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Our factsheets on where the DRRRF operates, our sectors and themes and our donors provide key information on the scope of our activities and partnerships Read More >>
"At Global Bank Group we believe that good partnerships can build great opportunities, exciting initiatives and ground-breaking experiences. Our partnership with the private sector delivers against one of the most compelling visions, creating risk-resilient societies."
- Ron Nechemia, CEO and President, Global Bank Group
Partnership for Resilience and Preparedness
Global Bank recognizes the crucial importance of coordinating our efforts and championing bold, transformative action create risk-resilient societies. The Global Bank Disaster Risk Reduction and Reconstruction Fund – An Umbrella Trust Fund (the "Fund," "GB-DRRRF," or "DRRRF") works to accelerate sustainable and inclusive economic growth across regions and sectors and to create risk-resilient societies. Global Bank play a critical role in building partnerships and creating new opportunities with and for the private sector.
The Global Bank Group recognized the need to create a private –public disaster risk management (DRM) platform. The aim of the Global Bank Disaster Risk Reduction and Reconstruction Fund – An Umbrella Trust Fund initiative is to foster a sustainable collaborative platform both within and beyond the private sector. The ultimate goal is to create risk-resilient societies. The Global Bank Group play a critical role in building partnerships and creating new opportunities for the private sector.
The private sector is a vital part of the Agenda 2030. At the Global Bank Group, we see the vast network of business, industry, academia, trade associations, and other non-governmental organizations as equal - and equally responsible - partners in every phase from preparedness to response and recovery to mitigation. The Global Bank Disaster Risk Reduction and Reconstruction Fund – An Umbrella Trust Fund has worked steadily to increase the level of private sector collaboration at all levels.
The Global Bank Group's engagement with the private sector involves a whole-of-bank approach under the leadership of Ron Nechemia the Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Global Bank Group, who represents the Global Bank Group.
The Global Bank strategy is simple and effective: Bring together the most relevant leaders from all sectors of global society, and identify the best ways to address the world's most significant challenges.
With a long track record of ground-breaking, innovative global partnerships, the Global Bank Group sets a high standard for meaningful private sector relationships that combine technical assistance and knowledge transfer with financial contributions to not only solve global problems, but also to create measurable business outcomes. Together with each partner, we develop a strategic partnership that creates synergy between our interests and goals, exchanging valuable expertise to generate impact that shifts business one step closer to creating risk-resilient societies.
The Global Bank Group works with global leaders in almost every industry to create shared value that can be measured against the Sendai Framework targets by 2030 - a decade-long plan to help make the world safer from disasters caused by natural hazards — and to support the implementation of the Global Climate Agreement in Paris, and prevent disasters undermining progress on the Sustainable Development Goals. Creating risk-resilient societies, provides us with a defined roadmap to track and evaluate the progress of our combined efforts.
To help us achieve the Sendai Framework targets by 2030, the Global Bank Group draws on its partners' industry-leading knowledge, expertise and positioning to strengthen operations, amplify our message, fund lifesaving programmes and innovate solutions to some of the world's most important challenges.
The door is wide open to the private sector and building a variety of collaborative partnerships with those companies separates the Global Bank Disaster Risk Reduction and Reconstruction Fund – An Umbrella Trust Fund, which is part of the Global Bank Group, from most other development banks and agencies that have developed public-private liaisons. Together with DRRRF the private sector will play a critical role in driving innovative thinking and defining how risk exposure can be managed collaboratively and communicated to public sector bodies. The focus will be on actionable tools, practical insights and links to competent partners in the public sector.
The DRRRF Secretariat is working toward establishing relations with some 200 international organizations from all around the world. The nature of the joint work can range from informal contacts and information sharing to joint projects and programmes
More information on regional organizations is available under 'Where We Work' categorized under 'Our Partners' section of each regional web-page.
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DRRRF News
RELEASE | August 18, 2020
World Humanitarian Day 2020: Tribute to Aid Workers on the front lines
Global Bank's President Ron Nechemia Offers Humanitarian and Developmental Assistance to Lebanon in Response to the Deadly Explosion
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Global Bank's President Ron Nechemia: "We share the pain and sorrows of the Lebanese people"
Dorian – Atlantic Ocean: Global Bank Response to Hurricane Dorian in The Bahamas and How You Can Help
Global Bank Assists Those Affected by Cyclone Idai and How You Can Help
Statements by Global Bank President Ron Nechemia on Approval of David Malpass to be 13th President World Bank
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Geir H. Haarde formally resigned as Prime Minister in parliament today.
new Icelandic government could take.
Ingibjörg Sólrún Gísladóttir emphasised that the Social Democrats want "a strong government that can lead the nation to election in the spring". She added that this would take an experienced individual, that this is what the Social Democrats offered and the Conservatives rejected, referring to Jóhanna Sigurðardóttir. Therefore, she argued, there was no choice but to turn to the president of Iceland to form a new government.
Leftist-Green chairman Steingrímur J. Sigfússon said that his party was ready to work within a "þjóðstjórn", literally "popular government", which would mean all five parties would hold ministries, and not just those in a ruling coalition. He added that this step should have been taken in the fall, when it was requested by his party. According to the last opinion poll on the matter, popular government is the option with the strongest support among Icelanders. He emphasised however that a popular government needed to be an effective one that could lead the nation through the difficult times ahead.
Höskuldur Þórhallsson, an MP for the Progressive Party, said that the end of the ruling coalition was a long time coming, pointing out that the continuous protests across the country have underlined how unfit the coalition was, and added that now the government needs to focus on inflation and unemployment.
Guðjón Arnar Kristjánsson, chairman of the Liberal Party, said that the coalition met a sad end, with MPs taking verbal snipes at one another, and that now was the time for all parties to work together, his own party being ready for "whatever work needs to be done".
Ultimately, the form the new government will take is up to the president of Iceland. A decision on this is expected to be made soon.


For contest programs, the Votes tab can be used to tally the votes that have been entered for each entry. It can also show you the IP address from which the Vote originated, if there is any suspicion of voter fraud.
What does the Votes tab look like?
How can I use Votes to determine the winner?
What else can I do with the Votes tab?
The Votes tab will specify the date of the vote, IP address of the voter, and the name and entry ID of the chosen entry.
To determine a winner, specify the period of time that you wish to include in your vote count. Run the report and then export the report to a CSV file. Once you have the CSV file, save it as an Excel workbook. Place filters on the spreadsheet in Excel and then sort the list by Entry. You can then use the COUNTIF feature of Excel to determine the number of votes by Entry.
By clicking on an entry's name or an IP Address, you'll be able to see only votes for that entry or from that IP address respectively.
To delete votes, check the boxes on the left of the votes you wish to delete then select Delete Votes. This can also be used to delete non-vote reviews completed in a non-contest program.
While the votes tab allows you to delete Votes individual and per page, there is not an option to delete all the votes from a workspace. If you require all the votes to be removed please contact our Support team. Clearing a large amount of votes may result in charges to the Professional Services on your account. Support will discuss any charges prior to them being applied.


YEREVAN (Azatutyun.am)—An Armenian opposition activist was released from custody on Monday pending a verdict in his trial on charges of aiding gunmen that seized a police station in Yerevan in 2016 to demand then President Serzh Sarkisian's resignation.
The activist, Andrias Ghukasyan, was one of the organizers of demonstrations held in support of the armed members of a fringe opposition group. The charges levelled against him stem from one of those rallies organized on July 29, 2016 in Yerevan's Sari Tagh neighborhood close to the besieged police base.
Riot police used tear gas and stun grenades to disperse the protesters after they refused to march back to the city center. Several organizers of the protest were arrested and charged with provoking "mass disturbances." All of them except Ghukasyan were subsequently released from custody.
Ghukasyan offered to post bail shortly after he went on trial in August last year. The judge in the case turned down the request as "unfounded," prompting strong criticism from the defendant and his lawyer.
Ghukasyan was freed in the courtroom this time around in return for a written pledge not to leave Yerevan until the judge, Vartan Grigorian, hands down a verdict in the case. A trial prosecutor objected to his release.
The court order followed a dramatic change of the political situation in Armenia. Opposition leader Nikol Pashinian, who is widely expected to become Armenia's prime minister on Tuesday, has repeatedly described Ghukasyan as a political prisoner.


Etsy parties have come to earn quite the boisterous reputation — there may or may not have been kegs dragged up to the roof on a particularly balmy occasion, not to mention cadaver eating contests and mariachi bands. Thus, one of the greatest survival skills I have come to hone here at HQ is the art of selective hearing. Being able to focus in on the subtle wit of your coworker in the midst of a rowdy congo line is the only way you will leave at the end of the evening with your sanity (and self-respect) intact. Luckily for us, eliminating the noise in our data using technology is a little bit easier.
that the logs were noisy, which is technically true, but. . . . .
repeats a lot (not that we don't need to fix it).
And thus supergrep was born. The original was a simple grep -v command line bash script to make our logs easier to parse, but the tool has evolved into a communication mechanism for the entire team to view our logs in real time over a web browser. Since then, we have cleaned up many of the noise problems that obscured our logs, while iterating the tool into something easily accessible by everyone on team. It's a simple node app that everyone on the team can access as they are pushing code, to see if new errors appear. In addition we've linked the errors to the exact line of code that the error is happening on for easier analysis. Its yet another change-awareness tool in our kit that allows us to push code continuously and safely to production.
Y'all ever heard of ack?
Of course, this isn't a command line tool, its a node.js app for streaming logs in a web browser.
Or have you heard of Splunk (http://www.splunk.com/)? It's pretty powerful. But might be a little too much for this case.
Hi, Yes we also use Splunk. Its a slightly different use case. Splunk is great for historical analysis, log search, and filtering. Supergrep is more whats happening this very second. There is actually some code buried in here that links out to splunk.
Supergrep looks like it would be adapted well to a handle a problem of real time log analysis of ADB logcat output. So far I have yet to see anything that does that really well.
I like it. It seems quite adaptable for otherwise unreadable realtime garbage from Android'd logcat output. Great app!
I've setup an instance of supergrep -> I like it 🙂 However it seems that I've some parsing issues (ie: PHP Warnings not flagged as warnings …), probably related to the fact that we're not using the same logformat ?
Could you please share it ? Or do you have a better idea ?
In all the cases, thanks a lot for sharing this tool !
Yes we use a custom format and you'll have to adjust the regexes in static/js/supergrep.js to suit yours. I can try to dig ours out, please submit a github issue for that.
Hey John, glad to see this finally made it out there!
BTW – there was also a log generator (simulate.js) included that would allow people to quickly demo supergrep without having to touch the config or make live server logs available.
Saw at Scaleconf and decided to get supergrep, I installed node.js and npm and got it running.
Unfortunately there is nothing showing that is being logged, do I have to specify log paths? How/where can I learn/read more about the configuration.


