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As I reflect on the last 38 months in command I marvel at the accomplishments of the Soldiers of the 108th Training Command — but am not surprised. I knew that as we consolidated, reorganized and transformed Initial Entry Training units from six different DIVITs, each with their own proud legacy, that the whole would be greater than the sum of the parts. The leveraging of our collective experiences and capabilities has created a uniquely capable and flexible training organization. With hard work at every level you have increased qualified Drill Sergeant strength from less than 50 percent to nearly 90 percent, with 100 percent just within reach. Concurrent with massive reorganizations you have accomplished every mission: from our assigned training base expansion missions at the TRADOC Army Training Centers; to standing up and executing pre-deployment training at the Army Reserve Regional Training Centers; to training recalled IRR and over one-half of the individual augmentee Sailors at Task Force Marshall; to changing Sailors, Airmen and Marines into Soldiers at the Warrior Transition Course; to continued support with trainers in Iraq and Afghanistan; to establishing a new Office of Program Management in support of training Saudi Arabian facility protection forces; to training a new generation of future officers at the ROTC Warrior Forge and Leader Training Courses; to West Point support; and most recently a short fuse mission to establish the first female Afghan OCS program by a 100 percent female contingent of six of our Drill Sergeants, 1st Sgt. and company commander. Bottom line, you have done all required to establish your bona fides as an operational reserve; ready and able to train not only basic trainees, but Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen or Marines of any country, stateside or overseas.
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Goodbye to Major General James B. Mallory III
I first met then Lt. Col. James Mallory almost 15 years ago as part of 1st Team, the senior leadership team for 1st Brigade, 108th Division Training. I was a 1st Sgt. and acting Command Sgt. Maj. in the 2nd Battalion, 485th Regiment in Asheboro, N.C. and he commanded the 1st Battalion, 518th Regiment in Asheville, N.C.
I then served under him briefly when I was assigned as the Command Sgt. Maj. of the 3rd Battalion, 318th Regiment in Hickory, N.C. while he was the Commander of the 1st Brigade, 108th Division.
In 1999, I became the Commandant of the 108th Division Drill Sergeant School (DSS). Shortly after becoming the Commandant I was proud to be presiding over my first graduation class. From a class start of twenty eight candidates we had eight, "The Great Eight" I called them, to graduate. To graduate from DSS at that time it typically took over a year to complete the course. And we were graduating two classes a year. During the length of a course a number of issues could come in a Soldier's life that would cause them to drop from the course.
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104th bids farewell to Vancouver barracks
The 104th Division's ties to the Pacific Northwest began in World War II, when the Division trained at Camp Adair, Oregon. Our nickname, the Timberwolves, and shoulder patch, a howling wolf symbolizes the free spirit of the Northwest. Our ties were cemented in December 1946, when the 104th Division, was activated at the Vancouver Barracks. Many people; judges, business men and women and ordinary citizens have become Timberwolves.
The strength of the Army Reserve is that we are citizen Soldiers. In the last sixty three years, the Timberwolves have given back to our communities. Some of these actions were small, like reviving a Camp Fire Girl camp on the Washougal River, or assisting Clark County and the City of Vancouver recover wrecked and abandoned vehicles; to giving free rides to recreation sites for needy youths. We have also given back in larger ways.
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95th Training Division (IET) Iron Men of Metz
Drill Sergeants are held to the highest standards and our nation places enormous expectations on our Soldiers. The 95th Division provides premier Drill Sergeants to the U.S. Army and delivers the finest training to the newest members of our Army. Our Drill Sergeants are first and foremost dedicated professionals. They are combat seasoned non-commissioned officers, highly trained, motivated, mature and extremely competent. Given today's challenging conditions and operations tempo the demands continue to stress our Drill Sergeant force. Regardless of the challenges, this is an exceptional group of warriors.
For those who serve in the Initial Entry Training (IET) environment we should reflect daily on our Drill Sergeants' accomplishments and give pause to the tremendous pressures put upon them and their Families. Despite the multiple tasks they are directed to accomplish, the numerous mobilizations and deployments performed and the difficult circumstances in which they operate, I am proud to say our Drill Sergeants are performing superbly. These magnificent warriors are tried, tested and have never failed in their missions. They consistently espouse a "Mission First, People Always" mantra that is reflected in the great successes our troops have achieved on and off the battlefield.
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98th Training Division (IET) Iroquois Warriors
This has been a very busy year for the Soldiers and Families of the 98th Division. Our Drill Sergeants, Instructors, and the Soldiers that support them have conducted a wide variety of missions both overseas and here in the United States. Our Drill Sergeants have been providing world class training to our Army's newest Soldiers at Ft. Benning, Ga., Ft. Knox, Ky., Ft. Jackson, S.C., and Ft. Leonard Wood, Mo. Our officers and NCOs have also been training other Army Reserve units at the three Regional Training Centers at Ft. Dix, N.J., Ft. McCoy, Wis., and Ft. Hunter Ligget, Calif. Other missions include training ROTC Cadets at their annual Basic and Advanced Training Camps, training US Military Academy Cadets at West Point, N.Y., and advising security forces in Iraq. Our Soldiers have time and again proven themselves to be extremely capable and dedicated professionals. They fill extremely important positions within the active component training base and consistently earn the praise of the training base leadership. In spite of the high operational pace and the associated stress that comes with these missions, our Soldiers and Families have demonstrated exceptional courage, commitment and resilience. They truly are "the strength of our nation."
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Farewell and welcome!
As you read this article we will have essentially bid farewell to Maj. Gen. James Mallory, commanding general 108th Training Command (IET) and welcomed his successor, who at the time of my writing this article has not be announced. What is known is that we have bid farewell to a truly visionary and transformational leader in Maj. Gen. Mallory.
I would like to thank Maj. Gen. Mallory for having provided me the opportunity to serve as the 108th Training Command (IET) SCXO. I joined the 108th Training Command the same month Maj. Gen. Mallory assumed command. From the onset, I found Maj. Gen. Mallory to possess a strong sense of strategic leadership in terms of his vision for the command and his ability to transcend the command from one of many training divisions to the sole provider of Initial Entry Training (IET) to the entire United States Army Reserve.
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The desire to become a Warrant Officer and 'new' vacancies
A beautiful fresh Spring season is upon us! The sun actually peaked through the clouds. How marvelous it seems after the cold, bleak winter we all endured. It is with this beautiful season that I feel invigorated to face the very important issues before us. During this past quarter, fifty four 920A Property Accounting Technician Positions were added to the TDA. There are fifty three 420A Human Resource Technician Positions to be added to the TDA during fall 2010. What does this mean? Well, there are several things that should happen in order to fill these positions.
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Alcohol dependence (defined as five or more drinks in the same sitting) is a powerful disorder with enormous health consequences. Alcohol dependence and chronic, excessive alcohol consumption are associated with a high risk of developing various types of chronic diseases, including psychiatric conditions, neurologic impairment and cardiovascular disease, some of which are fatal. It is estimated that in the year 2000, alcohol-consumption was responsible for 85,000 deaths, or 3.5% of all deaths, in the United States, making alcohol consumption the third leading behavioral cause of death after tobacco use, poor diet and physical inactivity. More than 55,000 veterans were admitted into addiction treatment facilities in 2000 .
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A brief history of the 104th Training Division Timberwolves
The 104th Division was formed in August of 1921, in the Organized Reserves, as the United States Army Reserves was known then. Its headquarters was at Fort Douglas, Utah, drawing its soldiers from Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Utah, and Nevada, and was known as the Frontier Division. 104th Division soldiers wore a shoulder patch with a grey wolf's head on a green background to denote this. This patch and the soldiers who wore it would become famous in World War II.
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Best Warrior Competition:
This year's 95th Training Division (IET) Best Warrior Competition (BWC) was hosted by 3rd Brigade from March 28 through April 2 at Fort Knox, Ky. The competition kicked off with 25 soldiers vying for titles of Soldier, Non-Commissioned Officer and Drill Sergeant of the Year.
The winners were Staff Sgt. Kyle Drube, 3-415, 2nd Brigade, Drill Sergeant of the Year; Staff Sgt. Mark Mercer, 3-378, 1st Brigade, Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year; and Spc. Treveron Anglin, 3-415, 2nd Brigade, Soldier of the Year.
The annual event vets division soldiers to determine the best candidates to send forward to the next level of competitions at the Army Reserve Command. The three soldiers selected will now have an opportunity to hone their skills and represent the division with hopes of taking home their respective titles for the entire Army Reserve.
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98th Division Soldiers return to school
Soldiers of the 98th Training Division (IET) returned to school from March 8th through 14th at Iroquois University. Their campus was the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Atlanta, Ga. and their professors were Soldiers and civilians from the 98th Training Division and Army Reserve Command Headquarters.
"We had Soldiers and civilians attending from across the eastern portion of the country. We needed a high quality low cost site to conduct our training. The USARC headquarters is right down the road from the hotel, so the combination of factors was perfect for our needs," said Sgt. Maj. Rick Wark, 98th Training Division, G3.
This year's curriculum consisted of classes on the new Unit Status Reporting (USR) system, Individual Training and Readiness System (ITRS), and the Duty Appointed Retention NCO (DARN) program. The classes were offered in response to comments noted during the division command inspection program.
The USR class was well received by the student body. "We should do this a lot more often, this was very informative," said Master Sgt. Jodi Johnson, 2nd Brigade Operations non-commissioned officer in charge. Mr. Clement Knight, unit administrator, 1/417 of 3rd Brigade added, "This was extremely helpful to a new employee like me. Overall it was a great experience." This is the third year the 98th Division has offered classes through Iroquois University.
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Distinguished honor graduate drawn to Military at young age
As a kid, Staff Sgt. Jason Sterling liked to ride his mountain bike around his tiny hometown of 583 people. He also watched in curiosity as his father put on his Battle Dress Uniform and headed out the door to "play Army." The Fordland, Mo., native said after graduating high school he made the decision to join the military and become a Soldier, just like his dad. Now, 24 years old, Sterling can annotate another distinction to his six-year military career, the designation as a United States Army Reserve Drill Sergeant.
Forty-three Soldiers graduated from Class 003, USAR Drill Sergeant School at Ft. Knox, Ky., on March 20 and Sterling was named Distinguished Honor Graduate. He is currently assigned to 2nd Battalion, 334th Regiment, 95th Training Division (IET) based in Granite City, Ill., just east of St. Louis, Mo.
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Chaplains Corner...
Soon summer will be fully upon us. Praise the Lord! But when I was a little boy, the late spring and early summer could mean storms, and swelling creeks all around us. And thus spring, beautiful as it was, meant a time for potential danger.
