield a lightsaber and use Force powers like Yoda, Darth Vader and many other Heroes and Villains.
Don't forget that Plants vs. Zombies Garden Warfare 2 will be available for free to Xbox One owners until April 15, from the previous Games with Gold promotion. This will be replaced by Outcast - Second Contact on April 16.

industry_corpus2: Gaming


text:
Cancer is the most common diagnosis in adults older than 65 in the United States. As the older adult population increases and drives up malignancy diagnoses, nurse practitioners’ (NPs) and physician assistants’ (PAs) contributions to their care need to be better identified. In the results of a study published in conjunction with the 2018 American Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting, researchers reported on their exploration of the role of NPs and PAs in the oncology workforce.
Researchers measured the proportion of NPs and PAs who cared for older adults with cancer compared to other providers and examined the clinical and patient characteristics of those who received care from NPs. National Provider Identifier taxonomy codes were used to identify clinicians, and all malignancies were included. According to the study findings, NPs represented 4,806 (3.7%) of the total workforce, compared with 3,767 (2.9%) for PAs. More female patients than male patients received care from NPs or PAs (56% vs 44%), and average patient age was 70–75 years.
Researchers also noted that patients who lived in rural areas were most often treated by NPs and PAs; although rural cancer providers represent only 10% of the total workforce of cancer providers, NPs and PAs made up almost half of that number.

industry_corpus2: Health & Medicine


text:
There will be no avoiding Brexit over the next few weeks as we head towards the next stage of the political crisis which has gripped the British ruling class since it was defeated in the 2016 referendum. Negotiations with Brussels, deals and votes in parliament, demands for another vote, anguish over the Irish border, all look set to keep it in the headlines.
But it is already clear that for probably the vast majority of people the issue of what happens with Brexit is not at the top of their list of concerns. Two studies published last week point to why this might be the case. The 2017 Skills and Employment Survey, a government-funded study of about 3,300 people conducted every five years, shows that British workers are under more pressure at work than at any time in the past 25 years. They are working harder than ever but, at best, are running faster and faster but just standing still. Productivity is lower than in any other G7 country because there is a lack of investment in machinery and skills training.
Nearly a third of those surveyed said they worked at very high speeds all or almost all the time, and nearly half said they had to work very hard and meet tight deadlines. Incredibly, 90% of teachers and 70% of nurses said they were required to work very hard, and that they always or often came home from work exhausted.
The second set of figures only reinforces these feelings, because there is no respite when you leave work. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has estimated that the amount of unpaid household work carried out in the UK is worth £1.24 trillion a year. The value has grown by 80% since 2005.
The unpaid work includes childcare, laundry, cooking, but also driving to work and those lengthy periods on computers when you are sorting insurance, or banking, or paying your bills having read your own meter. The majority of this work is carried out by women, already at a disadvantage in the labour market, and under increasing pressure over their unpaid work in the home as well.
These are the figures which underline the reality that the vast majority of us experience in our daily lives. And it is a miserable, unhappy picture for many, often leading to stress and illness.
The only bright spot in this picture is that the Skills and Employment survey shows a higher level of job security than previously. With unemployment lower than at any time since the 1970s, people are less anxious about losing their jobs. However, a minority said they were very anxious about their hours fluctuating and therefore having reduced pay. These will be people on zero hours or other insecure contracts.
There are very high levels of people in employment in the UK today, women as well as men. But they are struggling with huge increases in work at home and in employment, increased burdens through cuts in caring and other facilities, increased surveillance at work, and low wages.
Labour’s plan for a People’s Brexit – if it began to deal with some of these problems – would be highly popular. But it would have to challenge the power of the employers and their friends in government and media who have presided over this acute worsening of living standards.
One pointer in how to do that were the strikes and protests at McDonalds, TGI Fridays, Wetherspoons, UberEats and Deliveroo. They were highly successful and raised all these issues on the picket line and in the media. It showed how workers can begin to challenge the narrative of drudgery at work and begin to take control of their futures.
We should challenge the idea that politics is about the Brexit deal. It’s about how we end the misery of work for millions of people. And some of the people in the worst paid and insecure jobs are getting organised – not a moment too soon.
There will be a big demonstration for a ‘people’s vote’ next weekend – because obviously the people voted the wrong way last time. I was fairly sickened to read that the great and the good – Delia Smith, Alastair Campbell, Peter Mandelson and David Miliband – are digging into their copious coffers and coming up with £1k each to fund coaches from outside London for the protest. These people see demonstrators as a stage army, there to pressurise government in support of the extreme centre, to be brought on the streets when convenient but at other times denounced as a rabble or extremists for doing so. As someone who was part of organising the biggest demo ever in British history, I don’t think this has much to do with grassroots campaigning or with how you effectively build a movement.
Our transport was not arranged centrally with rich benefactors (we never had too many of them) but by local people – trade unionists, socialists, Muslims, Christians. Taxi drivers from Preston drove protestors to London when coaches were full. It was all paid for by mosques, unions and individual donations. Campbell, Mandelson and Miliband were of course some of the main architects and defenders of the Iraq war. They ignored that demonstration but now demand we revote. Perhaps they should reflect that there might not have been a Brexit vote if politicians hadn’t lied over that war, contributing in a big way to the contempt in which so many of them are held today.
The whole Russian spy thing is a bit of a mystery to me. There are of course Russian spies, engaged in all sorts of espionage against other powers. They are certainly capable of killing their own and other nationals, of kidnapping and of cyber-attacks. But I find it all a bit one-sided. Every government has its spooks – in Britain we even have a TV series about them. We know that these spies too kill, kidnap, torture and do all sorts of terrible things in the name of national security. As for interfering in elections, well the CIA has been doing that for decades, even annulling their results when it doesn’t suit, as in Chile in 1973. And Britain’s secret services were involved in the coup against Mossadegh’s government in Iran in 1953.
It’s a thoroughly unpleasant and unnecessary business all round. But it seems some people are happy to suspend disbelief of our government. Yet don’t we know from everything in Le Carre to the Jason Bourne films that the secret services are engaged in all sorts of illegal acts and do not tell us the truth. That’s all of them.
The news that Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi was assassinated in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul should be the point at which Britain stops selling arms and dealing with the Saudi regime - and supporting the filth war in Yemen. Let’s not hold our breath. Dissidents are ok in regimes that our government doesn’t like, but not when they challenge our biggest customer in arms sales.
I protested at a press conference for Khashoggi last Thursday outside the huge Mayfair palace which is the Saudis’ London embassy, replete with machine-gun-toting guards. I send my solidarity to all those doing so in much more dangerous circumstances than me.
I was back in Downing Street on Friday to hand in a letter demanding the end to the war in Afghanistan, now 17 years old and having failed in every single one of its aims. Back in 2001, I spoke in Trafalgar Square on our first big demo against the war and said this would be ‘war without end, in the name of fighting terror’. And so it has turned out.

