Engender is working with the University of Stirling to host student Karen Watson who will be exploring Engender's archives as we celebrate our 25th Anniversary.
In Karen's third blog, she highlights some correspondence found in the archives that looks at women's rights and equality internationally.
Last week took me to the wonderful Glasgow Women's Library, situated on Landressy Street, where many of Engender's archives are held (do go along, if you haven't already!). I found some interesting letters there, dated 2000-2001, accompanied by colourful photographs. The letters had been sent from a young woman called Louise to the Adult Learning Project (ALP) in Edinburgh. As a trainee on a VSO programme, Louise embarked on a ten-month placement with the Human Welfare & Environment Protection Centre (HWEPC) in Dang, Nepal. Since Engender will be involved in some work regarding the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) this year, I thought it would be interesting to share with you the content of these letters, explaining what life was like for women in Nepal, almost twenty years ago.
The women Louise met in Dang organised themselves along caste lines, but she observed a sense of sisterhood, or "didi bahini," amongst the women; the shared knowledge that they were on the same side, experiencing similar struggles. Also, Laxmipur, a town and village development committee in Dang, had a women's group which focused on trying to overcome caste prejudices. However, despite these positive signs, life for the women and girls of the community she visited seemed very hard indeed, and all of the NGO projects were run by high-caste men who seemed much more interested in monetary gain than in challenging social problems.
However, once married, her life becomes even more demanding. Typically, she will go to live with the family of her husband, often miles away from her own family. Her new mother-in-law will place more of a burden on her than on her own daughters and she will be expected to take over most of the household chores. Rising at 4.30 to collect firewood and water, she is then expected to light the fire, do all the cooking and child rearing, as well as working in the fields and often tending to livestock. Conversely, Louise noticed that the men of the household have some leisure time to visit the tea shops and chat with friends. As if this wasn't hard enough, it was quite clear to Louise that being respectable is a full-time job for girls and "all eyes are on them": what they wear; who they talk to; what time they return home at night (if they are allowed out in the first place); whether their hair is brushed. Louise noticed that villagers even chatted openly about her business – whom she spoke to and where she had been.
In 2000, Nepal was the only country in the world where the life expectancy of women was less than that of men – 57.1 years for women, compared to 57.6 for men – and this was due to the huge work burdens which women had to carry, as well as the amount of smoke inhaled from cooking over an open fire indoors, leading to respiratory disease. Although by 2015, women's life expectancy had risen to 70.8, overtaking that of men by 3 years for the first time, lung disease remained the main cause of death; the 3rd highest in the world. Suicide rates are also high (data published by WHO).
It seems that the situation may be improving slowly with time for the women and girls of Nepal, as educational opportunities open up for some of them and more women occupy professional positions. However, although the caste system is no longer recognised by the law, caste relations continue to shape current social stratification, determining which opportunities are possible. The lives of these women may seem much worse than our lives here in Scotland, although there are some stark similarities. As women, we feel their pain and can relate their suffering to that of many of our sisters closer to home, and to the struggles of Scottish women throughout history. As things are slowly improving for the women of Scotland, I sincerely hope that things continue to improve for the women of Nepal; that they are treated with the respect they deserve and given more freedom to live quality lives.


