text:
Spring Big Ten Preview #3 – Indiana Pt I
LAST SEASON – Coming off an NCAA miss and the Sweet Sixteen disappointment the year prior with a #1 seed team, Tom Crean was starting to feel real heat for the first time in his tenure in Bloomington. Given the post-Sampson nightmarish state of the program, IU fans had been remarkably patient in watching Crean dig out from the rubble and slowly but surely assemble a roster which seemed to be up to what most of that fanbase deems to be the historical standard for the school. Yet, failing to even reach a Final Four in 2013 was coupled with a disappointing 2014 and a roster entering last season which looked seriously flawed from the start.
Crean adapted to what he had, emphasizing a fast paced, perimeter oriented attack because he lacked any kind of legitimate post presence. Fortunately for him, he had the right kind of guards to make it work to an extent. IU had their moments where they looked very dangerous but the lack of size made them extremely vulnerable on defense and opposing teams often punished them in the paint…the Hoosiers surrendered a 45% FG against number last year, simply untenable at the Big Ten level. Yet, their offense was good enough to override those issues at time and finish 9-9 in the league. They squeaked into the NCAA TOurnament for the 3rd time in 4 years but lost a tight 5 point decision against a good Wichita State team in the first round to go one and done.
At that point, things didn't look good. There was rampant speculation that Yogi Ferrell, the most indespensible player on IU's team, was thinking seriously about either transfering or turning pro. IU still had a major hole in the paint and without addressing that need, it was hard to see how things would be dramatically different next season even if everyone returned. Then it happened…on April 4th, McDonald's AA center Thomas Bryant decided for IU and single handedly gave them a legitimate center option, and potentially a very good one at that. Just recently both Ferrell and James Blackmon decided to return for another year in Bloomington. In one month, IU has gone from a program in some trouble (along with the job security of its coach) to a team many (including me) believe is Top 10 good and a potential Final Four and Big Ten title threat. Lots of things need to happen, improvement needs to be made in several areas, etc. but in terms of pure talent, IU can stack up with anybody.
RETURNING PLAYERS
Yogi Ferrell is a 6 foot senior guard who decided to come back to IU for one more season. IMO, his mindset seemed to change when Bryant announced and it became clear that he would be playing for a more complete team, one with a legitimate chance to win. It was crucial for IU's contention hopes that he opt to return. Offensively, few point guards anywhere are better than is Ferrell. He uses exceptional quickness, decent strength and good court sense to create shots for himself and for others. He shoots well, he can finish at the rim and he's a very good passer (better than a 2.5 to 1 assist to TO ratio). Where he can improve and really make a difference for this team is on the defensive end. He has the physical tools to be a better defender than he is, and IU really could use solid play from him at the point of attack.
James Blackmon is a 6'4″ sophomore guard who had a strong if inconsistent freshman season. He was second on the team in scoring at 15.7 ppg and had some big offensive outings. He was a 42/39% shooter and really seemed to fit well within IU"s offense, giving them a shooter who can also get to the rim, draw contact, hit free throws, etc. However, he had issues dealing with physical opponents. MSU really gave him trouble and so did other teams who could play him that way. This is often something gifted young players go through…learning how to be effective in the face of physical opposition is often the last piece to fall into place. He has to be better in that type of scenario this year. As with Ferrell and really the entire IU team, they could also use better attention to defensive detail from him.
Troy Williams is a 6'6″ junior forward who with the departures of BJ Dawson and Sam Thompson would seem to be unopposed for the title of most athletic player in the Big Ten. He is a truly jaw dropping athlete and unlike his freshman year, he managed to combine that with an improved skill set to be more than just a runner and jumper. He averaged 13 ppg and 7.4 rpg and gave IU a slashing offensive presence which was very difficult to stop at times. He's also the closest thing to a good defender on the roster…he's not consistent but his energy and activity level allows him to make defensive plays at times. This is a big year for Williams…if he can extend his range a bit and tighten things up a shade in terms of decisions (he can still get out of control on occasion), he could be a first round draft pick because the physical tools are clearly present.
Robert Johnson is a 6'3″ sophomore guard who got a bit lost in the wake of his teammates last year but proved to be as good as advertised. Johnson shot extremelly well (43/39% with half his attempts coming from deep) and showed a good level of athleticism and aggressiveness. He struggled some at the line, strange for such a good shooter and they'll want to see that improve as he presumably gets their more often with a maturing offensive approach. He's a great third perimeter option alongside Ferrell and Blackmon…his presence makes it very tough to overcommit to other shooters and especially with a new post presence, he should get some high quality looks.
Nick Zeisloft is a 6'4′ senior who had a fine first year at IU after transfering in from Illinois State. He's almost entirely a three point shooter and he's a good one, hitting 45% of his 140 attempts from beyond the arc last season. He also plays with good energy and grit, so he can sometimes make a play here or there, but his middling athleticism does make him exploitable on defense. He played almost 20 mpg last season and I suspect Crean would like to reduce that a shade, but he'll still definitely have a role as another deep shooting option.
Hanner Mosquera Perea is a 6'9″ senior post who hasn't come close to matching what was, in fairness, ridiculous hype when he committed. I said at the time that he was impressive athletically but I didn't see much evidence of real "game" in him and that's essentially been the way it's panned out. He was also banged up some last season, which didn't help matters. In the 26 games he played in, he wasn't bad…he shot 59%, playing within himself, rebounded OK and blocked more than a shot per contest. At this stage it's entirely about the role he's in and the expectations you set. If he's your primary post presence you're in trouble, because he's not a guy you can dump the ball into on the blocks and have good things happen. He's an energy guy, someone who can get you a couple of putbacks and maybe block a shot along the way, grab a couple of boards and run the floor. If IU can use him that way, play him 15-18 minutes off the bench, I think he helps them. More than that, and diminishing returns start to set in IMO.
Collin Hartman is a 6'6″ junior forward who was recruited as a wing but was pressed into duty last year as a 5 man if you can believe that. I'll give him credit…he competed his ass off and showed he has some toughness to him. However, what he is is a wing. He's a very good shooter and that's primarily what he should be doing for this team. Given the roster additions, I think he'll settle back into that role.
Emmitt Holt is a 6'8″ sophomore forward who had flashes of production once he started to play after a rough beginning to his career (he was at the wheel of the car involved in the accident which put Devin Davis on the shelf for the entire season and even seemed to threaten his long term well being at a certain point). Holt is a bit undersized to play in the paint in the Big Ten but he's a good athlete with a high motor and so he should be able to help at least in a reserve role. He proved to be a good finisher around the rim and a very productive rebounder (3 per game despite only averaging a bit over 11 mpg). I think he'll be in their rotation firmly and has a chance to develop into a solid player for IU.
Jeremiah April is a 6'11" redshirt freshman who would seem to be a candidate to be "Creaned" to make room for a late signee if need be, but for now appears to still be on the roster. He was brought in because of IU's screaming need for size but proved unable to claim a spot. I wouldn't think his long term future in Bloomington is very bright at this point.
Devin Davis is a 6'7″ 225lbs redshirt sophomore who should be able to play next season according to most accounts. He showed flashes as a freshman, averaging 9 mpg but seemed set for an expanded role last season before suffering a serious head injury in an accident involving teammate Emmitt Holt. Davis sat out the entire season but was practicing before the year was out. If he's 100% he can help this team as he's a good athlete with decent size, a guy you could expect to give them some energy and rebounding off the bench.
Big Ten Basketball, College Hoops, Indiana Hoosiers, Spring Big Ten Preview


20 Oct El Libro De Abramelin, Author: Amazon Inspire Digital Educational Resources. Oxford University, Bodleian Library. The Book of Abramelin tells. 25 Aug Title, La magia sagrada o Libro de Abramelin el Mago Colección Saberes humanos. Contributor, Javier Troncoso N. Publisher, Eyras, ISBN. : Libro de La Magia Sagrada de Abra-Melin (Spanish Edition) ( ): Mac Gregor-Mathers: Books.
Customer reviews There are no customer reviews yet. The Book of Abramelin tells the story of an Egyptian mage named Abraham pronunciation: ComiXology Thousands of Digital Comics.
Thanks to features like clippings, scripting recording a series of actionsand code folding, the app can save lbiro time by removing most repetitive tasks libro de la magia sagrada de abramelin el mago the development process. Mathers used the least-reliable manuscript copy as the basis for his translation, and it contains many errors and omissions.
Master De Luz, Name: AmazonGlobal Ship Orders Internationally. At the moment, it is the only known manuscript translation in the Italian language of the Abramelin grimoire. Libro de la magia sagrada abramepin abramelin el mago pdf — tools: Amazon Rapids Fun stories for kids on the abramslin.
At the moment, it is the only known manuscript translation in the Italian sagrrada of the Abramelin grimoire.
The manuscript, unknown for centuries to international researchers untilhas been found by academic researcher Maria Elena Loda in the esoteric section. Thereby, the magician gains command of them in his own mental universe, and removes their negative influence from his life.
The Book of Abramelin tells the story of an Egyptian mage named Abraham pronunciation: The first printed version, also in German, dates to and was printed in Cologne by Peter Hammer. John, in external links.
There's a problem loading this menu right now. Seeing this in practice makes us wonder why more programs abramelinn do the hp scanjet c driver. We highly recommend it for all users. During this preparatory phase, there are many restrictions: Contributor, Javier Troncoso N.
Amazon Inspire Digital Educational Resources. In my opinion it is obvious. Get fast, free safrada with Amazon Prime. Be the first to review this item Amazon Best Sellers Rank: This Internet Explorer add-on lets you post and share clippings of Web abraamelin, though sagrafa lacks some features found on similar Web-clipping tools.
No one resents the efforts of Microsoft to create a more effective, powerful operating system, but many people miss abramelin el libro de la magia sagrada ease of navigation that has been present through so many previous versions of the OS. Internally the text dates itself to the year AudiobookStand Discount Audiobooks on Disc. This Internet Explorer add-on lets you post and share clippings of Web abraamelin, though sagrafa lacks some features found on similar Web-clipping lirbo.
Foto no disponible No hay fotos para esta livro. To learn more about Amazon Sponsored Products, click here. Although Crowley would go on to create his own ritual for attaining this, while also saying that an adept could more or less achieve this mystical state in any number of ways, the fundamental concepts remained consistent with Abramelin.
Intuitive buttons let you duplicate, delete, libro de la magia sagrada de abramelin el mago pdf edit profiles and create usage reports. There are several important differences between the original manuscripts and Mathers' edition.
ComiXology Thousands of Digital Comics. The grimoire is framed as a sort of epistolary novel or autobiography in which Abraham of Worms describes his journey from Germany to Egypt and reveals Abramelin's magical and Kabbalistic secrets to his son Lamech.
For purchases where a shipping charge was paid, there will be no refund of the original shipping charge. Master De Luz, Name: If Windows Explorer is a bit clunky or slow for what you need to do each day, this lite-featured widget may ssagrada speed your productivity with its built-in file compression options and ease of use.