In first grade, my teacher ran out of the room, called my mom and told her she thought I was having a seizure. Thankfully, I wasn't, but we did wonder why my eyes were involuntarily rolling back into my head. Over the next three years, we saw pediatricians, ophthalmologists, neurologists, movement specialists, psychologists, psychiatrists, and others I can't even recall. Ultimately, the diagnosis was Tourette's Syndrome. Life with Tourette's Syndrome includes moments of frustration, distraction, anger, embarrassment and sadness. However, Tourette's also fills my life with a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment, empathy and sympathy.
After my diagnosis, I blamed my tics on contact lenses, sore shoulders, tickles in my throat and anything else that seemed to make sense. However, by seventh grade, I discovered that I didn't need to make excuses. My teacher, Julie Witzcak, introduced us to Camp Twitch and Shout which showed me a whole world filled with people who had Tourette's. We heard from campers at Camp Twitch and Shout, saw videos depicting their activities, and learned what it meant to live with Tourette's. The most important thing about Camp Twitch and Shout was that every camper understood every other camper, and camp existed without any judgment, staring, questioning or discomfort. I realized that although I may have been the only person in my world with Tourette's, the real world was filled with others just like me. Suddenly, I felt free to tell others that Tourette's caused me to clear my throat uncontrollably, turn my thumb incessantly, roll my eyes oddly and blow on my hand repeatedly. While I also suffer from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and Generalized Anxiety, others understand those disorders (or at least, they think they do). On the other hand, Tourette's is something entirely different. I was suddenly and unexpectedly free to discuss my disorder, to explain to people that while my noises might be annoying to them, they should just imagine how annoying they were to me. At least they could walk away from me!
Gradually, my close friends understood and learned to tolerate, even ignore, my tics. It took others a bit longer to grasp what I described. Most of them had never heard of Tourette's or thought it appeared only in the form of outbursts of inappropriate language. Few, if any, really understood Tourette's. So, I found myself using every opportunity to explain the disorder. I also face dozens of new customers every day at the pizza place at which I work. I hold it together because I am no longer afraid to face my own reality, and I am prepared to dismiss those who cannot understand or appreciate it. In the end, most people with whom I shared my experiences simply did not know I had Tourette's or did not understand it at all, and they thanked me for enlightening them.


text:
Leopoldo Eulogio Palacios Rodríguez (ur. 31 stycznia 1912 w Madrycie, zm. 22 listopada 1981 tamże) – hiszpański filozof, teolog i logik.

Życiorys
Wywodził się z rodziny intelektualistów pochodzącej z Asturii – jego ojciec Leopoldo Palacios Morini (1876–1952) był wykładowcą nauk moralnych i politycznych oraz członkiem Stałej Komisji Mandatów Międzynarodowych Ligi Narodów.

Ukończył pierwsze studia pedagogiczne i medialne w Instituto Escuela, a w 1930 rozpoczął kolejne – na Wydziale Filozofii i Literatury Uniwersytetu w Madrycie. Swoją działalność literacką rozpoczął w latach Republiki, działając w Acción Española. Ukończył Wydział Filozofii w czerwcu 1936.

W początkach hiszpańskiej wojny domowej Republikanie poszukiwali go z zamiarem uwięzienia. Schronił się wtedy w ambasadzie francuskiej. Stamtąd został przewieziony do Francji, gdzie pozostawał w obozie dla uchodźców, skąd zbiegł i dotarł do Lyonu, a następnie przeniósł się do Genewy, gdzie mieszkał jego ojciec. Na początku czerwca 1938 wrócił do Hiszpanii.

W 1940 wstąpił do korpusu profesorów zwyczajnych w Institutos Nacionales de Enseñanza Media de España i pełnił funkcję profesora filozofii w Vigo, a od 1941 przebywał ponownie w Madrycie. W roku tym, współpracując z Kościołem Katolickim opublikował Formację intelektualisty katolickiego w Escorial. Wkrótce także nawiązał współpracę z niedawno założonym Instytutem "Luis Vives".

Doktoryzował się z filozofii 12 stycznia 1944 na Uniwersytecie w Madrycie, z myśli św. Tomasza z Akwinu (La doctrina de la Lógica en Juan de Santo Tomás, 180 stron) pod kierunkiem Juana Zaragüety Bengoechei. 25 maja 1944 wstąpił do Uniwersyteckiego Korpusu Profesorskiego, obejmując Katedrę Logiki Uniwersytetu w Madrycie.

Chociaż przed wojną podpisywał się jako Leopoldo Eulogio Palacios, w rozprawie doktorskiej z 1944 i w oficjalnych dokumentach z tego roku jego nazwisko brzmi po raz pierwszy Leopoldo Palacios Rodríguez. W tym samym okresie ujawniły się jego pierwsze objawy choroby płuc, co zmusiło go do kolejnych, długich rekonwalescencji w kilku sanatoriach. W 1945 roku zdobył Narodową Nagrodę Literacką za swoją książkę Roztropność polityczna. W 1948 roku założył magazyn Finisterre, który upadł w tym samym roku (ukazało się dwanaście numerów).

W 1949, 1950 i 1951 wykładał w Quebecu, na francuskojęzycznym, katolickim Uniwersytecie Lavala, gdzie przebywał na zaproszenie belgijskiego teologa i filozofa tomistycznego Charlesa de Konincka (zm. W 1965).
W 1954 wpisany został na listę członków Królewskiej Akademii Nauk Moralnych i Politycznych. Był także profesorem w Instytucie Społecznym Leona XIII.

W 1972 został mianowany członkiem kierownictwa naukowego Schopenhauer-Gesellschaft. Powrócił na Uniwersytet Lavala, a przedmiotem jego wykładów była filozofia Arthura Schopenhauera. W ostatnich latach życia fascynowała go postać i poglądy Marcela Lefebvre'a.

Doktryna
Na poziomie etyki politycznej odrzucał doktrynalizm i makiaweliczny oportunizm, opowiadając się za ostrożnościowością, która podporządkowuje politykę moralności, zawsze biorąc jednak pod uwagę możliwości i konkrety. W micie nowego chrześcijaństwa potępiał personalistyczny humanizm Jacquesa Maritaina.

Rodzina
W 1942 urodził się jego syn, Juan Miguel Palacios García (od 1980 profesor filozofii moralnej na Uniwersytecie Complutense).

Przypisy

Linki zewnętrzne
życiorys autorstwa Alvaro d'Orsa w nekrologu – dostęp 20.3.2019

}
Hiszpańscy teolodzy
Hiszpańscy filozofowie XX wieku
Ludzie urodzeni w Madrycie
Urodzeni w 1912
Zmarli w 1981
Hasła utworzone w ramach Tygodni Tematycznych 2019
Wykładowcy Uniwersytetu Lavala

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


Now find the involutionary path (to singularity), and it's done.
Recently, she's been unearthing certain stuff that wasn't supposed to be there and hiding it at home: a fairly well-conserved but unidentifiable iPhone 20, a real-size Barbie doll, and a sophisticated-looking metallic prosthetic hand. All of them prevenient from the underneath of a never-before-excavated Romanesque chapel. All of them, most probably, originated in what is commonly called the future.
She wonders if there is a market for relics of the future.
Any advanced mythology is indistinguishable from science fiction.
Okay, so everyone is doing the trolley thing, and I decided to give it a whirl.
Bartholomäus Traubeck created equipment that would translate tree rings into music by playing them on a turntable. Rather than use a needle like a record, sensors gather information about the wood's color and texture and use an algorithm that translates variations into piano notes. The breadth of variation between individual trees results in a individualized tune. The album, appropriately titled "Years," features spruce, ash, oak, maple, alder, walnut, and beech trees.
The monster isn't dead yet, you fools.


text:
Juventus 1 Genoa 0: Douglas Costa goal closes the gap to leaders Napoli
Douglas Costa's close-range finish secured a narrow victory over Genoa for Juventus on their return to action after the mid-season break.
Rob Lancaster
Douglas Costa and Juventus celebrate scoring against Genoa. - Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images
Juventus moved back to within a point of Serie A leaders Napoli as a solitary goal from Douglas Costa proved enough to clinch a nervy 1-0 win over lowly Genoa.
READ: Buffon guaranteed to start on Juve return, assures Allegri
After Napoli overcame Atalanta by the same scoreline on Sunday, Massimiliano Allegri's side kept pace with their table-topping rivals thanks to Costa's 16th-minute strike.
The Brazilian's burst in behind Genoa's defence allowed him to poke home Mario Mandzukic's perfectly weighted pass from close range and give the Bianconeri a deserved lead.
However, returning to domestic duties following the mid-season break, the hosts struggled to create too many clear-cut chances in a game that saw them once again without the services of injured top-scorer Paulo Dybala.
They had to instead rely on a rock-solid defence to retain their advantage through to the final whistle, as a sixth straight clean sheet at the Allianz Stadium secured three precious points in a two-horse race for the title.
Genoa had arrived in Turin on a four-game unbeaten run in the league under Davide Ballardini, the experienced coach having engineered an upturn in fortunes since being appointed for a third spell in charge of the club last November.
They had stunned the champions by taking an early two-goal lead at the start of the season in a game they eventually lost 4-2, but it was Juventus who were quickest out of the blocks in the return fixture.
Playing towards a closed Curva Sud, the hosts saw their early dominance rewarded with Costa's opener.
The Brazilian came out on top in a 50-50 challenge with Andrea Bertolacci before spreading the ball out to Mandzukic, who picked out his team-mate's advancing run with a well-weighted pass into the penalty area from the left flank.
Mattia Perin was unable to beat Costa to the ball for the goal, yet Genoa's goalkeeper was alert enough to stop two attempts from Miralem Pjanic increasing Juventus' advantage in a one-sided opening half.
The game followed a familiar pattern after the break, yet Juventus' superiority failed to lead to a second goal that would have given them breathing space.
Alex Sandro and Pjanic both failed to hit the target with shots from the edge of the area, while Armando Izzo's desperate clearance close to his own line prevented Gonzalo Higuain from converting Stephan Lichtsteiner's driven cross from the right flank.
The crucial interception kept Genoa alive, and they understandably sensed an opportunity to pick up an unlikely point as the home crowd became anxious during the closing minutes.
However, despite the tension in the stands, Juventus held firm to record their third triumph of the season over Genoa, having also knocked them out of the Coppa Italia last December.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