industry_corpus2: Politics & Administration


text:
The State government will soon start diploma and certificate courses in Yoga and Naturopathy.
Speaking at the inaugural function of Arogya Expo-2012 here on Thursday, Medical Education Minister S A Ramdas said the government will promote Ayush (Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy) in the State and focus on research to find a treatment for AIDS and non-communicable diseases. He said support from the Union government will be sought to launch the proposed courses.
S Gandhiselvan, Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, in his speech, emphasised on setting up Ayush clinics at primary and community health centres across the country. He said healing through yoga and naturopathy is the natural way of curing any disease with no side effects. Ayush clinics at the grassroots level provide access to the treatment to all sections of society.
Yoga exponent Yogacharya Dr B K S Iyengar will present some asanas at the event on Friday. The expo is being held at the Palace Grounds.
More than 250 stalls displaying Ayurvedic and organic products have been set up at the venue. The stall set up by Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana Samsthana showcased various yoga postures.


text:
HIGH ALTAR AND COMPLETE CHURCH CONTENTS READY TO LOAD AND GO FOR HALF THE PRICE!!- MUST SELL TODAY!! USED IN A MOVIE FOR 1 MONTH!
MUST SELL COMPLETE church contents for Catholic Church includes high altar. High altar is 22x10ft with communion railing. Many new products only used for a movie production for two months. This is quite the bargain!!! Call today 913 871 6444. MUST SELL BY THURSDAY. PLEASE MAKE ANY REASONABLE OFFER IF INTERESTED. THANK YOU.


text:
We danced all night like we were old friends.
We talked about our childhoods and our dreams.
Then sat in silence and swam in our dreams.
Nostalgia swept over us both.
your lips found mine and we harmonized.
But like any great song we did not last forever.
I came to realize that I was a lead soloist deserving of an entire orchestra.
And you, you were content with only humming a bass in your spare time.
You were there only half-heartedly— in flesh alone.
When I in mind, body, and soul.
About being a woman who comes a whole.
Even if that means I have to stand alone.