text:
Q: Split and group by using Linq I have done the below which is working fine.
 public StandardReportsModel GetStandardReportsModel(string adUser, string adPassword, IPrincipal user)
 {

    var myItems = getMyItems().Where(myItem => !string.IsNullOrEmpty(myItem.Description));
    var categories = new List<string>();
    var myItems = new List<MyModel>();

    foreach (var myItem in myItems)
    {
       var myIndex = myItem.Description.IndexOf('*');
       var category = myIndex != -1 ? myItem.Description.Substring(0, myIndex).ToUpper() : myItem.Description.ToUpper();

       if (categories.IndexOf(category) == -1)
       {
          categories.Add(category);
       }

       myItems.Add(getMyItem(myItem, category));
    }
    categories.Sort();
    return new StandardModel { Categories = categories, MyItems = myItems };
 }

 private MyModel getMyItem(MyItem myItem, string category)
   {
     var categoryIdentifierIndex = myItem.Description.LastIndexOf(Delimiters.CategoryDescriptionDelimiter);
     var description = categoryIdentifierIndex != -1 ? myItem.Description.Substring(categoryIdentifierIndex + 1, (myItem.Description.Length - categoryIdentifierIndex + 1))) : myItem.Description;

     return new MyModel{ Name = myItem.Name, Description = myItem.Description, Category = category };
   }

 public class StandardModel
  {
    public List<string> Categories { get; set; }
    public List<MyModel> MyItems { get; set; }
  }

Now I am trying to do the same with Linq and I have reached till below. From the obtained result I can get distinct of category and sort it. Is there a way by which it can be doen in a single query?
var result = myItems.Where(myItem => !string.IsNullOrEmpty(myItem.Description))
             .Select(ci => new MyModel
               {
                 Name = ci.Name,
                 Category =  ci.Description.Split('*')[0],
                 Description = ci.Description.Split('*')[2]
               }).ToList();

I want categories and their items. Probably I might have to use group by here.
Please suggest

A:  Dictionary<string, List<MyModel>> result = myItems
         .Where(myItem => !string.IsNullOrEmpty(myItem.Description))
         .Select(ci => new MyModel
           {
             Name = ci.Name,
             Category =  ci.Description.Split('*')[0],
             Description = ci.Description.Split('*')[2]
           })
         .GroupBy(e => e.Category)
         .ToDictionary(e => e.Key, e => e.ToList());

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


text:
Lucia Sekerkova: Vrăjitoare
Lucia Sekerkova documents the rituals of Romania's social media savvy witches
Words by Laura Snoad, Wednesday 24 April 2019
"I love the strange split between the old and the new world, as well as between magic and the internet," says photographer Lucia Sekerkova about her four-year project capturing the vrăjitoare, or witches, of Romania's Wallachian Roma community. Working with ethnologist Ivana Šusterová, the pair have documented how ancient traditions have transitioned into the modern world, through savvy social media promotion and live-streamed rituals.
The Wallachian Roma people were formerly nomadic groups who moved across Europe until it was made illegal, explains Lucia. Once banned by the communist regime, a vrăjitoare's work is defined by fortune-telling and spell-casting and has seen a distinct upsurge in Romania in recent years. Working with Ivana, an expert in the everyday life and culture of Wallachian Roma people, was a huge boon to the project, especially given her language skills. "This group has many traditional norms, specific forms of behaviour and its own community rules and laws. I think that people should know about them and respect them before they just demand something from them," says Lucia.
Self-determination and self-expression was a big part of the project, with Lucia asking each of her subjects to suggest how they'd like to pose. For many it was important to pose with computers or while taking selfies to show how their work could be available to clients all over the world. "I was totally fascinated by their promotional skills, especially on social networks like Facebook," says Lucia. "They are definitely better than me!"
Witch Maria Campina, the self-proclaimed queen of white magic, wanted to pose with a golden crown, a symbol of prestige that wards off evil. Witch Danusia posed in a praying position – a nod to her use of white magic and her belief in God. "She doesn't use spells, only prayers," says Lucia. "I used my flash and the television behind her to create a kind of digital halo effect inspired by religious iconography." A young witch, called Selena, chose to pose as the Virgin Mary, holding her tarot cards. "A young girl must be a virgin until her marriage, otherwise she has no value in Wallachian Roma community," explains Lucia. "If she has magical powers, which have been passed down from mother to daughter, it can be an advantage because probably she will able to bring extra money to the family."
The resulting project is an excellent combination of ethnographic study and creative representation. "I decided to use a strong flash, even in moments which should be full of a mysticism, closely scrutinising the fortune teller's methods," says Lucia. "The pictures should provide an artistically evocative, complex view of the topic, reproducing specific reality but teetering between assumed mysticism and what is designed for clients or for promotion on the social network. It often produces an unexpected and bizarre picture for observers."
www.sekerkovalucia.cz

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Get out the packing boxes and old newspaper – it's time to clean up your holidays!
What a whirlwind season it's been. With everything that happened in 2009, 2010 is sure to be another monumental year for all things green.