We sat in total darkness on the Penthouse Floor of our offices, the only light illuminating our desks coming from the overhead bright red and yellow Arab Malaysian Bank logo behind our building. It was shut off 30 mins into Earth Hour. Looking around at the buildings beneath us, parts of Kuala Lumpur were switched off. It could have been better.
Whilst we sat about and discussed the possibility of driving from Brazil to Bolivia, Azmi and Wong manned the NOC in total darkness and Chan was scurrying from floor to floor, measuring the power consumption of our data centres during Earth Hour. 6MW of power deployed, 3MW in current use with another 1MW coming online - the equivalent of carbon emissions from 5 barrels of oil consumed for the hour, we rallied all our business partners and stakeholders in the week leading up to Earth Hour to take it a step further - Turn off your mobiles, turn off your phones, computers, faxes, PDAs etc. Let's take this opportunity to REALLY save power. Not to mention my lengthy SMS 30 minutes prior to the event reminding and urging everyone to take part.
As promised, we measured our power savings totaling 73kW. Falling short by half of our intended target, it was nevertheless a good first effort - the equivalent of carbon emissions from 0.12 barrel of oil consumed. Not bad for an hour of switching off the lights, not using the phone and surfing the Web. An interesting point to note was the SMS I sent out 30 mins before Earth Hour reached some of its intended recipients way after Earth Hour ended... . Which leads me to surmise that everyone participating in Earth Hour was SMS-ing all their friends to take part, thus really jamming the SMS clouds during the time where we should have been aware of energy conservation!
Other funny facts, on Bukit Bintang between two competing malls, whilst one took part actively, it threw a concert in celebration of Earth Hour - how much power did that save? Whilst the other, one of the biggest and newest malls in downtown Kuala Lumpur just did not bother. Their mall was brighter than the giant Christmas tree they had at their front entrance a few months back! C'est la vie.
"Hi! Te-Shen, just got out of the darkness n got your msg. Read chapter 5 n 6 of 'Dreams from my father' in semi darkness. Reminded me of school days in Brickfields late 1950s n 60s. There were days when we had to read under candle light."
"Why didn't you just switch off the exchange? :)"
"I have realized alcohol taste better in the dark... . As long as you can find the bottle!"
"%$#% earth hour dude. Get a hybrid and have a earth year. :)"
"I am busy playing mahjong lar. But I turned off all other essential lights. :)"
On the face of it, it seemed like a great excuse for some of us to party whilst others found a sense of purpose and meaning beyond the hour of darkness. One reader who wrote into The Star derided Earth Hour as a cheap publicity stunt and instead drawing his readers to focus on lifestyle and consumption habits. I might not agree with him on it being totally a cheap publicity stunt, it definitely got us thinking and reflecting, Earth Hour is a start for all of us to be more mindful of needless consumption in our lifestyles and habits.
Dubai apparently saved 200,000 kWh of electricity according to a video on Youtube. What can we do in Kuala Lumpur for 2010?
This year The Megawisra Group is going to take part in Earth Hour, a global Earth Campaign to urge more than one billion people in 1000 cities by simply turning out all non-essential lighting for one hour on Saturday, 28th of March at 8.30 p.m. We will join tens of millions of concerned citizens throughout the world in calling for action to save our planet for future generations. This initiative forms part of our Group's Corporate Social Responsibility program. Please be assured that there will be no interruption to the services that The Megawisra Group's subsidiaries are providing to you.
We'd like to invite you, our valued business partner, to join us in this important effort. The lights out initiative, which began in Sydney in 2007 as a public awareness campaign on climate change, has grown significantly over the past two years. All together 74 Cities in 62 countries have committed to Earth Hour 2009 - from South America, to Europe, to Asia, to the South Pacific. Nations are now seeing the global economic downturn as an opportunity to steer their economies toward safer sustainable futures.
Kuala Lumpur is one of the cities to take part in this Campaign. In Malaysia the Earth Hour has set a goal to gather 5 Million sign-ups. Landmark buildings here such as KL tower, Sunway Lagoon Resort, Starhill gallery and Mid Valley are already committed to turning their lights off on 28th of March, 2009 at 8.30.
In the week leading up to Earth Hour, we plan to take a closer look at ways our companies can operate more efficiently, waste less and reduce our environmental footprint—not only in our own operations, but throughout our supply chain. Joining Earth Hour is a great way to demonstrate that we at the Megawisra Group care about the planet and want to operate in a responsible way. In this regard we have set a target during this hour to reduce our group's overall carbon footprint by 0.1 metric tones, the equivalent of CO2 emissions from 35 liters of gasoline consumed. We hope this will be the beginning of effectively approaching our operational carbon emissions for the foreseeable future.
Take action! We hope you'll join us in this important and inspiring effort and encourage your employees, customers and suppliers to take part by turning off the nonessential lights on 28th of March at 8.30 pm for one hour.
This initiative is organized by World Wide Fund For Nature (WWF).
It seems difficult to maintain an upbeat mood these days. The slew of bad news that we have been inundated with has prompted me to remove all evidence of newsprint from our office. Not that it would stop us from scouring the Net for news however, I take consolation in the fact that it's a great way to start our social responsibility program - at least we are doing our bit in reducing paper consumption!
Now that everyone has come to the realization that America is no longer going to be the world's biggest consumer and in fact, moving in the exact opposite direction of an open, liberalised economy - the question remains if the worlds' producers are expecting the BRIC nations to replace Uncle Tom as the world's largest consumer. Don't hold your breath. You would have a better chance of winning the Hong Kong Mark 6.
Of the four, Brazil seems to be relatively unscathed by the economic downturn. Or so, we thought of ourselves in Asia just six months ago. Even if that's the case, Brazil's GDP as reported by the CIA Factbook is 1/7th that of the United States in 2008. In fact, the combined GDPs of the BRIC bloc is short by a mere trillion.
With worldwide production levels down affected by general consumption, the G8 looking increasingly inward to repair their broken economies, maybe its time for us to take stock of our habits. I believe in signs and whatever mother earth is telling us at the start of the year ain't good - snow in England, drought in China, ravaging bush fires in Australia - all at the same time. It's time for us to only consume what we need.
The imbalance needs to be rectified from want to need.


Palma, Tali ; Minniti, Dante; Dékány, I.; Clariá, Juan José ; Alonso García, J.; Gramajo, Luciana Veronica ; Ramírez Alegría, S.; Bonatto, C.
This project is a massive near-infrared (NIR) search for variable stars in highly reddened and obscured open cluster (OC) fields projected on regions of the Galactic bulge and disk. The search is performed using photometric NIR data in the J-, H- and Ks- bands obtained from the Vista Variables in the Vía Láctea (VVV) Survey. We performed in each cluster field a variability search using Stetson's variability statistics to select the variable candidates. Later, those candidates were subjected to a frequency analysis using the Generalized Lomb-Scargle and the Phase Dispersion Minimization algorithms. The number of independent observations range between 63 and 73. The newly discovered variables in this study, 157 in total in three different known OCs, are classified based on their light curve shapes, periods, amplitudes and their location in the corresponding color-magnitude (J−Ks,Ks) and color-color (H−Ks,J−H) diagrams. We found 5 possible Cepheid stars which, based on the period-luminosity relation, are very likely type II Cepheids located behind the bulge. Among the newly discovered variables, there are eclipsing binaries, δ Scuti, as well as background RR Lyrae stars. Using the new version of the Wilson & Devinney code as well as the "Physics Of Eclipsing Binaries" (PHOEBE) code, we analyzed some of the best eclipsing binaries we discovered. Our results show that these studied systems turn out to be ranging from detached to double-contact binaries, with low eccentricities and high inclinations of approximately 80°. Their surface temperatures range between 3500 K and 8000 K.


Benalmadena Hen Do is the way forward. A sizzlin' beach break is the order of the day. Located between Fuengirola and Torremolinos, this wildly popular resort is generally regarded as a touch classier than her sisters.
Benalmadena is an ideal choice for brides looking for a slightly more upmarket Spanish beach holiday that's still friendly on your bank account balance. Our expert hen party planners have organised countless single life sendoffs in this stunning location over the past 15 years. Pick their brains for the best places to stay, eat, drink, dance, shop and be pampered.
Picture this: 8km of dazzling, Blue Flag beaches, an Arabian-influenced marina, trendy beach clubs, a huge theme park & water park and hip restaurants by the water. This is more than just your bog standard beach resort, Benalmadena has broad appeal - which makes it an easy no-brainer for a hen do.
Unlike the majority of Spanish resorts, Benalmadena's skyline isn't dominated by high-rise hotels and developments. Instead, this charming destination combines tourist-friendly facilities with a slice of old world Spain. A stone's throw from the hotels, super swanky yachts and bars you'll find the charming Benalmadena pueblo. Take time out of your girly getaway to do a bit exploring and lose yourself amidst the fairytale, whitewashed houses on peaceful, winding lanes. Grab your girls, sit down for a tapas and a margarita whilst you enjoy panoramic mountain views in a quaint bodega. Brilliant!