In those seasons when storms threatened our little chicken farm, on the Louisianan-Mississippi border, I had to go out into the chicken yard and gather up all of the bitties, the chicks, and rescue them from the coming storm. We had a special place for them to keep them safe until the storm had passed. It was not only my responsibility but also my heart's duty to go and search extensively for every single chick and bring them into the safety of the coop.
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DEP training prepares new recruits for Army Basic Training
LAS VEGAS, Nev. — On Jan. 9, 18 enlistees from Kingman and Bullhead City, Ariz. got a taste of Army Basic prior to going to their Basic Training school, courtesy of Delta Company, 1-415th Brigade Combat Team's drill sergeants.
Sgt. 1st Class Mark Waxler and Sgt. Martinez, recruiters from Bull Head City, transported the new enlistees over 75 miles to the Ryland G. Taylor Reserve Center in Las Vegas to attend the 1-415th's Delayed Entry Program (DEP) training.
The DEP training prepares new Soldiers for Basic Training by running them through a day similar to what these new recruits can expect when they hit the ground at Basic Training.
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Advancing Customer Excellence in 2010
I am crossing my fingers that the Griffon and this article will be published prior to the Command's fulltime conference as an introduction to the Chief Executive Officers Command Customer Service Initiative. (If not, please continue to read anyway!)
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New Junior Enlisted Promotions Policy
On Sept. 21, 2003, the United States Army Reserve obtained approval for an exception to policy (ETP) from the Department of the Army, enabling the USAR to promote without regard to vacancy junior enlisted Soldiers to the ranks of Sgt. and Staff Sgt. The intent of this ETP was two-fold: to allow the USAR to increase its personnel end strength and to better take care of junior enlisted Soldiers during a time of war. This ETP also had the effect of making promotion to the ranks of Sgt and Staff Sgt., which was quite similar to the process used to promote senior enlisted Soldiers to the ranks of Sgt. 1st Class and Sgt. Maj., more like advancement to the ranks of Pvt. 2 and Spc.
As of Sept. 30, 2009, the AR had not only met but exceeded its personnel end strength goal. Therefore, DA allowed the ETP enabling the AR to promote without regard to vacancy junior enlisted Soldiers to the ranks of Sgt. – Staff Sgt. to expire on Sept. 30 2009. By allowing this ETP to expire, junior enlisted promotions to the rank of Sgt. – Staff Sgt. no longer bear a similarity to advancements to the ranks of Pvt. 2 and Spc. DA re-implemented old policy effective Oct. 1, 2009 making junior enlisted promotions once again quite similar to senior enlisted promotions.
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2nd Battalion, 415th Regiment holds Best Drill Sergeant Competition
Initially it sounded like an easy enough tasking; plan, prepare, and host a battalion level competition to determine the 2nd Battalion, 415th Regiments best drill sergeant. Like most taskings, it came with its own unique mix of challenges and constraints.
Lt. Col. Brian Young, battalion commander, 2/415, wanted "a tough and challenging competition that forced every competitor to push hard and learn something about him or herself." Because the event would take place during the battalion's semi-annual collective training FTX (Field Training Exercise) at Fort Hunter Liggett, Calif. the event had to be: self contained, last no longer than one day, be all inclusive (test fitness, warrior skills, attention to detail, knowledge and clearly determine the top three competitors).
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Soldier's Gold Mine
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Sand Hill gets new Basic Combat Training Unit
FORT BENNING, Ga. — A new unit has cranked up on Sand Hill and will spend the next year turning civilians into Soldiers as an additional basic combat training agent for the 192nd Infantry Brigade.
An activation ceremony took place March 31 for 1st Battalion, 378th Infantry Regiment, 98th Training Division (IET), a Reserve element that comes to Fort Benning from LaFayette, La. Leaders said the formation supports the Army's overall growth and provides the brigade with an extra training outfit to handle the recruit surge that typically hits Sand Hill every summer.
Col. Terrence McKenrick, the 192nd Infantry Brigade commander, said the battalion assumes a "challenging and critically important mission" of training new Soldiers for the generating force.
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108th Training Command (IET) wins 2009 Reserve Family Readiness Award
The DoD Reserve Family Readiness Awards Program was established in 2000 to recognize the top unit in each of the reserve components. Family readiness programs are particularly important as we rely on significant numbers of reservists to serve in critical locations worldwide. Family readiness has proven to be a key component of mission readiness. Robust family readiness programs have enhanced the deployability of our Guard and Reserve units and they represent a vital link in the support networks for our reserve families.
The U.S. Army Reserve winner was the 108th Training Command (IET) located in Charlotte, North Carolina. The 108th supports 12,000 soldiers in various phases of deployment; the 108th has been a leader in the development of Family Readiness efforts. To improve Soldier and Family quality of life programs, the 108th has developed a program called the "Community Connections" Initiative.
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From the Family Programs Office...
As the Acting Family Program Director for the 108th Training Command (IET), I would like to make our Families aware of a new service and some upcoming events regarding Child, Youth & School Services (CYSS).
Our newest initiative is Survivor Outreach Service (SOS). It is an Army-wide program designed to provide dedicated and comprehensive support to Survivors of deceased Soldiers. The SOS program is designed specifically to meet the needs of the Army's Survivor population, with dedicated resources, and a commitment to providing first-class service for as long as the Family desires. Ms. Stacey Gilbert is the point of contact located at the 108th Tng, Cmd. at [email protected]
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US Army Small Arms (All Army) Championship
FORT DIX, N.J. — The mission of Regional Training Center-East is to train Army units for war, resulting in reduced post-mobilization training time.
The cadre and staff of RTC-East take this mission very seriously and continually strive to provide the absolute best training and instruction possible. One of the best ways to confirm or validate whether your instructors and cadre have the knowledge and capability to perform is to place them in direct competition with the best the Army has to offer.
That is exactly what happened in February at Ft. Benning, Ga. as a team from RTC-East attended the 2010 US Army Small Arms (All Army) Championship.
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108th Training Command (IET) employees attend Malcolm Baldridge Self-Assessment Course
The 108th Training Command (IET) continues to move forward in educating its employees in the Malcolm Baldridge Criteria in an effort to continue its advancement in performance excellence. This year, the command sent 20 employees representing various sections and work segments to include a mixture of TPU, AGR, and Miltechs to the ACOE self-assessment course. The most recent course was held in Jacksonville, Fla. where a group of 12 representatives brainstormed with the goal of providing a basic framework to the ACOE packet by answering all 208 questions. The experience and knowledge gained can best be captured by a few selected quotes from some of the attendees.
Col. Eddie Singleton (G-4 Directorate) "The biggest challenge was answering "how" we do something command-wide verses "what" we do. Also, we often found ourselves stretching and answering what we should be doing verses what we were actually doing. Sometimes it was hard to admit that we just weren't doing some things that we should be doing."
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108th Training Command celebrates Black History Month
CHARLOTTE, North Carolina — Soldiers from the 108th Training Command (IET) headquarters gathered in the drill hall here Feb. 21 to observe Black History Month. Mr. Malcolm E. Beech Sr., a native of Kinston, N.C. served as the guest speaker at the event. Black History Month is a remembrance of important people and events in the history of African Americans and is celebrated annually in the United States in February. The remembrance was founded in 1926 by United States historian Carter G. Woodson as "Negro History Week". Woodson chose the second week of February because it marked the birthdays of two Americans who greatly influenced the lives and social condition of African Americans: former President Abraham Lincoln and abolitionist and former slave Frederick Douglass.
During his speech Beech commented on the theme of this year's event, "The History of Black Economic Empowerment". Beech graduated from Morehouse College in Atlanta, Ga. in 1969 and continued his education at Howard University in 1978 where he completed his MBA. In 2010 he plans to complete his Doctorate of Business Administration at the University of Phoenix.
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Griffon Association honors Soldiers with awards, scholarships
After several years of inactivity, the 108th Griffon Association is back up and operating again. This association is composed of former and present members of the 108th Training Command (both military and civilian), who have served or are serving honorably.
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Do you want to be a Unit Public Affairs Representative?
As the 108th Training Command (IET) continues to grow, it will be difficult for the Public Affairs Staff to visit each brigade, battalion and company to cover news events. Public Affairs is the responsibility of commanders and Soldiers alike. The PAO is kicking off the Unit Public Affairs Program (UPAR), which will allow any Soldier to be the additional eyes and ears for your unit and the PAO. By volunteering you will assume the duties of UPAR as an additional duty. The Public Affairs Office will hold training sessions and workshops during battle assembly (BA) to meet, train, and certify you as an UPAR.
Do you enjoy taking pictures? You can be the historian for your unit. As a Unit Public Affairs Representative (UPAR) you will take pictures of newsworthy events and submit them along with stories to the 108th Training Command PAO for review and possible submission in the 108th Training Command publication, "The Griffon" and 108th Training Command Website.
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Against the wind:
A marathon is unlike any other athletic competition in the world. Runners will describe it as a mixture of 26.2 miles of pure hell and absolute freedom. It is a contest of wills that not necessarily pits the runners against each other but against themselves. The winner is not always decided by the one with the best build, the best coaches or the best training aides. To paraphrase legendary runner Steve Prefontaine, it's not the fastest runner who wins the race but the one with the most guts.
A similar thought was creeping into the mind of Staff Sgt. Haywood Gordon, who serves as a drill sergeant for Bravo Company in the 108th Training Command's Drill Sergeant School at Oklahoma City, Okla., as he neared the 20 mile mark during the annual running of the Fort Worth Cowtown Marathon this past February 27. Struggling to maintain his pace and his focus through the final leg of the race, he continually thought about shutting it down.
"The mp3 player helped a little, but the pain superseded the false motivation. I've never ran that far, and it gets longer as you run. I wanted to stop after 18+ miles, but there was no where to go."
"So, I ran to the finish line."
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Warriors complete year long mobilization at Fort Sill
While the tax deadline makes April 15 hard to forget, for the Soldiers of the 3/378th, 1st Brigade, 95th Training Division (IET), the date also stands out as the day they completed their twelve month mobilization at Fort Sill, Okla. The battalion was mobilized with elements from Nebraska, Oklahoma and Texas, beginning with the mobilization of Echo Company on March 1, 2009. Lt. Col. Douglas Long of Coppers Cove, Texas and Command Sgt. Maj. Thomas Gehm of Grand Prairie, Texas made up the command team.
The primary mission of the "Warrior" battalion was to conduct Basic Combat Training (BCT). During the course of the mission the 378th trained nine cycles of BCT with a total of over 1,800 Soldiers trained. An additional cycle was trained by Echo Company under the direction of the 1st Battalion, 19th Field Artillery.
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Back to Basics:
I had the opportunity to visit with drill sergeants from 3-378th at Fort Sill, Okla. and through my conversations I gleaned what I think is advice and recommendations important to share with other units mobilizing to various basic training locations. The key elements to a successful mission include:
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Toddlers and homeschooling – making it work