People that are stuck in wheelchairs fight with their lives. Whether it's a temporary or permanent state, residing in a chair is not pleasant to say the very least, but it does not mean you can't do about the same things regular folks do. You still have a life before you, and also a seat makes it possible to recover some of your independence. I guess it'd have been more terrible if wheelchairs did not come into existence. Nevertheless, they did, and your own lifestyle is easier for it. Not to mention that thanks to technological progress, wheelchairs have improved considerably over recent years. They supply excellent comfort and mobility, something which you can be thankful for.
Surely there are sufficient places in Evansville, IN from where you are able to lease a wheelchair. However, I do not believe that's the best thought. It is ideal to get a wheelchair for several factors. If you do not understand what I am referring to, here are a couple of reasons why auto leasing is poor to buying one.
It is a waste of money — leasing a wheelchair in Evansville, IN might not appear expensive at first, but if the bill rises up, you might end up regretting not buying just one at the first location. The business that rents wheelchairs will probably request an initial charge, and after that you'll be charged periodically, based on how long you will need the chair for. In addition, remember about pick-up and delivery. Why would you invest all that cash as soon as you can buy one for yourself? If you maintain it correctly, after you're finished with it, then you can resell it at a fantastic price. If you need a wheelchair in a more permanent basis, rental is from the question, however, you see my point.
Everything you need might not be available — because you can imagine, there are multiple types of wheelchairs, along with your condition may require a specific kind. However, the wheelchair rental firm might not have everything you need in stock, which means you are going to end up in a chair which isn't suggested for you. Your only choice is to take what it is given, and which might be bad for you. But if you get a new wheelchair, you can select precisely what you require, and everyone is happy. Keep in mind that your relaxation and stability will be the number one priority. It can end up being inconvenient to settle for something that you do not require. By way of example, let's say that you want a wheelchair using fixed armrests, however the rental company doesn't have one in inventory. What should you really do? Nothing, because you don't have any options.
You will get somebody else's broken wheelchair — Would you believe that wheelchair rental companies have fresh wheelchairs in stock? No, a number of them are damaged. Not severely, but they might have a twisted wheel or a rickety armrest. You might not want that? Is not it best should you purchase a new chair and what is as it should be? I believe it is, and taking someone's leftovers is not nice, to say the least.
You might wake up with some additional fees — when you lease a chair, the product is the duty, so in the event you scratch it or cause any damage (no matter how little and insignificant,) you will cover it. You may lose your deposit or anything policy the wheelchair rental company has. The purpose is that accidents can occur, however, you shouldn't live with this strain in your mind.
The motives mentioned above are just the tip of this iceberg, and surely you will find more. That is why I feel it's better if you purchase a wheelchair and forget everything about auto rental.
Budgeting is a portion of everybody's life, and also wheelchair price is an essential aspect if you buy one. I do not understand what are the wheelchair prices in Evansville, IN, but they are able to begin from 80$ (low-end) and reach as large as 12.000percent, which means top of the lineup and also have all types of attributes. While price is important, remember to add quality from the equation. I know that you may reside in a budget, but comfort is more important in this situation.
Most people in Evansville, IN prevent spending a lot of cash on a cubicle. That is unless they are easily able to manage it. But while you can find high-quality wheelchairs that cost a couple hundred dollars, spending more than a thousand bucks can bring you multiple advantages like elevating footrests, or even an electric wheelchair which is able to enable you to get up this hill. The point is that the more you invest, the more advantages you can enjoy. After all, the wheelchair is your way to liberty. It is not the time to be a cheapskate.
Wheelchair weight is much more significant than you believe. It will affect your mobility considerably. The purpose of a wheelchair would be to move around with ease. If you go for a thick wheelchair, that is not about to happen, can it be? When you have work, or you want to maneuver around the area a good deal, you want a wheelchair that is lightweight, particularly in the event that you've got no one to push one.
The wheelchair weight is determined by the materials where the seat is built. Needless to say, you want a sturdy metal that produces the seat durable, but at exactly the identical time, you want a lightweight alloy, such as aluminum. It is possible to opt for hybrids also, however they have a tendency to be pricier than alloys. In the close of the evening, it's you who makes the budget. However, keep in mind that wheelchair weight is among the factors you will need to take into account prior to making a purchase. Otherwise, you can experience muscle strain and exhaustion, which you do not need.
When you buy a wheelchair, it's also advisable to think about the accessories that you require for this. What it's sure is that you simply want a couple of things that will enhance your freedom, and let's not forget about relaxation. Keeping that in mind, here are the most frequent accessories that you may need.
Foam cushions — they're the most frequently bought since they are the cheapest. While routine foam is comparatively comfy, my advice would be to proceed with memory foam if you're searching for a reasonable solution. High-density foams will keep their shape for longer, they will choose the shape of your entire body, and as far as comfort goes, you'll enjoy plenty. On the other hand, the disadvantage with cushioned cushions is that they wear fairly quickly, and you will need to purchase a new one pretty soon.
Gel cushions — Just as the name suggests, a gel pillow consists of a foam base and a gel bladder in the center. People who have used foam and gel say that gel cushions are far better for pressure sores, which can be something that each wheelchair user wants. Additionally, gel is supposed to assist you with keeping a wholesome position, and you'll be pain-free on your lower spine and tailbone. On the other hand, exactly like anything else, there's a disadvantage to this kind of cushions as well. Gel bottoms-out, but kneading the cushion once per day may stop that from occurring anytime soon.
Air flotation cushion — In case you don't know what that is, allow me to enlighten you. An air flotation cushion consists of a certain number of balloons that match to keep you in a comfortable and healthy position. You have the prospect of adjusting the stress points by tying a few balloons to keep them from inflating. The only downside of the kind of cushions is upkeep. In the end, we are discussing balloons. They could escape air, and you want to fix that when and if it happens.
Urethane honeycomb — Last however, urethane honeycomb is the latest technology in futon cushions. That's because a urethane honeycomb cushion is composed of numerous different cells. As for comfort and support, this kind is great. In addition, the air may circulate freely between the cells, which means that warmth retention is impossible. Due to all those features, and since there are not any drawbacks whatsoever, this sort of cushion is the most expensive of all of them.
Access points are critical for a person who's bound to a wheelchair. You need you to get outside and within the house, you need one at work, and anywhere you go. Lucky for disabled individuals, it is the law to install a wheelchair ramp in every public space. However, the one which you want at home has to be installed by you.
Surely you can find drops at Evansville, IN, and truth be told, they aren't very expensive. However, you require a person to put in it for you because I don't believe you can handle it yourself. 1 aspect which you will need to be careful about is your wheelchair ramp slope. You would like it to be comfortable for you to use. If the angle is too high, that might be hard for you to go up, and quite a low angle requires quite the space for the ramp, which again, it is not convenient. Placing a wheelchair ramp slope is simple, and you ought to purchase a ramp accordingly.
Keeping your wheelchair properly is among the things you should be conscious of. The better you maintain the seat, the longer long-lasting it will be. Whenever you do not use it, ensure that the wheelchair is stored in a dry and clean place. But, you may always buy a wheelchair cover to aid with that. It is not costly, and it will keep your seat clean.
Transportation is yet another substantial aspect if you are in a wheelchair. In the end, you cannot reside in a one-mile radius for the remainder of your life. Luckily, you have loads of options. To begin with, you may use a bus. The car is equipped with a lifting system that can help you enter and exit the vehicle. It is quite convenient, and if this kind of car is custom made (all the instances) and perhaps a bit pricey, it is going to enhance your mobility. And let's not forget about your sanity. In the event you stay isolated, you are able to go through depression. A wheelchair van will make possible that you get out of your comfort zone and interact more.
If traveling is what you are into, you may choose a wheelchair RV. It has the same elevating system like the wheelchair van, but you can also live inside while on your trip. I believe that to get a handicapped person, a wheelchair RV is the best method of transport while on vacation.
While I know it's difficult to reside in a wheelchair that does not mean your life is over. You can do lots of other things to keep yourself entertained, and you can still be a productive member of society. You can always have hobbies and whatnot. For instance, you may play wheelchair football, that is quite popular today. It's pretty much like regular football, but instead of running after the fall, you chase it on wheels. Wheelchair football is definitely something you should consider.
If you don't like wheelchair soccer, then you always have the option to play some wheelchair basketball. Certainly you can find wheelchair basketball clubs at Evansville, IN, and also people who attend these sports events usually have lots of fun. Who says that individual can't be you. The purpose is that you are able to have fun regardless of what state you're in. All you need to do is seek out ways of amusement for handicapped people in Evansville, IN, and surely your search will develop some thing. Enjoy your own life! It's well worth living it.
Once you get accustomed to it, then a wheelchair will become a part of you. You will discover how to live your own life inside, and you'll be more than nice. However, ensure that you make an informed decision when you get a wheelchair. Also, do not forget about the accessories, and get yourself the best wheelchair you can spend. After all, this can be your mobility we are referring to, and you deserve the very best.


In response to industry's need for scientists and engineers skilled in the design, manufacture and operation of photonics systems, Strathclyde University and OptoSci Ltd. have developed a suite of Photonics Educator Kits, which enable students to experimentally investigate all of the major technical features, principles and design issues of optical waveguides, optical communications systems, erbium doped fiber amplifiers and lasers. To support these applications experiments we have recently added a range of kits enabling students to experimentally investigate the basics of physical optics covering reflection, refraction, polarization, diffraction, coherence and interference. In this paper, we will describe the educational objectives and the design philosophies behind the development of these kits. To illustrate these, full details of the experimental procedures, the results and the benefits to the student will be discussed for the recently upgraded optical communications kit and the erbium doped fiber amplifier (EDFA) system, in particular addressing the crucially important noise characteristics of optical amplifiers.


text:
Experts share theory about mysterious drones in eastern Colorado
DENVER (KDVR) — Several people living along Colorado's Eastern Plains have spotted large-scale drones flying over their communities late at night. No one knows who owns them or what the drones are being used for.
The F.A.A. is currently investigating the situation. Drones have been spotted above Sterling, Fort Morgan, Brush, Wray and several other towns in northeast Colorado.
"My best guess would be they're doing some sort of surveying," said Joe Celestino, chief operating officer of Vertigo Drones in Rochester, New York.
Celestino and his colleague Amanda Saul both have experience with large-scale drones. Eyewitnesses living in the affected communities describe the drones as "huge," with wing spans as long as 6 to 7 feet.
According to Celestino, drones that size are strong.
"Extremely powerful," he said. "And they can fly at hours at a time too".
The drones have been appearing at night. While no one is sure why, Celestino and Saul have a theory:
"If it's at night and they're flying, it's probably thermal related," Celestino said.
"Some inspections are done at nighttime just because with the FAA, you can't fly over people. So depending on where they are, they might be using nighttime waivers to avoid that aspect of that," Saul added.
Large-scale drones could cost between $30,000-$40,000.
Celestino believes they either belong to the military or to a multimillion-dollar company.
KDVR continues to investigate this situation.