text:
I seen that +$150k price coming before these reports and it creates even more of a case to keep the existing Corvette style selling alongside the more exotic-car type seen here.
The $59-70k you can get a decent Vette for today is a sweet spot that is hard to give up, even import owners see it as their first step into domestic land.
This is really all going to be determined by what sort of powertrain offerings GM has in store. I think there will be many who would gladly play $100k+ for a mid engine vet with 1,000hp that would rival that of Ferrari, Lambo, Porsche etc.
I'm hoping that for the first time we can have something that can rival the GT-R, no other car maker can realistically do it, its very much within the Corvettes image to fill those shoes.
GM can fairly easily match the performance numbers we see in the GT-R, but delivering on a similar price point could be difficult. And there is something to be said about a high performance supercar that has daily driving reliability.
I don't foresee anyone using either of these cars as a daily driver, but I can understand your point. To be fair even newer models from brands like Lamborghini are much more reliable than they were in the past.
If you can afford something in this price bracket, than you can afford the cost of maintenance. A lot of premium brand have already stated that they are exploring electrification and that platform will come with a huge reduction in running costs and repairs.
Fortunately all this needs to be, and will, is a vehicle with the power of what we all dream of but the affordability of an NSX/Viper/etc.
In a way, Chevy is creating a product that's the perfect medium of what the industry has to offer.
The 'affordability' of the NSX hasn't seem to have done much for its sales. I think badge bias still plays a large role in this segment and consumers have a hard time justifying these kinds of prices of anything from Acura, Nissan etc.

industry_corpus2: Automobiles


text:
When one year ends we are very happy because it means that a stage of our lives will be over and left behind to welcome a new and much better stage.
In these last days of the year we will also think about everything that happened to us, treasuring the good things and forgetting the bad ones. On December 31st, everyone usually congratulates their loved ones through beautiful words in order to express their good feelings towards friends and family. These greetings can be sent through an SMS message or through the social networks such as Facebook.
For this reason, as the arrival of the New Year is such a special event, we have prepared a list of New Year’s Eve greetings for Facebook. Take a look and choose the style you like best.
I hope you have a great year and that you liked some these greetings.


text:
Genevieve Russell Burns known as “Aunt Genny” on a cruise in 2005.
Known to most people as “Aunt Genny,” Genevieve Russell Burns was a South Carolina native who made her home in Inwood for more than 75 years.
Burns died on Nov. 5. She was 91.
The second oldest of Benny and Catherine Russell’s 10 children, she was born on April 9, 1924 in Estill, South Carolina, and came to Inwood when she was about 16, said her son, Jeff Burns Jr.
Married to Jeff Burns Sr., the couple, for more than 50 years, opened their house to nearly 60 people, including family and friends for a sit down Christmas dinner. In 2008, the year Barack Obama was elected, everyone at the dinner wore T-shirts commemorating the election of the first African-American U.S. president.
“They were an ideal couple who fully embraced each other’s families from the moment they said ‘I do,’” said Jeff Burns Jr. “[They] held onto and upheld that sacred bond of marriage, bound by love decade after decade.” Burns Sr. died in 1988.
Burns Sr. was a decorated World War II veteran who served with the famed 761st Army Tank Battalion, an independent unit known as the Black Panthers comprised mostly of African-American soldiers due to the imposed segregation of the time.
A tremendous cook, Burns helped with her sister Geneva’s catering business which evolved into a family business for 20 years. She was also a devout member of the First Baptist Church in Far Rockaway.
In addition to her son, Jeff, Burns is survived by daughter Jean Doe, nieces Gail and Aiesha, nephew Carney Burns and his family, nephew Bobby Burns and many Burns family members, and nephews Rannell and Wallace Russell and nieces Dorothy and Pat Russell.
A service was held at Jeremiah C. Gaffney’s Funeral Home in Inwood on Nov. 10. Burns was interred at Good Hope Baptist Church in South Carolina.


text:
Advanced solutions for virtual manufacturing.
Prediction of defects and product quality prior to production.
1. Experience of QForm implementation (Customer practices).
During the first half of the seminar, we will consider how to predict common forging defects with help of QForm before production. How QForm can help to achieve error-free production. How to implement QForm in the production cycle to achieve the biggest economic benefits.
And a live demonstration of forging technology optimization in QForm will be shown as well.
2. Effective solutions and latest developments in metal forming simulation.
During the second half of the seminar, we will consider some interesting examples from users around the world.
Recent developments will be shown for existing QForm users in Turkey. And some live demo with new QForm features will be shown by Stanislav Kanevskiy.
The event is organized by QForm Group together with QForm representative in Turkey Onur Alpay (oalpay@insourceyazilim.com, +905334233642). Mr. Stanislav Kanevskiy (+79164881144, +447937963546) and Mr. Onur Alpay will make presentations about QForm software during the seminar.