While some families are sending their children off on the bus or dropping them off at the preschool or daycare, most homeschooling families are trying to incorporate toddlers and preschoolers into their daily learning activities. This can lead to some interesting and exciting multi-age learning, of course, but it can also lead to exasperation or frustration for parents and school-aged children who are trying to "work around" a little one who's interested in one thing: getting hands-on!
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Military Family-Stuhlfire
When her daughter was two years old, Colleen Stuhlfire started to think about her education and decided that she would school her child at home. Her decision was based on conversations with other military families who spoke of the strain on children who often change schools because of multiple redeployments, coupled with curriculums that vary from state to state.
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Put Your Post 9-11 GI Bill to Work for You – You've Earned It!
Over the last few months, there has been a lot of buzz about the astoundingly high unemployment rates for veterans, a trend that that has been worsening for years. In 2008, the National Public Radio broadcasted that, of the two million veterans returning home from service in Iraq and Afghanistan, one in five was jobless and one in four made less than $22,000 per year. In April 2010, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the 14.7 percent unemployment rate for these veterans is the highest it's been in more than a year. That number is even higher for veterans, ages 18 to 24. In an article published by the ArmyTimes on March 12, 2010, the Labor Department estimated that the unemployment rate for this group was 21.1 percent in 2009. There is no doubt that this is a serious issue for those who have sacrificed and given so much to protect our country.
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What UMT Has Done For Me
UMT has helped me in more ways than I thought possible. I am in the Air Force Reserves and have a full time job with the Government as a Civil Service employee at Robins AFB. I am also married to my wonderful wife Rebecca and have a beautiful nine-year-old daughter, Brooklyn. Before UMT, I was attending a local college, Macon State University in Macon, GA, enrolled in their Pre-Engineering degree program. It was a 30-minute drive, to and from school. I loved going to class and interacting with the students and teachers but found that working full time, going to school full time, keeping my daughter on the weekends, and going to the Reserves one weekend a month was wearing me out quick.
My goal at the time was to be an engineer on base. I soon found out that the local engineering school here did not offer any night time classes in engineering. It was too inconvenient to travel to any other school, so I was back to square one. I had kept working on my engineering core until I could come up with another plan, praying that god would give me an answer.
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Greenville, known as Cotton Capital of the World
Only 45 minutes east of Dallas, Greenville, Texas is the perfect launching pad for fun, relaxation or a little bit of both.
Visitors to the Audie Murphy/American Cotton Museum are inspired and uplifted by the Hall of Heroes display. Murphy fans travel from all over the world to learn more about this Hunt County native son who became America's most decorated soldier of World War II. Exhibits include both his military career and his later stardom as a Hollywood actor.
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Visit Sevierville, Dolly Parton's hometown
Located in the foothills of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Sevierville is a value destination within a day's drive of over half the nation's population. Dolly Parton's hometown, Sevierville is surrounded by natural wonders like the Great Smoky Mountains, jaw-dropping shows, family-friendly attractions, unique museums and world-class outlet shopping. There is so much to do, it's no wonder folks say Sevierville is "Where Smoky Mountain Fun Begins!"
Relevant Tags: TRAVEL USA,sevierville, park, smoky, mountains, national, species, show, smoky mountains, national park, great smoky, mountains national, sevierville dolly, 8217;s hometown, visit sevierville, surrounded natural
Celebrate the drama and life of the 1800s
Howdy Pardner! Welcome to Frontier Town, Ocean City, Maryland's premier camping resort! Our Woodall's® Double 5W rated waterfront campground is situated along the beautiful Sinepuxent Bay and features nearly 600 spacious campsites caterin' to primitive tentin' all the way up to luxury 45 foot motor homes, deluxe rental trailers and campin' cabins. Just five minutes away is Ocean City, Maryland with its' beautiful sandy beaches, famous boardwalk, great fishin' and amusements galore.
Relevant Tags: TRAVEL USA,park, water, frontier, town, campground, fort, whaley, water park, frontier town, fort whaley, ocean city, western theme, theme park, mini golf, drama life, town water, life 18s
Re-Defining Adventure — Berkeley County
Just outside Charleston, SC, Berkeley County, offers visitors a 12,000 year old education. Take a moment to read about all the exciting adventures that await you with a visit to Berkeley County.
Relevant Tags: TRAVEL USA,berkeley, county, mepkin, cooper, visitors, berkeley county, mepkin abbey, cooper river, county offers, defining adventure, enjoy attractions, attractions events, canoeing kayaking
Charlotte Motor Speedway hosts AutoFair
The World's Largest Automotive Extravaganza returns to Charlotte Motor Speedway August 26-29, 2010. The summer Food Lion AutoFair annually attracts more than 120,000 visitors. It features more than 50 car club displays and more than 10,000 vendor spaces that offer a huge array of automotive parts and memorabilia.
Relevant Tags: TRAVEL USA,autofair, motor, speedway, charlotte, august, lion, car, motor speedway, charlotte motor, lion autofair, food lion, hosts autofair, speedway hosts, visitors features, features more
Come see what's new in North Carolina
From outdoor recreation and unique lodging to arts and culture and fine dining, the charming small towns and vibrant urban locations of North Carolina offer something for everyone. Explore the highest peaks in the eastern United States and 300 miles of pristine coastline at VisitNC.com or call 1-800 VISIT NC (847-4862).
NASCAR Hall of Fame "On Track" for Charlotte Grand Opening
Set to open May 11, the 150,000-square-foot, $195 million NASCAR Hall of Fame is an interactive, entertainment attraction honoring the history and heritage of NASCAR. The high-tech, four-level venue, designed to educate and entertain race fans and non-fans alike, includes exhibits and interactive displays, a state-of-the-art theater, a Hall of Honor to commemorate inductees, restaurant, retail outlet, and TV and radio studio.
www.nascarhall.com
Relevant Tags: TRAVEL USA,new, museum, north, carolina, parkway, griffith, north carolina, andy griffith, mount airy, civil rights, new north, new bern, states miles, eastern united, united states, highest peaks
Planes, Heroes and Legends in Warner Robins
When it comes to phenomenal growth, you'd have to search far and wide to find anything that matches the success story of Warner Robins, Georgia while remaining a family-friendly community. Home to the largest industrial complex in the state, pumping a net economic impact of over $4 billion into the local economy, Robins Air Force Base remains a strong factor in attracting young families and retirees alike seeking a great place to live, visit and work in an atmosphere of timeless Southern comfort, yet modern vibrance.
Relevant Tags: TRAVEL USA,robins, warner, georgia, state, air, regional, warner robins, little league, regional little, air force, heroes legends, legends warner, mossy creek
Clay County - Mother Nature At Her Best
If nature is your thing, consider spending a day or two in one of Northeast Florida's best kept secrets ... Clay County. The county's scenic, unspoiled and family-friendly recreation areas can be reached in less than a half an hour from the City of Jacksonville, 45 minutes from St. Augustine or a little over an hour from Gainesville, Florida.
Relevant Tags: TRAVEL USA,county, clay, camp, river, park, black, creek, green, club, clay county, cove springs, green cove, black creek, orange park, kennel club, johns river, year round
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter opens June 18
An authentic replica from the Harry Potter films, guests will pass by Hagrid's hut on their way to the Flight of the Hippogriff family-friendly roller coaster. Just before they board, Hagrid instructs guests on how to properly approach and fly on a Hippogriff.
One of the most widely anticipated theme park entertainment experiences ever created — The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort — is set for a public grand opening on June 18.
Today, Universal Orlando Resort also revealed details about what is expected to be one the most exciting theme park experiences ever created: Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. It will be one of three themed attractions within The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, including Flight of the Hippogriff and Dragon Challenge.
Relevant Tags: TRAVEL USA,harry, potter, world, guests, adventure, wizarding, experience, hogwarts, harry potter, wizarding world, world harry, theme park, hogwarts castle, forbidden journey, potter forbidden, flight hippogri
A Most 'Royal' Summer vacation
Discover miles of back roads where the scenery fades from ridge to ridge, wildflowers dance along the side of the road and the farmland rolls by under the watchful eye of the Blue Ridge. Located a stone's throw from our nation's capital but miles from the hustle and bustle come to a town where you can settle in and be a local.
Flanked by the Blue Ridge to the east and Massanutten Mountain to the west, Front Royal's founders strategically situated their community at the forks of the Shenandoah River. Recognized as the Gateway to Shenandoah National Park and the Canoe Capital of Virginia, Front Royal provides an ideal base for exploring the region's unique outdoor adventures, cultural heritage, and historic past.
Relevant Tags: TRAVEL USA,ridge, shenandoah, summer, river, blue, golf, blue ridge, front royal, shenandoah river, summer vacation, ridge shadows, ridge located
Orlando's new Treasure Tavern
Construction has started on a new 240-seat theater for Treasure Tavern, a dining experience for adults in Orlando, Fla.
Featuring comedians, acrobats and dancers themed to a Caribbean outpost for rum and good times, Treasure Tavern is opening this summer in the heart of the International Drive tourist area.
Relevant Tags: TRAVEL USA,tavern, treasure, new, adventure, dinner, comments, dancers, acrobats, international, treasure tavern, new treasure, orlando fla, adults orlando, dining experience, pirate's dinner, international driv
Prince William County, a great place to get out and play
When the runners in the premiere 17.75 Marine Corps Marathon race begin on June 12, 2010, they're following the path of heroes from the American Revolution to today's conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Relevant Tags: TRAVEL USA,william, prince, place, great, county, potomac, occoquan, town, prince william, great place, william county, county great, william county/manassas, miles hiking, iraq afghanistan
Jefferson County West Virginia, where you can "Discover It All," welcomes all members of the 108th Training Command. We are the perfect spot for your R&R assignment.
Relevant Tags: TRAVEL USA,county, jefferson, army, brown, john, civil, ferry, harpers, town, jefferson county, john brown, harpers ferry, west virginia, training command, county west, line march, famous bee, bee line, george w
The Griffon Vol. 34.2 (Summer 2010)
Commanding General
Command Sgt. Major
Command Chief
Summer 2011 Vol 35.2
Autumn 2011 Vol 35.3
Office of G-6
Office of Internal Review
Winter 2011 Vol 35.4
Spring 2012 Vol 36.1
Retention Office
Surgeons Office
Business Transformation Office
Fall 2012 Vol 36.3
Office of Staff Judge Advocate
DETC/AMCSUS/GoArmyEd
GSA/DoD
Home Schooling Options
Winter 2018 41-4
The 108th Training Command got its start as part of an elaborate deception prior to Operation Overlord, the D-Day Invasion of France in World War II. The Division was a "phantom" division created on paper and assigned to the First United States Army Group under the command of General George Patton. We were the original Institutional Training (IT) Division and remain one of seven training divisions for the Army, Army Reserve and National Guard. The Griffon is in its 30th publishing year as an award-winning authorized publication written in the interest of the men and women of the 108th Training Command.
The Griffon is written and published quarterly in the interest of the 108th National Training Command. It is shipped directly to member's homes and to Training Command bases throughout the U.S.
The Griffon is regularly recognized by the Pentagon with their highest rating of Four Stars as one of the largest and most informative authorized publications in the Army.
Our members use The Griffon for prescreened, approved resources and opportunities for themselves and their families.
The Griffon is required reading material with a message straight from the General.