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Mowi to the rescue
A special mention must go to Lewis Gibson and Lewis Sneddon for their efforts to help the crew of the Joenathe, a well-equipped bluewater cruiser, that had sent an emergency message for urgent assistance following a loss of power.
Lewis Gibson, skipper of the Beinn Mowi, and his deckhand Lewis Sneddon, noticed the 36-foot German-flagged sailing yacht Joenathe was drifting towards Kingairloch salmon farm in Loch Linnhe where the workboat was moored.
Lewis Gibson
The 69-foot Beinn Mowi secured Joenathe alongside and returned to the fish farm. After several hours trying to get the sailing vessel's engine to restart the crew of Joenathe spent Friday night alongside the Beinn Mowi, and Saturday night moored on one of Kingairloch fish farm's pens.
By Sunday the weather had improved sufficiently to enable the Beinn Mowi to tow Joenathe approximately 12 nautical miles to Dunstaffnage marina for engine repairs.
Jörg, the master of Joenathe, praised the Mowi duo for their efforts: "We are extremely grateful to the crew of the Beinn Mowi. It's very seldom you get to meet such good seamen; they really knew what needed to be done under strong wind conditions and we are so grateful that they supported us in this way.
"It was an outstanding offer from the two Lewises to tow us to Dunstaffnage and it was another great piece of seamanship to get us alongside on the pontoon so smoothly. It was really fantastic."
Beinn Mowi towing Joenathe
Lewis Gibson described the experience: "It was a case of right place, right time. We were aware of the yacht drifting towards us, and the skipper must've seen that we were on deck and hailed us on the radio, by which time he was less than 100 metres from us.
"It was around 5.30pm when he made contact and the site staff who work at Kingairloch would've been away by that time. He would probably have collided with our farm or the rocky shoreline which we're glad we were able to prevent.
"It was a bit nerve-wracking. This was only my second shift as skipper, I've never done anything like this and the Beinn Mowi is twice the size of the sailing yacht, but we managed to come alongside in a safe and controlled manner and take control of the situation. We helped to gather the anchors which were fully paid out and bring both boats into the shelter of Loch a' Choire.
"Jörg was such a lovely guy and a highly experienced sailor. We're just happy we were able to help."
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A lot of happenings in this household since my last post. We survived the organisation of the Dream Strive Achieve Dinner at Brayden's school. It was a great night....I believe everyone enjoyed themselves. An awesome night and some good money raised for the kids.
Mother's Day has also been and gone......I was spoilt with a voucher to go to High Tea at the Windsor Hotel in Melbourne and the contents of the raffle prize won at the dinner including a neck, back and shoulder massage and facial at Beautifully Done.
We are preparing for a big few weeks with the Sandhurst Diocesan Conference in Bendigo at the end of this week and then I am off next week for another conference. Busy, busy, busy! I haven't even mentioned school reports.
Unfortunately not a lot of scrapbooking has been happening. I have done a few little projects that I am unable to share with you until the end of the week. They are for Scrapbookit's newest challenge. Make sure you head over (click here) and check out what the team have posted so far....some gorgeous work!
Todays layout is of our very first cuddles with our little man. Please excuse the photos on the layout...7 years ago we had a digital camera which produced pixelated images. Not like I can go back and retake these!
Not the most glamorous photos of either Jason or I but boy are they very special.
I have used some scraps of patterned paper from my collection together with some Kraft Cardstock.
I have also used a label maker to print my little 'with Mum' and 'with Dad' labels. I haven't used them for ages and had almost forgot about them.
Thanks for stopping by, have a lovely day and don't forget to leave a comment to let me know what you think.
Well what a huge week. I hope the end of the week finds everyone really well and ready for some relaxation and recovery over the weekend. There has been so much happening in our little world as I am sure there has been in everyone's household.
I am here to share with you the next instalment of Brayden's baby album. I must warn you that this photo (the one on the layout) is not the best quality or the best of us but what a very special moment in our lives.
The quality of the photo doesn't help....our camera was not a great one...needless to say we bought a new one rather quickly.
I used a photo of the newspaper clipping as the original is in Brayden's baby book. It isn't the best copy but I really wanted the details in the clipping included on this layout.
Again, I think this patterned paper was one my sister gave to me in my early days of scrapbooking.
Well, I hope you like this addition to Brayden's baby album.
I am just so excited to get some of these special moments recorded.
I hope you get to enjoy some 'Me Time' (whatever that may be) at some point over the weekend.


April 12, 2019 Rick McNairRed Sox HistoryNo Comment on Is Chris Sale now Lefty Grove redux?
What is the matter with Chris Sale? The Red Sox star lefty has seen his velocity sink – just like another former Red Sox star from the distant past.
The Boston Red Sox signed lefty Chris Sale to a hefty $145 MM extension, but so far the results have been somewhere south of bitter disappointment. Is it wear and tear? Is it just a funk? Is Sale a pitcher in transition? The Red Sox of the distant past have been down the road to failure with a star lefty.
The Red Sox were a dreadful team as 1933 came into being, but so was the entire country with the Great Recession. Fenway Park's wooden bleachers had suffered a fire in 1926 and the destruction had never been rebuilt. Why? You don't need seats when no one shows up to see a team where success was not finishing last.
In February 1933 Tom Yawkey bought the Red Sox for $1.25 MM and the rebuild of the park and the team began. As mentioned the Great Depression was in full bloom and the high-flying Philadelphia Athletics had a star player and needed money. And money is what brought Lefty Grove and his 24-8 record to Boston for 1934.
Grove simply floundered as he never had before. Grove went just 8-8 but what glares out is a 6.20 ERA. Grove had five times led the American League with the best ERA and had seven consecutive seasons leading the AL in strikeouts. Unlike Sale, there was no potential dead money – just the $125,000 paid along with a few scratch players. Grove's arm was the issue.
Sale's fastball velocity has tanked compared to his past numbers. Sale had a shoulder issue in 2018 and has that now resurfaced? Is the edge off Sale's once dominant slider? Is this a season that will resemble what happened to Grove in 1934? At this point, Sale is 0-3 and has shown little in three starts to encourage Red Sox Nation. Is this dead money that will make Pablo Sandoval appear as baseball chump change?
In 1935 Grove came into spring camp ready to produce and produce Grove did. Grove finished the season 20-12 and led the AL with a 2.70 ERA. Grove never won 20 games again for Boston but did lead the AL in ERA three more times. The blazing fastball was a memory with a career Boston 5.2 K/9 – a statistic Grove had five times led the AL in K/9. Grove simply made a commendable transition from heat to stealth.
Sale's career 10.8 K/9 is easily double what has happened in his three starts. Is Sale going to suddenly discover his speed or simply is this a case for a new Sale? Sale's first two Boston seasons resulted in a 13 K/9 and that now appears to be a high water mark.
The issue at hand is Sale's ability to potentially emulate Grove and transition to being a pitcher who now does not have the physical ability to blow away hitters. That, of course, is all dependent upon Sale's mysterious loss of velocity not being symptomatic of an injury, but just a natural process of baseball aging. The questions will be answered as the season progresses, but Sale can become Grove if his future as Randy Johnson disappears.