industry_corpus2: Manufacturing


text:
Drug testing is a frequent cause for concern, particularly for those who regularly do drugs and face testing for criminal or employment purposes. As different drugs metabolize at varying rates, it’s not always easy to know when hair, urine, saliva, or blood will be clear of both drugs and their metabolites.
This breakdown can provide important insight into how drugs are tested and the average durations they stay in the body.
A popular drug nationwide with euphoric effects that are similar to that of cocaine and other stimulants, meth comes in numerous forms and can be smoked, snorted, or injected. Its life in the body tends to be longer than many other similar substances. Byproducts are at their peak around 12 hours after use and can be detected by a test within five to ten minutes of use.
Meth metabolites are present in the body for two to four days and can be found in urine and blood for two to three days. Hair tests can detect meth for up to 90 days. Drug tests generally look for unchanged methamphetamine and amphetamine.
Cocaine is a popular stimulant that is most commonly snorted in its pure form or smoked or ingested in the case of crack cocaine. Unlike most other drugs, the detection window for cocaine is quite short, with high doses detectable in blood tests for one to two days. Cocaine is metabolized as benzoylecgonine and ecgonine methyl ester.
For heavy users, the results can be different. Cocaine builds up in body tissue with prolonged use, leading to detectable results in urine tests for 12 to 21 days. Cocaine can be found in sweat as well, and may be present in hair for years after the cessation of use.
Marijuana is the most commonly used drug in the U.S., particularly as legality on a state level continues to spread. However, as marijuana is still illegal federally, many drug tests still look for marijuana and its metabolites, like 9-carboxy-THC and other cannabinoids.
Marijuana’s presence in the body largely depends on frequency of use as THC is stored in fat cells and released slowly into the bloodstream. For someone who doesn’t smoke often, marijuana clears up in urine in five days or less but may be present for several weeks in those who are heavy users. It can stay in the blood for up to two weeks and in the hair for up to 90 days.
Lysergic acid diethylamide, or LDS, is a hallucinogenic drug also known as acid. A party drug that is frequently associated with raves, acid has a short half-life of just two to four hours but can leave traces in the body for longer. Most tests screen for the metabolite 2-Oxo-3-hydroxy-LSD, a substance that is broken down and excreted through urine. The body fully metabolizes LSD fully in around 48 hours.
Urine panels aren’t very effective for LSD due to the low levels detectable, but hair tests can show results for up to 90 days. Blood is not commonly used to test for LSD as LSD is only detectable in blood for several hours.
Opiate use is on the rise in the United States, with overdose levels growing at alarming rates. As such, most standard drug panels now screen for synthetic opioids, like morphine and hydrocodone, heroin, and analogues of common substances. Metabolites can vary based on the opiate in use, but common varieties include noroxymorphone and 6-acetylmorphine.
While opiates move through the body quite quickly, results for most forms of opiates can be detected after the effects wear off. Heroin can be detected in urine for two to seven days and blood for around six days. A saliva test is the least effective, with the ability to detect heroin for just five hours, while hair tests are the best, showing signs of heroin for up to 90 days.
Synthetic opiates are more variable. Morphine, for example, can only be detected in the blood for around 12 hours and urine for three days. Codeine can only be tested in urine and blood for around a day.
Barbiturates are currently rarely prescribed due to better options available but are still occasionally used for conditions like insomnia and anxiety. Like opiates, barbiturates vary greatly from one type to another and thus have variable detection windows.
Short-acting barbiturates, such as secobarbital and pentobarbital, have short half-lives and thus are less likely to be present long-term in blood, although urine tests can still detect traces for up to six weeks. Longer-acting barbiturates, like phenobarbital, can be identified in the blood for around three weeks, urine for six weeks, and hair for up to 90 days.
Like barbiturates, benzodiazepine refers to a class of drug and not a specific drug itself. As such, the impact on drug tests and the relevant metabolites can vary quite dramatically based on the substance ingested. Valium, for example, will show up in a blood test for a few days but in urine for several weeks, while Xanax, if taken in small doses, may not appear at all, with short detection windows lasting no more than a week. Chronic users are more likely to see results past this point. Common metabolites of popular benzos include nordiazepam, temazepam, and alpha-hydroxyalprazolam.
Drug testing results can vary based on drug of choice, frequency of use, and amounts ingested. However, when tests on urine, or saliva are completed in a reasonable time frame, most drugs or their metabolites are available in detectable levels.