text:
The Insider 2019 >
The Insider 2015
ECC 2019
NJALL 2019
LNJ 2019
AAC 2018
POL 2002
Students' Stories >
Tutors' Stories >
Students >
Tutors >
Lesson Plans & Materials
The Insider, the monthly newsletter of LVA, Essex & Passaic Counties, will keep you in the loop on all of the organization's upcoming events.
Ellen Rooney Martin is our new coordinator for recruitment and training. Ellen is a former journalist and a frequent contributor to The Insider.
Literacy Volunteers of America Essex & Passaic Counties
90 Broad Street, 2nd Floor, Bloomfield, NJ 07003
(973) 566-6200, ext. 217 or 225
195 Gregory Avenue, 2nd Floor, Passaic, NJ 07055
Cristhian Barcelos -Executive Director
cbarcelos@lvaep.org
Jorge Chavez -Data Processing Coordinator
jchavez@lvaep.org
Debbie Graham -Education Coordinator
dgraham@lvaep.org
Ellen Rooney Martin -Recruitment & Training Coordinator
emartin@lvaep.org
Mary O'Connor -Trainer & Tutor Support Specialist
moconnor@lvaep.org
Marisol Ramirez -Student Coordinator
mramirez@lvaep.org
Greetings LVA Family,
We are both pleased and, frankly, humbled by the recognition and awards received over the past month by Literacy New Jersey and the New Jersey Association for Lifelong Learning (NJALL). At its annual conference last month, Literacy New Jersey granted LVA Essex & Passaic Counties the Alice M. Leppert Award for Outstanding Affiliate for our Student ID and Resources Program, which is described in greater detail on Page 4 of this newsletter.
NJALL recognized Mary Kao, an LVA tutor, trainer, and workshop presenter, as Teacher of the Year, at the organization's annual conference last week. In addition, our students fared well in the NJALL Learner Writing Contest and will see their work published next year in the organization's magazine. You can see photos of the award winners, and descriptions of their prizes, on Page 5.
Alas, it is with sadness that we say goodbye to our colleague, Russell Ben Ali, coordinator of our recruitment and training program since July 2013. Russell is retiring as a staffer but will remain a volunteer and a coordinator for LVA's English-Spanish Language Exchange, our bilingual conversation group.
At the same time, it is a privilege to welcome Ellen Rooney Martin to our staff as the new recruitment and training coordinator. Ellen is a volunteer tutor and, in recent months, a frequent contributor to The Insider. She has a journalism background and brings her infectious smile and warm personality to our office.
The tutor support group will meet Tuesday, May 22nd, 12:30-2:00 pm, at Park United Methodist Church, 12 Park St, in Bloomfield.
To view the following stories, copy and paste the highlighted website into an internet search bar.
'Illiteracy often unseen, very real problem, Greater Cleveland groups say,' The News-Herald, https://bit.ly/2KVM1YP
'Everyday objects pose a daunting challenge for illiterate adults in Pearson's latest 'Project Literacy' Campaign,' Ad Age, https://bit.ly/2G8Tlwk
'Why is New York condoning illiteracy?' Opinion Section, New York Times Opinion Section, https://nyti.ms/2GUDciz
You can find more than English lessons at the local library. LVA students Seung Hui ("Erin") and Gurpreet found friendship and the chance to become published authors.
Tutor Support Workshop
"Teaching Vocabulary with Pictures," with Mary Kao
Bloomfield Public Library
90 Broad Street, 2nd Floor Boardroom
Bloomfield, NJ 07003
Tuesday, June 5, 2018, 1:00-2:30 pm
Tutor Training Workshops
Montclair Public Library -by Mary Kao
50 South Fullerton Avenue
Saturdays, 12:15-3:45 pm
September 8, 15, 22, 29, & October 6, 2018
Bloomfield Public Library -TBD
Tuesdays and Thursdays 12:00- 3:00 pm
October 2, 4, 9, 11, 16, & 18, 2018
West Orange Public Library -by Mary Kao
46 Mount Pleasant Avenue
October 10, 17, 24, 31, November 7, & 14, 2018
Seung Hui ("Erin") and Gurpreet, LVA students
When Seung Hui and Gurpreet came to Literacy Volunteers of America to improve their English, they learned more than a new language. They learned the value of making new friends in a new country.
Once complete strangers, Seung Hui, a South Korea native whose nickname is "Erin," and Gurpreet, from India, now refer to each other as sisters, after about a year of studying together with tutor Charles Bateman. They go to movies together, to a coffee shop together, and study over the phone together.
"In LVA, I met a real friend," said Erin. "She is so nice. She is like my little sister. We have the same tutor and the same assignments. We talk to each other and help each other a lot."
Now the friends have done something else together: They've each won prizes in the New Jersey Association for Lifelong Learning writing contest, awards that come with cash prizes and the chance to be published in the NJALL annual magazine.
Gurpreet won the first-place award in the non-fiction category while Erin earned first-place for memoir writing and second-place for non-fiction.
Neither could have achieved such success without each other's support and encouragement, they explained. "When I started my writing, it was so childish," Gurpreet said. "I took some tips from her. She held my hand over the phone."
And, the ladies have more in common than their love for each other and love of writing. Both left their native countries to follow husbands who relocated for their careers. Both husbands work in Manhattan, leaving both women home all day with plenty of time to study English, write, and enjoy each other's company. "We are in the same situation," Erin said. "We have busy husbands, but are not busy wives."
In their native countries, Gurpreet worked as a nurse and Erin was an elementary school teacher. Each hope to work in the U.S., with the help of their lessons at LVA, which they'll likely test out of, sooner or later, since each is an advanced student. However, they added, "We will continue our friendship long after we finish the program."
Literacy opens a wide door to life. Help us keep that door open with your donation!
Thanks in large part to you, we are able to aid hundreds of students each year. Please continue your efforts to improve the lives of others by giving the gift of literacy. You can contribute by mailing us a check or through our website @:
http://www.lvaep.org/donate.html
"Casting aside shame and stigma, adults tackle struggle with illiteracy."
By Melissa Block, NPR, April 26, 2018
Our series "Take A Number" looks at problems around the world — and the people trying to solve them — through the lens of a single number.
At the tiny public library in Winterport, Maine, 43-year-old Robert Hartmann bends over The Little Engine That Could and slowly sounds out the first line.
"Ch-chug, right?" he asks his volunteer tutor, Sandy DeLuck. "Yup," she encourages him. He presses on: "Puh-puff ... puff ... puff. Ding ... ding-dong?"
Hartmann is burly, with five facial piercings, his arms inked with tattoos. This is his second session with DeLuck. He reads at about a first-grade level.
He is one of the 35 million U.S. adults whose reading skills are below a fourth-grade level.
Thirty-five million — or 1 in 6 U.S. adults.
Nationwide, adult illiteracy has proved an intractable problem, linked to stubborn societal issues such as poverty and failing schools. In fact, US adult literacy rates are no better than they were 25 years ago.
In Maine, the small nonprofit Literacy Volunteers of Bangor is among the programs trying to chip away at that daunting statistic by helping people like Hartmann improve their literacy — and, eventually, their lives.
Reprinted from The Telegraph (London). For full story, paste the following link into an Internet search: https://n.pr/2I6DP7b
Learning a new culture is more than studying a language. Tutoring is more than learning techniques. Our 'Resources' page covers everything from legal matters, health care, & scholarships for immigrants, to professional development for tutors. Give us a look @:
http://www.lvaep.org/students.html
Nancy Pisciotta, LVA tutor
by Ellen Rooney Martin
LVA tutor Nancy Pisciotta is a true unsung hero. Without any additional instruction, she figured out the right way to help her visually impaired student, Ana, succeed with ESL. Ana's speedy rise from a low-beginner to a high beginner ESL student in just one year brought Nancy into the spotlight as a tutor.
Nancy grew up in Nutley and earned an associate degree before deciding she couldn't wait to earn money to buy clothes and a car. She had her first job at 20 as a service rep for Bell Telephone. After marrying her high school boyfriend, she spent 10 years raising their three kids in Scotch Plains, NJ
In 1988, while the kids were in school, Nancy went back to school herself to earn a Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education from Kean University. She went on to teach in West Orange for 24 years, focusing on language arts for first and second graders who had scored below the national average on standardized tests. "I loved teaching reading to kids," she said.
After retiring from teaching, Nancy thought she might tutor children in her spare time. Her interest in teaching was sparked again while visiting her granddaughter's school for Grandparent's Day.
"In retirement, I missed reaching people in a meaningful way," Nancy said. At the Children's Library at the Bloomfield Public Library she asked if any children needed tutoring. The librarian told her about LVA. Within a month, she signed up for tutor training workshops and got tips about working with adults. What she didn't know was anything about teaching someone who was visually impaired. Her student Ana was not comfortable speaking English. But Ana needed to learn English if she wanted to speak to her daughter-in-law and grandchildren.
Nancy made special accommodations to help Ana see the work in class by using a magnifier and Google images on her iPad to help with vocabulary and comprehension. Ana's success has helped Nancy too. "I always walk away from here on my tutoring day feeling good," she said.
2018 Alice M. Leppert Award for Outstanding Affiliate Achievement
Literacy New Jersey
Our "Student ID and Resources Program," is a two-part project, the first of which aims to provide each student with photo identification. Our photo ID card, which comes with the student's name and home address embossed on the front, and the name of his or her tutor, and day, time, and library of their meeting affixed to the back with a sticker, will be issued to every student in our tutoring program by the end of July 2018. The cards are similar to the municipal IDs granted to immigrants in about a dozen New Jersey municipalities, regardless of immigration status, and may give some students their first identification card in the U.S.
The second part of the project, our Resources program, identifies institutions around the state where students can find everything from low cost public health, dental, eye care, and mental health clinics to food pantries, legal immigration services, transportation, scholarships, education and housing help. The information, which is contained on our web pages - http://www.lvaep.org/students.html - is available in 103 language.
In consideration of the pilot project, which was developed by our executive director, Cristhian Barcelos, Literacy New Jersey presented LVA Essex & Passaic with the 2018 Alice M. Leppert Award for Outstanding Affiliate Achievement at Literacy NJ's annual conference at The College of New Jersey on April 21, 2018. LVA was fortunate enough to receive the award at least twice before – in 2015 and 1993.
New Jersey Association of Lifelong Learning
The NJALL Teacher of the Year award went to our own Mary Kao, an LVA tutor for 17 years, as well as a trainer, a workshop presenter and, at times, a recruiter. She is one of our longest serving tutors and, at age 75, displays the enthusiasm of a rookie teacher. Mary learned the importance of literacy as a child. Her mother could speak four languages but couldn't read or write in any because she was taken out of school at an early age by a father who believed that girls should learn to cook, sew, and maintain a household, rather than attend school.
Learner Writing Contest 2017
Winners of NJALL's Learner Writing Contest 2017 were announced at the organization's annual ceremony on May 11, 2018. The contest comes with cash prizes and the opportunity to be published in the NJALL annual literary magazine, "Insight." The following LVA Essex & Passaic Counties students were recognized in the contest for these works:
A painful early marriage behind her, Ligia writes about moving to the United States with her young son in "Remembrance of Yesterday." Visiting a local mall a few days after her arrival, she ran into an old friend, with the happiest possible outcome including a renewed friendship and an eventual marriage to the friend's brother. She won a special mention in the memoir category.
Ligia Avendano Alverez
Gurpreet Bhatia
Gurpreet remembers her mother praying at the shocking attack on Malala Yousafzai, a young Pakistani girl shot by the Taliban in 2012. It caused her to wonder what was wrong with educating young girls and allowing them to watch tv and listen to music. "A Young Living Legend," by Gurpreet won first place non-fiction.
One night, Karima woke up to silence at 1 a.m., while her husband slept peacefully beside her. She was consumed with loneliness. She longed to share a cup of coffee with her parents every evening, missed her friends and the life she knew in Morocco. Everything was new, but the stirring of her unborn baby restores her hope in "A Little Star," which won special mention-memoir.
Karima Ejjoulali
Clifford Henry
A boy dreams of being Superman and growing up to be a doctor, but first wants to join the football team in Clifford's story "The Little Superman." There are some tense moments in this tale of love and determination as a father and coach worry about the boy after practice. The story won first place-fiction.
Every kid can remember something their mother said over and over, many might recall: Did you do your homework? Seung remembers hearing "Seung Hui, come here and eat this!" She wrote beautifully about food, sacrifice and love in her memoir: "Yes, I'd love to Have Some More, Mom" which was awarded first place.
Getting a book receipt at the library detailing her savings of $20 that day borrowing books, moved Seung thinking about the power of books in her life in "How I Became A Library Enthusiast.". With her library card in hand, she has access to a world of books, which she wrote about and won second-place for non-fiction.
Seung Hui Kim
Damian Wilson
Wondering what it would be like to be sixteen again, Damian wrote "Sixteen" about growing up in Jamaica and not going to a regular high school. Instead she attended a job training center and went to work as a babysitter. She wrote about being sixteen again as an American high school student in this charming memoir that won an special mention in the memoir category.
90 Broad Street, Bloomfield, NJ 07003 | (973) 566-6200 x225
195 Gregory Avenue, Passaic, NJ 07055 | (973) 470-0039