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Posted by DrHeiser | May 17, 2010 | AAG, Eschatology / End Times, NakedBible |
To this point, we've talked about a single dispute that divides biblical scholars and students on eschatology: whether or Israel and the Church are to be kept distinct when interpretating prophecy. The question matters since any position that wants a literal millennial reign of Christ in the future must (to be coherent) argue that the land promises given to Abraham and his descendants are still in effect — and so literal fulfillment is expected. If the Church has replaced Israel as the people of God, and if the land promises are now fulfilled via the Great Commission to overspread the earth with God's people (i.e., the Church is the kingdom), then no literal millennium would be expected.
Or so it goes.
To be more precise, the ground we've covered thus far has effectively raised related questions, both on my part and the part of commenters. And there are some questions that stem from the "Israel and/or the Church: Yes or No?" problem that I haven't thrown out there yet. For example:
1. While Galatians 3 explicitly says that the Church (Christians) have inherited the promises given to Abraham, does Paul *restrict* those promises to those that promise a seed (descendants – literal and/or spiritual) but exclude the land? In other words, since there is no mention of the land in Galatians 3, might *that* part of the promises still be out there for national Israel?
2. While it makes sense that the Great Commission would translate to fulfilling the land element — the oversweeping of the nations via evangelism to reclaim those lost nations — what we we to think of the fact that there is no *verse* that makes that explicit connection?
3. Since Paul is clear in Romans 9-11 that
(a) "Israel" refers to "natural Israelites (Jews); and
(b) "Israel" also refers to "spiritual Israelites" (believers); and
(c) "all Israel is not Israel" (that within national Israel there is a spiritual Israel, composed of Jew and Gentile); and
(d) there is this thing called the Church (Jew and Gentile)
… then can we really *neatly* separate OR merge these groups with respect to prophecy? Some would say yes; others, no. And THAT is the problem. You can make a coherent case in any regard. All we can really say is that, for sure, with respect to the New Testament, Paul (and other writers) do not restrict "Israel" to only ethnic Israelites — the term now means much more.
The question really comes down to this: Would Paul (or other NT authors) say that national Israel had no eschatological future apart from being members in the new, spiritual Israel, the Church? Are the destinies of the Church and national Israel tied together en toto, or can they be tied together "mostly" and yet there still be an eschatological future involving national Israel?
Again, there's no way we can know for sure. So everyone gets to be humble (or ought to). This is just one reason (of a whole list I'm working on here) I just cringe when I get an email from someone utterly captivated by their eschatological position to the exclusion of any other (and they probably don't even know there are others). I find myself praying and hoping that person's faith isn't really built on the latest lame prophecy novel or TV prophecy preacher.
All of the above takes us into today's topic: Did the covenants that God made with Abraham and David, and the New Covenant (Jeremiah 31:31-34), come with conditions for fulfillment? Are these covenants conditional or unconditional?
Seasoned prophecy nerds know this question is important since, if these covenants came with conditions, there may have been a chance that they were dissolved or nullified due to Israel not meeting the conditions. The picture looks bleak, too. Since Israel (all 12 tribes) were exiled, it would be easy to argue that the promises were voided to national Israel and handed over to the Church as recipients of fulfillment. The kind of perfect obedience required by the covenants would be fulfilled in and by Jesus. He is the ultimate son of Abraham, the king in David's line, and it was he who sent the Spirit after his resurrection to inhabit the hearts of believers according to the New Covenant. Looks pretty tidy. But that would mean that the Church has displaced national Israel in its entirety. Israel (frankly) was no longer useful. The Servant of Isaiah — and chapter 53 is the *only* place in Isaiah where Servant is a singular person — is actually the representative of the corporate Servant in Isaiah — Israel (the rest of the occurrences of "Servant" in Isaiah refer to the nation of Israel – look it up). Hence Jesus is everything and all the covenants find fulfillment in Him. And His body is the Church. Again, a very tidy picture — one that would make Left Behinders pretty sullen, since there is no need then for a literal kingdom, and without that, the whole rapture idea doesn't even make it to the table.
I hope you see (again) how tenuous the whole framework is for this undeniably common view of end times. It is *far* from being self evident. But the other views can't claim absolute certainty, either. We'll get to them. For now, let's talk about the conditional (C) vs. unconditional (UC) problem.
The short answer to my question is "yes" – the covenants are BOTH C and UC. Those who believe in a rapture have been taught they are unconditional. Wrong. So let's start there.1
The Abrahamic Covenant (Gen 12:1-3; Gen 15)
For sure there are UC elements in this covenant. God initiates the covenant and its promises. The first six verses deal with the promise of descendants (Gen 15:1-7). Gen 15:7-16 deals with promises of the Land. Then God alone passes through the ritually slain and prepared animals sealing the covenant (Gen 15:17-21). The fulfillment of the covenant's promises therefore depend on Yahweh alone. Case closed, right? Wrong.
While the fulfillment of the promises depend on Yahweh's ability, it is an entirely different question as to WHO will be on the receiving end of the promises Yahweh fulfills. That's where the conditional elements come in to play. Put succinctly, receving the promises depends on a spiritual relationship with Yahweh — obedience to his revelation.
In Gen 12:1-3, the first passage concerning the covenant with Abraham, we see Abraham obeying what he is told ("and he [Abraham] went"; Gen 12:4). After the covenant ceremony of Genesis 15, God reiterates the covenant in Genesis 17:2. But Gen 17:1 lays down a clear condition. Here are the two verses together:
When Abram was ninety-nine years old the Lord appeared to Abram and said to him, "I am God Almighty; walk before me, and be blameless, 2 that I may make my covenant between me and you, and may multiply you greatly."
Notice that the language of v. 2 is clearly drawn from the covenant of Gen 12 and 15. But this time there is a clear condition. God goes on in Gen 17 to repeat all the elements of the original covenant. Then he demands that Abraham and all in his household be circumcised. Here's the point: Only Abraham's circumcised descendants — those who obey — are eligible to receive the promises Yahweh will give. Refusal to obey meant you weren't going to be part of the promises. God would make sure the promises got fulfilled, but the person who refused to obey wouldn't be on the receiving end. We see more of this conditionality in Genesis 18. The dual elements are crystal clear:
17 The Lord said, "Shall I hide from Abraham what I am about to do, 18 seeing that Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him? 19 For I have chosen him, that he may command his children and his household after him to keep the way of the Lord by doing righteousness and justice, so that the Lord may bring to Abraham what he has promised him."
To sumamrize all this, Yahweh unilaterally committed himself to do certain things He promised to Abraham. But these promsies only extend to Abraham's spiritual descendants — those who, like him, would follow Yahweh. At first this was basically operating only within Israel, Abraham's physical seed. Eventually, it expanded to Gentiles. But the premise was the same: the "obedience of faith" as the apostles liked to call it was necessary to receive the promises. The Abrahamic covenant was both conditional and unconditional.
And so now the questions: Did national Israel corporately forfeit the promises? Since it is those who *believe* that inherit the promises, what Paul says in Galatians 3 makes perfect sense — but is that the end of the story? Is the kingdom the Church? On what grounds would we look to a national kingdom in Israel in the future? If it is, it isn't because the covenant was unconditionally given to THE NATION of Israel. Both testaments agree that those who were given the promises were those who BELIEVE.
It's about the obedience of faith, not nationality. At least that much is clear. So we can stop now with defending a literal millennium on the basis of convenant unconditionality. For that idea you need a different argument. That one is DOA.
Next up, the Davidic Covenant.
Readers who would want a more technical discussion of this issue are referred to Bruce K. Waltke, "The Phenomenon of Conditionality within Unconditional Covenants," in Israel's Apostasy and Restoration: Essays in Honor of Roland K. Harrison, ed. Avraham Gileadi, Baker: 1988, pp. 123-140. ↩
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redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Published 28. januar 2015 at 2000 × 1316 in Bryllup.
Hi there. I found your blog by means of Google while searching for a related matter, your web site got here up. It looks good. I have bookmarked it in my google bookmarks to visit then.