text:
BuzzFeed has hired the fantastically coiffed Shani Hilton as Senior Editor. Her beat will focus on culture. She will relocate from Washington, D.C. to Manhattan.
Hilton begins on Feb. 18.
Previously, Hilton worked for Washington City Paper and most recently worked for the NBC Washington website, where she was the morning editor. She earned a degree in journalism from Howard University.

industry_corpus2: Media & Journalism


text:
Daisen-in Temple is the most famous sub-temple of Daitoku-ji Temple. Its beautiful garden is one of the greatest in Japan. Large rocks have been arranged in a small space to represent mountains and ravines. The garden employs all the elements of a classic Song dynasty Chinese landscape painting, but brings a three-dimensional form in a garden which surrounds the main hall on all four sides. The dry river landscape is a metaphor for the journey of life - from the narrow rapids of youth to the more mature stream of adulthood. Rocks symbolize human trials and tribulations. Eventually, the river empties out into a flat void of white gravel which symbolizes the void of death to which all travelers return. Further out stands a lone Bodhi tree beyond two gravel cones, which represent the obstacles to the attainment of enlightenment.
Daisen-in Temple's main hall is one of the few original buildings to survive the fire that destroyed much of Daitoku-ji Temple. It is one of the oldest remaining examples of the Hojo style of Zen-Buddhist architecture, and its painted screens are also masterpieces. Everything about this temple speaks to the deep beauty of the Zen aesthetic. It is a must-see.

industry_corpus2: Travel & Geography


text:
Tool to compute and simplify a square root. The square root for a number N, is the number noted sqrt(N) that, multiplied by itself, equals N.
Team dCode likes feedback and relevant comments; to get an answer give an email (not published). It is thanks to you that dCode has the best Square Root tool. Thank you.
> [News]: Discover the next version of dCode Square Root!
How to calculate a square root?
How to write a square root?
In computer science there is the character √ (Unicode U+221A).
The word sqrt is generally used in the formula to indicate a square root, the word comes from the contraction of square root.
A square number is the square of an integer.
Example: 3 is an integer, 3^2 = 3*3 = 9 then 9 is a square number.
If the square root of a number x is an integer, then x is a square number.
Improve the Square Root page!

industry_corpus2: Computing & Telecommunications


text:
Golden-Mantled Rosella Personality, Food & Care – Pet Birds by Lafeber Co.
If you want a gorgeous bird for an aviary or habitat setting, or have the space in your home to give this bird the appropriate room, then the golden-mantled rosella might be the bird for you.
The golden-mantled rosella, often called the Eastern rosella and the white-cheeked rosella, originates in Australia and is the most colorful and popular parrot of the rosella family. The golden-mantle rosella parrot is a favorite among fanciers because of its stunning appearance and gentle nature. It is possibly the most stunning of the rosellas because of the palate of bright colors that grace its feathers. It has a crimson head and chest, white cheeks, bright yellow belly, cobalt shoulders, flight and tail feathers, a pale green underbelly and a darker green back. Its beak is white and its feet are a light gray. This bird looks like piece of art. It is about 12 inches long, about the size of a sun conure, though its tail is longer, its head is smaller, and it has a more slender appearance.
The golden-mantled rosella is native to southeast Australia and Tasmania. It inhabits open forests, woodlands, gardens as well as parks, and its wild diet consists many of native grass seeds, herbs, fruits and flowering buds.
Rosellas need space and a good diet to thrive. The largest cage you can afford is ideal, but be careful that the bars are the correct spacing for a bird with this head size. An aviary situation is great for rosellas, which will live peacefully together in a large enough space. Rosellas also love to bathe, so offer a shallow dish or pan of water for bathing.
A rosella’s diet should include lots of fruit and vegetables, and some healthy table foods. Your hand-fed, tame rosella will love to sit on your shoulder at the dinner table, and will be quite well behaved, unlike many birds that will tend to wander. This is a good way to reinforce the bond between you and your bird, and you can feed him tidbits from you plate. These birds are reported to live for more than 25 years if cared-for properly.
A gentle, easy-going bird, the golden-mantled rosella can be an ideal family pet. It is not a cuddler, and will not stand for much petting, but will be content to ride around on your shoulder. A very tame rosella is a good bird for a child who is mature enough to behave properly around any bird. As with all birds, there is the possibility of biting, so be careful with a child’s tender fingers. Rosellas make great aviary birds, and will still retain their pet quality in a flighted situation if you take the time to play with them.
A well-socialized golden-mantled rosella can become quite attached to you and will relish your company. He may become despondent if you do not have to time to spend with him. In this case, you may want to consider two.
The golden-mantled rosella is not a consistently noisy bird, save for some chattering and shrill contact calls, which can be loud. The golden-mantled rosella is not a great talker, but it might pick up a few simple words. If you want a great whistler, the golden-mantled rosella is a bird for you; play a CD of whistle songs while you are at work, and you might find that your rosella picks up tunes easily.
Rosellas housed in aviaries ground forage, which makes them more susceptible to fungal infections and intestinal worm infections, which means diligence in keeping their enclosure clean. Rosellas are also susceptible to psittacosis.
Rosellas, including golden-mantled rosellas, are more likely to be available from a bird breeder or from an avian-specialty store.