Sometimes, though, there's a fine line between being penny-wise and penny-pinching. Problems can arise and, far from saving money, you end up wasting your hard-earned cash and causing yourself a whole load of hassle into the bargain.
Ever heard the phrase "buy cheap and you'll pay twice"? I guess that most of us have been caught out by a bargain that looked amazing and then turned out to be somewhat less than expected. I know I am certainly guilty of it; that's what buyer's remorse is all about!
My business sells a huge range of business supplies and, as you would probably expect, that includes a lot of ink and toner for desktop printers.
And guess what? I see more 'buyer's remorse' over ink and toner cartridges than anything else!
Specifically, I am talking about people who live to regret buying 'non-genuine' cartridges.
Don't get me wrong. I have several customers who very happily use 'own label' cartridges (described variously as 'compatibles' or 'remanufactured' cartridges) and they would raise an eyebrow at what I am saying in this blog.
And there are lots of great businesses out there that specialise in doing nothing but 'compatible' cartridges, so I recognise there is a market for them, and I am not criticising that in any way … I sell them myself, so it would be a bit hypocritical of me to knock it too hard!
But the reality is that I have far more customers who will only use OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) 'branded' cartridges because, to quote one of them, "…once bitten, twice shy".
I understand why we want to save money on these things. They can represent a significant outlay of money. But if you are thinking about trying out some compatibles in your machine then I would urge you to do so with your eyes open to the potential pitfalls of price-conscious printing.
OEM inks and toners are created by the original manufacturer – the company that developed your printer. So, if you have a Brother printer the OEM cartridges are also developed by Brother, specifically to work in your machine. You can afford to have a high degree of confidence that all OEM cartridges will be consistent in terms of quality and contents, and failure rate is generally very low.
A compatible toner is a generic alternative to the OEM cartridges.
The quality varies a lot between different compatible toners, depending on the remanufacture process and the brand. You don't have any real guarantee that corners have not been cut somewhere along the line; after all, remanufacturers are making something to be sold at the cheapest possible price.
Compatible toners will be tested in the equipment they are intended to be used in, but they may not function to the same high standards set by the printer manufacturer. You may not get the same quality of print, the print volume per cartridge may vary, and the failure rate is certainly higher than with OEM cartridges.
Remember my customer who said, "once bitten, twice shy"?
He used some compatible toners that ended up covering the inside of his machine with toner powder. The mess was horrendous, and he ended up having to replace the drum and the fuser unit inside his expensive laser printer. He was not very happy, and it turned out to be a very expensive cost-cutting exercise!
Guest bloggers are requested to write content for our website as subject matter experts. In exchange, they receive links to their own websites and an opportunity to promote their own business.
As a fellow BforB member and customer I can highly recommend the team at Office Prime Supplies, I'm guilty as charged for the use of compatible printer cartridges in the past and have often paid the price for what seemed like a good deal at the time. Trust me when I say it's not worth the frustration and wasted hours cleaning up the mess often caused by cheaper cartridges.
One thing worth remembering when buying a printer is the ongoing costs, Mathew recently quoted and supplied one of my clients with a new MFP printer / copier. The user had found a couple of printers on Amazon and sent them over in an email looking for advice. Mathew sent back a couple of alternative options with a significantly lower cost of ownership in both maintenance and ink costs. Over the life of the printer the customer will save many times over the extra cost of purchasing the recommended device.


This webcam is currently assigned to Bedinge GK. It was originally added on February 04, 2010 and has been viewed 27,259 times since then. The current picture above was taken 13 minutes ago, thereby the webcam seems to be currently active. So far, it was added to their personal favorites on webcams.travel by 1 people.
View from the club house over putting green and hole 4 at Bedinge Golf Club. Swedens most southern golfcourse.
Vy från klubbhuset över putting green och hål 4 på Bedinge Golfklubb. Sveriges sydligaste golfbana.


Sell Your Mineral Rights in Texas | Permico Royalties - We Buy oil royalties, gas royalties and mineral rights.
Do Not Sell Your Mineral Rights Without Reading This!
Selling mineral rights to make a good profit is an attractive idea to many owners of mineral rights; yet it is important for you to learn as much as possible about how to sell your mineral rights and what mistakes to avoid before doing so.
Can My Surface Rights Prevail Over Mineral Rights Usage I Sold?
When you sell your mineral rights, it is critical that you understand the relationship between mineral rights ownership and surface ownership.
The sale of mineral rights usually grants mineral owners the ability to control the surface, even if you still own that land.


Looking for ideas??? Are you tired of doing the same old thing for the neighborhood Christmas Gifts? Not sure what to do for the office Christmas gifts? If you need ideas for these things, then you have come to the right place. On this page you will find a lot of Christmas gift ideas that are perfect for the neighborhood and the office. These are also great ideas as a Christmas gift for the kids friends. Have more ideas? Share them with us and we can put them on the page!
Have a "SOUPER" Christmas: Clean out 2 soup cans – fill one with small packages of dry soup mixes and then fill the other can with soup crackers. Hot glue the two together and tie with a bow.
Candy you ate as a kid® Wax Lips, Candy Buttons, Wax Bottles, and more fresh candies from the 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s.
6. "Just sweeping up all the good times we've had to with you": In a new clean dustpan, fill with goodies, candies, cookies, nuts, etc.
8. Holiday Survival Pills": Buy some pill containers from the pharmacy and take a whole walnut in the shell, paste on two red bloodshot eyes and a nose. Make a small ice bag for the top of the head. Fill the container with candy.
Stir in cocoa, sugar and butter over low heat until melted. Mix well. Add milk gradually. Stir well. Bring to a boil. Cook 4 minutes. Stirring constantly to keep from burning. Cook until thick. Add vanilla. Pour into container.
12. "We wish you a Berry Merry Christmas": Give a bag of frozen blueberries or other berries with assorted recipes.
Sift flour and salt. Combine flour mixture, all bran, bran flakes, chopped dates and chopped nuts. Set aside. Mix boiling water and baking soda. Set aside to cool. Cream sugar and shortening in a large bowl. Stir in eggs one at a time. Beat well. Stir in buttermilk and soda liquid. Stir in bran mixture. Tightly cover. Better if refrigerated 12 hours (or more). To bake drop by spoonfuls (don't stir) into greased muffin tins. Bake at 375 for 20 minutes. Yields 5 ½ dozen.
15. "Lettuce wish you a Merry Christmas": Wrap a head of lettuce in fancy plastic. Tie with a big bow and attach a package of salad dressing.
18. Fill a long tube full of rice or beans to use a drafty door stopper. It could be a decorated with bows tied on both ends.
21. Give a 2 liter bottle of any soda "We soda like you, so we gave you this pop"
23. "Dairy Christmas and a Happy New Steer": Give some cheese or milk products, and some sliced roast beef of some kind. Cute to put in a silver milk bucket pail.
cookies or flat candies is to layer them between lacy white doilies and stack 5 or 6 up as a small package. Tie it with ribbon and top with a bow. Easiest to do with large firm cookies.
25. A single checkered or striped kitchen towel can yield many gifts. A bottle sack, a small jar cover, a hot pad, a napkin, etc. It is fun to stencil on the top.
31. Take ice cube molds and fill with cran/raspberry drink. Freeze. Pour in punch bowl with chilled sprite or 7-up. Serve.
32. Christmas Cheer: Get together as a family and drink up this pop. Then fill it with water right up to the top! According to sources, the people who know, pop bottles with water are a great way to go! So, we're not sending goodies or cookies or pies, Just POP – to get you started on your water supply.
35. Give seasoned vinegars. They can be used for pickling, as a meat marinade or cooking in general. To make the seasoned vinegar, put your choice of flavoring into a clean jar or bottle. Fill with vinegar and put a lid or cap. Let stand in a cool, dark place without shaking about three weeks.
37. Buy an interesting old bottle or jar. Fill it with multicolored pasta. Attach a package of dry pasta sauce mix.
38. Give a goodie string: In the home of yeoman farmer of mid-nineteenth century south, the goodie string provided both a seasonal decoration and a hospitable gesture. It was customary for visiting children to be offered a treat of their choice from the goodie string. The tradition of the goodie string is documented and shared through a restoration of a pre-civil ware house standing in the Atlanta area. The goodie string would be hung by the hearth in the kitchen where family and friends would gather for meals and visits.
39. Some goodie string ideas: Gingerbread men tied to the string for every member of the family, taffy tied to Christmas string, a families favorite candy bars tied to the string, etc.
Sift together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, baking soda, cloves, ginger and cinnamon. Mix well. Cut in shortening with a pastry blender. Use within 3 months. Makes 12 cups of mix. Store in tightly covered container.
They tempt the taste with delicate flavors.
Apples are the valuable of all the fruits that grow on trees.
43. Give a chocolate cookie tree. Purchase a small pine tree or a fake pine tree. Make your favorite toll-house chocolate chip recipe. While the cookies are still warm, pierce them with a needle to create a hole through which lengths of ribbon can be drawn. When cool, they are hung from the boughs of a small tree. They eat the cookies right off the tree.
44. Make a cookie wreath. Right out of the oven arrange your favorite cookies in a wreath position overlapping slightly on a plate or old serving tray. Continue layering until 3 layers deep. Top with a bow.
45. Fill a hot pad mitt with a package of spaghetti, a noodle server spoon, a can of tomato paste, and a package of spaghetti mix. The gift would be a dinner in a mitt.
46. "Don't go bananas this Christmas": Give a bunch of bananas wrapped with a bow.
49. "We wish you a full measure of Christmas cheer": Measuring cup or glass measuring cup filled with candy or party mix and tied with a bow.
68. "In the cookie of life, you're the Chocolate Chips. From your crumby neighbors.": Put cookies in a plastic bag and place them in a new dust pan.
has been used for a variety of reasons?
cleaning the grease off their hands as they complete their work on an old car.
did so many years ago.
94. Box of thin Mints: This gift is "Mint" for someone dear, have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
what the Father in High Heaven above has sent us this night as a proof of His love.
the joy of the youth. May we see and understand the signs of your presence.
common with the person you are giving the gift to, etc.
103. Pitcher / Special Picture: May your holidays be "Pitcher" Perfect.
104. Hope this Christmas "TOPS" them all!
enjoy giving decorated cookies as a symbol of Christmas love.


