Teen Driver in Your House?
Getting a driver's license is a rite of passage of sorts. The first step toward adulthood, that small card signifies that you're firmly on the path to independence. For a new driver, it's freedom. For the parent of said driver, it's at once liberating and terrifying. Back in the day, I took driver's ed at my high school, after the regular school day, from a gray-haired retired teacher who would take us out in a car with a passenger-side brake (just in case) and a "Student Driver" sticker splashed across the rear bumper as a warning for the rest of the driving public. He'd regale us with tales of bad-drivers past who he'd eventually tutored to become (presumably) competent and licensed. We'd cruise my small Connecticut town, parallel parking, practicing three-point turns, and learning the basic rules of the road. A few lessons later, we'd schedule an appointment at the DMV, take a written test, and perform these same basic driving tasks with an official evaluator.
Here we are, 25-plus years on, and I find myself with a 16 year old, and a whole new set of circumstances. In Arizona, potential drivers who are younger than 18 are required to pass an MVD-approved driver-education program. OR they can have a parent or guardian certify that the teen has completed 30 hours behind the wheel, including 10 at night. No matter if said hours were completed under the tutelage of a road-raging, blinker-eschewing, radio-blaring, bad-driving-habit-sharing, parent with little knowledge of either teaching or driving.
Not that any of those descriptors apply to this auto writer, but I decided to go the professional route for my daughter's instruction, starting with the Ford Driving Skills for Life class, a free full-day program that takes young drivers through several driving scenarios, in a controlled environment. Stations include emergency braking, distracted driving, impaired driving, hazard recognition, and some time learning about vehicle control behind the wheel of a Mustang with a professional driver.
The level of experience for students ranged from beginner (at this point, my daughter had had her learner's permit for an entire 10 days) to teens who had their licenses for a year or more – some of whom were repeat students in the program. One dad confided that he had signed his son up for the class after the teen was involved in a one-car accident a few months prior, and was now feeling a little nervous behind the wheel (as were his parents). The course itself builds confidence by putting young drivers in emergency scenarios with the comfort of a professional instructor talking them through it from the passenger seat.
For the distracted driving portions, kids went through the course twice – first, with no distractions, and then while texting, Snapchatting, or Instagramming – in order to get an idea of how much more difficult it is to stay between the lines when their focus is on the phone and not the road. The impaired driving simulation involved wearing actual "beer goggles" and trying to drive a fairly simple course. Many a traffic cone was sacrificed during my foray through this one.
The Mustang exercise helped with vehicle control during turns, but what my daughter really got out of it was that it was "fun to have the experience of joy riding in an expensive car under your belt." But, importantly, all of the exercises were conducted with a professional driver or police officer providing valuable advice, tips, and feedback in real time, and in a relatable manner.
Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for 15 to 18 year olds in the United States, with 2082 teen drivers involved in fatal crashes in 2016. Ford Driving Skills for Life is a valuable tool to address common driving scenarios, reinforce positive behaviors, give teens practical advice and experience behind the wheel, and hopefully make progress in changing that statistic.
When I learned to drive, it was in a small town, on rural back roads, or in school parking lots. Honestly, I never had the occasion or necessity to drive on a freeway until I'd had my license for a year or more. Living in a more urban area, highway driving is everyday life, and many of the suburban roads surrounding my neighborhood more closely resemble the two-lane highways of my home state than the rural roads that I navigated daily. Both offer different challenges, but illustrate why professional driving instruction is so important.
Partially due to increases in driver training and improvements in vehicle safety, there has been a 46 percent decline in teen driver fatalities between 2007 and 2016. But teens are still significantly overrepresented in fatal crashes. Programs like this one help mitigate the risk for teen drivers on the road. Ford Teen Driving Skills for Life will be in Arizona November 8-12 at the Phoenix Fire Training Facility. Check the website to register, for upcoming courses outside of Arizona, and for resources on safe driving.


This is the debut CD by Moruya singer-songwriter, Graham Scobie.
"By the Banks of the Billabong" is a collection of 12 original songs by Graham which recount the influences in his life so far from his upbringing in the small Hume Highway town of Holbrook, NSW, to his time in Moruya, on the South Coast of NSW, since 1981.
The songs are recorded in mostly acoustic mode by top Canberra band, "Itchy Feat", in their own studio with Graham doing lead vocals, acoustic guitar, mandolin and harmonica. The band comprises Neil Gray on guitar, keyboards, backing vocals, production and mixing, Loui Cerviatti on bass, Pat Italiano on drums and Wal Cooper on keyboards. Tony Hunter provides lead mandolin, dobro and banjo while Julie Armstrong provides backing vocals.
"By the Banks of the Billabong"Available from Graham Scobie for $20 including GST and postage.


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DOCUMENTING AND TRANSMITTING QUEBEC'S CONTEMPORARY DANCE HERITAGE / FONDATION JEAN-PIERRE PERREAULT
The Fondation Jean-Pierre Perreault
Choreographic Toolkits
Jean-Pierre Perreault, Choreographer
PEDAGOGICAL MATERIAL
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Margie Gillis Dance Foundation
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The virtual exhibition Jean-Pierre Perreault, Choreographer, directed by Ginelle Chagnon, reveals the world of Jean-Pierre Perreault, tracing his personal and artistic journey. The exhibition features 15 major works accompanied by over 625 photographs, drawings, manuscript notes, dance notations, program excerpts and posters.
The exhibition also features excerpts from 38 video recordings of past performances and 59 interviews with former collaborators.
To visit the exhibition:
Click on the title of a work in the lower portion of the home page.Video recordings of past performances may be viewed in the Watch & listen section. Artefacts and interviews with collaborators are presented in the Archives & interviews section.
To find out more about choreography and architecture, the human element and temporality in the oeuvre of Jean-Pierre Perreault, click the Themas tab in the upper portion of the exhibition home page.
Finally, the Pedagogical Material features stimulating dance appreciation and movement activities encouraging students to explore the world and works of Jean-Pierre Perreault in a uniquely creative way.
Visit the website You will be redirected to an external site
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Not a misspelling of Marijuana, Marjaryasana is yoga-ese for Cat Pose, which stretches and soothes the lower back. One of the easiest and most effective yoga movements, simply get down on all fours, then slowly round and arch your back. Do this 10 times to feel loose and refreshed. And don't forget to breathe!


Veenentaal advises on applications on the intersection of language and computers, and how those applications can improve your organisation's opportunities. Examples are the application of spelling, grammar and readability checkers, smart search, machine translation, dialogue systems or speech recognition to improve your business processes, knowledge management or communication.
Are you looking for language applications or an organisation to develop them for you? Would you like to know the state of the art in language application research? Do you have an idea for a language application and are you looking for a sparring partner to further develop the idea? Veenentaal can help by giving advice on available products, ongoing (research) projects and relevant partners. This will speed up your search or project, allowing you to focus on your core business.
At the latter two organisations, he was project manager of the Flemish-Dutch Human Language Technology Agency (HLT Agency or TST-Centrale), a repository for digital Dutch language resources.
From March 2015 onward, Remco van Veenendaal works for the National Archives of the Netherlands (Nationaal Archief) in The Hague – from the digital national language to the digital national memory of the Netherlands. He started as Preservation Advisor, and is now Preservation Officer. In March 2015 he also initiated Veenentaal. Visit his LinkedIn page for more work experience information, of open the CV of Remco van Veenendaal (CV-RvV, in Dutch).
Veenentaal advises on language applications, and develops them too. If possible, Veenentaal uses available open source applications to show what is possible and available. An example is redekundig.nl, an application for parsing Dutch sentences and describing the grammatical functions and categories of the parts.


Ponyo. It really was a younger kid movie. I didn't get the whole point of it; it was like watching a story book. I'm not saying it was bad but it might not hold any older person's interest unless you're really into anime.
I would have liked to seen HP instead (which was the plan, really) but one of the girls wasn't allowed to see it so we settled with Ponyo.... At least I got a good laugh out of it.
the last movie I saw was something ive seen many times when I was younger, 1985 "Fright Night." my first crushing on a vampire, the lovely "Jerry Dandrige "played by Chris Sarandon.
"I'm thankful for all those bumps in the road, for that is what makes us who we are"-Jenna "Garnetbeauty"
Yah I have all three season...Season 2 is my favorite...Not quiet finished with season one yet but this week sometime..
^ Ishn't it number three....?
Banner and avie made by me for my story.
The Time Traveller's Wife - I don't usually cry in movies, even when everyone said that this film was really sad, I still thought "oh no, I won't cry, it's not that bad" But then (spoilers) their daughter came onto the screen and it was so sad. She was 10, and her dad had died 5 years ago. Not meaning to sound mean, but little kids on screen usually really annoy me because they're chosen to be cute and everything, but not this one. Everyone in the cinema was crying when Henry died.
Slumdog Millionaire - I loved it.
Night At The Museum Battle Of The Smithsonian. It was hilarious and I found it to be a tad romantic.