text:
Perfect for wrapping yourself up when relaxing or lounging, it's COZY & COMFORTABLE FOR EVERY OCCASION.
Incredibly soft and uniquely beautiful , will make the perfect snugly warm bed for your loved one.
Thick knitted throw blanket This super chunky giant bulky yarn is very soft, not prick, crumbly, resilient,A tight-knit weave ensures it will not lose shape or have loose threads.
Our knitted blanket that can add flair to every space, brightening up your bed, couch, or chair.


text:
Causes of hepatosplenomegaly is easy!
I use the word hepatosplenomegaly as a guide.
myeloproliferative diseases like leukaemia & lymphomas.
I also remember other vital infections like CMV, hepatitis, rubella with it!
Associated with cirrhosis of the liver and Budd Chiari syndrome.
It also reminds me of other protozoal diseases like malaria, schistosomiasis & filariasis!
N for Niemann-Pick disease. Think of other metabolic diseases like Gaucher's disease, Hurler's disease.
And finishing OMEGALY with Acromegaly!
If you don't want to remember everything, just make sure you mention haematological causes, infectious causes, portal hypertension and metabolic diseases.


text:
It was great they helped me with everything that I needed. And they gave me a lot of options to choose from. They also contacted/called me and asked me if I need help or wanted to go for a test drive.
The sales person I dealt with at Valley BMW was easy to talk to and was easy to get hold of on the phone when needed. What made this more complicated was I don't live anywhere near this dealer in Modesto CA. I asked if they would meet me halfway just to show me the car and let me inspect and drive it, no obligation. We both drove about 2 hrs and met up. The sales person, informed me of financing offers for BMWs and said, pretty much the price of he car was the price of the car, no haggling. Having done some research, the asking price was a good price for this car. I didn't have a trade so that made the deal easy, pay the price and doc fees and shipping. I live out of state, so the dealer was nice enough to split the $500 shipping fee, down to $250. $250 to deliver the car to my house seemed liker a deal! Looking at the car, it was in the promised condition, no dents and perfect. At our meeting spot, all the salesman had all the paperwork prepped including loan papers. Wrote a check and the car gets delivered to my house, they even threw in a free BMW shirt. It was a painless way to buy a car from a dealer 200 miles away.
Price their certified pre-owned cars very aggressively. Good inventory. Sales staff a little weak on knowing their product. Process was pretty smooth, but like most car buying experiences you better plan on being there for a long time.
Excellent service. The person I spoke with was very helpful.
I purchased a used 3 series here. I generally expect the car buying experience to be littered with slimy high pressure tactics. Happy to report my experience here was extremely straight forward with none of the usual games. I called ahead to inquire about a pre-owned car in their inventory. I dealt with a great sales manager, Harbans, who had the car freshly washed, gassed up, and ready to test drive when I arrived. I'm highly satisfied with my car buying experience here, would recommend.


text:
Want to learn more about what HUD homes are and the exciting opportunities they offer?
Submit your information and instantly get a call from one of our Maryland HUD experts.
your first home, your dream home or your next investment property.