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Instant Guide
'Mad Men's' fake memoir becomes a real book
The show's fictional ad exec Roger Sterling, played by John Slattery, published a bombastic memoir in a recent episode. Now it's coming out in real life
amctv.com
In the past season of AMC's "Mad Men," silver-fox Roger Sterling was busily working on his memoir instead of keeping his nascent, struggling ad agency afloat. Now that memoir — penned by a fictional character on television — is actually getting published. "Wait, what? Dr. Edna, help us out with this?" asks Dave Itzkoff in The New York Times. Let us explain:
What is the book?It's called Sterling's Gold: Wit and Wisdom of an Ad Man, and it's the "same" book the fictional character of Roger Sterling published in the 11th episode of season four. The 176-page memoir is set to hit store shelves on November 16, marketed as a Christmas gift idea.
How did it come about?Hollywood talent manager Keith Addis, who represents "Mad Men" creator Matthew Weiner, is good friends with Grove Atlantic publisher Morgan Entrekin, a big fan of the show. ("It's got the kind of sensibility and texture of a good social novel," says Entrekin.) Entrekin leapt at the chance to publish the fictional memoir because "[Roger] gets all the good lines." It didn't hurt that the book would be featured heavily in the show's fourth season, the kind of publicity book publishers kill for.
What's in the book?Chapter titles include "On the Art of Seduction... and what to say to close the deal," "Management Insights," and "On Love and Marriage... and a few words for some notable women." Expect plenty of the bon mots Roger Sterling is known for ("Remember, when God closes a door, he opens a dress"). Weiner has reportedly written an introduction in the character's voice.
Will the book delve into Roger's character?Entrekin says the novelty book won't offer lengthy anecdotes about Roger's past, so don't expect depth. "Those of us looking for more salacious sex stories from the heyday of Bert Cooper and the Queen of Perversions Miss Blankenship will be disappointed," says Boris Kachka at New York.
Have other publishers released books "written" by fictional TV characters?Yes, in September 2009, Hank Moody, the protagonist of Showtime's "Californication" played by David Duchovny, published his oft-mentioned-on-the-show novel, God Hates Us All.
Sources: New York, The New York Times, GroveAtlantic.com, Amazon.com


These are very beautiful earrings. Lots of bling and sparkle.
Much prettier than they looked from the photos. Very light and comfortable to wear.
Very Stylish and look expensive. Received alot of compliments.
Fun crystal earrings. Much prettier than the picture describes. I purchased the blue ones but would love to get more in different colors.
At first I thought they were too large for me once I got them but they look absolutely stunning on! Very glad I bought them.


It's the 14th of February, which means it's Valentines day. Though, this is a fun day if you have a boyfriend or girlfriend if you're single this might not be the case. Last year I wrote a blogpost about how to survive Valentines day when you're single. So this year I thought I would describe my perfect girls (or guys) night in on Galentines day.
A pamper night with the girls where we all paint our nails and have a face mask would be one of my perfect girls night in. This way you won't think about you being single and you have a great night with all your girlfriends.
A movie night with the girls (or guys) is also a perfect way to spend valentines day. Also if it isn't valentines day a movie night is a perfect way to spend a night with friends.
My third way of spending Valentines day with friend is of course a pizza party. This is quite obvious, but it's one of my favourite ways to spend a night in with friends.
What's your favourite way to spend Valentines day with friends?
OMG what is Valentines Day with no pizza and wine! Seriously it's life goals.