text:
<?php
# Generated by the protocol buffer compiler.  DO NOT EDIT!
# source: google/cloud/aiplatform/v1/execution.proto

namespace Google\Cloud\AIPlatform\V1\Execution;

use UnexpectedValueException;

/**
 * Describes the state of the Execution.
 *
 * Protobuf type google.cloud.aiplatform.v1.Execution.State
 */
class State
{
    /**
     * Unspecified Execution state
     *
     * Generated from protobuf enum STATE_UNSPECIFIED = 0;
     */
    const STATE_UNSPECIFIED = 0;
    /**
     * The Execution is new
     *
     * Generated from protobuf enum NEW = 1;
     */
    const PBNEW = 1;
    /**
     * The Execution is running
     *
     * Generated from protobuf enum RUNNING = 2;
     */
    const RUNNING = 2;
    /**
     * The Execution has finished running
     *
     * Generated from protobuf enum COMPLETE = 3;
     */
    const COMPLETE = 3;
    /**
     * The Execution has failed
     *
     * Generated from protobuf enum FAILED = 4;
     */
    const FAILED = 4;
    /**
     * The Execution completed through Cache hit.
     *
     * Generated from protobuf enum CACHED = 5;
     */
    const CACHED = 5;
    /**
     * The Execution was cancelled.
     *
     * Generated from protobuf enum CANCELLED = 6;
     */
    const CANCELLED = 6;

    private static $valueToName = [
        self::STATE_UNSPECIFIED => 'STATE_UNSPECIFIED',
        self::PBNEW => 'NEW',
        self::RUNNING => 'RUNNING',
        self::COMPLETE => 'COMPLETE',
        self::FAILED => 'FAILED',
        self::CACHED => 'CACHED',
        self::CANCELLED => 'CANCELLED',
    ];

    public static function name($value)
    {
        if (!isset(self::$valueToName[$value])) {
            throw new UnexpectedValueException(sprintf(
                    'Enum %s has no name defined for value %s', __CLASS__, $value));
        }
        return self::$valueToName[$value];
    }

    public static function value($name)
    {
        $const = __CLASS__ . '::' . strtoupper($name);
        if (!defined($const)) {
            $pbconst =  __CLASS__. '::PB' . strtoupper($name);
            if (!defined($pbconst)) {
                throw new UnexpectedValueException(sprintf(
                        'Enum %s has no value defined for name %s', __CLASS__, $name));
            }
            return constant($pbconst);
        }
        return constant($const);
    }
}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