industry_corpus2: Real Estate & Construction


text:
Thanks for choosing LabelsRus! We look forward to working with you on your very special wedding invitations.
NOTE: This form will NOT require you to enter any payment information. This is simply to help us build your proof and calculate your total due.
We will send you your total via ETSY after you approve your proofs.
Let us know how to get in touch with you!
We'll quote you in an Etsy message before your final total.
Color Choices - Please list the colors you would like us to use on your suites.
PLEASE NOTE: Envelope color choices MUST BE CHOSEN FROM THE UPGRADE DROP-DOWN. Specialty envelope requests made here without an upgrade selection will be disregarded.
Please enter the information to be printed on your invitations below. We'll take care of formatting! Your order includes three free proofs - any additional revisions will require a $5 fee to compensate work time.Please make sure to CAREFULLY read over your information before submitting. We'll correct any obvious spelling errors, but to minimize proof time, make sure your information is spot-on.
PLEASE WRITE EXACTLY AS YOU WOULD LIKE THE TEXT TO BE PRINTED.
Belly Band - Text that is printed on your invitation wrappers or center tags.
Upload Photo - Use this ONLY if you ordered a design that includes a photo.
These items will be factored into your total cost.
Please use this ONLY if you've requested envelope printing!
If you chose to include matching Thank-You cards, please personalize below.
That's all for now! Expect your proof in 1-2 days.
PLEASE NOTE: Hitting "SUBMIT" will not require you to enter any payment info.
You will place your final order via a custom Etsy link sent directly to you by us.


text:
Call Q-Cuts at 918-742-4242 and book your party today!
Parents are welcome to bring snacks, cake, ice-cream, drinks for adults or extra drinks for party guests and goody bags!
Birthday Girl is always FREE!
Birthday Boy/Girl is always FREE!

industry_corpus2: Hospitality & Catering


text:
This site offers resources galore for educators, parents, and school psychologists.
This site features a simple layout with very few graphics. All index pages are approved by the Center for Applied Special Technology (CAST) for accessibility to visually disabled visitors.
The simple layout of this site makes navigating easy, even for beginners. An index and a bookstore facilitate ordering resources online.
At School Psychology Resources, visitors can find information on numerous disabilities, special education law, parenting, and many other mental-health related topics. This site is useful not only for education professionals but also for parents of children with disabilities. This one-stop site provides characteristics of disabilities, offers ideas for teaching disabled students, and advocates for students with disabilities.


text: A lovely cleared waterfront lot on Bay River. It i.s an acre lot with beautiful views and million dollar sun sets. If you like fishing and all the water sports this is where you need to build your home. Close to the Pamlico Sound and the ICW.


text:
Gorge walking is a combined rock and water based activity.
During the activity you will ascend the finest gorge in Snowdonia.
We travel upstream, walking, swimming, jumping, and negotiating obstacles.
Just bring along a change of clothes and a towel.
We advise you to wear an old pair of trainers.


text:
Need More Optical Inputs? This Device Will Instantly Convert 1 Into 2!
This incredible unit is the perfect solution to expand upon the available digital audio connections. With 2 optical inputs and 1 output, this compact device is an invaluable addition for a growing collection of technology.
As this 2 Port Optical Switch is a powered solution, one of the main features is the integrated signal amplifier. This not only ensures flawless audio reproduction but will supercharge the optical output to reach a staggering transmission distance of up to 40 metres.


text:
blog home Personal Injury What Are Some Common Los Angeles Catastrophic Injury Causes?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) define a catastrophic injury in part as one that causes ongoing disabilities or other challenges even after it has fully healed. Traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, severe burns, compound bone fractures, and crush injuries are all examples of catastrophic injuries.
Falls from scaffolding or other heights, electrical or chemical burns, or accidents involving equipment or piles of materials or files that fall over, can easily cause severe harm. While construction and manufacturing workers face the highest risk of these types of accidents, no worker and no workplace is completely safe.
Medical errors resulting from inattention to the standard of care can easily result in harm to any part of the body, including the brain, spinal cord, major organs, or limbs. Severe infections also pose a serious risk of catastrophic injury to patients who suffer from medical mistakes.
A car accident can cause traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, broken bones, amputations, crush injuries, and other catastrophic harm. It only takes a moment of distraction behind the wheel to do serious damage to another driver, bicyclist, motorcyclist, or pedestrian.
Attorney Joseph H. Low IV is dedicated to helping those who have been injured by catastrophic accidents in Southern California. If you’re struggling to recover from a serious injury, contact our office today for a confidential consultation.
The Law Firm of Joseph H. Low IV can be reached at (888) 454-5569.