6 inch Height x 4 inch Width x 8 foot Length. Sill 006 has a very inch top heavy inch design with a drip edge at the top and a slender leg. This unique design is seen more frequently on bungalows with a single large bay window on the front of the home.


"If you're going to San Francisco Be sure to wear some flowers in your hair"
Spotties lay the eggs at intervals of two to three days and the mother starts incubating the eggs as soon as they are laid. Unfortunately the first born gets the most food and in times of scarcity of food, the last born does sometimes die of starvation. If there is abundant food about they may lay a second brood straight after the first brood is able to fly.


The history of the town of Nicolet, at the confluence of the Nicolet and the St. Lawrence, has been shaped by religious institutions dedicated to education. It was therefore a natural extension of that history for the Musée des religions du monde to open there in 1991. This museum manages a significant heritage collection of over 120,000 objects and presents exhibitions that highlight the spiritual dimension of human experience and explore the five major religions of the world.
L'arbre de mots literary park is located next to the Musée des religions du monde. Created in 1998 by writer Pierre Chatillon, this park honours local authors. As they walk along the path, visitors can read extracts from texts by writers from the Nicolet region.
Steel sculptures by Sébastien and Pierre Brassard, inspired by passages and characters in various literary works, decorate the park.


One of my esthetician approved DIY recipes, and a personal favorite!
DIY Skin care recipes you should NEVER try!
DIY Skin care recipes and ingredients you SHOULD try!
Aloe Gel: I used from Glonaturals -- use any aloe gel you want that is free of irritating ingredients like fragrance or solvent alcohols.
Oil: Choose a skin care oil that is liquid at room temperature--not coconut oil, which won't suspend in the gel--and that you know your skin tolerates. I used rosehip oil (from Better Shea Butter). If your skin doesn't tolerate skin care oils, leave oil out of the recipe.
Glycerin: NOW brand, vegetable glycerin or CVS brand. Glycerin is an extremely effective and inexpensive humectant, and one of the best tolerated ingredients in skin care. If you find that a concentration of glycerin that I use is too high for you, use less.
Cleanse face as usual. Apply gel mask in as thick or thin a layer as you like. Mask can be applied more thickly around areas where you would like greater plumping (around eyes, lips, forehead, or wherever expression lines are visible). Rinse after 5-10 minutes.
Follow with mild toner on a cotton pad to remove any excess oil, then apply skin care products as usual.
On my nails: Zoya Dovima with OPI DS Radiance painted in triangles using a striping brush.


text:
"I'm perfectly alright, grateful for love and care" says Shoaib Malik after accident scare
Former Pakistani skipper, Shoaib Malik escaped from a horrific crash in Lahore as his sports car rammed into the truck near a restaurant close to NHPC.
With less than two months to go for the 6th edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), the Pakistan Cricket Board had organized a player draft for the tournament which is slated to begin from 20th February.
Shoaib Malik, 38, who plies his trade with the Peshawar Zalmi side in the previous edition of the Pakistan Super League graced the gala event as the franchise's representative.
Malik, while returning back to his hotel from the event met with a horrific accident as he lost control of his vehicle before colliding 'head-on' with a truck that was parked nearby a local restaurant.
PSL 2021: Complete line-ups of all teams after PSL 6 draft
Regarded as one of the finest all-rounders to play white-ball cricket for Pakistan. Shoaib Malik's luxurious sports car rammed into a truck near a restaurant close to NHPC. Though Malik's car was totaled, the former Pakistani cricketer escaped the crash unhurt.
Addressing the car accident he survived, Former Pakistani skipper, Shoaib Malik said that he's perfectly alright.
"I am perfectly all right everybody. It was just a happenstance accident and Almighty has been extremely Benevolent. Thank you to each one of you who've reached out. I am deeply grateful for all the love and care…."Shoaib Malik tweeted.
– "I am perfectly all right everybody. It was just a happenstance accident and Almighty has been extremely Benevolent. Thank you to each one of you who've reached out. I am deeply grateful for all the love and care…" ~ Shoaib Malik
— Shoaib Malik ???????? (@realshoaibmalik) January 10, 2021
According to reports it has been brought to that notice that Shoaib Malik tried to overtake Wahab Riaz's car and lost control of his fancy sports ride. Shoaib Malik has represented Pakistan in 35 Test, 287 ODIs, and 116 T20Is and has amassed a total of 11,767 runs.
AUS v IND 2020-21: 'Fourth Test will be at the Gabba as planned', confirms Cricket Australia chief
अपरिचित समूहद्वारा पिकअप भ्यानमा आगजनी
No question the Biden administration has to appear 'very tough' on China, former Singapore diplomat says
रोनाल्डो र मोराटाको गोलमा युभेन्टस च्याम्पियन
Japan stocks set to rise after Wall Street surges to records following Biden's inauguration


text:
Q: Integrating mailchimp with CRM Need to get campaign_id with the list_id that I've got. My goal is to get all the campaign data and then sort out using the list_id. I have been able to retrieve the campaign response body, but somehow failing to get the campaign list_id. Any help or a different approach would be appreciated. Sharing my code and mailchimp api related reference.
MailChimp api ref:
"campaigns": [
    {
      "id": "42694e9e57",
      "type": "regular",
      "create_time": "2015-09-15T14:40:36+00:00",
      "archive_url": "http://",
      "status": "save",
      "emails_sent": 0,
      "send_time": "",
      "content_type": "template",
      "recipients": {
        "list_id": "57afe96172",  // this is required
        "segment_text": ""
      },

My Progress:
public static function getCampaignID($list_id){
    $MCcampaigninfo = self::$mc_api->get("/campaigns"); // gives a response consisting 3 rows, required value is in 1st row, which is an array
    foreach ($MCcampaigninfo as $key => $value) {
        if ($value[8]->'list_id' == $list_id) { //under the 'campaign'array, we need the 9th position property 'recipient'
            $campaign_id = $value[12]->'id';
        }
    }
}

A: This code assumes the response of $mc_api->get is equal to the JSON you showed in your example
public static function getCampaignID($list_id) {
    $campaigns = json_encode(self::$mc_api->get("/campaigns"), true);
    $campaignIds = [];
    foreach ($campaigns as $campaign) {

        //if the list_id matches the current campaign recipients['list_id'] add to the array
        if ($campaign['recipients']['list_id'] === $list_id) {
            $campaignIds[] = $campaign['id'];
        }
    }

    //return an array with campaignIds
    return $campaignIds;
}

A: Got it working. The api structure seems different in reality from their documentation. Thanks for all the help. Posting my updated code.
public static function getCampaignID($list_id){
    $MCcampaigninfo = self::$mc_api->get("/campaigns");
    foreach ($MCcampaigninfo as $key => $campaign) {
        if($key == campaigns){
            foreach ($campaign as $key2 => $clist) {
                foreach ($clist as $key3 => $recip) {
                    if($key3 == id){
                        $campaign_id = $recip;
                    }
                    elseif($key3 == recipients){
                        foreach($recip as $key4 => $listid){
                            if($key4 == list_id){
                                if($listid == $list_id){
                                    return $campaign_id;
                                }
                            }
                        }
                    }
                }
            }
        }
    }
}


The June/July issue of Connecticut Medicine, the peer-reviewed scientific journal of the Connecticut State Medical Society (CSMS) focuses on the rapidly evolving role technology plays in the practice of medicine.
"Connecticut Medicine is proud to present a special issue which provides information and insight into many facets of health information technology, " states Editor Michael M. Deren.
Strides have been made by hospitals, physicians, and clinics to store patient data in their individual electronic medical record systems (EMRs). Recently, however, the focus has shifted to developing the ability to share patient data securely between the various institutions. The advent of a health information exchange (HIE) in Connecticut, through CTHealthLink, has given the state's physicians an opportunity to be at the forefront of an eventual nationwide and possibly global system.
Related concerns include preventing security breaches in EMRs and HIEs, and addressing the economic issues of keeping up with technology without negatively affecting the bottom line. Looking to the future, medical researchers are already beginning to tap the information accessible through EMRs and HIEs to explore trends in medical conditions, treatment, prevention, and population and public health concerns.
Connecticut Medicine was first published in 1936 and has provided decades of timely information to the medical community. Articles in the issue include: HIEs – The Right Information About the Right Patient at the Right Time; Illustrating the Role of Health Information Exchange in a Learning Health System: Improving the Identification and Management of Suicide Risk; Return on Investment for Health Information Exchange Participation; and The Assault on Health Care: Stop Cybercrime Dead in its Tracks, among others. The publication covers many facets of the role technology serves in health care settings.
"Change and evolving technology can be stressful, but it can also bring about remarkable possibilities and opportunities for physicians to improve patient outcomes, communication, and the practice of medicine with the true interoperability available with an effective HIE," adds Deren.