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Official details on The Bits' Comic-Con panel, plus Inside Out, Star Wars: Rebels – Season One & more!
We're closing out the week today with official details about our Digital Bits panel down at San Diego Comic-Con! As many of you know, the Con announced the Thursday (7/9) program schedule yesterday, and we're on it. Here's our official panel description:
1:00-2:00 (Thursday, 7/9/15) Digital Bits Blu-ray Sneak Peek: Star Trek: Axanar
Join Digital Bits editor Bill Hunt, veteran Blu-ray/DVD producers Charles de Lauzirika (Twin Peaks, The Martian), Cliff Stephenson (Hannibal, The Hunger Games), and Robert Meyer Burnett (Free Enterprise, Star Trek: The Next Generation Blu-rays), and executive producer Alec Peters (Star Trek: Axanar), as they discuss major upcoming Blu-ray titles and 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray developments, and explain the groundbreaking process of creating studio-quality independent Blu-ray releases, including the new Prelude to Axanar: Special Edition. We'll have audience Q & A and lots of great giveaways – don't miss it! Room 23ABC [Read on here…]
Star Trek: Axanar
Prelude to Axanar
Digital Bits ComicCon 2015 panel
Cliff Stephenson
Alec Peters
Charles de Lauzirika
Saturn Awards
Star Wars: Rebels Season One
Better Call Saul: Season One
Breaker Morant
Mister Johnson
Blind Chance
The Honeymoon Killers
Patrick Macnee RIP
Blu-ray News – Criterion's September with Breaker Morant & Moonrise Kingdom, Dog Day Afternoon: 40th, Frosty: 45th & more!
First up today, Amazon.com is now taking pre-orders for Universal's Jurassic World, street date TBA. Click here for that.
The big news is that Criterion has revealed their delightful slate of September titles, which is set to include Krzysztof Kieślowski's Blind Chance (Cat #772 – Blu-ray and DVD) on 9/15, Wes Anderson's Moonrise Kingdom (Cat #776 – Blu-ray and DVD), and Bruce Beresford's Breaker Morant (Cat #773 – Blu-ray and DVD) and Mister Johnson (Cat #774 – Blu-ray and DVD) on 9/22, and Leonard Kastle's The Honeymoon Killers (Cat #200 – Blu-ray and DVD) and James Ivory's A Room with a View (Cat #775 – Blu-ray and DVD) on 9/29. Blind Chance? Breaker Morant? Moonrise Kingdom? That just pleases me right down to the ground. By the way, fingers crossed we'll get to see Kieślowski's The Decalogue given Blu-ray treatment by Criterion one day. Anyway, you can find some of the cover artwork below. [Read on here…]
Criterion September
Dog Day Afternoon: 40th Anniversary Edition
The Big Bang Theory: Season Eight
Frosty the Snowman: 45th Anniversary Edition
Arrow: Season Three
The Flash: Season One
Hackers: 20th Anniversary Edition
The Devil in a Blue Dress
A Bullet for Joey
The Crooked Way
Rumble in the Bronx
Jackie Chan's First Strike
Contact Bill Hunt
About Bill Hunt
Bill Hunt is the Editor in Chief of The Digital Bits, and the co-author (with Todd Doogan) of the Amazon Top 50 selling book The Digital Bits: Insiders Guide to DVD. Hunt founded The Bits in 1997, in the early days of the DVD format,…
Recent My Two Cents
30 Rock BD coming from Mill Creek, plus Warner Archive teases Tex Avery on Blu-ray, Disney drops the "Fox" name
Criterion's April slate has Wes Anderson, Jean-Pierre Melville & more (plus word on their planned 2020 box sets)
BREAKING: Warner Bros. and Universal Pictures announce the merger of their home entertainment disc operations
My Bloody Valentine update, Parasite, Quiet Place 4K Steelbook, new BD reviews, and more on CES & physical media
Joker reviewed in 4K, plus the Academy Award nominations are in, and a word on 8K at CES 2020
Ford v Ferrari officially announced, plus Queen & Slim, Ip Man 4, and Force 10 from Navarone
Jan 8, 2020 - 5:35 pm
My Two Cents Archives