ASTM D3246 - TSHR International B.V.
Trace quantities of Sulfur compounds in hydrocarbon products can be harmful to many catalytic chemical processes in which these products are used. Maximum permissible levels of Total Sulfur are normally included in specifications for such hydrocarbons. It is recommended that this test method be used to provide a basis for agreement between two laboratories when the determination of Sulfur in hydrocarbon gases is important.
This test method covers determination of Sulfur in the range from 1.5 to 100 mg/kg (ppm by mass) by weight in hydrocarbon products that are gaseous at normal room temperature and pressure.
To comply with ASTM D3246, TSHR offers Total Sulfur TX 6000 and TX 7000 series model analyzers with oxidative microcoulometric titration and combined instrument configurations like TS/TX 6000 model with semi-automatic syringe or fully automatic liquids injection through HR 7000 models Liquids Autosampler model configurations for trace level Total Sulfur analysis.


Ah Lim's noodle stall, at Jalan Tua Kong, Upper East Coast Road is our frequent patronage. It opens from 7am to 5pm and the place is crowded during weekend.
Sweet and tasty soup with smooth kway-teoh. Meat balls are springy with tender crunchy prawns. Compliment with soya sauce together with chilli padi slices gives fantastic sensation to your tastebud.
Dried version gives a oomph and explosive kick. Chilly and tomatoes sauce make a good partner - hot and sourish.


Hello all! I noticed a dramatic increase in the website's traffic yesterday! That is a very good sign! It seems that you out there, like what we present here and that motivates us to keep up the flow of news and inside info's.
Let's see what the boys @ VMworld bring us today!


text:
23 November, 2017 Kai Reviews
2F-Spiele
Components & Design
With last year's Fabled Fruit Friedemann Friese developed an alternative to the Legacy system for games that keep changing every time to play. It's lighter than a Legacy game, you don't have to rip up any components or glue stickers to them, and you can completely reset the game by sorting a stack of cards. Yet you still get a game that will keep you busy for quite a while before you discovered everything it has to offer. A game that keeps surprising you, at least the first time you play all the way through.
Fabled Fruit was successful enough – and Friedemann had enough fun making it – to spawn a series of games with the same system, now dubbed the Fast Forward system: Fear (German: Furcht), Fortress (Festung) and Flee (Flucht). (German editions by 2F-Spiele, English by Stronghold Games.) In fact, the Fast Forward games even go one step further than Fabled Fruit did: they don't give you any rules to read before you start playing. All you do is put the big stack of cards on the table and start drawing cards. When you get to a card with rules you read it out loud and put it on the table for everyone to see. The rules on that card are in effect from that moment on.
Fast Forward – just start playing
The system puts us reviewers in a bit of a pickle. We obviously want to avoid spoiling the experience for you by giving anything away, but technically everything beyond the title of the game could be considered a spoiler. Even the basic rules are on the cards you draw during the game, with more advanced rules added later. So tread with care, gentle reader, the following paragraphs will contain spoilers for the first one or two games of Fortress you will play. If you want to avoid those and start the game unspoiled, skip ahead to the next heading where we tell you if you should try it.
Learn to conquer – The Rules
The first cards you draw in Fortress will be number cards you won't know what to do with. You'll just have them until someone draws the next rules cards and the objective of the game: the Fortress. Once drawn the Fortress starts out in the center of the table. From now on you have two options on your turn. Either you draw a card to your hand, or you attempt to conquer the Fortress. Whoever has the Fortress when the third hourglass is drawn from the stack wins the game.
This will keep happening
Unsurprisingly, conquering the Fortress is where the number cards come into play. To attack the Fortress take any number of cards with the same value from your hand. Before the first conqueror takes the Fortress it's undefended, so any attackers are able to capture it. Take the Fortress card for yourself and place your attackers under it without letting the other players see them. Those cards are now the Fortress's defenders. To take the Fortress from you another player has to attack it with his own cards. If the total value of his attackers, calculated from the cards' value and the number of cards played, is higher than your defenders' value, he conquers the Fortress. His attackers become the new defenders and he takes one of your defenders to his hand. The rest return to yours.
If the attackers lose the defending player wins one hand card from the attacker. However, he has to reveal the defending cards in return, so now there is one player who knows the strength of the garrison.
Those are all the rules for the first game. When it's over, right after the third hourglass, you find the card explaining how to set up the next game: all cards defending the Fortress for the winner are removed from the game and returned to the box. All other hand cards are shuffled together with the next five cards from the draw pile. Those cards make up the game pile for the next game, all other cards are set aside, to be added in sets of five every time you start a new game.
And then what? – The Verdict (Spoilers end here)
Why are those cards under the Fortress?
The more games you play the more rules and special cards you find. Even so, Fortress never becomes overly complex and a single game never takes more than about ten to fifteen minutes, even when most of the cards are in play. You can play through the whole stack of cards in something like two hours. We're certain about that number because once we started playing no one wanted to stop.
But given the nature of the game it is reasonable to ask: and then what? Once you played through the pile, what do you do next? Well, you have two options. You can just keep playing, the bottom card has rules how to rotate cards in and out of the game pile so every game is different. Or you can sort the cards again and start over. It's just as much fun the second time around, even though you know what's coming. Even mixing players that know the game already with players that don't is not a problem at all. Thanks to shuffling the cards and taking out some cards after every game, Fortress won't develop the same way twice.
There is a small advantage from knowing what cards might come up, but it's easily balanced by the luck of the draw and a few good bluffs. Both those things, luck and bluffing, are part of the game. Draw bad cards and there's not much you can do. But use a mediocre hand well and you have a chance to win. For a game as quick as this one the balance between luck and tactics is just right.
Fortress is a great game to play when you're not in the mood to listen to a long explanation. Just jump in and go. And it's not used up after two hours of playing, either. Even knowing all the cards Fortress is still a game you'll enjoy.
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Some might find a game where one player is literally Hitler offensive. I'm not one of them, and I'm glad, because that would keep me from a great hidden identity game that has tiny bit more structure than other games in that genre. At least for me it makes a huge difference.
ebbes
ebbes means "something" in the dialect of the Palatinate area of Germany. Asking to play ebbes there might not immediately make someone get up and get this card game, because you might be asking to play something, with no indication what exactly. Fortunately, that is not a problem anywhere else in the world, as far as I'm aware, and you can enjoy the game without suffering from linguistic confusion first.
Flash Point: Fire Rescue
When the call comes in, everything has to happen quickly. Slide down the pole, get on the truck and of you go. Yes, you can now experience the thrill of firefighting in a board game – minus the pole – in Indie Boards and Cards new cooperative game.
Broom Service
Potion delivery is big business. A bit like pizza delivery, only with more magic, and on broomsticks. That is your business in Broom Service, but the competition is tough and you won't have time to let your brooms cool down before the day is over. So keep a close eye on what your opponents are doing and use your witches and druids to deliver the most potions before the game is over.
Onirim
Every night when you go to sleep, your mind gets lost in the Dream Labyrinth. It will wander there for a while and then get back to you in time to wake up. Unless, of course, you are one of the Dreamwalker, for them it's a fight to return every night, having to find the eight oneiric doors first, chased by nightmares. And they are all alone – or sometimes with one more companion – with the risk of never waking up.
Palazzo is a fun, quick auctioning game with a slightly mathy scoring system. It has a theme – or so I'm told – something about building houses in Florence, but it doesn't really matter much.
The Horribilorum Sorcery Academy for Witty Witches and Wizards, yet another institute of magical learning that not only ignores safety procedures, it's probably using the handbook to start a fire. This time, students have to sit their Potions exam with ingredients from a rickety, old ingredient dispenser and a professor that actively encourages them to cause explosions in that thing and to drink their own potions they just created to see if they work. Realistically, this game is not about winning, it's about surviving!
Dominant Species is on the upper end of long and heavy games for us – not something you unpack at the end of the gaming night, just before people go home. There is a lot of depth and a lot of detail to explore here.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Katie Kirk is a well-established folk singer and performer from West Cornwall with a background in community engagement, project development and environmental campaigns.
Keith Sparrow is a writer, actor, artist and performer based in Truro.
Alongside his role with The Story Republic, he runs regular manga drawing workshops across Cornwall, and performs with The Bowie Lounge, an eclectic, artistic response to the work of David Bowie. He has acted and sung with Cube Theatre, c-scape Dance Company, Miracle Theatre, Duchy Opera and Duchy Ballet to name a few.
Connie Crosby is an aspiring performer having performed with Cornwall Youth Theatre Company and Scary Little Girls. Currently she has an internship with cube theatre working on Victory Day with students at Penryn College and also runs Penryn's Year 7 Drama Group. Connie has been part of a range of theatre performances taking place this year across Cornwall.
Melanie Young has a visual art focus and is a painter with experience of facilitating workshops in a range of settings, including care homes and schools. Recently her work has moved both into performance and collaboration. She joined The Story Republic in 2016.
This entry was posted in actors - readers, BSL interpretation, Events, Festival, Solstice Shorts and tagged BSL, Connie Cosby, Dusk, Katie Kirk, Keith Sparrow, Melanie Young, REDRUTH, Solstice Shorts Festival, The Story Republicans by Cherry Potts. Bookmark the permalink.