The Maldives outdoor range is made from Ironwood.
Ironwood is one of the strongest timbers in the world.
Durability – The heartwood resists the attack of fungi and insects, including termites and marine borers and it is rot resistant.
The timber will change from a pale amber colour to a deep reddish brown colour that enhances the look of the product. The timber will look better with age.
Ironwood will weather considerably better than Jarrah in all climates.


When I finished listing and describing the Heraldic Panels on the Crawfurd Gallery, with the help of the material supplied by the Lyon Clerk, Mrs Elizabeth Roads, and Mr Charles Burnett, Ross Herald, I felt that the remaining items in and on the church should receive the same attention, for they were almost as numerous.
Once again the court replied willingly and sent the proper Blazons and useful comments, but it seemed when I read the letter that I was in more difficulties than I had bargained for, for there were many apparent and real anomalies.
Heraldry came into use late in the 12th century to distinguish individual leaders in warfare, in order that their supporters should be able to rally around their commanders. The system has carried on, and indeed grown more popular today than ever, although it does not figure much on the field of battle, camouflage being deemed more suitable!
Probably the evolution of the science was not governed very tightly, until it had proved its importance, and the first Register of Arms, or Armorial, which has survived belonged to the reign of King James V, when the Lyon King of Arms was Sir David Lindsay of the Mount. This takes us to the middle of the sixteenth century, when the Reformation was beginning to be felt in Church affairs.
Four centuries had passed, and no doubt a tremendous amount of Heraldic history had become lost or confused, which must have an effect today. Later usage is probably not above criticism, due to lack of qualification or enthusiasm among representatives of the Lyon Court. Today Heraldry is rigidly controlled and new mistakes are highly unlikely, but existing gaps can only be filled with difficulty, if at all.
What started out hopefully as a final clearing up of the Auld Kirk Heraldic inscriptions and carvings has not ended in complete success because of these caveats. The carved examples present special difficulties, because colour is not there to help out, or if it ever has been it has disappeared due to weathering. The convention of using lines and hatching to denote particular colours was not followed on stonework.
The first description known of the Auld Kirk, was written by John Shedden Dobie of Morishill, Beith, on 25th September 1879. A lawyer, Writer to the Signet, he was a well-known antiquarian of his time, and the article was published in the "Transactions of Ayr and Wigtown Archaeological Society". The Kirk possesses a copy. I refer to this work in this article.
Outside the church there are three carvings to be seen, two on the south face of the Bell Tower, and one on the south-facing Cunningham, or Glengarnock Aisle.
One on the tower is oddly and unsymmetrically placed, as if the builders had taken a stone which had previously been carved and used it to fill a gap. This is the uppermost, immediately under the eaves, to the right of the window, and it bore the impaled Arms of Crawfurd and Barclay, now so weathered as to be almost unrecognisable from ground level. When the tower had its original corbie-stepped gable modernised in 1854, the stone was replaced upside-down for unknown reasons, but this was rectified during the 500th Anniversary restorations.


Popular musician Aretha Franklin also known as the "The Queen of Soul," has announced plans to wed long-time friend William Wilkerson at 69.
Celebrities are just that unique clique that gets away with many strange acts. All time great musician Aretha Franklin has enhanced that notion by announcing an engagement to her long-time friend William Wilkerson, whom she is to marry this summer on a beach in Miami.
The 69-year-old Grammy award-winning singer-songwriter who has been married twice before is set to wed June or July and insists she is not pregnant. Aretha Franklin is not new to marriage. She's had two previous marriages, one lasting 8 years in the '60s and another lasting 6 years in the 70's.
Aretha Franklin was the second African-American woman to appear on the cover of TIME magazine in 1968, and the first woman to be inducted into the 'Rock and Roll' Hall of Fame in 1987.


Iodine is a micronutrient3 used by the thyroid gland in order for it to function properly. It is produced in trace amounts by the body and is sustained through the diet or supplements. The thyroid gland is essential for the development of other associated hormones. These hormones regulate metabolism as well as how the body uses fats and carbohydrates, body temperature, heart rate, and the production of proteins. The pituitary gland and hypothalamus tell the body how much of these hormones should be produced and when to release them.
Iodine1 can be found in sea water and rain that mixes with ground water in the soil. That means if you enjoy eating seaweed, you are taking in the best and most organic form of the nutrient. If that proposition seems unpalatable, Iodine appears in other food groups in varying amounts like some dairy products and some fruits and vegetables. But most people get the right amount of iodine from use of iodized table salt or supplements.
If the thyroid gland is functioning properly, it uses the right amount of iodine. But since it is such an essential nutrient and deficiencies can occur from either too much or too little iodine in the body, supplements may be required or even necessary. There's many types of iodine but the main derivative is potassium iodide, which can come in tablet form but might inhibit the amount of iodine absorbed by the thyroid.
Iodine can aid in physical and psychological development as well as disease prevention. While children and adults need it, iodine is especially important to pregnant women and a developing fetus's brain and cognitive development. Iodine can also help the thyroid so it is stimulated correctly by the thyroid hormone thyrotropin, which is secreted by the pituitary gland. This secretion protects the body from hypothyroidism that may lead to a goiter. The micronutrient can also play a role in strengthening the immune system against mammary dysplasia or fibrocystic breast disease.
Other than its usage by pregnant women or by those suffering from an iodine deficiency, iodine has other beneficial uses. Radioactive iodine, for example, can be used for treating thyroid cancer. Povidone iodine (also known as betadine) is used for treating problems with the eyes. Iodine can also be used for water disinfection in different areas of the world. Iodine has even been used to induce growth and relieve the stress of growing plants. Iodine usually comes in pill or liquid (dropper) form and may go by other names, such as iodide or iodate.
Birth to 6 months of age – 110 mcg for both males and females.
7 – 12 months – 130 mcg for both males and females.
1 – 8 years – 90 mcg for both males and females.
9 – 13 years – 130 mcg for both males and females.
14 – 19 years and up – 150 mcg, 220 mcg during pregnancy, 290 mcg if a woman is lactating.
If iodine levels fall below the recommended 100 mcg per day, then an iodine deficiency or disorder can occur, which can lead to hypothyroidism or a goiter.
Symptoms of a deficiency can be wide ranging, but some of them are weight gain, fatigue, hair loss, dry or flaking skin, fluctuations in heart rate, etc. The two main groups at risk for iodine deficiency are pregnant women and their developing fetus or newborns. Pregnant women can experience issues during pregnancy, such as miscarriage, or heavy or irregular periods. Children, especially a developing fetus or infant, can be born with learning problems, mental retardation or cretinism.
Iodine is present in a healthy human body in very small amounts, about 15 – 20 micrograms. A high percentage of that is in the thyroid gland, so it is enough to keep the thyroid functioning until supplied and boosted by diet or a supplement. Lack of enough iodine can lead to the two most prevalent problems as a result of deficiency: hypothyroidism and goiter. The two symptoms are related in terms of deficiency but are not the same by definition.
Iodine secreted by the pituitary gland is absorbed by the thyroid, which works to uptake it in a repetitive way. If the thyroid overworks as a result of not enough iodine being present, this is when it enlarges and can become a goiter4. Just as problematic but even more severe is hypothyroidism5. It occurs when there is not enough iodine available to produce or support thyroid hormones. The resulting effects on muscle, heart, liver, kidney, and a developing brain can be detrimental. Both of these symptoms can result in people or environments where the presence of iodine is inadequate. Worldwide6, 18 million babies are born with mental retardation, 38 million are born with a risk of it, and 2 million people are subject to or have an iodine deficiency.
Since only low levels of iodine are produced by the body, most people of the world receive their daily allowance of it through iodized salt or assistance from a supplement. Ninety percent of iodine absorption7 comes from water and certain foods, such as seaweed and fish. Other foods that contain iodine are green vegetables and spinach, especially if grown in soil with a high iodine content, and it is also present in smaller amounts in some dairy, meats, and cereals.
Mayo Clinic Staff S. Goiter -- Symptoms and Causes. https://www.mayoclinic.org. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/goiter/symptoms-causes/syc-20351829.
NIH S. Iodine. NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Iodine-HealthProfessional/.
NIH S. How to Use Iodine. Turning Discovery Into Health. https://search.nih.gov/search?utf8=%E2%9C%93&affiliate=nih&query=how+to+use+iodine&commit=Search.
Medlineplus S. Simple Goiter. Home -- Medical Encyclopedia -- Simple Goiter. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001178.htm.
Medlineplus S. Hypothyroidism. Home -- Medical Encyclopedia -- Hypothyroidism. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000353.htm.
CDC S. Micronutrient Facts. Nutrition. https://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/micronutrient-malnutrition/micronutrients/index.html.