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HomeMarooned with Ed Stafford
Marooned with Ed Stafford
Ed Stafford attempts to survive alone in the wilds of Rwanda. He's stranded with nothing; No food, no water, not even a knife. How will he cope for 10 days?
Marooned with Ed Stafford - Season 2Marooned with Ed Stafford - Season 1
Ed tackles an epic mountain climb in Mongolia's Gobi Desert. Going five days without a solid meal, can he thrive in one of Earth's most isolated spots?
Survival expert Ed lands in the crocodile-infested Guatemalan jungle, and inspired by the ancient Mayans who lived there, goes to extreme measures to find food.
Ed tests his survival skills in the deserts of Namibia. It's the end of a long dry season and Ed has to build his strength in the fierce heat to...
Dropped in the foothills of the Andes in Argentine Patagonia, Ed faces extreme exposure to both intense sunlight and freezing temperatures, eating tadpoles and ant eggs.
Ed attempts to survive on a secluded, litter-covered beach on Coron Island, in the Philippines. After becoming seriously ill, he struggles with ghosts from the past.
Ed is dropped on top of a snow-covered mountain in the western fjords of Norway. Under constant risk of hypothermia, he faces the rising spring tide threatening his shelter.


It is difficult to determine which is the most significant market concern coming out of the European Union. While mainstream eyes appear focused on the French election outcome, reports from Bank of America Merrill Lynch point to concerns in the Netherlands. Add to this general populist market anxiety a new Source report notes concern in France but more specifically Italy, and the EU might devolve into a political mess that could impact markets.
European Union was founded on the idea those who trade together don't engage in war . . .


VANCOUVER, B.C. – The PREDICT (Personal Response Determinants in Cancer Therapy) program at the BC Cancer Agency has registered 10,000 participants.
This number is significant because it is half way to the program's goal of 20,000 participants – a number which will enable large scale cancer and genomic research.
The program launched as a pilot project in 2006, thanks to the generosity of BC Cancer Foundation donors who established the Frank J Garnett Family Fund. New patients are informed of the program at their first appointment. Those who take part give a blood sample before they start treatment and agree to be contacted to participate in future research projects. Biobanks of blood and tissue samples donated by generous patients enable cancer researchers to study the cancer tissues and also the factors in the patient such as the immune system that influence treatments and outcomes.
PREDICT is more than a typical biobank because of its centre-wide scope which expands the variety of samples collected and because by obtaining permission from patients to be contacted, it allows patients to become partners in future research projects.
PREDICT provides a unique platform to support research and was the only program of its kind in Canada when it launched; now due to its success the model has since been replicated elsewhere in BC. The biobank of blood samples is internationally recognized and used by researchers around the world to help them deepen their understanding of how cancer grows and responds to treatment.
Currently the program is offered at the BC Cancer Agency Vancouver Island Centre in Victoria and the Sindi Ahluwalia Hawkins Centre for the Southern Interior in Kelowna, with plans to expand the program to all six BC Cancer Agency centres in the future.
Since the start of the PREDICT program 10 times more patients with cancer in BC have participated in research studies. Because of this, program researchers have also been able to study potential biomarkers of pancreatic and other less common types of cancer, contributing to the improvement of disease diagnosis and treatment. PREDICT has also helped to educate the next generation of health care providers with 75 per cent of the program's research interns going on to pursue careers in medicine, nursing, occupational therapy, public health and education.
The BC Cancer Agency, an agency of the Provincial Health Services Authority, is committed to reducing the incidence of cancer, reducing the mortality from cancer, and improving the quality of life of those living with cancer. It provides a comprehensive cancer control program for the people of British Columbia by working with community partners to deliver a range of oncology services, including prevention, early detection, diagnosis and treatment, research, education, supportive care, rehabilitation and palliative care. For more information, visit www.bccancer.bc.ca .


The Maggot is the first in a trilogy the band recorded this year. It's exactly what you'd expect from the Melvins: sludgelike riffs, creepy vocals, drumming mayhem and an irreverent yet tongue-in-cheek attitude. Again, comparisons to the original dark lords of metal are inevitable, but Crover notes the influence is "Black Sabbath via Black Flag." And despite the Melvins' reputation for performing epic-length songs at a glacierlike pace, The Maggot is highly moshable.
The Melvins' current tour schedule is packed tight. They're booked for as many as eight nights in a row in eight different cities. The band could be one of the hardest-working bands in show business this summer. Either that, or they're trying to earn some quick cash to support the three CDs they're releasing over a short five-month period.
Originally published in the Orlando Weekly on August 5, 1999.


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MusicNewsOff CampusTop stories
Meet the millennials who are bringing God to the club
by Jennie Pearson November 9, 2016
written by Jennie Pearson November 9, 2016
Pastor Jeff Pike and his congregation at the Mod Club during the Groundswell Sunday morning service. (Jennie Pearson)
This Sunday marked the first ever church service held at the Mod Club. While it's not your average venue, this is certainly not your average church.
Groundswell is a non-denominational Christian church that is attracting young people with its high-energy meetings and approachable demeanour. With a full electric band, strobe lights, free coffee and candy bar, it's no surprise that millennials feel comfortable there.
"You can come in your jeans, come in your sweat pants, or your pajamas. We're not going to judge you," said Jazelle Nicholson, one of several Ryerson students who are a part of Groundswell.
Nicholson is a third-year creative industries student at Ryerson and has been going to Groundswell meetings for almost a year. She heard of the church from fellow student, Chelsea Schringa, who is part of the Groundswell team and sings with the church's band.
Ryerson social work student Chelsea Schringa singing with the Groundswell band. (Jennie Pearson)
According to Nicholson, what keeps her around is the community. "This is a church where you can find belonging…where people really care about you," she said.
Groundswell Church was founded two years ago by 27-year-old Jeff Pike from London, Ont.
While studying theology in Australia, Pike was introduced to Hillsong, a church with over 100,000 members around the globe. He was inspired by what a church could be.
He later moved back to Canada with his wife, Mika, and they started building their own church with the hope of creating community in a sometimes lonely place like Toronto.
"You can walk through the streets and see so many people but not connect … I've never met so many people, but so many lonely people," said Pike.
While Pike's main goal is to spread the word of Jesus, he hopes in his church he is creating a place that people feel welcome, no matter their beliefs.
"A lot of churches are known for what they're against, and I want to be a church that's known for what we're for … and we're for the people of this city."
Groundswell will continue to hold meetings at the Mod Club on Sunday mornings. Pike hopes one day the church will have its own 24 hour drop-in centre. It's all part of his five-year plan.
Jennie Pearson
Jennie Pearson is the Managing Editor for print and a News Editor at the Ryersonian.
churchclubgodgroundswellmillennialsmod clubreligion
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Pr Kevin Moreira October 19, 2018 - 3:23 pm
First ever service at the mod club was made by Torch Ministries on February 28, 2016… we have pictures and videos to prove it… an event called gospel revival… just saying! God bless you


White sand beaches, colorful fish, a good swell and a Guinness. Sounds like the Rundown! 'Rundown' is the name of a Jamaican Seafood & Coconut Soup. We imported the name and the soup to the Outer Banks. Over the years we have traveled the world to gather recipes and ideas. The result is an eclectic fusion of Pacific Rim and Caribbean cuisine & Decor.
Since our inception in 1993, we have grown into a bigger, newer building and completed the addition of the Tsunami Bar & Deck. With our ocean view, friendly smiles, and relaxed-casual atmosphere, the Rundown Cafe & Tsunami Bar brings the Island experience to you. We hope that you enjoy our cuisine and if the island drum beats for you at night, head up to the Tsunami Bar for a luau under our island moon!
Fried Chicken Night: Our Local's favorite Fried Chicken Night is back every Monday at 5pm! Don't miss it!
THE HULA DECK: Serving the full menu for lunch and dinner on The Hula Deck...... Come dine alfresco with us!
Welcome to the Tsunami Bar! Here we have assembled a classic surf bar featuring vintage long boards from every era of surfing's history. The bar's walls are highlighted with figurines, prints, murals, and paintings from our island surf trips. For some fresh air and dining alfresco head out to our ocean view deck and enjoy the grand Atlantic breeze or just check the surf.
At the Tsunami bar you can order every tropical elixir that can be dreamt, 5 draft beers, and order from our extensive menu while you dine alfresco gazing upon the sea. Surfing and kiteboarding videos is a usual distraction that can always be found on one of our flat screen TVs. In the Tsunami bar you can find all that the islands have to offer except the sand.