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text:
2018 NBA Free Agency: DeMarcus Cousins will have to wait for LeBron James to announce his monumental decision
Boogie's destination won't be known until a few other dominos fall first.
By prestonellis@PrestonEllis Jun 26, 2018, 7:00am CDT
Share All sharing options for: 2018 NBA Free Agency: DeMarcus Cousins will have to wait for LeBron James to announce his monumental decision
Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
DeMarcus Cousins put together one of the more impressive seasons in modern history when he went down on Friday, January 26th. At 25.2 points, 12.9 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game, Boogie joined an elite group consisting of five Hall of Fame players:
Kareem Abdul Jabar
Elgin Baylor
With 18.5 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 6.1 assists, Nikola Jokic, arguably one of the game's biggest rising stars, is set to earn a five-year and $146 million contract this summer, but when it comes time to foot the bill for Cousins, the New Orleans Pelicans and the rest of the NBA are instead believed to be trying to short change arguably the best center in the NBA.
Is it due to the ruptured Achilles? Primarily, yes, the injury is a devastating one and has claimed the careers of many big men. However, with Cousins relative youth (27) as well as the advancements in modern medicine, the odds are favorable he reclaims much of his former productivity. For instance, his rehab appears to be on schedule.
Help is on the way #TheResurgence #0Doubt pic.twitter.com/cfTyxXY6Q8
— DeMarcus Cousins (@boogiecousins) June 23, 2018
So why the proverbial game of cat and mouse between Boogie and General Manager Dell Demps?
Could it be Cousins' attitude and history of brash behavior? Boogie does sport the most technical fouls and head coaches of any player over his seven-year career.
Or could it be tied to the current roster's 'chemistry?' Alvin Gentry and Demps both lauded Nikola Mirotic and his production, coupled with the lightning fast pace and defensive improvements the Pelicans' made between February and the rest of the season. All of this culminated in a four-game sweep over the third-seeded Blazers that saw a frenetically aggressive Anthony Davis and Jrue Holiday score 88 points in a single game!
The answer, honestly, lies within the Association's financial structure. Thanks to a nine-year, $24 billion television deal, every team's cap space exponentially increased by an astounding degree.
The NBA argued for 'cap smoothing' but the Players Union would have none of it. So, the cap leapt from $70 million to $94 million and many franchises have been paying for the Union's mistake ever since.
Timofey Mozgov, Joakim Noah, Bismack Biyombo, Luol Deng, Solomon Hill, Evan Turner, Ryan Anderson, Tyler Johnson, DeMar DeRozan, Eric Gordon and Harrison Barnes combined to ink $823 million in the Summer of '16. While DeRozan and Barnes have arguably lived up to their contracts, the league has witnessed how an albatross contract like All-Star power forward Blake Griffin's can cripple a franchise, even despite the 20/8/6 per night.
The Pelicans front office has every right to be cautious, yet Cousins has every right to seek the money he deserves as the league's most dominant center. New Orleans must try to keep their All-Star at a team friendly rate because due to previous mistakes tied to Solomon Hill and Alexis Ajinca, the team finds themselves without flexibility heading into free agency. With $93 million dedicated to Anthony Davis, E'Twaun Moore, Jrue Holiday, Ajinca, Niko and Solo, the Pelicans would hit the luxury tax if they give Boogie the max.
New Orleans is not alone — many salary cap sheets are filled to the brim across the NBA. But there will be a few that should have some available resources. For DeMarcus, patience will likely be key this offseason as an even more complex problem must be solved first: LeBron James.
The best player in the league will ultimately control the timetable of NBA free agency.
Dallas, for example, is often said to be Boogie's biggest suitor, yet they are also linked to Clint Capela, Julius Randle, and even Jabari Parker and Aaron Gordon. Los Angeles General Manger Magic Johnson once called Boogie the most skilled big man in the NBA. The Lakers have the space, the market and the resources to seduce him, but none of these teams will put down details onto pen and paper until they are first spurned by the King.
Dallas is not in the running for the King's services, but his actions will have a ripple effect across the league. Should LeBron choose to go to Houston, the Rockets would need to jump through hoops, offloading Ryan Anderson's monstrous contract and likely losing Capela in free agency too. If so, one would expect the Mavericks to prefer the younger, healthier Capela to Boogie.
Los Angeles is said to have interest in Cousins, but that interest won't reveal itself until LeBron, Chris Paul, Paul George and Kawhi Leonard give them a thumbs down.
A sign-and-trade with the Washington Wizards involving Otto Porter Jr., or a collection of assets headlined by Kelly Oubre and Tomas Satoransky plus expirings could be the avenue the Pelicans and Boogie choose, but should he walk in free agency, he will need to wait for LeBron James.
Kevin Barrios argues that Lebron has already made his decision based on information provided by The Ringer's Bill Simmons — Simmons was privy to Lebron's hand injury before anyone else while filming "Courtside at the NBA Finals," for HBO. Just in case he's wrong, here are the reasons why Lebron's mind should be far from made up.
LeBron has called Gregg Popovich the best coach in the world on multiple occasions. But in order for LeBron to go to the Spurs, Pop and Kawhi will need to resolve their beef. That's not expected to happen by July 1st according to most prognostications.
The fit is there despite the presence of Ben Simmons need to have the ball. Philly has the space and the young talent to attract the King, and who doesn't want to play in the East? But, with Lebron's son and family set to move to LA with or without him, it hardly makes sense to cross coasts to see young Bronny play midseason.
Unloading the contracts of Ryan Anderson and Eric Gordon remain a challenge. Should the Rockets be LeBron's preference, we will know by June 29th, when Lebron opts into the final year and $35.6 million of his deal. Houston is said to match whatever deal Clint Capela receives, which would make Houston's tax bill nearly untenable. But this does fit within Kevin and Simmons' guess.
A fit between AD, Jrue, Lebron is too good to be true, but this only further compliments the rationale that DeMarcus would need to wait until team officials meet with Bron's camp and work out all the logistics a monstrous deal like this would entail. An arrangement like this would potentially need four teams to make work, at least three, and could not be executed on the opening night of free agency, much less opening week. For more, check my earlier article on Boogie.
No chance.
Brian Windhorst gave the Cavaliers a 40% chance of bringing the King home, but a source reported to Mark Weisler of the Los Angeles News another opinion.
It's not Cleveland. If he was staying, the press people wearing a path to his entourage's door would have been issuing hourly bulletins on all the communication back and forth as Bron and the Cavs planned their future before the draft.
Remember, he's no longer owes Cleveland anything: "What else do I have to prove?" James said in an interview with Cleveland.com last May. "Seriously, what else would I have [to do]? I've won championships. I won my first one and I've won for my teammates. I came home and won. There isn't anything I have left to prove."
Also, LeBron made his feelings known about Dan Gilbert and his infamous 2010 letter on Lebron's YouTube series "The Shop," filmed in New Orleans at a local barbershop:
"this fucking article ... where he completely bashed me and ... disrespected not only me as an individual but disrespected my name."
Lebron goes on to speak of his family, who were against returning to Cleveland in 2014.
"Some people were on the fence," James says. "My momma and my wife was like, 'Fuck that. I ain't with that.' My mom was definitely like, 'Fuck that. We ain't going back.'"
The popular betting site TopBet.Eu has the Lakers as the likeliest landing spot for LeBron James.
It's not a shock why. Let's start with the fact that LeBron owns two mansions where his son is said to start school soon.
Breaking news everyone pic.twitter.com/pkkJa0zHQ4
— Will OgBamba (@geauxsohard) June 20, 2018
In addition, Doris Burke has reported that LeBron is seeking to play off the ball in the 2018-19 season.
"I was told LeBron wants to get off the ball more in the future. He doesn't necessarily want to function full-time as that point forward."
According to Ramona Shelbourne that player could be Lonzo Ball.
"Lonzo is a player that people want to play with. He is the type of point guard that extends LeBron's career."
- @ramonashelburne on Lonzo Ball's impact with LeBron's future team
— ESPNLosAngeles (@ESPNLosAngeles) June 20, 2018
We've seen Lebron talk to the young man following a Cavaliers win over the Lakers. Remember this?
So, LeBron gets to stay in the same city as his family, play off the ball and have a chance to assemble a new group of super friends?
"Meanwhile," said the GM, "LeBron is doing what we does — calling players on other teams he wants to play with." — Mark Heisler, Los Angeles News
However, don't get married to this idea just yet.
Paul George, the Palmdale, California native, is the most likely target to team up with LeBron. Last year, Mitch Lawrence of Sporting News reported that George "never made his long-term intentions a secret within the Pacers locker room," meaning teammates knew he wanted to sign with the Lakers.
But according to Marc Stein of the New York Times, Adrian Wojnarowski, and Sam Amick of USA Today, there is growing optimism in Oklahoma City that George will be back by Russell Westbrook's side this season. Stein specifically says that "more than one rival team" believes George will "strongly consider" a two-year deal worth more than $60 million from Oklahoma City with a player option in the second year.
"I haven't even gone through a season yet, and they've already proven everything on my check list (that) I can check off," George said earlier this season. "That's what feels good. That's what makes me feel like, 'Hey, this can be a landing spot for me, and somewhere I can call home for years."
In addition, when Westbrook signed his super max, George was quoted saying," This definitely makes the decision easier."
Chris Paul was reportedly feuding with the Houston Rockets over contract concerns by Chris Broussard.
"From what I'm told, there is tension now between Houston and Chris Paul..."@Chris_Broussard breaks down NBA free agency pic.twitter.com/3wzpDUaNQJ
— UNDISPUTED (@undisputed) June 22, 2018
Tommy Beer of Basketball Insiders weighs in on why paying Paul a maximum contract could be seen as a mistake long term:
2018-19: $35.4 million
That's a total sum of $205 million over five seasons. Chris Paul will be 37 years old in 2022, but he's already missed a combined 45 regular season games in his age 31 and 32 seasons.
On the other hand, USA Today's Sam Amick again weighs in: While the Rockets don't believe LeBron James will sign with them, there is "a strong sense" Paul will re-sign with Houston.
Besides, Chris Paul just bought a gorgeous new home in Houston.
Kawhi is likely a no-go this season as well.
"We will explore all of our options, but the first one would be to keep Kawhi as part of our group," Buford told reporters of Leonard, who missed most of the season with a right quadriceps injury and is eligible for a five-year, $219 million extension on July 1.
Then Ramona Shelbourne reported:
Within the last week the Lakers contacted the Spurs to discuss a Kawhi Leonard trade. As one source put it, "they basically shut the door on us."
— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) June 21, 2018
Or could Lebron's superfriends be comprised of these guys (sans CP).
"I really hope that, before our career is over, we can all play together," James told B/R two years ago. "At least one, maybe one or two seasons—me, Melo, D-Wade, CP—we can get a year in. I would actually take a pay cut to do that."
The Thunder would be thrilled to seek a buyout with Melo, and Dwayne Wade and his beautiful wife and actress Gabrielle Union, would be delighted to join the King in Hollywood.
While Lebron James and his super friends may make league changing decisions on the opening night of free agency, the more likely route has most of the players taking meetings first, with DeMarcus Cousins sitting patiently and waiting for the chips to start falling.