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Handbook of Clinical Sexuality for Mental Health Professionals
Stephen B. Levine
Candace B. Risen
Stanley E. Althof
Published February 12, 2016 by Routledge
Published February 9, 2016 by Routledge
Published January 13, 2016 by Routledge
The Handbook of Clinical Sexuality for Mental Health Professionals, 3rd Edition, builds on the authors' authoritative first person voice on sexual matters of the previous editions. The work reflects the field's growing sophistication about sexual disorders and their therapies. The scope has been expanded to keep pace with new literature and research in the field, and eight additional chapters have been added. New topics include the politics of diagnosis, persistent genital arousal, asexuality, post orgasm illness, scientific findings concerning origin of orientation, and partnering with the pharmaceutical industry. Easily accessible, the Handbook is divided into sections that touch on fundamental knowledge and skills; treatment; men's major sexual concerns; women's major sexual concerns; problems common to both genders; the diversity of sexual lives; and future and trending topics. Written in a personal, supervisory style, the book will help new therapists anticipate clinical contingencies and help experienced therapists refine their thinking and teaching.
Preface to 1st edition Preface to 2nd edition Preface to 3rd edition Section One: Fundamental Knowledge And Skills Introduction 1. Grasping the Intuitive Ideal: Why Sex Is Important Stephen B. Levine, MD 2. The Sexual Narrative: A Story Waiting to be Told Candace B. Risen, LISW-S 3. Boundary Crossings in Clinical Practice Candace B. Risen, LISW-S 4. The Rich Ambiguity of Our Key Concepts: Making Distinctions Stephen B. Levine, MD Section Two: Treatment Part A: Women's Major Sexual Concerns 5. Clinical Challenges of Sexual Desire in Younger Women Rosemary Basson, MD FRCP (UK) 6. Problems with Orgasm Karen Donahey, PhD 7. Painful Sex Sophie Bergeron, PhD, Natalie Rosen, PhD andSerena Corsini-Munt, MA 8. Sexuality and Menopause Sheryl Kingsberg, PhD and Michael Krychman, MD Part B: Men's Major Sexual Concerns 9. Low Sexual Desire Stanley E. Althof, PhD 10. The Sexual Challenges for Adolescent Boys and Young Men Derek Polonsky, MD 11. Erection Problems of Married and Divorced Men Stephen B. Levine, MD 12. Premature Ejaculation Marcel D. Waldinger, MD, Ph.D 13. Delayed Ejaculation Michael A. Perelman, PhD, Daniel N. Watter Ed.D 14. Problematic Sexual Behaviors I. David Marcus, PhD Part C: Problems Common To Both Genders 15. Sexual Concerns and Dysfunction Related to Past Sexual Trauma Christine A. Courtois, Ph.D 16. Sexual Problems during Disrupted Reproduction and Pregnancy Linda Hammer-Burns, Ph.D 17. Infidelity Douglas K. Snyder, Ph.D, Donald H. Baucom, Ph.D, and Kristina Coop Gordon Ph.D 18. Transitions: Single Again, Partnered Again Lin Myers Jovanovic, Ph.D 19. Challenges of Sexual Life After Breast and Prostate Cancer Lisa M. Anllo, Ph.D 20 Helping Those with Intellectual Disabilities Deborah A Richards, MA, CHMH, and J. Paul Fedoroff, MD 21.Sexual Function and States of Depression Anita Clayton, MD ND Veronica Harsh, MD 22. Recognizing and Reversing Sexual Side Effects of Medication Taylor Segraves, MD, Ph.D and Richard Balon, MD Section Three The Diversity Of Sexual Lives 23. Studies of the Biological Basis of Homosexual Orientations Qazi Rahman, Ph.D 24. The Gay Male David L. Scott, MD 25. Unique Clinical Issues among Lesbians Dina L. Miller, Ph.D, PCC-S 26. Optimal Erotic Intimacy: Lessons from Great Lovers Peggy J. Kleinplatz Ph.D 27. Transgender Phenomena Peggy T. Cohen-Kettenis, Ph.D 28. Managing vs. Successfully Treating Paraphilic Disorders: The Paradigm is Changing J. Paul Fedoroff, MD 29. The Science and Politics of Diagnosis: Reflections on the DSM-5 Workgroup on Sexual and Gender Identity Disorders Kenneth J. Zucker, Ph.D. Section Four: The Future 30. Partnering with the Pharmaceutical Industry: Cutting Edge Work Stanley E. Althof, PhD and Tara Symonds, Ph.D 31. Persistent Genital Arousal Syndrome David Goldmeier, MD 32. Post-Orgasmic Illness Syndrome Marcel D. Waldinger, MD, Ph.D 33. Asexuality as an Orientation Tony F. Bogaert, PhD 34. Social Trends and Their Impact on Sexuality Kathryn S. K. Hall PhD Index
Stephen B. Levine, MD, is a clinical professor in the department of psychiatry at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in Cleveland, Ohio, and is co-director of the Center for Marital and Sexual Health in Beachwood, Ohio.
Candace B. Risen, LISW-S, is an assistant clinical professor of social work in the department of psychiatry at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in Cleveland, Ohio, and is co-director of the Center for Marital and Sexual Health in Beachwood, Ohio.
Stanley E. Althof, PhD, is an emeritus professor in the department of psychiatry at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in Cleveland, Ohio, and is executive director of the Center for Marital and Sexual Health of South Florida in Palm Beach, Florida.
Just when the previous editions could not have gotten any better, Levine, Risen, and Althof have outdone themselves with the 3rd edition of their book. The uniquely first-person voice allows the reader to feel as though these experts are guiding them through the complexities of managing sex-related concerns. With updated DSM-5 diagnoses and hot-off-the-press scientific data woven throughout the 34 chapters, I've cleared my bookshelf to make room for this outstanding and essential book.—Lori A. Brotto, is associate professor in the Department of Ob/Gyn at the University of British Columbia
This 3rd edition builds upon the strength of the two previous editions and gets better and better. It contains chapters by the world's leading experts. It is an amazing collection of thoughtful, practical, and evidence-based approaches to the treatment of sexual problems. If you do not have this book on your desk, you need to get it now.—Eli Coleman, PhD, is professor and director as well as the Academic Chair in Sexual Health in the Program in Human Sexuality in the Department of Family Medicine and Community Health at the University of Minnesota Medical School.
This is a unique book for a special audience. Most sex therapy books are written specifically for sex therapists—this book is written specifically for mental health professional who are not sex therapists. Integrating sexual interventions into individual and couple therapy is crucial, and this handbook is the best resource to help general clinicians do this. The third edition builds on the strengths of the previous editions and is a wonderful resource for mental health clinicians.—Barry McCarthy, PhD, is the author of Rekindling Desire and professor of psychology at American University.
Sexual & Gender Identity Disorders in Adults
Intimate Relations


Members of the Faculty of Engineering continued to show support towards the earthquake relief activities after the Sichuan 5.12 earthquake in 2008. In June 2014, 16 students, teachers staff and alumni visited Wenchuan 7-1 Yingxiu Secondary School (汶川七一映秀中學) and completed their 5th Sichuan reconstruction mission. This is a Student Knowledge Exchange Project funded by the Knowledge Exchange Fund.
The mission involved undergraduate students studying Electrical Engineering, Medical Engineering, Computer Science as well as postgraduate students taking Master in Industrial Engineering and Logistics Management and PhD in Electrical Engineering. They enhanced the iClass technology in Wenchuan 7-1 Yingxiu Secondary School which was first built and developed in June 2013, with expertise brought from running the same iClass technology in Hong Kong secondary schools.
The team of engineering graduates which built the iClass mobile learning system - Eric Au Yeung (BEng(EComE) 2010), Ken Law (BEng(EComE) 2010) and Alan Chiang (BEng(CS) 2010) have also been core members of the HKU Sichuan Reconstruction Project which commenced in 2009. With devotion and determination, the team has successfully brought the project to the next level to Wenchuan 7-1 Yingxiu Secondary School, classes were conducted by HKU students using the iClass system inside the computer lab. The teachers and students of that school have adapted the iClass technology in their lessons as they have been finding it useful and interactive. To further encourage the use of new technology in teaching and learning in Wenchuan, Dr. Wilton Fok, Assistant Dean of Engineering and leader of the project presented "The latest trends in teaching and learning" to the local teachers and students.
The team demonstrating the iClass system to Wenchuan Qiyi Yingxiu Secondary School's teachers and students.


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The Case Against Episiotomy
06.17.2021 Home & Motherhood
Jennifer Margulis
"I told you I didn't want that! NO EPISIOTOMY!"
My mom actually yelled those words at her doctor during my birth.
On a cold January afternoon over a cup of yerba maté at the Black Sheep in Amherst, Massachusetts, she told me about the afternoon I was born.
My mother scrunched her face, closed her eyes, and cried out as a powerful contraction helped move me down the birth canal. On her back with her feet in cold metal stirrups and my father by her side, she saw the doctor coming closer to her vagina with surgical scissors.
"NO," she managed to cry before another contraction consumed her concentration. "I told you I didn't want that! NO EPISIOTOMY!"
Episiotomy: All The Rage
In the 1960s and 1970s, episiotomies were in vogue. The medical community felt it was easier to repair a straight cut in the perineum, the skin between the vagina and the anus, than a jagged tear, and that a woman would experience LESS pain after childbirth and faster healing.
It turns out the medical community was wrong.
If you read the 1,385-paged manual that obstetricians use, Williams Obstetrics (23rd Edition), you will quickly see why.
Scientific studies show that episiotomy causes more postoperative pain (Larsson et al. 1991), is associated with an increase in tears in both the anal sphincter and the rectum (Angioli et al. 2000; Eason et al. 2000; Nager and Helliwell, 2001; Rodriguez et al. 2008), and more healing complications. Episiotomy also contributes to an up to sixfold greater risk of fecal incontinence (the inability to control one's bowels) and flatus incontinence (the inability to control passing gas) (Signorello et al. 2000).
"With these findings came the realization that episiotomy did not protect the perineal body and contributed to anal sphincter incontinence by increasing risk of third-and fourth-degree tears," the authors of Williams Obstetrics write.
Then why is this practice still in use?
Though the use of routine episiotomy is down (used in approximately 18 percent of births, according to one 2005 study), when you talk to new parents you realize that, sadly, episiotomies are still being performed too often and for the wrong reasons by American obstetricians.
One mom I interviewed told me that the obstetrician on call at the hospital while she was laboring ignored a dozen pages before rushing in with wet hair wearing a tie-dye T-shirt.
The obstetrician cut an episiotomy that was so long that the birthing woman's mom (who was there helping her daughter) cringed in horror. As soon as the baby was born, the doctor rushed out again to answer another page.
Two years later, she told me, things still don't feel right "down there."
That obstetrician apparently had family visiting from out of town, which is why she wasn't answering pages and was in such a rush. Everyone makes mistakes sometimes but this kind of impatience is inexcusable.
Performing an episiotomy is not evidence-based medicine. This is an intervention that should only be used as a last resort.
And what about my mom? For her fourth and final birth, her perineum stayed intact.
"Okay, lady," the doctor laughed, putting down his knife.
This article was first published on Jennifer Margulis, Ph.D. and all credit is given to the original author.
Jennifer Margulis, Ph.D. is an investigative journalist, book author, and Fulbright awardee. She is the author of Your Baby, Your Way: Taking Charge of Your Pregnancy, Childbirth, and Parenting Decisions for a Happier, Healthier Family, co-author (with Paul Thomas, M.D.) of The Vaccine-Friendly Plan, and The Addiction Spectrum: A Compassionate, Holistic Approach to Recovery. Follow her on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.


Brunswick Quilters participates in various community service projects throughout the year.
** Year to date, June 2018 we have provided 100 baby quilts & 128 newborn hats to Novant, 34 walker bags to area nursing homes, 65 pillowcases to Duke, and 8quilts/pillowcases for Providence Home. We will also be providing quilts for a Habitat House this year.
Below are 8 quilts and pillowcases made from donations from members of BQ and put together by Suzanne Simpson and others. This represents approx 480 hours of sewing! They have been donated to Providence House, June 2018.


1) Well, I've never thrown a book across the room. But I have read plenty of books I couldn't force myself to finish (Star Maker by Stapledon) and have read other books where I squirmed in embarrassment for the character because they were being stupid (the 5th Harry Potter).
2) Hmmm, no. But as for books that have stayed with me after I've read them, the most recent would have to be Free by Chris Anderson.
3) I really don't like canon lit, but I was surprised at how much I enjoyed reading the Count of Monte Cristo.
4) Um, most books I buy XD I mean, I'm buying them for a reason after all.