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eRecord
New Castle Record
Museum of the American Revolution features restored 19th century painting
by Mountain Media, LLC
in Local Stories
The exceptionally large painting, measuring 14-by-17 feet (16-by-19 framed), is a hand-painted copy of French artist Louis Charles-Auguste Couder's Siege of Yorktown (1781). It hangs in the Museum's second floor court and can be seen from the first floor, drawing visitors up the grand staircase as they begin the Museum experience. – Submitted photo
A restored mid-19th century copy of a painting depicting George Washington and French general Rochambeau during the last major battle of America's Revolutionary War has been installed at the Museum of the American Revolution. The painting will be prominently displayed when the Museum opens to the public on April 19.
The painting depicts Washington and Rochambeau giving orders at Yorktown, Virginia. Rochambeau played a major role in helping the Continental Army win the war. The two men stand in front of a marquee tent much like George Washington's Headquarters Tent, one of the most iconic surviving artifacts of the Revolution, which also is featured in the Museum.
The original 1836 Couder painting hangs in the Hall of the Battles in the Palace of Versailles. It was commissioned as part of a series of works commemorating the great moments of France's military history. The Museum's copy is believed to have been painted by French artist Henry LeGrand and exhibited in 1860 at the Chicago Art Union.
Three notable New York firms contributed to the conservation, stretching and framing of the LeGrand canvas. The painting was conserved by Lowy Frame and Restoring Company, a leading fine arts services firm established in 1907. Prior to install, the canvas was stretched, minimally inpainted, and varnished on site by Amy Sokoloff and John Powell of Chelsea Restoration Associates, a widely respected painting restoration studio. Gill & Lagodich, an acclaimed antique frame gallery, custom built the elegant frame, based on a 19th century American example from their extensive collection. The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) provided a substantial grant to underwrite the majority of painting conservation, framing, and installation.
"DAR is proud to be able to support the efforts to conserve and display this magnificent painting," said Ann Dillon, President General of the Daughters of the American Revolution. "We are so pleased to join with the Museum of the American Revolution in the shared educational goal to ensure future generations understand the importance and relevance of the inspiring ideals of the American Revolution."
One of the 3000 chapters of the National Society is Craig Valley which currently has 20 members and meets regularly in New Castle to plan service projects, celebrate American history and recognize their ancestors who supported the cause of the American Revolution. For more information, contact Regent Diane Givens 580-3745 or Registrar Margaret Hines 864-8447.
– Submitted by Diane Givens
Grants available for dam and floodplain projects
CRAIG COUNTY REC PLAYOFFS BEGIN THIS WEEK


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Mônica Angélica de Paula (São Carlos, 4 de abril de 1978) é uma ex-futebolista brasileira. Atuava como zagueira.

Carreira
Cidinha fez parte do elenco da Seleção Brasileira de Futebol Feminino, em Sydney 2000.

Ligações externas
Perfil em Fifa.com

Futebolistas do estado de São Paulo
Futebolistas nos Jogos Olímpicos de Verão de 2000
Futebolistas nos Jogos Olímpicos de Verão de 2004
Naturais da cidade de São Paulo
Futebolistas olímpicos do Brasil
Jogadoras da Seleção Brasileira de Futebol Feminino

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


My name is Tara. My husband and I are always struggling to figure out what's for dinner. We want something fast and healthy. We decided a couple of weeks ago to try one of those food delivery companies. Here is my way of documenting what we like, what we didn't and when we needed to go to McDonalds.


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Associated Press and Agence France-Presse
Pakistan's top court dismisses graft charges against Imran Khan
Verdict gives opposition leader's party an edge ahead of general elections next year
Imran Khan, chairman of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party, gestures as he addresses members of the media in Karachi after Pakistan's supreme court dismissed a petition to disqualify him from parliament for not declaring assets on December 15, 2017. Akhtar Soomro / Reuters
Pakistan's top court has rejected a petition seeking the disqualification from office of famous cricketer-turned opposition leader Imran Khan for allegedly concealing foreign assets.
The supreme court in Friday's decision did, however, disqualify Jehangir Tareen, a top leader from Mr Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, for not correctly reporting his assets to income tax authorities.
Mr Khan's lawyer Fawad Chaudhry said shortly after the rejection of ruling lawmaker Hanif Abbasi's petition that he would challenge Mr Tareen's disqualification in court.
The court decision was seen as a boost for Mr Khan, who played a key role in the July 28 disqualification from office of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif by the same court for concealing assets.
Mr Khan had faced being disqualified from holding political office over charges including unreported assets, namely the funds he used to buy a scenic, sprawling property in the Bani Gala hills on the outskirts of the capital Islamabad.
He has dismissed the claims as a political vendetta, saying he used money earned from his career as one of Pakistan's most famous cricketers to buy the land and that he has the documentation to prove it.
"No omission or dishonesty can be attributed to him. This petition has no merits and is dismissed accordingly," chief justice Mian Saqib Nisar said, reading from the judgment to a packed courtroom.
Shortly after the judgment Mr Khan held a press conference in Karachi where he told reporters: "Pakistan's highest court has exonerated me.
"The taxpayers and those who earn their money through fair means and pay taxes should not be compared with the robbers and thieves."
Pakistan has been roiled by military coups and instability for much of its 70-year history, and the general election next year would be only its second democratic transition.
Mr Khan's party, which already holds north-western Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, hopes to capitalise on Mr Sharif's removal from office and the disarray of his ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N).
Few observers of Pakistan's volatile politics are willing to predict with any certainty who will take the election, however.
Sharif swiftly installed party loyalist Shahid Khaqan Abbasi as prime minister after the court sacked him in late July following a corruption investigation spurred by the Panama Papers leak.
But Mr Abbasi is widely seen as a placeholder as Mr Sharif has refused to relinquish leadership of the party despite being barred from contesting elections, leaving the PML-N floundering.
Its weakness was brutally exposed last month when it was forced to capitulate to the demands of small and previously unknown Islamist group that had held a weeks-long sit-in in the capital to demand the resignation of the federal law minister over claims linked to blasphemy.
Pakistan's third major party, the once-mighty Pakistan Peoples Party, has seen its fortunes plunge since its leader and the country's first female prime minister Benazir Bhutto was assassinated a decade ago on December 27, 2007.
Her son Bilawal, 29, is trying to revive the party's political fortunes but few are gambling on it regaining its previous status in time for the polls.
If the PML-N does not recover, parties from the religious right could come together to fill the vacuum, tilting Pakistan even further towards the Islamist extremism it has long grappled with.
Taliban hand ceasefire offer to US peace envoy
Fears Wuhan Virus could spread as holiday travel rush approaches
Man arrested in Pakistan over 2005 murder of UK policewoman
Iran's Javad Zarif: US is 'fuelling mayhem' in the Middle East
Iran's flight downing 'highlights need for regime change'
Filipinos in the UAE glued to updates as Taal volcano erupts
Dozens killed in avalanches across Kashmir
Six dead as huge sinkhole swallows bus in China