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Client strategies Client communications
The good earth: Advising farmers and vintners
By Kathy Kristof September 15, 2016, 1:04 p.m. EDT 5 Min Read
Entertainment and technology are among the most high-profile industries in California, and advisers there compete fiercely for clients in these businesses.
Tom Palecek focuses on an industry that gets far less attention from the advisory community – agriculture.
"Agriculture clients are great," says Palecek, a founding partner of Summit Trail Advisors. "Farmers drive tractors, wear jeans and cowboy boots. But they are real businessmen."
Palecek got some experience in his unusual specialty during a business training program in which he participated between college and graduate school. Palecek spent several years working with the vintners at E. & J. Gallo, a private company that makes and markets spirits, before returning to Stanford for an MBA.
The Gallo Management Development Program introduced him to the business side of farming, and helped him develop contacts in a world that is otherwise skeptical of Wall Street, Palecek says.
After graduate school, Palecek joined Goldman Sachs in San Francisco and noticed that all his colleagues were chasing tech clients. But Silicon Valley isn't just about its prominent high-tech firms; it's also home to dozens of agri-businesses that are run and managed by an equally promising prospective clientele.
A CHALLENGING INDUSTRY
"I wondered why no one paid attention to agriculture," Palecek says. Now, he continues, "we work with almond farmers, chicken farmers, vintners. Once you get into that community, they start to trust you. But it is a more difficult industry to break into."
Summit Trail's client base is certainly not exclusively farmers – they make up about 15% of the practice. But from a planning perspective, farmers have some unique challenges – Mother Nature, for one. While farmers have control over what they plant, the yield on any given crop will vary based on weather conditions. Too much or too little rain or cold can decimate a harvest.
"We think there are a lot of people like us …. and are looking for people who are like-minded and want to merge their books with ours."
Meanwhile, perfect weather conditions can create bumper crops, which can drive down market prices. Most farmers deal with this classic conundrum by hedging their bets in the commodity market – essentially pre-selling a percentage of their crops at a price that will cover their cost of production.
But some nature-related risks can't be hedged away.
"If you are planting walnuts, pistachios or grapes, it's going to be three to five years before you have a real crop," Palecek says. "And you can't hedge five years into the future."
Water restrictions put into place as the result of California's long-term drought caused a number of almond farmers to uproot their trees, for instance, wiping away a huge capital investment.
DIVERSIFY YOUR FARM
Palecek's solution: Diversify your farm, just as you'd diversify your portfolio.
"When you have a massive asset, you look at how to protect it," he says. "How much do you need to have on the side to make sure that you can weather the storm for one to three years?"
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The volatility can be painful, but these funds are often used to diversify portfolios and generate alpha.
By Lee Conrad
Most farmers also have the bulk of their wealth tied up in real estate, Palecek adds. While crops may bring in a few million dollars each year, the land could be worth 100 times as much. Thanks to urban sprawl, the value of some California farmland has soared tenfold in just the past few years. Real estate developers are increasingly approaching farmers and offering them vast sums to move to less-populated pastures.
"That's basically what happened with the dairy industry," Palecek says. "They started in Los Angeles, got bought out and moved to Orange County, got bought out and moved to Riverside and got bought out again. People were coming up and saying, 'I'll pay you for $50 million for your land.'"
Moving a few miles to cash out a fortune on real estate can help diversify crop risk with investment risk, Palecek says. However, he adds, it's wise to consider estate planning issues while contemplating such an offer, because not every farmer is going to have a second generation wanting to step in and run the business. Before you invest in more land, it might make sense to converse with the kids. You may simply decide to retire and invest your money elsewhere.
SOPHISTICATED ESTATE PLANNING
Those who have children who want to take over the farm should engage in sophisticated estate planning to transfer the land to the kids before death, Palecek adds. Otherwise, the taxes that will be due at the farmer's death could force the second generation to sell prematurely, just to pay Uncle Sam.
Keeping an eye on the complex ecosystem necessary to run and maintain a business for generations is something Palecek recently learned well through personal experience. Two years ago, he was working with London-based Barclays and watching with some alarm how new financial regulations were changing the way European banks dealt with their financial planning divisions.
Convinced that this shift — which required more money to be spent on compliance and less on cash compensation — meant that Barclays would become less competitive in the planning field, he began to talk to his colleagues about breaking off.
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"We felt we needed to get the ownership of our practice out of the European bank, or the practice would die a slow death," he says.
GOING INDEPENDENT
Other U.S. banks were willing to pay dearly for planners who wanted to jump ship, Palecek adds. But the changes happening in Europe are just a precursor to what will happen here in a few years, he says. Instead of joining another bank, he was inspired to set up an independent shop.
He and several like-minded Barclays partners got to work setting up the proper legal and regulatory framework for a break. Their plan was to launch in late July of 2015, but the departing partners worried that Barclays might fight to impose non-compete agreements on them. As luck would have it, a month before their launch, Barclays announced it would be selling its financial planning arm, which gave Summit Trail a clear takeoff path.
Just over a year later, Summit Trail has $3 billion in assets, 39 employees and 200 clients, and is growing rapidly, both through client referrals and the addition of other planners, who are joining and bringing clients with them.
And they're just getting started.
"We think that there were a lot of people like us that acted like fiduciaries even though they were [working as brokers through banks and were] not," Palecek says. "Now we have an open partnership and are looking for people who are like-minded and want to merge their books with ours."
Kathy Kristof
Contributing Writer, Financial Planning
Client strategies Client communications Real estate investments
CFP diversity is on the rise. Is it sustainable?
Even as the numbers improve, Black and Hispanic advisors are still vastly underrepresented within the industry.
By Jessica Mathews
Full employment not expected until 2024: Bank economists
A slower-than-expected rollout of the COVID-19 vaccines and the threat of social unrest after the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol could threaten the recovery, according to an American Bankers Association panel.
By Jon Prior
Citi reorganizes wealth management units under one umbrella
The new global wealth division, which is being formed by combining the firm's private bank with a unit that serves substantially less wealthy households, will be led by Citi veteran Jim O'Donnell.


Cutting in the kitchen can be a hassle and sometimes unsafe. It can be even more difficult if you have vision or dexterity issues.
Make nice, even tomato slices with this slicing aid. This tong style kitchen tool holds the tomato and has guides for you to slip your knife down while making each cut. This instrument also keeps your hands out of the way of the knife blade while you are slicing.
* * Colors vary and are shipped randomly.
** Note: Due to federal and state food, health and safety laws, this item cannot be returned once opened.


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Presidential candidates to visit UNI
ELIZABETH KELSEY, News Editor
On the heels of last week's Democratic debate, UNI will host two presidential candidates this week.
First, on Monday, Oct. 21, the UNI Democrats will host Democratic candidate Tom Steyer for a meet-and-greet and conversation about Steyer's presidential campaign. The event will be held in the Presidential Room of Maucker Union from 10:15 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
Steyer has worked as a hedge fund executive, environmental and political activist and fundraiser, and is committed to philanthropy and progressive causes, according to a press release from the Steyer campaign regarding the event.
"[Tom is] one of the country's leading forces in registering more young voters and voters of color, fighting climate change, working for racial justice, and helping secure better lives for all Americans," according to the press release.
In addition to Steyer's visit, Senator Elizabeth Warren (D- Mass.), the current front-runner in Iowa according to recent polls from the Des Moines Register, will hold a Cedar Falls town hall in the UNI West Gym on Tuesday, Oct. 22.
"Elizabeth knows that to create real change – to rebuild the middle class and save our democracy – we need to dream big and fight hard," stated a press release for the town hall event. "That's why she's in this fight: to have a real conversation about how to level the playing field for working families, and who is best to lead that fight."
The doors to the West Gym will open at 2:45 p.m., and the town hall will begin at 4:15 p.m. The town hall is free and open to the public, on a first-come, first-served basis for seating and admission. No tickets are required, but an RSVP is encouraged. Attendees can RSVP by visiting https://www.mobilize.us/iowaforwarren/event/139895/.
ELIZABETH KELSEY,


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Trafalgar lighthouse
Sierra de Grazalema natural park
Cordoba - Mosque (Mezquita)
Granada - Alhambra
Seville, the city
Semana Santa in Seville
April fair of Seville
The Alcazar Palace
The Giralda tower
The cathedral of Seville
Archive of the Indies
Alameda de Hércules
Alameda-Barco apartment
Torre del Oro - Gold tower
Macarena district
Santa Cruz district
The Arenal district
Toledo is one of the Spanish cities with the richest collection of monuments. It is known as the "city of three cultures", due to its former occupation by Christians, Arabs and Jews.The city has a rich artistic and cultural heritage preserved behind its walls in the form of churches, palaces, forts, mosques and synagogues. This great diversity of artistic styles makes the old capital of La Mancha a real open air museum. The city has also been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The coexistence of Christians, Arabs and Jews, throughout the centuries, is reflected in the city's artistic and cultural legacy. The maze of streets that make up Toldeo's historic city center are bounded by walls with many doors. Picturesque places like the Zocodover Square can be accessed through these doors.
The churches of San Sebastián and Santa Eulalia are legacies of the Mozarabic period (Christians living under Moslem rule) as they have a rich Arabic decor. Horseshoe arches, foliated windows and other architectural elements can be seen in several buildings in Toledo. The Church of Santiago del Arrabel is one of the best examples of this style in the city, which has led to it being known as the Mudejar Cathedral.
The church of Santo Tomé, which is famous for housing the well-known painting by El Greco, "The Burial of Count Orgaz", is built in the same Mudejar style. If there is one name that defines Toledo it is El Greco (16th-17th century). His House-Museum, set in a palace from that period, exhibits some of the best works of the painter who brought worldwide fame to the city.
The Cathedral is one of the most prominent buildings in the city and is considered to be one of the pinnacles of Gothic art. The Cathedral Museum houses a rich collection of works by painters like Goya, El Greco, Lucas Jordán and Van Dick.
The Hospital de Tavera, which is now a museum, houses paintings by El Greco, Ribera and Tiziano, among others, and is built in the Renaissance style.
The Palacios de Lorenzana, home of the University, and Fuensalida are built in the Baroque style. The Alcazar, which is of Medieval origin, presides over the whole city and is an impressive image containg a military museum and one of the largest public libraries in Spain.
The most important date on the calender in Toledo is Corpus Christi, which is celebrated nine weeks after Easter. This festival, which has centuries of tradition and has been declared a Festival of 'International Tourist Interest', consists of a large and colourful procession through the Old City of Toledo.
Excursions from Toledo
South of the province, at the foot of the Montes de Toledo, is the Cabañeros National Park. It is a protected area containing Mediterranean forests, mountains and pastures in its vast plains. Other interesting towns in the province of Toledo include Talavera de la Reina, with its collegiate church of Santa María la Mayor; Ocaña, with its Gothic-Mudejar church of San Juan Bautista; Guadamur, with its beautiful castle; and Oropesa, whose 14th century palatial castle houses the town's Parador de Turismo.
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Toledo | on-map.net