industry_corpus2: Law & Justice


text:
Full STEAM ahead: into the future of making space for girls in the career fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math.
According to a recent report by Microsoft, girls and young women remain less likely to pursue education and careers in science, technology, engineering, and math; in short, STEM, or STEAM if you consider the lack of women in design. As a mom of daughters, this hits too close to home. As a woman deeply involved in a variety of STEAM businesses, projects, products, and startups, I feel a sense of duty, to bring awareness, not only to the issue of lack, but also to potential solutions. Why grow a voice if it can’t be used to encourage change?
Mary Hadley from MakerGirl talked with me about their Girl STEM Education and mentorship program. MakerGirl is an organization that started in 2014 at the University of Illinois, and introduces young girls to the exciting world of STEM fields through 3D printing sessions and creative activities. Their goal is to show girls, especially in the age range of 7-10, that they can be both analytical and creative in one space. And, even more impressive, is they are teaching girls, through 3D printing, that they can fail, start over, troubleshoot, and figure it out, and that it isn’t a bad thing to work through that process… something I don’t think we instill often enough.
Recently we have been seeing ads on TV from GE where they were having everyone thank their mentors. That’s what MakerGirl is creating by creating a mentorship environment from the college to the early elementary ages. I love their approach because it fosters that attitude of mentorship throughout the entire career. Many of us women haven’t found the right female mentors over time, which is detrimental to long-term careers.
Hadley pointed out that one of the MakerGirl team members is always speaking the message that, in order to feel like you belong somewhere, in a certain field or career, you need to see someone that looks like you. And I couldn’t agree more. The girls go into a workshop or class and see women in these colleges, in these courses, in these STEAM fields, and it lets them know they belong there. On the flip side, the lack of women right now, is teaching the opposite, and I believe, dissuading girls from staying the STEAM course.
Why Such A Heavy Focus on Such A Small Age Range?
Data has shown us, time and time again, that middle school is when girls fall off the STEAM train. MakerGirl, using this data, is focused on trying to boost and invigorate the girls interest before it drops off, which makes a lot of sense. 3D printing is so unique and has such a cool factor to it, that I imagine this draw at least gets their participants wondering enough to attend their first class.
Holding their first pilot session at Harvard is only one of the many highlights this past year has shown the MakerGirl supporters. Hadley talked with me, enthusiastically, about new growth and plans for the new year, and her energy was contagious. Of course they plan to continue their #MakerGirlGoesMobile road trips, something you can (and should) learn more about.
In addition, their plans for college campus partnerships feels like it’s just the beginning. Since their start in 2014, over 3,000 girls that have gone through their program. “Our big goals right now are to have ten academies and reach 10,000 girls by 2023.” When I asked Hadley, as we closed out our interview, if there was a certain area of 3D they hoped to focus, medicine was front and center. As I am typing this, a woman in Australia just received the very first 3D printed jaw implant, which brings me to my final point: These aren’t just workshops or curriculum. It isn’t just printing. This is an opportunity to change the world and the future by shaping the right now. This is our chance, as a collective society, to see lack and turn it into abundance. These young girls will, without a doubt, if given the opportunity and mentorship, change the world for your children, and their children, a mission I can stand behind 100%… how about you?
Read the original INC article published on January 4, 2018.


text:
Get Styled By Jonathan Simkhai And Enjoy An R29 Giveaway!
You remember Jonathan Simkhai, right? One of our favorite emerging designers from Spring 2011, Simkhai is growing by leaps and bounds and right now may be your last chance to get in on the ground floor before this up-and-comer becomes a next-big-thing. To get the inside skinny on him, we're inviting you to Jonathan Simkhai's Trunk show tomorrow at A Man and A Woman, where he'll be styling and putting together looks from his Spring 2011 collection all day long and offering up a special discount for his pals here at R29, as well as a special giveaway for our readers (details below). Don't miss out, or this time next year you'll be cursing yourself for not getting close up with this emerging talent back in the day.
R29 Discount: All readers will get 15% off all purchases. Just mention your friends, Refinery29, at checkout.
Tomorrow, Saturday March 19, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; A Man and A Woman Boutique, 14 Christopher Street, (at Waverly Place); 212-929-6156.
R29 GIVEAWAY: One crafty reader will get the Moto vest, (pictured above left) a $475 value, for free. Just comment with the best one-sentence reason why you love New York by Wednesday, March 23. Leave your entry in the comments below. Good luck.

industry_corpus2: Others