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Wheeler County, Georgia Gender Ratios
There are more men than women in Wheeler County, Georgia. Total population of Wheeler County, Georgia is estimated at 7,995 people with 5,216 male and 2,779 female. There are 2,437 more men than women in the county, which is 30.48% of the total population.
The Wheeler County, Georgia Gender Ratio is 188 men to 100 women (188:100) or 1.88. Wheeler County, Georgia's gender ratio is higher than the Georgia State average of 95 men to 100 women (95:100) or 0.95. The gender ratio is also higher than the national average of 97 men to 100 women (97:100) or 0.97.
Back to Georgia Page
Wheeler County, Georgia Gender Ratios By Age
Gender Ratios vary by age group as well as location. The table below shows the gender ratios breakdown in Wheeler County, Georgia by age.
Wheeler County Ratio
Georgia State Ratio
0 to 4 129 to 100 † 104 to 100 104 to 100
5 to 9 99 to 100 † 104 to 100 104 to 100
10 to 14 112 to 100 † 103 to 100 104 to 100
30 to 34 349 to 100 96 to 100 100 to 100
55 to 59 118 to 100 † 92 to 100 93 to 100
70 to 74 93 to 100 † 83 to 100 79 to 100
85 and over 37 to 100 † 46 to 100 79 to 100
† Due to very low population in this demographic, the ratio shown is not statistically significant.
Cities in Wheeler County, Georgia
Alamo and Glenwood.
Source: https://www.states101.com/gender-ratios/georgia/wheeler-county


In the heart of the Mediterranean Sea, between Corsica and Sardegna, lies the Maddalena National Park, a unique place where seagulls, cormorans and herons make nests. The park borders extend up to Soffi and Mortorio islands, in front of the Costa Smeralda.
A total of nine islands and dozens of smaller ones, which together encompass almost 200 km of coast.
Thanks to the lifting keel, which rumbera is equipped with, is possible to get inside the Porto della Madonna, mostly known as "Natural Swimming Pools".


An inspiring, experienced tutor who knows how to get the best results from all students.
The focus is on making music fun, while progressing as fast as possible in lessons.
My son is literally buzzing after every lesson and practices all the time. He really looks up to his teacher – Neil explores modern methods of teaching that keeps them engaged, & he is a great example of how a music teacher should be.
As a complete novice & a rather late starter, I was very nervous when I arrived at your studio but was immediately made welcome. Neil was encouraging and non-critical & always manages to get the best out of me. I'm so thankful for the time & effort he has put in.
Neil is a confident, patient, fun & imaginative teacher. I've learnt so much from him, not only playing but from him as a musician. Much like the first consultation, my lessons are really relaxed & I feel immediately at ease.


Citizen called to report line of sight blocked by a bush on the NW corner of 38th and 8th. She believes this is on city property.
Issue 4798721 has been marked as a duplicate of this issue.
Please add the appropriate name of Station View to the Seeclickfix map to cover our neighborhood area?
Thanks for your post - we are in contact with our Neighborhood Affairs and GIS Mapping department to see if we can add the files necessary to define your neighborhood - we will post back once this is complete.
Issue 4754662 has been marked as a duplicate of this issue.
Ordinance 16.40.060.3.1. - Maintenance of trees and vegetation for all properties within the City.
A. The owner of record of the property and occupant of the property are responsible for the maintenance of trees and vegetation on the property and in abutting rights-of-way.
However will have reviewed by Parks Dept if they will Trim - Branches of trees extend into street/Parking areas of local residents (thus blocking signs) - If Parks will not trim/raise branches along curb edge then Private property owner will be required to do.


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Find out more about the subject Austria. This is everything we know about "Austria" at Coohl.
Extreme Climbing: The Hardest Via Ferratas in the World
A via ferrata is a protected path in a mountainous area supported with wire ropes and other climbing aides. Via ferrata is Italian for "iron path", and has its historical origins in the Alps centuries ago. Initially, the predecessors to via ferratas were used by shepherds to reach their higher pastures. In recent decades, via ferratas have gained in popularity with the climbing community and are today primarily used for sport and recreation. Although via ferratas have been developed in other countries around the world, the hardest and most extreme routes are still within the European Union. We've found 12 of them – Watch them all being climbed here!
12 Things That Are the Oldest Shit in the World
Have you ever wondered how old the world's oldest tree is – or city, restaurant, or country? We've found 12 things that are all the oldest in the world. Some of them will most probably surprise you.
12 Extreme Summer Toboggan Rides In Europe and America
Do you wanna feel the wind in your hair going down a mountainside at a high velocity? There's a safe way of doing that. Summer toboggan is a ride that uses a bobsled-like cart to run down a track, usually built on the side of a hill. The world's longest track can be found in Andorra, Europe, with 5,300 meters. Summer toboggan has many names and forms and is often called mountain coasters, alpine slides or coasters, and Sommerrodelbahn in German. The first summer toboggan rides were built in the 1970s.


Resolved to take more design risks in 2016? The Blinds.com design team scoured through the latest design publications and pulled out the trending looks for the year ahead. Give them a try + bring your home up to date.
Every space needs a rich textural element and faux fur is this season's favorite choice. In small doses it's practically foolproof. Use it to soften harsh angles, add coziness, or bring in a bit or whimsy.
The look of the season is a faux fur blanket draped over the foot of the bed. What could be more luxe and inviting?
This furry monster chair (complete with horns and feet) might be a little too out there for your taste, but adding a small fur accent will keep your space from feeling too serious.
We've seen this look every where from marble and wood cutting boards to statement making brass and marble tables. The versatile grey and white marble is perfect for pairing with any material under the sun.
…or mammoth tables with intricate metal bases.
A lot of today's eclectic decor style draws heavily from 70s motifs with plants, macrame and retro color palettes making a big comeback.
Wood panelling is back in vogue, but paired with minimalist accessories your space won't feel like grandma's house.
Bold wall coverings and matchy-matchy decor can be used tongue in cheek to add whimsy to your space.
Don't be afraid to experiment with retro accents like wicker furniture, bold textiles, beaded curtains (repurposed as a wall hanging), or even a disco ball! Woven Wood Shades are the perfect window covering for an eclectic 70s-inspired space.
Brass had its moment, but warmer copper and rose gold hues are taking over. To keep your space from feeling too gaudy, keep these materials to small accents and hardware.
Lighting and hardware are where these metals truly shine! Plus, they're easy to swap out later if you want a change of pace.
Copper has been a long time kitchen staple for practical and aesthetic reasons. Let it add some shine to your bar cart or your dining table.
Jewel toned velvet furniture is the ultimate statement piece for 2016. It's a sure fire way to liven up a tired room.
Start with a patterned rug or wall covering and pull out a hue for your sofa or accent chair.
Although the material is traditional, today's wide array of constructions and shapes make this look work for any space.
Velvet also adds a sumptuous air as a headboard. We love these in emerald.
Take velvet to your windows with Roman Shades and Draperies available in velvet fabrics. These lush textiles aren't just for looks though, they also trap heat to keep you warmer in the winter.
What are your favorite 2016 decor trends?
Follow BlindsDotCom's board 2016 Trends on Pinterest.


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Reflector: Health & Fitness
Setting the Barre: A New Group Fitness Class at the Rac
Student Government Association members from all three Georgia Southern campuses gathered at a joint session in order to vote on pieces of university-wide legislation.
Julia Fechter
What's a student to do when they have to attend two group fitness classes for extra credit or just want to spice up their workout routine?
Perhaps a group fitness class at the RAC will appeal to you. The RAC is offering a new class this semester called Barre and Tone.
The class, offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6 p.m to 7 p.m. in RAC Studio 2, is a ballet-inspired strength and cardio class.
"The class is designed to tone muscles and increase stamina by using traditional ballet moves and equipment like bender balls and ballet barres," Emmy Richards, the CRI Fitness Program Director, said.
Barre and Tone works the entire body. Participants engage in exercises like squats, leg lifts, arm circles, and movements that use their core muscles.
"We brought this class to the RAC because it's growing in popularity in the fitness industry and is a really great workout. It's low impact so it's good cardiovascular exercise for people with injuries who don't want to jump around a lot and you get the muscle toning and strength benefits of lifting," Richards said.
Students do not need to have any dance experience to take the class, nor do they have to necessarily like ballet. This class does not include choreographed dance moves like Zumba.
Instead, it focuses on building lean muscle by repeating ballet moves to build endurance and stamina in one's muscles.
"It's not a lot of intense exercise, but I think it's very useful. It helps me stretch the parts that I never do, and I think she (the instructor) is really good at instructing us. She makes the class feel very relaxing," Yen Le, a second year electrical engineering graduate student, said.
Two new staff members joined CRI that had experience in ballet and dance, which made it possible to start offering the class.
"I love seeing other people reach their goals, and I love seeing them enjoy their workout, even though I can tell when they're hurting…I know that it's a good hurt and that they're enjoying it," Kendall Greene, a Barre and Tone instructor, said.
Barre and Tone can be challenging, but like any other workout, it can help you get stronger over time. It's worth going to if you prefer an alternative to lifting weights. And if you have to attend a group fitness class to fulfill a fitness requirement, all the more reason to go!
Photos by Chisten Gullatt
Barre and Tone
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Matthew McConaughey and Camila Alves welcomed their son Levi Alves McConaughey on Monday, July 7. In a statement, the new dad said that everyone is "tired and elated" and very happy. By happy coincidence, Levi is our Name of the Day for tomorrow so check back for more in the morning.
Thanks to Lola for suggesting today's Name of the Day: Jemima. This lovely Biblical appellation means dove, but for most Americans, all that comes to mind are pancakes. Can Jemima ever move off the breakfast table and back onto baby girls?
This is one of those suggestions that we almost dismissed. Too fusty, we thought. Hopelessly out of style. But after a moment's reflection, we found much to love in today's Name of the Day: Clarence. Thanks to Lola for opening our eyes.
Editor's note: This post was originally published on July 2, 2008, and substantially revised and re-posted on June 4, 2012. Thanks to Saranel for the suggestion! She's a happy name with a gentle, antique feel. Thanks to Katharine for suggesting this virtuous moniker. Our Baby Name of the Day is Felicity.
Apparently, a Santa Fe man recently filed a request to change his name to F___ Censorship. Read all about it here.