A landmark order by Together Housing to replace night storage heaters with ground source heat pumps in over 700 dwellings across Lancashire and Yorkshire is the largest single order of its kind in the UK.
Kensa Heat Pumps, and contractual division, Kensa Contracting, will fulfil the order worth over £7.5m over the next three years. A diverse array of properties will take part in the heating upgrade scheme, from bedsits to maisonettes, low-rise flats, houses and bungalows. It is estimated the investment will reduce lifetime carbon emissions by up to 40 tonnes in the bedsits to 200 tonnes in the three-bedroom flats; the project will result in massive emissions savings, comparable to a 5MW solar PV farm featuring 20,000 solar panels covering an area of 30 acres. Tenant fuel bills will be reduced by typically 30-50%, annually saving around £150 per bedsit up to £500 per house.
The new ground source heat pump infrastructure will consist of a series of communal boreholes connected to individual heat pumps within each property, Kensa call this system 'ambient shared ground loop arrays'. The shared ground loop array infrastructure is deemed a district heating system, qualifying the project to be part-funded via the Energy Company Obligation and receive a 20-year income via the Non Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive.
Dr Matthew Trewhella, Managing Director of Kensa Contracting, said: "Together Housing's landmark investment in ground source heat pumps via the Procure Plus framework is a pioneering step by a social housing provider to address the emissions of existing housing stock and fuel poverty levels; their commitment to innovation, community, and the environment is a benchmark for fellow housing associations and new-build developers to follow.
"Their commitment to renewable heat indicates a market transformation of the UK's approach to heating infrastructure. Substantiated by Government's Spring Statement announcement of a future homes standard mandating the end of fossil-fuel heating systems in all new houses from 2025, following the recent Committee for Climate Change report calling for the end of gas grid connections to new build housing in six years, this is the beginning of the end of inefficient heating infrastructure in the UK, on and off the gas grid.
A recent report by the Greater London Authority concluded that compared to various air source, direct electric, gas and CHP configurations in new-build houses, shared ground loop arrays are the most efficient, lowest carbon, and lowest cost solution.