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Bessor Minerals Inc. (BST.V)
Bid 0.0550 x N/A
Ask 0.0750 x N/A
Avg. Volume 10,691
Market Cap 1.455M
Bessor Announces the Resignation of Vice President, Exploration
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Jan. 14, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bessor Minerals Inc. (TSXV:BST) ("Bessor" or the "Company") announces that Tracy Hurley has resigned as Vice President, Exploration. The Company thanks Ms. Hurley for her contributions over many years and wishes her well in her future endeavours. BESSOR MINERALS INC. Kieran Downes, Ph.D., P.Geo. President, CEO & Director For further information, contact: Investor Relations Email: info@bessorminerals.com Website: www.bessorminerals.co
Bessor Announces the Passing of Director Richard T. Kusmirski
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Dec. 06, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bessor Minerals Inc. (TSXV:BST) ("Bessor" or the "Company") is sad to report the recent passing of Richard ("Rick") T. Kusmirski, P.Geo.,M.Sc. Bessor wishes to extend its sincere condolences to Rick's family, friends, and business associates. An accomplished and well respected exploration geologist, Rick had served as a Director of the Company since its establishment and his collegiality, technical competence and sage advice will be
Bessor Shareholders Approve All Matters at AGM
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Feb. 22, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bessor Minerals Inc. (TSXV:BST) ("Bessor") is pleased to announce that all matters set forth in the management proxy and information circular dated January 13, 2021 were approved by the shareholders of Bessor at Bessor's annual general and special meeting (the "Meeting") of shareholders held on February 22, 2021. All directors as set forth in the circular were re-elected, with each director receiving over 99.8% of the votes being cast at the Meeting for the election of such director. The current directors of Bessor are Kieran M.J. Downes, Richard Kusmirski, David Billard, Ronald Hugh McMillan and Jason Riley. Dale Matheson Carr-Hilton LaBonte LLP, Chartered Accountants, was appointed as the auditors of Bessor with 99.96% of the votes being cast at the Meeting for the appointment of the auditors. The stock option plan of Bessor was re-approved with 99.95% of the votes being cast at the Meeting for the re-approval of the stock option plan. Further disclosure on the matters approved at the Meeting can be found in the circular, which was filed on SEDAR on January 15, 2021. Based on scrutineer's report, approximately 4,467,628 common shares were voted at the Meeting, representing approximately 22.02% of the outstanding common shares of Bessor. BESSOR MINERALS INC. Kieran Downes, Ph.D., P.Geo. President, CEO & Director For further information, contact: Investor Relations Tel: 250-729-0453 Email: kdownes@bessorminerals.com Website: www.bessorminerals.com Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.


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History of Māori in Hawke's Bay
Early Māori settlers
Māori settled in Hawke's Bay around 1250–1300 AD. Over time settlements were established on the coast from Māhia in the north down to Pōrangahau in the south, and along rivers and waterways inland. Heretaunga and Te Whanganui-a-Orotū (Napier's inner harbour) were two important early settlement areas.
Later migrants
The people who became known as Ngāti Kahungunu arrived in the region some time during the 16th century. Kahungunu, whose grandfather captained the Takitimu waka (canoe) from Hawaiki to New Zealand, was in born in Ōrongotea (Kaitāia) and grew up in Tauranga. He later travelled down the east coast, making a series of marriage alliances with high-born women as he went. He finally settled at Nukutaurua (Māhia Peninsula), the home of his fourth wife, Rongomaiwahine.
Their descendants, who also lived at Tūranganui (Gisborne), populated Wairoa and spread south into Hawke's Bay and Wairarapa. These migrations make up the three strands of the tribe: Wairoa, Heretaunga and Wairarapa. Some descendants on the Māhia Peninsula identify as Ngāti Rongomaiwahine rather than Ngāti Kahungunu.
Rangitāne tribal ancestors arrived at Māhia Peninsula aboard the Kurahaupō waka about 1350. Rangitāne later settled in Heretaunga but, after Ngāti Kahungunu arrived, they migrated further south to Tāmaki-nui-a-Rua (around Dannevirke), where the Hawke's Bay section of the tribe was centred in the 2000s.
Ngāti Kahungunu
Ngāti Kahungunu became the dominant tribal group in Hawke's Bay through a combination of warfare and strategic marriage. However, existing hapū (sub-tribes) maintained distinct identities, and later Ngāti Kahungunu descendants claimed kinship links with them as well. In fact, the people did not think of themselves as belonging to a singular, united tribe called Ngāti Kahungunu until the late 18th century. Before this, Māori society in the region was based around hapū containing a chief and his immediate community. This changed through power struggles over land with other tribes, combined with the arrival of Europeans in New Zealand, eventually creating unity through adversity.
Later conflict
Māori who acquired European weapons had a distinctive advantage over those who did not. Despite modifying pā (fortified villages) to defend against muskets, Hawke's Bay Māori were unable to protect their lands against armed invasions from the west and north during the 1820s. Most went to Māhia, leaving much of the central and southern region empty of inhabitants until the late 1830s, when they began to return.
Tribal populations declined sharply in the wake of the invasions. However, these troubles prompted Hawke's Bay Māori to work together, which reinforced the idea of Ngāti Kahungunu as a tribal identity.
- Article from Te Ara, the Encyclopedia of New Zealand


Editor's note: This post contains some strong language. Viewer discretion is advised.
Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) left Americans stunned on Friday when he argued the U.S. government would win a "short" war against gun owners who resisted gun confiscation with nuclear weapons.
Swalwell was responding to a tweet from conservative activist Joe Biggs criticizing the Democrat's call for a $15 billion gun confiscation program in the United States.
Biggs was quite literally stunned.
"So our government would nuke its own country in order to take guns? Wow," he shot back.
The NBC article cited by Biggs is just as concerning as Swalwell's tweet.
"In a USA Today op-ed entitled 'Ban assault weapons, buy them back, go after resisters,' Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Calif., argued Thursday that prior proposals to ban assault weapons 'would leave millions of assault weapons in our communities for decades to come,'" the report states.
Swalwell wants the government to offer "$1,000 for every weapon covered by a new ban, estimating that it would take $15 billion to buy back roughly 15 million weapons — and "criminally prosecute any who choose to defy [the buyback] by keeping their weapons," the report adds.
Democrats are dangerous to the freedom of Americans.


Switch back to 19th centurt Monte Athena (the village of Athens) where "necklines are high" and "parents are rigid". Adjusted to the time warp? Okay, open your eyes now, to a feast - quite literally - being prepared in celebration of the grand Duke Theseus's marriage to a very charming Hippolyta (played by Sophie Marceau). At this auspicious time, the Duke's attention is diverted from his soon-to-be wife by Hermia and Lysander, who are madly in love but cannot marry because Hermia's father wishes her to marry Demetrius. However, so does Helena - want to marry Demetrius, I mean. So, what happens next? Who marries whom?
In the town square, we encounter Nick Bottom, played by Kline, rehearsing a play alongwith fellow amateur actors. This play is to be staged for the Duke's pleasure on his wedding day. Back in the forest surrounding the village, a very beautiful and bewitching Pfeiffer is at loggerheads with her suave husband Oberon over an Indian boy who looks very much like Krishna. Who wins? And how does this tangled web connect and unfold?
I'll leave it to you to find out, because this movie is worth a peep. It's light and airy, so becoming the perfect cure to a boring day.
Lastly, here are a few C's to guide the movie enthusiast through the flick.
Capers - what the movie is full of.
Caprice - what Titania, the Queen of Fairies is full of.
Calista - of "Ally Mcbeal" fame, is one who plays her role well.
Cute - "Puck", Oberon's right-hand fairy, played by Stanley Tucci.
Colourful - the costumes and the scenery.
Cupid - the hero in the film.
Contagious - the laughter generated by the action on-screen.
Carefully - that's how you should listen to the dialogue.
All in all, one cannot help but feel that Shakespeare would not turn in his grave to see this rendition of his play, but rather, would like to sit up and watch it...if he could!