text:
Jake Larsson, född 9 januari 1999, är en svensk fotbollsspelare som spelar för Örebro SK.

Karriär

Klubblag
Karriären inleddes i Adolfsbergs IK som sjuåring och när Jake Larsson var tolv år gammal gjorde han flytten till Karlslunds IF. Som 17-åring kritade han på sitt första a-lagskontrakt med klubben och under sina två säsonger i Karlslunds IF hann Larsson med att hjälpa klubben upp till division 1. I december 2017 stod det klart att Jake Larsson lämnar Karlslunds IF för spel med Hammarby IF.

I Hammarby IF tillhörde Larsson U19-laget och med 25 mål på 25 matcher var han med om att föra både klubbens U19- och U21-lag till SM-guld. I februari 2019 blev det officiellt att Jake Larsson lämnade Hammarby IF efter en säsong, då han återvände till hemstaden och allsvenska konkurrenten Örebro SK.  Han skrev på ett treårskontrakt med ÖSK och efter att ha fått chansen i samtliga gruppspelsmatcher i Svenska cupen kom den allsvenska debuten i premiären mot Falkenbergs FF den 31 mars 2019. Han stod då för ett inhopp i den 76:e minuten.

I mars 2020 förlängde Larsson sitt kontrakt i Örebro SK fram över säsongen 2023.

Källor

Noter

Svenska fotbollsspelare
Spelare i Karlslunds IF HFK
Spelare i Hammarby IF Fotboll
Spelare i Örebro SK Fotboll
Spelare i Fotbollsallsvenskan
Födda 1999
Levande personer
Män

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


text:
package com.helger.photon.core.longrun;

import javax.annotation.Nonnull;
import javax.annotation.Nullable;

import com.helger.commons.annotation.Nonempty;
import com.helger.commons.id.IHasID;
import com.helger.commons.lang.EnumHelper;

/**
 * Defines the result type of a long running job.
 *
 * @author Philip Helger
 */
public enum ELongRunningJobResultType implements IHasID <String>
{
  FILE ("file"),
  XML ("xml"),
  TEXT ("text"),
  LINK ("link"),
  JSON ("json");

  private final String m_sID;

  ELongRunningJobResultType (@Nonnull @Nonempty final String sID)
  {
    m_sID = sID;
  }

  @Nonnull
  @Nonempty
  public String getID ()
  {
    return m_sID;
  }

  @Nullable
  public static ELongRunningJobResultType getFromIDOrNull (@Nullable final String sID)
  {
    // Old ID
    if ("html".equals (sID))
      return ELongRunningJobResultType.XML;
    return EnumHelper.getFromIDOrNull (ELongRunningJobResultType.class, sID);
  }
}