Revolutionary people. Revolutionary fireworks. This is Revolution Pyro.
Revolution Pyro specializes in unique fireworks projects and pyromusical displays. If you are looking for an average 4th of July fireworks show, then we are simply not your company. If blowing your audience's mind with something they have never seen before is on your agenda, then Revolution Pyro is your best choice.
We love fireworks. A lot. Fireworks is our passion and we want to share that passion with the world. We have been fans of things that go boom our entire lives and we have seen a lot of shows over the years. Time and time again, our conclusion has been that fireworks entertainment can be better. The fireworks industry has fallen into a predictable pattern and we have taken it upon ourselves to revolutionize the way things are done with innovative products, techniques, and presentations.
Simply put, we eat, sleep, and breathe fireworks. It takes a lot of time and energy to put on a truly outstanding fireworks display and at Revolution Pyro, we have made it our life's work to make sure that every show receives that time and energy. Everything we do is aimed at making fireworks better. From research, to training, to inventing new effects, our dedication to the art and craft of fireworks is limitless. We work closely with our clients to exceed their expectations and expand what they thought was possible with fireworks and pyrotechnic entertainment.
No matter the challenge. No matter the venue. We make fireworks more amazing.
Jim has been building his own fireworks since he was a baby. His unbridled passion for pyrotechnics is matched only by his encyclopedic knowledge of every fireworks device known to man. With over 35 years of manufacturing experience and 20 plus years of display experience, his explosive intuition is simply unmatched; a point that was made clear by his 2013 PGI Grandmaster and Best First Time Competitor awards. Jim is also a current Vice President of the Heartland Pyrotechnic Arts Association, one of the largest fireworks clubs in the United States. Jim is in charge of project management, logistics, and general awesomeness at Revolution Pyro. In his spare time Jim enjoys skiing, craft beers, and making Christmas trees fly.
Peter has been drawn to things that go boom his entire life. His childhood obsession with fireworks displays has transformed into a relentless pursuit of groundbreaking fireworks design and choreography. His resume includes displays at national fireworks festivals and award winning displays at Pyromania and PGI. As a true fan of fireworks, Peter has had the unique opportunity to work with pyro companies in Europe, Asia, and Africa. His other major fireworks project is www.pyroblog.com, a blog dedicated to his love of all things fireworks. Peter is in charge of design, client relations, and creative direction at Revolution Pyro. His other project is www.pyroblog.com, a site dedicated to his love of all things fireworks. In his spare time, Peter enjoys cooking, fishing, and pretending he knows things about cigars.
Our crew is the best team of pyrotechnicians ever assembled. Each and every member of our staff is dedicated to putting on the best fireworks shows possible. They never shy away from a challenge, and you can trust us when we say we have challenged them. All of our pyrotechnicians are trained according to the highest safety standards in the industry and they are all just as obsessed with fireworks as we are. Our crew comes from all walks of life including school teachers, police officers, and engineers. We even have a dedicated meteorologist.


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She was super nice. Took her time to explain and to make sure I understood what was going on. She also gave me a lot of options as to treatment. I liked them so much that my mom is going to change over to her!
He was very thorough and reassuring when explaining my treatment procedures.


What are the downsides (if any) of jailbreaking my iPhone?
…UNTIL you restore it to factory defaults. Other than that there are really no downsides.
Some apps make your iPod/iPhone freeze though.
I've read that it causes minor instability. Like it's said above it voids your warranty so god forbid anything happens to your phone you're SOL.
if it DOES crash can I still restore it back to default?
Yes you can. If all else fails, just boot it into recovery mode and do a manual restore.
There's a VERY slim chance it will crash though. VERY SLIM.
yeah thats what I've heard. Where can I find a list of apps?
yup, restore to factory defaults, and they have no way of telling it was jailbroken. I love my jailbreak simply for the forgotten features like themes, backgrounds behind your icons, local games, its awesome.
Uh, it doesn't void your warenty lol. Its just software, and if anything goes wrong you can just restore in iTunes. It's really easy to do, and you probly won't even mess up. And there aren't really any side affects either.
Am I right that there's no way to jailbreak 3.1.2 yet?
Please help!How to jail break my iPhone 1.1.4 version to the coolest jail break and the safest?


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URL: https://libguides.cfcc.edu/Native-American
Native American Heritage Month at Cape Fear Community College
Each November, Cape Fear Community College celebrates Native American Heritage Month, which explores the history and traditions of Native American culture in the Cape Fear Region. This year the event features a series of lectures, children's activities and artifact identification activities, which start this weekend. All activities are free and open to the public.
For photos and information, please visit the CFCC Native American Heritage Month website (http://cfcc.edu/nahm)
Every November, National Native American Heritage Month celebrates the enduring contributions of the first Americans to the history and culture of the United States. The month is designated by Congress and the president as a time to reflect on the rich traditions and accomplishments, as well as the suffering and injustices that mark the history of American Indians and Alaska Natives.
Today, there are 5.2 million American Indians and Alaska Natives in the United States. They make up 1.7 percent of the total population, according to the 2010 census. Their numbers are expected to increase to 8.6 million, or 2 percent of the population, by 2050.
The Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of the American Indian in Washington plans special heritage month activities. Federal agencies such as the National Park Service, the Indian Health Service, and the U.S. Library of Congress display web pages honoring Native American Heritage Month. The Library of Congress Veterans History Project includes interviews and alisting of American Indian and Alaska Native military veterans. The Department of Interior's Bureau of Indian Affairs has published a history of National American Indian Heritage Month and answers to Frequently Asked Questions.
From: State Department's Bureau of International Information Programs (IIP)
http://iipdigital.usembassy.gov/st/english/article/2011/10/20111028103930su0.7352803.html#axzz28jihncEf
Subjects: Anthropology, History, Library Collections
Tags: american indians, cherokee, indian tribes, native americans