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Pencils for Kids
Sharpen the minds of the future
Farmers of the Future
Sewing Program
Scholarships for Girls
Donate Online Donate By Cheque
Recognize the sponsors and supporters whose generosity and spirit give us wings to fly and continue to help us soar.
ORBIS International
ORBIS International is a nonprofit organization fighting blindness in developing countries. It has a flying eye hospital and in February 2010, at the request of Dr. Ed Mednick, who is associated with Pencils for Kids, brought its specialized ORBIS airplane to Niger. For two weeks, a team of doctors, nurses and health care workers trained local ophthalmologists and nurses with new techniques, provided educational outreach, and operated on patients on board the "airplane hospital". Close to 400 people were screened during the Liboré outreach program, with a quarter receiving follow-up treatment. To watch the video of the program, click here. We are so grateful to ORBIS for partnering with Pencils for Kids and bringing their expertise to the Nigerien people and the commune of Liboré.
Project Play Soccer
Project Play Soccer was inspired by Mike Mitchell, Founder and President, while he was a Peace Corp volunteer in Niger, West Africa from 1983 to 1985. There he saw first hand the poverty and despair in the communities he visited. A collegiate soccer player, Mike found a common ground with the people of Niger – the love of soccer. Project Play Soccer was instrumental in acquiring a donation of over 17,000 soccer balls for the children of Niger from One World Futbol. And Mike Mitchell helped bring soccer to new heights in Liboré through coaching workshops, team organization, and enthusiastic encouragement of the students.
Rotary Clubs in Canada and USA & Rotary International
We have worked with many dedicated Rotary Clubs both in Canada and the US, and in addition to the work they have done bringing water to remote villages in Liboré, they have contributed to International Rotary Grants that continue to support our Farmers of the Future (FOF) program. With their commitment and enthusiasm, many clubs have joined forces to help finance FOF gardens and provide the necessary infrastructure like solar panels and pumps. It is a tremendous collaboration with the local Rotary club in Niger, and with our partner, Eliminate Poverty Now.
Eliminate Poverty Now
Eliminate Poverty NOW (EPN) co-funds the Farmers of the Future program with Pencils for Kids. EPN is a US-based 501c3 organization creating economic opportunity for the extreme poor in Africa, with special focus on empowering women. In the last 10 years EPN has funded economic development projects in 8 African countries utilizing a combination of education, vocational training and financing. Prior to EPN, the President, John Craig, spent 26 years in business, including 16 years running divisions of large, multi-national corporations. John has a BA and MBA from Harvard University and extensive experience managing large, complex projects.
Superior Medical Limited
Superior Medical Limited is a Canadian-owned and operated healthcare distributor. President Ron Kilius has helped countless charitable causes around the globe and has generously supported Pencils for Kids' efforts in Niger. Among other things, Superior Medical has completely rebuilt and outfitted a large medical clinic in Liboré, trained 50 midwives and sent a container filled with medical supplies and equipment.
Ve'ahavta
Ve'ahavta is a Canadian humanitarian and relief organization that is assisting people in need locally and abroad through volunteerism, education, and acts of kindness. Pencils for Kids received 4,000 Kinderkits for the childern in Liboré, Niger. These educational supplies had an enormous impact on the lives of the children in Niger.
The Travel Agent Next Door
In 2016 Robin Mednick, the President and Executive Director of Pencils For Kids was the Key Note Speaker at our annual conference.
Speaking to a room full of travel agents, Robin recounted the heart warming story of how Pencils For Kids began. As her story unfurled, there wasn't a dry eye in the house.
Moved by her incredible journey and all the work Robin and her team have contributed to the children of Liboré, Niger, The Travel Agent Next Door agents decided this was a cause they wanted to support making Pencils for Kids our official charity partner.
GIVESOME
Givesome is a non profit created to show people the difference they make when they give. Givesome highlights local and global charitable projects on their app and provides users the opportunity to support projects for just $2, $5 or $10. They keep 0% of the funding and once a project is completed they send authentic video footage (provided by their charity partners) back to everyone who supported that project.
Pencils For Kids has a special connection with Givesome because we were the first charity ever featured on their app and the first project ever funded - in just 6 minutes! Givesome is completely funded through their national corporate sponsors and is now partnered with over 150 charities across Canada. The free Givesome app is available on the App Store and Google Play.
Pencils for Kids ©
RCN: 85271 5994 RR0001
P4K Brochure
info@pencilsforkids.com


Volunteer Florida's VGF program, which is funded by the Corporation for National and Community Service, will help grantees use skills-based volunteers to serve Florida students, families and communities. Skills-based volunteerism expands the impact of organizations by leveraging the experience and talents of professionals, such as teachers, IT consultants, accountants and attorneys. This year, special consideration was also given to organizations that can utilize volunteers to help with disaster mitigation and response or reducing or preventing prescription drug or opioid abuse.
"I'm very proud of Volunteer Florida's administration of the Volunteer Generation Fund," said David Mica, Jr., CEO at Volunteer Florida. "It's a unique program, strategically promoting skills-based volunteerism in order to increase productivity within organizations, and in turn, generate a more significant impact among their respective beneficiaries throughout Florida."
In 2018-2019, VGF will help grantees recruit, manage and support approximately 9,600 skills-based volunteers, who will collectively contribute a minimum of 72,000 hours of service throughout the state – a value of $1,679,760.


Mortgage broker regulation in Canada is a provincial responsibility and each province has the authority to establish licensing requirements for mortgage brokers within their jurisdiction. As a result there can be differences in education requirements between provinces, and accordingly, variations in the competencies, knowledge and capabilities of mortgage brokers across the country.
In an effort to harmonize education standards for mortgage brokers across Canada, the MBRCC has identified the learning outcomes and competencies that are required for all licensing courses across the country. The competency requirements have been published in curriculum blueprints for entry-level and managing broker-level courses (link). The blueprints act as guides for course developers and ensure that all licensing courses across Canada address a shared set of core competencies, capabilities and knowledge requirements for the country's aspiring mortgage broker professionals.
The MBRCC has also developed standards for the accreditation process and instructional design and delivery of the course to ensure the implementation of the blueprints is consistent across provinces.
Harmonized standards reduce differences in licensing education courses and help ensure that licensed mortgage brokers across Canada are equipped with similar skills, knowledge and competency levels. This better protects the interests of consumers and strengthens industry integrity.
Harmonized licensing course standards across Canada will strengthen labour mobility across the industry, and help achieve the goals of reciprocal licensing arrangements between provinces.


text:
«Кити-вертихвостка» (другое название — «Страсть Кэти»; ) — драматический фильм нидерландского режиссёра Пола Верховена, снятый в 1975 году. Экранизация автобиографического романа голландской пролетарской писательницы Нел Дофф.

Сюжет

Действие происходит в Голландии конца XIX века. Нищая многодетная семья в поисках куска хлеба переселяется из провинции в Амстердам. Отец Кити устраивается на работу в конюшню, её сестра — зарабатывает проституцией, а сама Кити получает место в прачечной. Прачки стирают бельё голыми руками в горячей кислоте, от которой кожа и ногти превращаются в сплошную рану. Кити меняет несколько работ; повсюду её, как и других таких же бесправных, унижают, подвергают сексуальным домогательствам, насилуют. Даже за лекарство от туберкулёза она расплачивается с врачом собственным телом. Когда все члены семьи теряют работу, родная мать выводит Кити на панель, чтобы накормить многочисленных братьев и сестёр. На улице её подбирает художник, предлагая поработать моделью. Кити знакомится с одним из его друзей — Хуго (Рутгер Хауэр) и становится его содержанкой. Она уже не ходит в лохмотьях и не голодает. Но их связь длится недолго: Хуго предаёт Кити ради денег. Покинув его, девушка присоединяется к демонстрантам, требующим хлеба и работы. Среди них есть и вполне обеспеченные люди, поддерживающие справедливые требования бедняков. Здесь Кити встречает старых знакомых — художника и его друга, аристократа Андре. В отличие от большинства своих современниц, она всё же обретает личное счастье: Кити и Андре женятся.

В ролях
 Моник ван де Вен — Китти
 Рутгер Хауэр — Хуго
 Андреа Домбург — мать Китти
 Ханна де Лёве — Мина, сестра Китти
 Ян Блаасер — отец Китти
 Эдди Бругман — Андре
 Питер Фабер — Георг

Ссылки

Фильмы-драмы Нидерландов
Проституция в фильмах
Экранизации автобиографических произведений
Исторические фильмы Нидерландов
Фильмы о Нидерландах
Фильмы на нидерландском языке
Фильмы Нидерландов 1975 года