Automatic migration. Original reporter: "spannerman"
The dependencies do not seem to be in synch with the source, it is looking for 'freetype2110_D.lib' in CEGUIBase, but the dependency package (CEGUI-0.5.0-RC1-deps-vc8.zip) contains freetype221_D.lib.
Additional information: Downloaded the dependency package (CEGUI-0.5.0-RC1-deps-vc8.zip) on 20/06/2006 at 18:48.
The makefiles/MSVC are unsupported, I basically forgot to remove them. Use premake instead.


20 Round box, .30-06 Springfield, BVAC, 165 Grain Speer Grand Slam Soft Point Bullet.
Velocity at 100 yards: 2476 fps.
Velocity at 300 yards: 2058 fps.
Energy at 100 yards: 2247 ft/lbs.
Energy at 300 yards: 1552 ft/lbs.
Maximum Point Blank Range is 228 yards with zero set at 195 yards.
Uses: Deer sized and large game.


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Q: C3js - combination chart with data labels only for line I want to create a combination chart with stacked bars + line using c3js. I don't want to see data labels on top of the stacked bars but I want to see them for the line.
I know that flag "labels: true/false" is showing/hiding ALL the labels.
Is it even possible to do something like this?
My code:
var chart = c3.generate({
    data: {
        columns: [
            ['data1', 30, 20, 50, 40, 60, 50],
            ['data2', 200, 130, 90, 240, 130, 220],
            ['data3', 100, 230, 390, 440, 230, 120],
            ['line4', 430, 480, 630, 820, 450, 490]
        ],
        type: 'bar',
        types: {
            line4: 'line'
        },
        groups: [
            ['data1','data2', 'data3']
        ],
        labels: true
    }
});

Chart created:

Desired Chart:

A: You can though set data label formatting per data series:
    labels: {
        format: {
            data3: d3.format(),
        }
    }

..and it seems omitting a format for a data series means the labels aren't drawn for that series.
http://jsfiddle.net/wn3vzn0k/424/

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


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Sr. Associate Athletic Director-External Operations
Oxford, Ohio
Head Women's Soccer Coach
Texas A&M International University
Location: Oxford, Ohio
Executive - Associate Athletics Director
Collegiate Sports
JOB SUMMARY: To assist the Director of Intercollegiate Athletics in the administration and operation of the athletic department in ways consistent with the policies of Miami University, the National Collegiate Athletic Association and other appropriate governing bodies (i.e., Mid-American Conference, NCHC, USFSA). This position specifically supports the mission of the University and the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics by assisting in institutional compliance with NCAA and Conference rules and regulations.
DUTIES/PHYSICAL DEMANDS: • Administration and operational support of sports assigned by the Director of Athletics. • Serves on the senior administrative staff of the Department of Athletics. • Oversee/manage various unit leaders within Athletics in external areas; including ticket sales, licensing, marketing, broadcasting, athletic communications, game/event management; and oversight of multi-media rights. • Reinforces and positively supports the Mission and Vision of Graduating Champions, as well as that of Miami University, with integrity and in compliance with all NCAA, conference and University rules, policies and procedures. • Assist in the execution of the strategic plan to enhance ICA. • Works with departments across campus as necessary for Athletics, including serving on various campus-wide committees. • Develop specific strategies to enhance all ICA. • Other duties as assigned by the Athletic Director.
Bachelor's Degree and three+ years of experience in athletics or comparable work in a sports related field.
Master's Degree in Sports Administration or related field and/or five+ years of experience in athletics or comparable work in sports related field.
About Miami University
Affiliation: Public university of OhioPhilosophy: Miami is a residential university with a focus on teaching undergraduates. A liberal education core complements the more specialized studies of the majors.Established: 1809; named for the Miami Indian Tribe that inhabited the area now known as the Miami Valley Region of OhioLocations: Main campus in Oxford, Ohio (35 miles north of Cincinnati); regional locations in Hamilton, Middletown, and West Chester, Ohio; European Center in LuxembourgEnrollment: 14,872 undergraduates and 2,395 graduate students on the Oxford campus; 3,680 undergraduates on the Hamilton campus; 2,271 undergraduates on the Middletown campus; 205 graduate students at the Voice of America Learning Center (based on Fall 2010 enrollment) Miami University, an EO/AA employer, encourages applications from minorities, women, protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. Miami does not permit, and takes action to prevent, harassment, discrimination and retaliation. Requests for reasonable accommodations for disabilities related to employment should be directed to ADAFacultyStaff@MiamiOH.edu or 513-529-3560. Annual Security and Fire Safety Report may be found a...t: http://www.MiamiOH.edu/campus-safety/annual-report/index.html. Criminal background check required. All campuses are smoke- and tobacco free.
Connections working at Miami University
https://ncaamarket.ncaa.org/jobs/18042124/sr-associate-athletic-director-external-operations


We've cracked the code on keto french fries! Low carb jicama fries are the closest thing to traditional french fries you'll find!
Before keto life, french fries were one of my favorite things to eat! There was nothing better than a juicy burger and fresh cut fries. Fries (and pizza) are among some of the traditional foods I miss most. Thanks to creative cooking, both are now real keto options! Half of a medium jicama has about net 20 carbs (which makes for about 4 net carbs per serving).
I've tried turnips and radishes as keto french fry alternatives, while they didn't cut it taste-wise, they were a little easier to prep. This was my first experience cooking with jicama, and I found it to be very dense and somewhat difficult to peel. If I had to describe what it was like to peel a jicama, it would be like ripping wet paper-based tape from an Amazon Prime box (stringy and sticky). But, peeling the jicama is a must to make this keto french fry recipe. I recommend using a Y style vegetable peeler to reduce peeling difficulties and make the overall process easier.
Because jicama is so dense, thoroughly boiling before baking is 100% necessary. The boiling process will tenderize the jicama, and when combined with baking/ broiling, creates a wonderful french fry texture we all miss so much while on a keto diet. When you begin the baking step in this keto french fry recipe, make sure the french fries are tender. If you begin the baking process with tough fries, the texture will not be what you're looking for. If you cut fries a little thicker you may need to extend boiling & baking time.
I don't know about you, but pre-keto I was very particular about my french fries. If they were't spot-on flavor wise, they just weren't worth the calories. Which is why seasoning is so crucial to this keto french fry recipe. I tried a number of seasoning variations while creating this recipe, but ultimately decided to post the smoky version (hence the use of Hungarian Paprika!). My recipe used: Hungarian Paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper.
You can absolutely adjust the seasoning to your liking, whether that's classic salt and pepper or greek style! Go crazy and enjoy this recipe.
Pro Tip: mix seasonings and oil together before adding the jicama fries into the mix. Pre-mixing oil and spices allows for an even distribution of flavor and makes for a more evenly coated french fry.
Once I finalized this recipe it quickly became a regular in my meal prep rotations. This keto french fry recipe can be paired with a number of entrees, including: your favorite steaks, seared chicken thighs, low carb hot dogs or sausages or burgers. I paired these delicious jicama fries with an 80/20 organic grass-fed beef burger, topped with sharp cheddar cheese, bacon and Primal Kitchen chipotle lime mayo, along with fresh avocado and broccoli.
Keto French Fry Ingredients On Amazon!
After baking, turn oven to high broil; broil for 4 - 6 minutes for a nice crisp!
We've cracked the code on keto french fries! Low carb jicama fries are the closest thing to traditional french fries you'll find!


In an effort to curb the problem of video game addiction, the Chinese government passed a law in 2000 that banned the production and sale of game consoles, in addition to all gaming accessories. It wasn't until 2013 that the ban was lifted. In these 13 years, Microsoft came out with XBOX, Nintendo came out with Wii, and the Sony Playstation 2 evolved into its 4th generation. During this period of rapid development in the gaming industry of home consoles, Chinese players could only really buy pirated games and equipment through rather unconventional channels. During this time, the traditional arcade has managed to survive in China.