When it comes to getting the equipment needed for your business, you have to think strategically in order to do what is best for the financial future of your company. Though many business owners would love to have the funds on hand to pay cash for the equipment they need, this is not a reality for most businesses. The purchasing of equipment is a major investment. Yet, it is also the lifeblood of your company. Without equipment, you can't preform the service you set out to do. So here are some of the most common lies that you hear about bank and vendor financing.
Lie #1: You have to have money for a large down payment.
The truth is you don't need to have a giant down payment ready to go when you are trying to set up an equipment financing plan. When you work with KLC financing company in MN, you will be able to see the advantages they can offer due to their relationships with banks. They can offer flexible, customized plans that don't require a large amount of money to make the down payment in order to move forward with financing your much needed equipment.
Lie #2: Financing ties up your money.
When it comes to keeping your lines of capital open, financing or leasing services can offer you greater success. Having cash on hand instead of trapped in self-owned machinery is often the best option for many businesses. When using a leasing service or financing company you retain more money in your bank account. It's just like paying monthly bills instead of clearing out your entire bank account in one shot. This helps to protect your company. It frees up your cash so that you can take care of your day-to-day expenses.
Lie #3: You get stuck with old equipment.
One thing that people have concerns about when it comes to bank equipment financing is that traditional banks may have restrictions on the age of the equipment they are willing to finance. You know the best equipment you need in order to get the job done, so don't settle for a traditional bank who can't help you get what you actually need. KLC Financial Services in MN has a flexible approach to leasing and financing that allows your company to get the equipment that is right for the job.


text:
DONATEBECOME A MEMBER
About KFL
Value Them Both Amendment
Pro-Life Legislative Successes
Pregnancy Assistance
After Abortion
Issue Articles
Books for Loan
DVDs for Loan
Fetal Models
PULSE Leadership Institute
Advanced Giving Options
Become A KFL Member
Pass the Amendment
Subscribe to Our Email & Newsletter
Vote Pro-Life
KFL Chapters
Host an Unplanned Film Screening
Latinos for Life
KFL applauds Sedgwick County Commission's recommendation that elective abortions be stopped during pandemic
Kate Gruver
Kansans for Life applauds the Sedgwick County Commission for recommending that the County Health Officer, Dr. Garold Minns, and Governor Laura Kelly issue orders halting elective abortions in Kansas during the COVID-19 Pandemic. The recommendation comes as the so-called "Trust Women" clinic has been encouraging out-of-state individuals to come to Wichita, and continues to utilize medical equipment that is in short supply.
"Kansans are living under stay at home orders, yet the abortion industry is steering out-of-state individuals to the Wichita clinic, potentially exposing countless individuals to COVID-19,"said Jeanne Gawdun, KFL Director of Government Relations. "Furthermore, elective surgeries are being canceled across our state and nation, yet the "Trust Women" abortion clinic continues to utilize scarce personal protective equipment. The Sedgwick County Commission made the right decision and we hope that Dr. Minns and Governor Kelly do the right thing."
In a recent interview with Vice.com, "Trust Women" CEO Julie Burkhart confirmed that all 13 of the abortionists who rotate through her Kansas and Oklahoma clinics travel from out-of-state. "Trust Women" is also actively encouraging women from around and outside of Kansas to travel to Wichita for abortions.
Gawdun continued, " Trust Women's Oklahoma City clinic has stopped performing abortions, due to Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt's executive order postponing elective surgeries (including abortion) in order to protect the citizens of Oklahoma and preserve the resources needed to combat the virus. But here in Kansas, it is business as usual for the abortion industry, which is known for putting profits ahead of the health and safety of patients."
The recommendation was approved with a 4-1 vote. Commissioners Dennis, Howell, Meitzner and O'Donnell supported the recommendation.
A combined statement from the American Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians and Gynecologists, American College of Pediatricians, Christian Medical & Dental Associations, Catholic Medical Association, and Association of American Physicians and Surgeons responded to the abortion industry's insistence that, "abortion is an essential component of comprehensive health care."
"… over 85% of practicing obstetricians and gynecologists do not perform elective abortions. If elective abortion were an 'essential component' of women's health care, it would be a part of every obstetric and gynecologic practice.
Currently, across the United States, services that do constitute essential health care for women, including routine Pap smears, mammograms, and pelvic exams, are being postponed in order to reduce everyone's risk of exposure to COVID-19, and to conserve scarce medical resources."
The response from the five different physician's organizations represents the voices of over 30,000 different physicians. To read the full statement from these medical organizations, go to the American Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians and Gynecologists press release.
Legislative Office
735 SW Jackson St.
KC Regional Office
7808 Foster
State Affiliate of the National Right to Life Committee
KFL Store
Copyright © Kansans for Life. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy


vegetable. Profusely purple eggplant is common in North America and is healthy and delicious. Its rich, savory flavor makes it a perfect substitute in dishes like eggplant parmesan (instead of chicken), diced for a vegetable lasagna or used as instead of noodles in lasagna, even as a substitute for bacon, when breaded and fried, in sandwiches.
According to Wikipedia, eggplant originated in southern and eastern Asia since prehistory, with reference made in Qimin Yaoshu, an ancient Chinese agricultural treatise dated 544.
Eggplant is also known to have grown in ancient Greece, Rome, Africa, the Mediterranean and Arab countries.
Summertime is the perfect time to bring out the backyard grill and enjoy this easy to make Grilled Eggplant Panini, with this recipe published in Eating Well.
2. Combine mayonnaise and basil in a small bowl. Using 1 tablespoon oil, lightly brush both sides of eggplant and sprinkle each slice with garlic salt. With the remaining 1 tablespoon oil, brush one side of each slice of bread.
3. Grill the eggplant for 6 minutes, turn with a spatula top with cheese and continue grilling until the cheese is melted and the eggplant is tender, about 4 minutes more. Toast the bread on the grill, 1 to 2 minutes per side.
4. To assemble sandwiches: Spread basil mayonnaise onto four slices of bread. Top with the cheesy eggplant, red peppers, onion and the remaining slices of bread. Cut in half and serve warm–enjoy!
The profuse, deep purple hue of the eggplant skin is a nature's giveaway that it is packed with healthful nutrients.
Relatively low in carbohydrates, sugar and fat and calories, eggplant has an abundance of B Vitamins, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and Vitamin K.
Also mineral-packed, eggplant contains calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium and zinc.
Enjoy the remainder of summer and all the natural bounty this season provides.
Grilled Eggplant Panini could very well become a delicious mealtime staple many summers to come.


For Kentucky, the race to close a widening educational gap is a critical one. A growing roster of schools in Kentucky could be at least part of the solution. Learn more about these programs -- and additional online education initiatives -- here.
Online education is proving to be more than just a fad as more and more students boot up to earn their degrees. For those students for whom geographical, professional or personal barriers prevent them from attending traditional classroom-based courses, access to online education could mean the difference between completing their educations or not. States recognizing this potential have begun investing in programs that support online learning. Kentucky ranks among them by supporting programs that improve the quality and accessibility of online education for its residents.
The Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education has taken a proactive role in the development of online learning within the Commonwealth. Kentucky Virtual Adult Education (kvae.ky.gov) is a key example of this. The KVAE program connects adults in Kentucky with free online courses designed to help high school graduates improve their skills in areas such as math or reading before either continuing on to college or entering the workforce. Another KCPE program designed to improve access to online higher education specifically is the KY Virtual Campus (kyvc.org). According to its website, the KYVC serves as a "statewide advocate for access to learning through technology." In practical terms, the KYVC's goal is to connect potential students with a database of quality online courses in Kentucky, including for-credit, professional development and supplemental studies.
Online education is quickly moving into the mainstream of American culture, and online schools in Kentucky are continually working to meet increasing demand for these programs. According to a report from the Sloan Consortium (sloanconsortium.org), almost two-thirds of private-sector colleges and universities said that online learning is a critical part of their long term strategy in 2010. The report also notes that that same year, the growth rate for online enrollments was 21 percent nationally, significantly outpacing 2 percent growth in college enrollments for all postsecondary education. Kentucky online colleges can help students participate in this digital revolution, which may improve not just their personal employment stock, but their state's economy at large.
Kentucky is striving to close a growing gap between the educational achievement of its residents and that demanded by its employers. According to a report from the nonprofit Lumina Foundation (luminafoundation.org), which parses data from the U.S. Census (census.gov), 30 percent of the state's 2.3 million working-age adults held at least a 2-year college degree in 2010, which places the Commonwealth 45th among all states in terms of educational attainment.
If the current rate of degree production holds, Lumina projects that 34.5 percent of Kentuckians will hold a college degree by 2018. According to a report by Georgetown University's Center on Education and the Workforce (cew.georgetown.edu), 54 percent of Kentucky's jobs are expected to require a college credential that same year. In other words, unless Kentucky develops more college graduates, its workforce may face a significant skills gap that could undermine its economic progress. This is a challenge not just for Kentucky, but the American South as a whole.
Kentucky has embraced online learning, and its growing roster of online institutions signifies that. Perhaps one of largest programs offering online degrees in Kentucky is the Kentucky Community & Technical College System's (kctcs.edu) Learn by Term initiative. Through this program, KCTCS students can complete coursework fully online -- coursework that can either apply toward an associate degree or transfer to a 4-year degree program.
The University of Kentucky (uky.edu) also maintains a distance learning program that allows students to complete online coursework in a number of fields. Among them: communications, education, fine arts, health sciences, nursing and social work. Yet another well-known school offering online degrees in Kentucky is Western Kentucky University (wku.edu). Through WKU Online, students can enroll in 60 online degree programs at either the undergraduate or graduate level. Kentuckians considering online degrees will also find a number of private-sector online schools available to them, including Baker College Online, Argosy University Online and Virginia College.
Whatever type of online program chosen, it is important to keep in mind that no two schools are alike. To help improve the odds of success, consider researching and contacting a number of online colleges in Kentucky to find the one that best suits your goals.