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


text:
Saigon Times CSRCSR 2020
Ford contributes to enhancing road safety in Vietnam
By Minh Tuan
The Coi Show showcases photos that promote awareness for road safety in Vietnam – PHOTOS: COURTESY OF FORD VIETNAM
HCMC – Leading carmaker Ford Vietnam has collaborated with local agencies and international organizations to help enhance road safety in Vietnam through many practical programs such as international seminars on road safety, helmet donations and driving skill courses over the past 12 years. Such a strenuous devotion over the long term has shown the automobile company's commitment to the community in a sphere of its strength.
Through the Ford Driving Skills for Life (DSFL) program, Ford Vietnam had taught nearly 18,000 teen drivers and those freshly obtaining a driving license from across the country the necessary skills for safe driving beyond what they learn in standard driver education programs as of late 2019.
The DSFL training courses, which have been mostly organized in major cities and provinces, provide participants with hands-on and web-based curriculum at no cost. Ford DSFL training addresses both the areas of inexperience as well as the issues surrounding distracted and impaired driving.
The program aims to contribute to reducing road crashes, which are one of the leading causes of death for teenagers in Vietnam.
Alongside DSFL, the company has organized a number of campaigns like "K0 Coi" (No Honking) and "K0 Con" (No Alcohol) to raise the people's awareness of road safety, especially among the youth.
These public awareness campaigns have attracted many young people and were participated by talented young artists, such as Le Thien Hieu, a famous young Vietnamese singer, to deliver road safety knowledge through a more creative approach.
A series of music events called "Coi Show" have been organized by Ford Vietnam in collaboration with the Asia Injury Prevention Foundation as part of the No Honking program since 2017. The events have reached over 3,300 students, all between the age of 16 and 24. With the aim of promoting a safer road culture and environment, the events gained the attention and support of the Vietnamese Government and the National Traffic Safety Committee.
The Coi Show also featured a photo exhibition named "Traffic in the Magic Land," showcasing the work of famous photographers to promote awareness for road safety in Vietnam. At the Coi Show, students also received educational opportunities to learn more about risky road behaviors, including distracted and drunk driving, as well as safe driving behaviors, including how to drive at a safe distance and recognizing blind spots to avoid dangerous road crashes.
The No Honking campaign has gathered a community of some 100,000 supporters on Facebook, a popular social media platform in Vietnam. They are mainly students from universities nationwide and influencers to help the campaign reach out to more people.
Besides this, through the Global Caring Month, Ford Vietnam's employees have spent their working hours to take part in community activities such as teaching children the skills required to make transportation safe like how to wear seat belts and helmets properly and drive in the right lane.
Moreover, the carmaker has collaborated with international organizations such as the American Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam to hold a series of seminars on road safety, during which international experts discussed solutions to reduce traffic accidents in Vietnam.
Ford Vietnam has also donated thousands of helmets to primary and college students. In Vietnam, over 90% of adults wear helmets. However, child helmet wearing rates still stood low, at only 53% in 2017. Wearing a helmet has been proven to reduce the risk of death by 42% and serious injury by 69% in the event of a road crash.
By donating helmets to students, Ford Vietnam expects to help increase the helmet wearing rate and build the habit of wearing helmets for children, thus saving young lives.
Contributions to the fight against Covid-19
While road safety promotion programs are Ford Vietnam's traditional and long-lasting corporate social responsibility, the company has also contributed greatly to the country's fight against the Covid-19 pandemic through a number of practical and timely activities.
Ford Vietnam donates Covid-19 relief to needy people
In early May, the company donated a negative pressure ambulance worth nearly VND2 billion to the National Hospital for Tropical Diseases to support the hospital in Covid-19 treatment.
In HCMC, Ford Vietnam has donated four tons of rice to disadvantaged people, who are the most vulnerable to the pandemic, and 2,250 meals and 150 phone cards to poor students at the HCMC University of Technology.
In Hanoi, the company has provided 2,400 meals to visually impaired students and teachers at the Hanoi Training and Rehabilitation Center for the Blind and 120 gift sets comprising rice, cooking oil, supermarket coupons and face masks to poor families.
Additionally, Ford Vietnam has donated three tons of rice and necessities to 150 needy families and cooperated with the Pickup Vietnam Club to repair three Covid-19 inspection stations in Meo Vac District, Ha Giang Province.
Pham Van Dung, general director of Ford Vietnam, said he is proud of how the company's employees have lent a helping hand to the community and contributed to the fight against Covid-19, from strictly complying with social distancing measures to supporting people affected by the pandemic. "Ford Vietnam expects to join hands with the community to overcome challenges during this tough time," he said.
Ford Driving Skills for Life
Ford Vietnam
public awareness campaigns
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× nine = twenty seven


K. Michelle Lewis, a recent Spotlight Award recipient, describes how the concerns second graders had about a real-world problem translated into action through a music project. She describes the children's journey, from discovering the absence of accessible drinking water in Burkina Faso, to researching the issue and addressing the problem through a creative and collaborative process.
How can we use music to create a better world? In a world with so many resources, I really wanted to find a way to solve a real-world problem using music as the source of discovery and inspiration. In my search, I came across a picture book called, The Water Princess by Susan Verde with illustrations by Peter H. Reynolds. The book was co-created with Georgie Badiel and describes Badiel's childhood experience in Burkina Faso, where there was a severe lack of potable drinking water. Currently living in New York City, Badiel is a fashion model and runs the Georgie Badiel Foundation, which is focused on raising funds and awareness for potable drinking water in her West African country.
The story is about a little girl named Princess Gie Gie who wakes early each morning to walk with her mother for miles to retrieve water for her family. Upon reading the story, my 2nd grade students were shocked to learn that children of the same age were working so hard to obtain one of life's basic needs. The students were also surprised that the quality of water Princess Gie Gie managed to retrieve was not as clean as the water in their own homes. This new discovery prompted them to do something about the problem that thousands of children in Africa face on a daily basis.
The students were provided time in their 2nd grade classrooms to research solutions for the problems caused by the water crisis. This process helped them learn more about organizations both in and outside of their community that build wells and create filtering systems for places in Africa.
In addition to these findings, I came across a local resource called WaterStep, an organization that raises funds by collecting donations of new and gently worn athletic shoes that are then sold to provide funding for clean water projects in Africa and all over the world. We decided to use WaterStep because we knew the organization had a good reputation and trusted that the funds would be used appropriately for projects in Africa.
After the students completed their research, they began the process of creating lyrics, melodies and background music for a music video that would become a public service announcement.
The students were first encouraged to write poems to be used to create a song about the water crisis. Once the poems were written, the process of creating the melodies followed. The connection between writing poetry, then creating melodies is one of many ways to encourage students to write original music. Another way is to establish a culture in your classroom where exploring vocal improvisation through singing in the style of an arioso or recitative is a frequent and normal occurrence. In this way, melodies naturally flow from the text.
In addition to creating a melody, students explored sounds on the GarageBand application that would be used to express the feelings of what the water crisis might sound like. The use of technology allowed students to layer in sounds and rhythm in a way that connected to the digital native.
It goes without saying that project-based learning in music classrooms naturally aligns with many of the national core arts standards. During the planning process for my project, I did not focus on which standards I wanted to cover. Instead, I focused on the parts of the music video for which I thought students would be able to create music, and what made sense for the overall message of the water crisis.
Once the project was completed, I discovered that I had covered more than enough standards in this one project than I would have ever been able to cover in a single lesson in the past.
Improvise rhythmic and melodic patterns and musical ideas for a specific purpose.
Demonstrate and explain personal reasons for selecting patterns and ideas for music that represent expressive intent.
Demonstrate selected musical ideas for a simple improvisation or composition to express intent, and describe connection to a specific purpose.
Use iconic or standard notation and/or recording technology to combine, sequence, and document personal musical ideas.
Interpret and apply personal, peer, and teacher feedback to revise personal music.
Convey expressive intent for a specific purpose by presenting a final version of personal musical ideas to peers or informal audience.
In addition to the musical skills learned throughout the project, students were learning about social studies, science, reading, and writing. Making deep connections across content areas is one of the most effective and meaningful ways for students to learn. At the same time, students are also exposed to the relevance of what they are learning and are able to connect to the content on a personal level.
Using literature as an entry event helped increase the students' literacy and language acquisition. "Reading takes you beyond the easy way to communicate," says Dominic Massaro, psychology professor at the University of California, Santa Cruz. "It takes you to another world and challenges you." He continues, "…parents can build their children's vocabularies by talking to them, (but) reading to them is more effective." He concludes that reading aloud to children is one of the most effective ways to develop language and better communication in young students.
I always like to include an element of student choice and voice in the projects we explore. In this project, my students were allowed to express their feelings through music by choosing lyrics, melodies and background tracks for the final video. This not only created student ownership of learning, it created student agency, which promotes a high level of student efficacy and engagement. Projects like this also establish a classroom culture of risk-taking, exploration and creativity, designed to promote student work that is innovative.
During the week following the project, students shared their thoughts which were guided by a reflection form provided by the Buck Institute. A large percentage of my students enjoyed working together to help people obtain clean water. They said the most important thing they learned from the project was how to work with other people, and that there are people in the world who do not have clean water. The students said the most enjoyable part of the project was helping others and creating the music video.
As I reflect on this project, I have realized the importance of collaboration between community partners such as WaterStep and teachers in schools. As a new teacher at my school, I felt at a disadvantage not knowing my students' abilities, and what they were capable of producing. However, I believe we all grew in new areas, which will give us more confidence the next time we are faced with a challenge. I also believe the framework we built could be modified, improved and designed in a better way so that both the students and the teacher can be much more successful.
It is essential that peer and teacher critiques take place throughout the project design. This step is often seen as a 'time vampire.' However, this is where the 21st century skills of teamwork, problem solving, research gathering, time management, information synthesizing, and utilizing high tech tools can come into play. When students become the producers of their learning, and are guided by a skilled teacher, they are achieving a deeper learning experience than peers of the same age who have a more teacher centered- experience.
The presentation of learning represents the culmination of the project. For effective presentations of learning, everyone participates – the students presenting their learning, the audience, and the facilitator.
Upon completion of the project, I put together elements of student work from each of my 2nd grade classes that culminated in a public service announcement informing people about the water crisis in Africa. This public service announcement was shared with the local water company, the WaterStep organization and parents. We presented the video for our parents at an informance during their music class. It took place in an intimate setting where students and parents could ask and answer questions in a non-threatening environment.
Since there were few questions, I believe we could improve our future presentations by including a set of questions for audience members to ask students. This would create a better dialogue between students and audience members which would enhance the student's ability to critically think, reason, and build strong communication skills, both for interpersonal and presentation needs.
Project Based Learning in Music takes time, careful planning, and collaboration to be executed in a successful way. The process of learning is equally as important as the product and should not be scaled down because of time constraints. However, the more important learning going on is about the people that are involved on both sides of the project. If we believe our students can solve real-world problems through creative music projects, then they can. It is our responsibility as music specialists to provide a learning environment for students that enhances creativity, collaboration, and communication. Our classroom culture can promote values of deeper learning such as compassion, innovation, and communication through music projects that can be used to create a better world.
Michelle Lewis is a former ACEMM Spotlight recipient, who teaches Performing Arts at Bloom Elementary School, a Jefferson County Public School in Louisville Kentucky. She meets with her students weekly for 50 minute classes, where they focus on music dance and theater. In addition to different music concentrations throughout the grades, the students learn about various genres of music while integrating social studies. While she wants them to develop personal and ensemble skills, concepts and aesthetic appreciation, she also wants her students to leave the room feeling as if they have made a difference in the world. To read more about Michelle, her work in the school and community, as well as her performing life, go to Spotlight Award on the ACEMM website: acemm.us.