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Here at Gray and Co Solicitors we deal with all types of assault allegations from the minor offences such as Common Assault to the more serious allegations such as Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH). We have extensive experience of representing defendants in assault cases and can provide you with the legal advice and support in both the Magistrates and Crown Courts to get the best results for your individual circumstances. Below you will find details of the assault and battery charges we cover and how we can help you.
Common assault is the least serious of assault charges as no actual physical contact needs to occur to be found guilty of this offence. There just needs to be proof that the defendant caused the victim to fear that immediate physical violence would be used against them. Click here to read more.
An ABH offence is committed when the defendant physically assaults the victim. Bodily harm refers to any harm caused to the victim which interferes with their health/comfort. Although the harm needn't be permanent it must be more than transient. Click here to read more.
Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) is more serious than ABH carrying a maximum sentence of 5 years imprisonment/unlimited fine (7 years if racially aggravated). In order to be convicted of a Section 20 GBH, there must be proof that the defendant caused the victim serious harm. If the term "wounding" has been mentioned in your case it's likely you'll be charged with Grievous Bodily Harm as opposed to Actual Bodily Harm. Click here to read more.
Section 18 GBH is the most serious form of assault and is also known as "wounding with intent". It differs from section 20 in the sense that there must be proof the defendant intended to cause serious harm to the victim. An example of this would be if the defendant left their house in possession of a sharp knife and went straight to the victim's house and proceeded to stab the victim. Click here to read more.
Here at Gray and Co Solicitors we can provide expert advice, support and representation for those under assault allegations.
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Would love your thoughts on my comment below, David.
Yes, there are a lot of breaks in the system, but I wouldn't try to sell other content areas short. Science needs its labs. History would be great if there was time for researching and exploring primary documents and topics of students' choosing. Extra time with small-group math tutoring? Bring it. have you ever seen an art class that's forced to spend at least 10 of its 45 minutes setting up and cleaning up?
Everyone probably wants more time. I could see tossing tons of $$ at this for universal after-school care for young students and supported tutoring for secondary students. We pay athletic coaches for after-school, why not as many academic ones? When it's not busy work, the difference between students who are able and willing to do extra work is staggering.
Nick, this is one of the few times when I really, really disagree with you.
I don't like homework and it's not because I confuse busy work with homework. I don't like homework, because it imposes a system of expectations on time that should belong to kids. I don't like the notion of a double shift for students. I don't like the idea that their school day has to continue past the point when they are finished.
Can homework be meaningful? Yep. Can students read amazing novels at home? Absolutely. However, if it's truly that great, make it an extracurricular activity. Make it bonus work. Make it something that they can do for fun.
Time at home should belong to the kids and to the family. Let them play. Let them interact in their own autonomous spaces. Don't push school into the realm of home.
I Cliff-Noted my way through certain English assignments, because they were assigned as homework. These were supposed to be "great books." These were "engaging" projects. I took the shortcut route, because I would rather be playing video games, playing basketball or reading a Curt Vonnegut novel.
There's some medical evidence that learning needs to be reinforced at certain transfer points in order to make it into long-term memory accurately, and one of those windows is at 5-8 hours after the initial introduction. Do you think it would be worth assigning quick assignments in order to catch that window?
I agree with John here (which is somewhat unusual for me because most of the time I silently disagree with his writing - sorry John).
I have always thought that the idea of asking kids to work on school for nine or ten hours a day is outrageous. Many of us would erupt in righteous rage if our bosses asked us to do an extra three hours of work at home in addition to our regular work day. (I know, I know ... teachers do extra work).
As a teacher (11th grade US History) I always made a deal with students the first week of school - if you'll respect my time - by working hard, being attentive, being engaged - during school then I'll respect your time out side of school by not assigning homework. On the rare occasions when I did assign homework the deal was if you can demonstrate knowledge of the objectives without completing the homework then I'm ok with that.
As an administrator, I tell me teachers to assign only meaningful homework that actually adds to a student's learning. Hours of busy work is a no no.
Hi John - I don't disagree with where you're coming from here, but I also don't know of a solution. I want students to engage with material on their own (instead of being lectured to) so that class can be spent sharing, processing, etc. How can we fit it all in? I'm always, sincerely, looking for solutions. Please share here or link if you have some ideas.
I do love this conversation. As a parent, I've despised the homework my daughter has received - about 95% of the time. BUT, that's been because it has nearly always been, as you say, busy work. She's a senior now, and I can count on one hand the times she's gotten thoughtful, engaging homework assignments. I think this topic is one of those that keeps getting brushed aside in many of the broader conversations about change in education. As a former K12 teacher, I did give homework. Although I tried to make it meaningful, I didn't have the knowledge I do now, about what "meaningful" really is. I look back, and am embarrassed by the kinds of homework I gave.
My daughter seemed to (luckily) engage herself with topics from school - if she was interested in the book, she read it. If the science topics were intriguing, she told me about them, and we extended them at home.
I guess my point is - I've seen the good, bad, and ugly and, for the most part, my daughter is still getting the ugly. I think these conversations, mixed with focused professional development for teachers, can make us rethink the notion of homework, and turn it into something that isn't old-school busywork! Thanks for the intriguing conversations/video.
I absolutely agree. I teach 8th grade English (And AVID and Leadership) and at the middle school level in our district, Math and English classes are 2 periods long and the rest of the classes are 1 period. Each period is 45 minutes. This year, they decided to create a single period English class for kids who have advanced test scores. So, I have 40 kids for only 45 minutes, which is enough time to get NOTHING done! They HAVE to read at home. We wouldn't have enough time to have engaging and thoughtful discussions about To Kill A Mockingbird if they didn't read some at home. I also use Edmodo---I post discussion questions for them to engage with prior to coming to class. Busy work is stupid. But you can't teach a 45 minute English class without assigning some things to be done at home.
I am currently a student teacher who is placed in an 8th grade Lang Arts classroom. I have been told numerous times that I should not bother assigning homework because the students refuse to do it. Because of this thought process, there have been full weeks dedicated to students coming in and silently reading or writing essays the whole time. I have always seen the need for outside reading and writing, but I have been discouraged. How do I encourage my students to complete their homework in a culture of none?
This issue goes to the very core of what education is about. As we measure everything, and am obsessed about doing so, the need to get through curricula forces education or of the classroom. This is upside down, children should be engaged to an extent that they seek more of the knowledge. No study has shown homework to be beneficial, in fact the opposite, and this is why we have some the unhappiest and stressed young people of all time. Allow children to be children, stop measuring, no pig ever gained weight by being constantly weighed. In cultures where education is more relaxed they have no fewer, or lower quality, Doctors or lawyers so what's the problem. It's time to allow education to be what it is supposed to be, the replacing of an empty mind with an open one.
Nick, you dismiss anti-homework advocates in the same manner you claim that they dismiss homework. Both arguments are fallacies of extension; however, after much research and experience, I think the benefits of homework fall far short of the drawbacks. As both a parent and teacher, I have seen both sides of the homework coin.
I taught high school ELA and didn't assign homework. I called reading "homefun!" but gave reading assignment long enough in advance that students had myriad options for completion: over the weekend, during study hall, in class; as a result, reading felt more like leisure than an assignment. Although I lost quite a bit of class time to SSR, the students were so grateful that they were not required to complete work outside of class, the time we spent in class was far more productive.
What I like best about NO HW: I was always certain that work was authentic because it was produced in class; and student grades improved because they were graded only by meeting/not meeting standards and not penalized for missing work.
I wonder about the structure of it all. As a teacher in a project based humanities community, my partner-teacher and I work to create an environment where the learning goals can be met in the classroom if students can drive their own learning and time is used efficiently. If a student achieves a goal in the time provided, then why assign homework? If not, I ask, "what do you need to know/do to meet the learning goal by the due date?". And then, "what homework do you need to assign yourself to get there?". So long as learning goals are supremely clear and viable, resources are present in the room, then "homework" is just a continuation of work in progress in order to meet a deadline. They totally get it.
I'm a pre-service English education teacher and I wanted to note that this is a topic that I hadn't really given much thought to yet. Now that I'm actually thinking about it, I agree that not all homework is bad because, like you noted earlier, as an English teacher, you have to make your students read AT HOME. There is no time in the classroom to read, so when else do you expect your students to get the reading done? I've observed a high school AP Lit class and I noticed that the teacher would make students who hadn't read the night before go to the library to read while the rest of the class was discussing the literature. It was an interesting idea because it gives the students the opportunity to read the story, but then they are missing out on crucial discussion time. My question for you is if you catch yourself giving out busy work and you seem to be in the habit of it, how do you stop and start to give out real homework? As in, work that leads the students to a goal rather than just for extra points?
I'm a pres-service English education teacher and I was very interested in this topic as I had never given much thought to it before. I agree with you in saying that not all homework is bad because yes, as an English teacher, we require our students to read outside of the classroom in order for us to get discussions and work done the next day. My question for you is if I catch myself in the future handing out busy work, how would I stop myself? How would I break that habit and begin to give out work that leads my students toward a better goal rather than just doing work for the points?


The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority has expressed displeasure over the way Arik Air handled the issues surrounding its Calabar flight on Thursday.
A statement by NCAA on Friday, said that the handling of the flight flouted consumer rights.
The statement said, "The NCAA finds the handling of the Calabar-bound flight and the passenger rights as in total contravention of the NCAA Consumer Bill of Rights.
"The Calabar-bound passengers having been delayed for over three hours in the first instance are entitled to compensation and were unfairly treated.
The agency however frowned at the actions of the passengers who blocked the airport runway, stating that it was illegal.
It said, "NCAA finds the action of the passengers against the Arik airplane and the passengers on board same flight as unacceptable and amounts to an act of illegality. It is unlawful and punishable by law. Passengers need to beware and be law-abiding.
Angry passengers had on Thursday evening blocked the runway of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, preventing planes from taking-off or landing.
Findings by our correspondent revealed that the blockade was imposed by passengers who disembarked from an Arik Air flight that was meant to take them to the Margaret Ekpo Airport, Calabar from Abuja.
The flight that had the Cross River State Governor, Liyel Imoke, on board, was denied landing at the Calabar airport at about 5.30pm by the station manager due to safety concerns.
Despite pleas by the aides to the governor that the aircraft should be allowed to land, the station manager had refused, insisting that the runway lightening was poor. As a result, the pilot was left with no other choice than to return the passengers to the Abuja airport.