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The unadopted few
Food adorned every empty space in the Rogan home this past Thanksgiving. The turkey took center stage at the dinner table while stuffing, cornbread, cranberry and mac n' cheese were crammed along the kitchen counter.
Two boys were helping set the table, two were playing video games and the youngest was racing his toy trucks across the floor.
Raymond McMillion, 20, was home for Thanksgiving.
Gary Rogan, of Port Huron, isn't McMillion's biological father, and not his adopted father. He was his past foster father and has remained a strong presence in McMillion's life even as he aged out of the foster care system.
While most kids in foster care are either placed back with their biological family or are adopted, there are about 10 per year in St. Clair County that age out without finding permanency.
McMillion was one of them.
Foster youth who age out of the system do have the option of continuing to receive financial support from the state. They don't receive, however, the emotional support system that is essential in transitioning to independent adulthood.
McMillion was able to build a network of support in his life that includes Rogan and his youth pastor. Others aren't as lucky.
On Dec. 1, Victoria Neumann gets the keys to her first apartment – and she's so excited, wishing the days would just hurry up.
She has already purchased furniture and planned out decorating themes. Her bedroom will be adorned with faraway places she would like to travel to someday and her living room will be filled with inspiring words.
Neumann, 21, of Port Huron, has diligently saved her money for the past 17 months in preparation for this milestone in her life.
But she did it without a family support system and while living at Wings of the Harbor, a youth shelter in Port Huron that transitions youths into independent living.
Neumann aged out of foster care without being adopted in 2012. She entered the foster care system in 2010 when she was 16 years old. Her mother was too sick to care for her and her father wasn't a strong presence in her life. She was only placed in one foster home.
Soon after she was placed with her foster family, her mother died.
"I was finally getting used to foster care and thinking my mom was going to be able to get me back," she said. "And on the day my mom was supposed to come and see me, she passed away. I was so angry and so hurt. I had gotten my hopes up that I would be with my family again."
She said while there were many highs and lows throughout her late teen years, her foster family stuck by her side.
"I didn't go into foster care with an open mind," Neumann said. "I was sad and really upset and I didn't want to be there. Things got worse then better then worse again. But I was glad my foster family stood by me and helped me get better and showed me that there would be better days. You just have to breathe."
While her foster parents were supportive, Neumann was not able to use their car to collect the driving hours needed to take her road test.
Now she is 21 with no car, no license and no easy way to obtain either. Neumann takes the bus to and from work.
"I use the bus system for everything and plan my day around the bus schedule," she said. "I wish there was some way I could have gotten my driving hours in."
Lacking both a license and car is a common situation for foster children who age out. Foster parents are not required to provide foster kids use of their car and are often reluctant to do so.
When Neumann was 18 she moved in with her then-boyfriend. When the relationship ended, she moved back in with her foster parents even though she had already aged out of the system.
When foster youth turn 19 they have the choice to opt in for voluntary foster care, meaning the child would still have a case worker and would receive a stipend of $21.27 a day.
Neumann left the foster home to live with her biological father. When that situation soured, she found herself at Wings in July 2014.
The Wings program, part of The Harbor Programs, is a transitional living home in Port Huron for homeless youth. The program gives teens their own room with 24-hour shelter and access to counseling and educational services. Youths can remain at Wings for up to 18 months. The program requires youth to be in school, working or searching for a job. To assist with financial management, the program requires participants to save 50 percent of their income.
Sally Currie, The Harbor Programs director, said 25 percent of the young people who stay at the shelter have aged out of the foster care system. She said about 10 youths in St. Clair County age out of foster care per year.
While staying at Wings, Neumann was able to save enough money to build a comfortable financial cushion, in addition to receiving assistance from the state.
Neumann receives support through the Michigan Youth Opportunities Initiative program through the Department of Health and Human Services which helped her reach that financial stability. The program provides financial training and first-time bank accounts. Each youth has a personal savings account and a match account to help with asset purchases such as cars or a security deposit. Currently, 49 youth are enrolled in the program in Michigan, said Bill Weston, DHHS St. Clair and Sanilac counties director. Kids can remain in the Michigan Youth Opportunities Initiative program until they are 24 years old.
Neumann saved $1,000 to purchase furniture for her first apartment and the state program was able to match that.
While parents are usually the ones to eagerly help their 20-something kids move out for the first time, the Wings staff will be the ones to help Neumann move into her Fort Gratiot apartment on Tuesday and set up that new furniture.
"Even before foster care I always had a small family," she said. "So to me a family is not defined by blood but by who you surround yourself with and share experiences with. The Wings staff may not have been in my life for a long time, but they have helped me through some of my most difficult times."
Bobbie Jo Bruske lived in at least 10 different foster homes throughout her childhood and was never adopted.
She spent a Christmas in juvenile detention and was placed in a residential girls' home after being placed on probation.
She wasn't happy being in foster care. She wanted to be with her own family. And she was a teenager determined to test the limits.
She smoked behind the garage of her foster parents' house, stole from stores and ran away.
"If I could redo it, I would make better decisions," Bruske, 23, of Port Huron said. "At the time I just wanted to be with my family. I couldn't see then that they would have just disappointed me."
Her mother was an alcoholic and her father was a drug addict.
Many of her childhood memories are missing as well – she doesn't know her whole life story or the original reason she was first placed in foster care.
"All I know is my mom signed off rights when I was very young and my dad had custody. He was a recovered addict until he relapsed and (Child Protective Services) took me away again," she said. "I heard multiple stories about my mom but still don't know what's true. One story was that she purposely overdosed in a suicide attempt and woke up after a coma and was forced to sign her rights away. The other story I heard was that she just didn't want me."
Bruske said while she appreciated the help foster parents offered, she never liked the homes as a teenager.
"I didn't want a new family," she said. "I just wanted to see my mom. I was a bad kid and I had a lot of anger and emotional problems."
Sunshine Ratliff, Michigan Youth Opportunities Initiative coordinator for St. Clair County, said there is a gap in homes able to take teenagers.
"We definitely need more foster homes that are capable of supporting older youth," Ratfliff said. "Especially our youth who are living with mental health or emotional complications."
When Bruske turned 18, she moved in with a friend, then another friend, and then another. She was still in high school and was struggling.
She called her caseworker at DHS and was set up in an apartment. DHS helped pay for her Bruske's security deposit and rent through the Michigan Youth Opportunities Initiative.
Then she dropped out of high school and her life began to spin.
Bruske began working at a bar and took advantage of her freedom. When she was 19 she met the soon-to-be father of her children. He was nearly 20 years older and had a three-bedroom house and a big back yard.
"I became pregnant really fast," she said. Now years later, she lives in a small Port Huron apartment alone with her two kids. Since she is 23, she no longer qualifies to receive a voluntary foster care stipend, but she is still able to access the MYOI program until she is 24 and receive health coverage until she is 26.
Her son, Terance, is two years old and her daughter, Tiffany, is eight months.
"DHS tries to prepare you for life with skills classes but you can never fully prepare someone," Bruske said. "In real life I didn't have parents to teach me how to cook, it was the DHS workers."
Ratliff said regardless of the programs and classes that youth can attend, many head into the world unprepared. The actual cost of goods can be shocking and youth can struggle with money management.
"Older youth often believe living on their own will be easy, but many times end up being surprised by how many challenges adulthood brings," Ratliff said. "This is a common experience among all young adults, not just youth in foster care. However, the struggle is more difficult for youth aging out of the foster care system. They often don't have the close support system that these other youth are afforded."
Ratliff said just like in Bruske's situation, many youth have trouble building trusting relationships.
"We try in several ways to encourage our youth to build these key social support relationships. But that is a challenge within itself, considering many of our youth have often times been hurt by those closest to them. They don't trust others easily," Ratliff said. "This lack of trust makes it very difficult for them to build relationships. A solid social support system comprised of those closest to them and consistent community members is the key to our youth having success in other areas of life, such as education, housing, and employment."
Now Bruske works as a medical assistant as she juggles taking care of her kids.
"My life, we're lonely, it's just me and my two kids," she said. "Thanksgiving will be lonely. I'm not even sure what we'll do to celebrate since it's just the three of us. Their father just moved to Ohio and I don't have friends – those girls I partied with when I was younger, they weren't my friends."
While her parents are a drive away, they are still unstable.
"My mom still drinks just as much as the day she had me," she said. "I still see her, though, and it doesn't hurt me anymore. What makes me sad is that my kids won't grow up with stable grandparents. I will never be able to leave my kids with my parents for even a night because they are addicts. My kids won't have that experience with their grandparents."
While Bruske and her kids are tucked in to a tiny Port Huron apartment now, her goal is to find a house to rent that she can call home.
Being placed in the foster care system at an older age can be more challenging for youth – older children are less likely to be adopted and less likely to adapt to a new environment.
McMillion, of Port Huron, was placed in two different foster homes before he aged out. The first home was a bit rough but the second home was the ideal parent any foster child could want, he said.
McMillion was placed in foster care when he was 15 years old.
"My first foster home I couldn't play any sports or anything," he said. "But my second home was the most ideal foster parent anyone could have. He let me play sports and didn't make me feel like a foster kid."
Gary Rogan, of Port Huron, was McMillion's foster father – and he still fills the father role in McMillion's life.
"When foster children come to live with you, you see the hurt right on their face," Rogan said. "You need to treat each foster child as your own child. And I hate that word 'foster.' I call all my kids my kids, whether I adopted them or not."
Rogan considers McMillion his son.
While living with Rogan was ideal, the foster care system still limited how McMillion could live his life – it wasn't easy to travel to see family in other states and he was never allowed to spend the night at a friend's house.
"Guys had sleepovers and I could go as long as the parents were background-checked," he said. "But that's not something you want to do because as a kid you don't want other kids to know you are in foster care. And traveling was allowed, but there was so much red tape it was too difficult to do."
At the end of his junior year of high school McMillion chose to live in transitional youth housing in Shelby Township.
The transitional housing program was similar to the Wings program. Three young men lived in the home with an adult supervisor who taught the boys how to budget their money, how to go grocery shopping and live on their own.
McMillion graduated high school in 2013, enrolled in Oakland University and moved into an apartment. He has about two years to go before graduating with a bachelor's degree in management information systems. He works full time and goes to school full time.
But McMillion wouldn't have been able to hit each milestone without a strong support system that includes his previous foster parents, DHS workers and his youth pastor.
"Usually people have their parents to help them when they move to college and into their first apartment," he said. "But we're just thrown out there."
McMillion still talks to his previous foster dad a couple times a month, visits every other month and on holidays.
"Every time I need something I have someone to call," he said. "Having a support system is huge when you're in foster care. I wouldn't have made it without everyone."
When McMillion totaled his car, his youth pastor let him borrow his truck for nearly three months so he could still get to work and school.
"He made a huge sacrifice for me," he said. "But he wouldn't have done that if we didn't already have a relationship built up. I learned you have to be open to people and build those relationships. A lot of foster kids have a hard time doing that. But I learned you have to take a leap of faith and let them into your life. It can turn into something good."
As the days tick closer to McMillion's 21st birthday he is nearing the end of his voluntary foster care stipend – but he is prepared.
He will still be able to receive Michigan Youth Opportunities Initiative services and health care, but he has saved up enough money and is working a good job that has placed him in a financially secure position.
"Right now the stipend is just extra money," he said. "I work at a medical software company in Troy, so I trouble-shoot hospital technology. It is a good job and directly relates to the field I am studying."
Contact Nicole Hayden at (810) 989-6279 or nhayden@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter @NicoleHayden_TH.
If anyone is interested in learning more about the Michigan Youth Opportunities Initiative Program or making a donation, they can contact MYOI Coordinator Sunshine Ratliff at the St. Clair County Department of Health and Human Services at (810) 990-9471.