This Icon mug came from Seoul, South korea. Dark Blue is used as its theme color. N Seoul Tower can be seen on the front of the mug and Seoul Skyline on the back.
This Icon mug came from Korea, South korea. Red is used as its theme color. Korean Mask can be seen on the front of the mug and Drum Dance on the back.


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text:
Life on the lattice
Thoughts on lattice QCD, particle physics and the world at large.
Lattice 2016, Day Two
Hello again from Lattice 2016 at Southampton. Today's first plenary talk was the review of nuclear physics from the lattice given by Martin Savage. Doing nuclear physics from first principles in QCD is obviously very hard, but also necessary in order to truly understand nuclei in theoretical terms. Examples of needed theory predictions include the equation of state of dense nuclear matter, which is important for understanding neutron stars, and the nuclear matrix elements required to interpret future searches for neutrinoless double β decays in terms of fundamental quantities. The problems include the huge number of required quark-line contractions and the exponentially decaying signal-to-noise ratio, but there are theoretical advances that increasingly allow to bring these under control. The main competing procedures are more or less direct applications of the Lüscher method to multi-baryon systems, and the HALQCD method of computing a nuclear potential from Bethe-Salpeter amplitudes and solving the Schrödinger equation for that potential. There has been a lot of progress in this field, and there are now first results for nuclear reaction rates.
Next, Mike Endres spoke about new simulation strategies for lattice QCD. One of the major problems in going to very fine lattice spacings is the well-known phenomenon critical slowing-down, i.e. the divergence of the autocorrelation times with some negative power of the lattice spacing, which is particularly severe for the topological charge (a quantity that cannot change at all in the continuum limit), leading to the phenomenon of "topology freezing" in simulations at fine lattice spacings. To overcome this problem, changes in the boundary conditions have been proposed: open boundary conditions that allow topological charge to move into and out of the system, and non-orientable boundary conditions that destroy the notion of an integer topological charge. An alternative route lies in algorithmic modifications such as metadynamics, where a potential bias is introduced to disfavour revisiting configurations, so as to forcibly sample across the potential wells of different topological sectors over time, or multiscale thermalization, where a Markov chain is first run at a coarse lattice spacing to obtain well-decorrelated configurations, and then each of those is subjected to a refining operation to obtain a (non-thermalized) gauge configuration at half the lattice spacing, each of which can then hopefully thermalized by a short sequence of Monte Carlo update operations.
As another example of new algorithmic ideas, Shinji Takeda presented tensor networks, which are mathematical objects that assign a tensor to each site of a lattice, with lattice links denoting the contraction of tensor indices. An example is given by the rewriting of the partition function of the Ising model that is at the heart of the high-temperature expansion, where the sum over the spin variables is exchanged against a sum over link variables taking values of 0 or 1. One of the applications of tensor networks in field theory is that they allow for an implementation of the renormalization group based on performing a tensor decomposition along the lines of a singular value decomposition, which can be truncated, and contracting the resulting approximate tensor decomposition into new tensors living on a coarser grid. Iterating this procedure until only one lattice site remains allows the evaluation of partition functions without running into any sign problems and at only O(log V) effort.
After the coffee break, Sara Collins gave the review talk on hadron structure. This is also a field in which a lot of progress has been made recently, with most of the sources of systematic error either under control (e.g. by performing simulations at or near the physical pion mass) or at least well understood (e.g. excited-state and finite-volume effects). The isovector axial charge gA of the nucleon, which for a long time was a bit of an embarrassment to lattice practitioners, since it stubbornly refused to approach its experimental value, is now understood to be particularly severely affected by excited-state effects, and once these are well enough suppressed or properly accounted for, the situation now looks quite promising. This lends much larger credibility to lattice predictions for the scalar and tensor nucleon charges, for which little or no experimental data exists. The electromagnetic form factors are also in much better shape than one or two years ago, with the electric Sachs form factor coming out close to experiment (but still with insufficient precision to resolve the conflict between the experimental electron-proton scattering and muonic hydrogen results), while now the magnetic Sachs form factor shows a trend to undershoot experiment. Going beyond isovector quantities (in which disconnected diagrams cancel), the progress in simulation techniques for disconnected diagrams has enabled the first computation of the purely disconnected strangeness form factors. The sigma term σπN comes out smaller on the lattice than it does in experiment, which still needs investigation, and the average momentum fraction <x> still needs to become the subject of a similar effort as the nucleon charges have received.
In keeping with the pattern of having large review talks immediately followed by a related topical talk, Huey-Wen Lin was next with a talk on the Bjorken-x dependence of the parton distribution functions (PDFs). While the PDFs are defined on the lightcone, which is not readily accessible on the lattice, a large-momentum effective theory formulation allows to obtain them as the infinite-momentum limit of finite-momentum parton distribution amplitudes. First studies show interesting results, but renormalization still remains to be performed.
After lunch, there were parallel sessions, of which I attended the ones into which most of the (g-2) talks had been collected, showing quite a rate of progress in terms of the treatment of in particular the disconnected contributions.
In the evening, the poster session took place.
by Georg v. Hippel at 10:32 pm
Labels: conferences
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Lattice Fermions:
Fermions on the lattice
Wilson Quarks
Staggered quarks, pt.1
Nielsen-Ninomiya theorem
Ginsparg-Wilson relation
Exactly Chiral Fermions
Twisted Mass Fermions
Non-Relativistic QCD
Conference blogs:
Lattice 2016: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
MITP workshop 2015: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Lattice 2015: 1, 2, 3, 4
QNP 2015: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
TIFR workshop 2015: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
MAMI & beyond: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Lattice 2008: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
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Coochbehar (WB): West Bengal BJP president Dilip Ghosh has said his party has full faith in the judiciary and hoped it would be able to kick-start its Rath Yatra campaign from Friday.
BJP president Amit Shah was scheduled to flag off the yatra, touted as the party's biggest political campaign in West Bengal, from here today.
"We have full faith in the judiciary and are hopeful that justice will be delivered. We are hopeful that we would be able to take out the Rath Yatra programme from today (Friday)," Ghosh said.
The BJP decided to put on hold Shah's proposed rally and the Rath Yatra, saying it will wait for the final order from the high court, which is scheduled to hear an appeal by the party today.
Directing that the rally stands deferred till the next date of hearing on 9 January, Justice Tapabrata Chakraborty observed that the prayer of BJP for permission to hold the 'rath yatra' cannot be granted at this stage.
Dutta said the district has a history of communal issues and that there was information that some "communal provocateurs" and rowdy elements had become active there.


Explore the nomadic way of life in Kyrgyzstan, witness how people live hand in hand with nature continuing customs that have been passed down the generations for centuries in Central Asia. Explore the ancient city of Osh with its 3000 years old Silk Road history, and sleep in traditional Kyrgyz yurts.
For well over a thousand years, merchants carried their wares over remote mountain passes, along verdant river valleys of Fergana Valley and through the Great Silk Road cities of Uzbekistan. These nomads, conquerors, and settlers left behind an architectural legacy that draws on forgotten empires and ancient religions. Uzbekistan has been awarded UNESCO World Heritage status for its age-old cities: Bukhara, Khiva, and Samarkand, arguably the jewel in the country's dazzling crown. Central Asian mosques, madrassas, fortresses, and bazaars combine to create a timeless atmosphere, while out in the countryside, the country's incredible landscapes will, we promise, capture both your imagination and your heart.
Enjoy the quaint charm and hospitality of Kyrgyzstan.
Welcome to Central Asia! Transfer to the hotel and early check in at the hotel. You can have a rest after your long flight, take a shower and have breakfast.
Transfer to Ala Archa National Park, in the mountains, just 30km outside of Bishkek. We will have a walk in the Park, enjoying the nice views and fresh air. Transfer back to Bishkek for lunch in the city center. In the afternoon we will have a city tour in Bishkek. The tour includes Osh Bazaar, Panfilov Park, Ala-Too Square with the National History Museum, and monuments to national hero Manas, writer Chingiz Aitmatov and another Kyrgyz hero Kozhomkul. Dinner in a nice local restaurant.
After breakfast we depart from Bishkek. First stop is Burana Tower near the town of Tokmok, 60km east of Bishkek. The minaret from the 11th century is the only remaining building from the ancient town of Balasagun, once capital of the mighty Karakhanid empire. You can walk up the winding staircase and enjoy a nice view of the Chuy valley. There is also a small open-air museum with "balbals", carved stone figures used as monuments. We then continue driving to lake Issyk Kul.
Lake Issyk Kul is the second-largest mountain lake in the world, after Titicaca. Located at an altitude of 1600m, it is a slightly saline lake with no outlet, surrounded completely by the Tien Shan Mountains. Some evidence suggests that ruins of an old trade center from 2nd century BC can be found under the water. At the beginning of the lake, on the southern shore we visit the village of Kyzyl-Tuu. Most people in this village are engaged in the manufacturing of yurts and it is the perfect place to learn more about the Kyrgyz yurt and how they are made. We then continue driving along the picturesque southern shore of the lake to our yurt camp near the village of Tosor. Upon arrival at the yurt camp there is some time to go swimming in the lake before dinner.
After breakfast drive along the southern shore of the lake back westwards towards the village of Kochkor. On the way we make a first stop at the canyon "Skazka" translated as "Fairytale" due to its bizarre rocky landscape, which for many years has been transformed by wind into fabulous sculptures and formations. We go for a short hike at the canyon. In the village of Bokonbaevo we will make the next stop to meet an Eagle hunter, who will make a demonstration for us. Finally, we arrive in Kochkor, where we visit a workshop where local women produce carpets from felt. You can even try to make your own. Dinner and overnight in a local guesthouse in Kochkor.
Adamkaly Guesthouse, with shared western toilet and shower.
After breakfast we depart towards another mountain lake – Song Kul. The lake is not very far from Kochkor, but due to bad road condition it will still be a quite long and bumpy ascent to the lake. Lake Song Kul is a mountainous lake on the altitude of 3016 meters above the sea level. The nomads pass their summer on the "jailoo" (summer pasture) with their animals. You can see herds of horses and sheep grazing on meadows full of Edelweiss. If you like, you may go for a short horse ride. Accommodation and dinner will be in a traditional Kyrgyz yurt. You can taste "kymyz" (mare's milk) and observe the shepherd's wife preparing bread and cheese. At night, gaze at the skies like an astronomer – the nearness of the stars will take your breath away.
Overnight in yurt – 4 people in a yurt, facilities are outside (Western toilet, shower with heated water).
After breakfast transfer to Bishkek. The way to Kochkor is the same as we came up. In Kochkor we will stop again for lunch. We then drive directly to Bishkek airport to catch the evening flight to Kyrgyzstan's second largest city, Osh (1 hour). Upon arrival in Osh transfer to hotel and dinner.
Sun Rise 2 Hotel or similar.
After breakfast short city tour in Osh with visiting the Suleiman Mountain – UNESCO World Heritage Site. Nicknamed Kichik-Mecca (Little Mecca), Suleiman Too sacred mountain is a major place of Muslim and pre-Muslim pilgrimage. It was said that prophet Sulaiman was buried here, but even before it was a place of pilgrimage for local people. On top of the mountain is a stone shelter known as Babur's House, named after the 15-16th century Muslim leader who founded the Mughal Dynasty in India and performed his 40 days fast for meditation here.
Then we transfer to the Kyrgyz-Uzbek border. After border formalities meet your Uzbek guide and driver and start the Uzbekistan journey in the Fergana valley. Surrounded by the Tien Shan mountain range and watered by tributaries of the Syr Darya River, this is the most fertile part of Central Asia. Since the time of Alexander the Great and throughout the time of the Great Silk Road it was a rich oasis. Our first stop is Andijan, the birth place of Babur, where we will have lunch. In the afternoon we drive further to the town of Fergana, a relatively young settlement, established as a Russian garrison town at the end of the 19th century. We have a short city tour, including a stroll in Akmed al Fergani Park.
We have one more day to explore the Fergana valley. Nowadays the region is famous in Uzbekistan not only for agriculture, but also for its artisans and markets. Our first destination today is Margilan, just 20km from Fergana. In Margilan we visit the Yodgorlik silk workshop, where you can observe the silk-making process. Learn more about the traditional "ikat" pattern which is very distinctive to Uzbek silk fabrics. The next town we visit is called Rishtan and very famous all over Uzbekistan for its ceramics. It is no coincidence that pottery became so prominent exactly at this place, because the red clay and pigments available here are of excellent quality. We have the chance to visit the studio of a pottery master and learn more about his job and passion that has been passed down from generation to generation. From Rishtan we then drive further to Kokand, another town with rich history as a trading and religious center. In the 19th century it was the capital of the Kokand Khanate, that stretched all the way until the southern Kazakh steppe. We will have a short sightseeing tour, which includes remains of Khudayar Khan's Palace as well the impressive Jami Mosque.
Finally, we catch the 17:30 train from Kokand to Tashkent. We arrive in the Uzbek capital at 21:20. Transfer to the hotel.
Hotel Itchan Qala or similar.
Tashkent is the biggest city in Central Asia and one of the oldest. Unfortunately, in an earthquake in 1966 most of its historic buildings were destroyed. Nevertheless, a few buildings notably at the Khast Imom Complex have survived and this is where we are heading first on today's city tour of Tashkent. The complex contains ancient Quran book of Caliph Uthman (from 7th century!) and the mausoleum of the Islamic saint, Abu Bakr Kaffal Shashi. We then join traders at Chorsu Bazaar before taking a ride on the Tashkent Metro and visiting the Amir Temur & Independence Squares. You will also have a chance to see the History Museum of Uzbekistan.
Today we have to get up very early to catch the morning flight to the western part of Uzbekistan. From the airport in Urgench it takes another 40 minutes by bus until we reach Khiva, where we check in at the hotel. Khiva is bursting with historical sites – and today you will get a chance to see them all.
Leaving Khiva will be a drag, but as our destination today is the equally delightful Bukhara, we are sure you will forgive us. Heading west, we follow the highway that takes us right into the Kyzylkum ("red sand") desert, just as the ancient Silk Road traders once did. The mighty Amudarya River cuts through the desert and we will stop on route to see this important waterway that flows into what remains of the Aral Sea. It is a long day on shaky roads, so prepare yourself with plenty of snacks and charge up your devices so the music does not run out. At the end of this arduous drive, the reward will be Bukhara, where we arrive in the late afternoon. Check in at the hotel and go for a walk in the Old Town.
Komil Boutique Hotel or similar.
The second of our UNESCO World Heritage stops – even the very name Bukhara conjures up images of the exotic Orient. Today, as for centuries, it is an important trading post and you have numerous opportunities to see traditional Uzbek products being bought and sold. The Old Town has been well preserved and is crammed full of minarets, mosques, and madrassas. Its once notorious canals and pools, the source of many an epidemic, have now been drained but the most famous, Lyabi-Hauz, is still there, an oasis shaded by mulberry trees at the heart of the city.
Your guide will show you the city's unmissable sights and you can soak up the atmosphere wandering through Bukhara's labyrinthine alleyways. In the evening, we are invited by a local family for dinner.
Today morning we visit two of Bukhara's rather unusual sights. The first is madrasah Chor-Minor, translated as "four minarets", because of the four small minarets crowned with blue domes on each site of the rectangular building. Next, we visit the summer palace of the last Emir of Bukhara. It is a unique site combining Oriental and Russian architecture and located not far outside of the city. Back in Bukhara we will have lunch and then head to the train station to catch the high-speed train departing 15:50 to Samarkand. Upon arrival at 17:25 in Samarkand, transfer to hotel for check in and dinner in the city.
Sublime Samarkand evokes an almost mythical past full of romance and intrigue. This was the domain of Timur, one of history's great conquerors. His vast empire rivalled any, stretching across the Eurasian steppe, who ruled his kingdom with an iron fist while at the same time patronizing the arts and literature. Much of his architectural heritage has been preserved, allowing us to see how the city might have been at the peak of his power.
We begin the city tour just outside the city in the village Koni Ghil to explore the traditional way of making Samarkand paper from mulberry. Back in the city we then visit Ulgubek's observatory, once the biggest research center of Central Asia. Ulugbek was decades ahead of the West with his observations of the solar system and the earth and we will learn more about his story in this prestigious setting. Our next stop is Shah-i-Zinda, the necropolis where family members of Timur are buried. After lunch we visit the impressive Bibi Khanum Mosque, before delving into the world of dried fruits and other local delicacies at nearby Siyob Bazaar. Dinner at a local family's house, just outside the city.
Today, finally you get to see Samarkand's and arguably Uzbekistan's most famous landmark, spectacular Registan Square. The focal point of ancient Samarkand is framed by three beautiful madrassas – Ulugbek, Sherdor and Tillya Kori. We will also visit Gur-Emir mausoleum, where Timur is buried and Afrasiyab Museum, where you can learn more about the ancient city of Samarkand that was destroyed by the Mongols in early 13th century.
In the late afternoon, we will take the high-speed train back to Tashkent. Check in at the hotel and Uzbek farewell dinner.
Hotel Ichan Khala or similar.


The seminar goal is to disseminate knowledge and share expertise and experiences in urban and sustainable development and its issues and challenges. It also aims to build linkage between the regional and international professionals. Contributions covering urban and sustainable development are encouraged. The IGU Seminar aims to contribute towards various global initiatives like ICSU Initiatives on Health and Wellbeing in the Changing Urban Environment: a Systems Analysis Approach, UN Disaster Risk Reduction, Making City Resilient, HABITAT III and Future Earth Initiatives.
Authors are requested to submit their original research contribution in the form of an abstract (not exceeding 300 words with 5 key words), 1.5 spaced, justified on both sides and carry the author's name designation, affiliation, email id and key words and should be sent by 30th November, 2016. Author(s) will be informed by email about the acceptance of their abstracts by December, 15th 2016.
The accepted papers will be published as full text in the conference proceedings. The full paper should have an introduction, objectives, hypothesis, study area, methodology, numbered side headings, findings, conclusions, references and may be sent by email to the Convener on or before January,31st 2017.