You may have heard the statistic that most of us wear 20% of our clothes 80% of the time; we get into the habit of reaching for the same items time and again, leaving clothes lurking at the back of the wardrobe (some with their labels still on), never to see the light of day.
Whether you have a wardrobe bursting at the hinges with purchases or a modest collection of clothes, it is likely that there will be items in there that you may not have worn for several months, or perhaps even forgotten about. January is a great time to take stock of many things, your wardrobe included, so this month we're encouraging you to shun the sales and instead go through your existing clothes, weeding out anything you don't wear and perhaps discover some new outfits that you may not have come across before!
Is the item in your colour palette? If not, can you wear it with something that is to ensure it flatters your natural colour characteristics? If the answer to both of these questions is no, then we'd suggest you remove it from your wardrobe.
Does the style of item fit you well? Does it flatter your body shape and proportions? If you don't feel comfortable in something then it's unlikely you're going to wear it, so it's best to get rid of it.
Has it worn well? Is it bobbled? Does is have holes or pulls in it? Sometimes we hold onto clothing for longer than we should do because we love them so much. However, wearing clothes that have seen better days can make you appear scruffy, it may be time to keep this item for days when you're relaxing at home!
How do you feel in the item of clothing? Feeling comfortable in your clothes is so important - if you feel uncomfortable or self-conscious then you won't be able to relax and feel your best. If there is anything in your wardrobe that you really don't like wearing it definitely needs to go!
When did you last wear it? If it's more than six months ago, then it's unlikely you're going to wear it again (unless it's a seasonal piece of course). The exception to this would be classic items like skirts or trousers in a neutral colour, in which case give yourself another three months to get back into wearing them, if you're still not reaching for them after this time then time to pop them on eBay or send to the charity shop.
Once you've completed this process you should have an edited wardrobe which only contains clothing which fits, flatters and makes you look and feel great!
Need some style advice or would you like to book a wardrobe weeding session with one of our expert colour me beautiful personal stylists? Take a look at our directory here to find someone local to you.
If you are hitting the shops this January you may find this post useful, containing our top tips for shopping the sales!
Take a look at some of the dreamy wardrobes like the one in the image above over at Who What Wear here.


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Coventry Central Baths Fine Municipal Achievement
By H. A. N. BROCKMAN, Our Architectural Correspondent
Fine scale, lightness and elegance typify this cheerful building. It presents an outstanding example of the architecture of physical recreation.
Placed within 100 yards of the Cathedral, it shares the eastern precinct with the new buildings of the Lanchester College of Technology. Together with the square and the shopping precinct to the west, the centre of the life of Coventry will before long be protected from traffic disturbance by the completion of the ring roads which are slowly linking up around the central area, thus forming a unique and compact civic entity.
Even when I saw the new building in its near finished state, with the usual final ferment of the finishing trades still very much in evidence, it was easy to visualise the main bath ball when filled with over 1,000 spectators seated against a calm background of white, grey-brown and shining steel and the blue water of the pool.
The building is in two main sections; the first contains the main pool and the other the teaching and the minor pools. The three pools are end-on to each other, with the teaching pool in the centre. This arrangement has been conveniently exploited to place the restaurant above the teaching pool so that each of the pools can be seen from the restaurant windows.
The building is entered on the north side at the centre. The entrance hall, perhaps on the small side in its depth, serves all public who use the building: swimmers, spectators or diners. The hall has a glass front two storeys high and the free-standing columns inside the hall, supporting the roof and the galleried staircase landing at the rear, give the first hint of scale to the interior. All columns and structural surfaces are faced with white mosaic; all staircase handrails and railings are in polished aluminium; walls are faced with vertically-laid brown-grey glazed tiling.
A plan of the baths. The legend reads: (1) Main entrance foyer; (2) service lift; (3) girls' changing room (teaching pool); (4) girls' precleansing (teaching pool); (5) teaching pool; (6) women's hanger collection (small pool); (7) women's changing room (small pool); (8) women's clothes storage (small pool); (9) women's precleansing (small pool); (10) men's precleansing (small pool); (11) small pool; (12) staircase to restaurant; (13) upper sun terrace; (14) lower sun terrace; (15) women's hanger collection (main pool); (16) women's changing room (main pool); (17) women's clothes storage (main pool); (18) women's precleansing (main pool); (19) men's precleansing (main pool); (20) main pool; (21) mail staircase; (22) women's wasting facilities (main pool); (23) ventilation duct to main roof; (24) escape staircase; (25) fresh air intake duct;, (26) equipment room.
Invisible Supports
Within the main bath hall the four corner stanchions are almost invisible behind their mosaic surfaces and the roof, with the strongly emphasised troughs of the transverse lattice girder construction, lightly covers the hall in one uninterrupted span. The huge water area, about one quarter of an acre, is surrounded to south and east by the high glass walls. To the west is the children's pool and restaurant over it; to the north is the wide rake of the spectators' gallery, with upholstered seating and a gentle down draught of air, mechanically contrived, to dispel humidity.
The white and brown-grey backgrounds are here intensified by the acoustically designed white enamelled aluminium facing to window mullions and the whole roof above. Within the bath areas all railings and bath steps are of stainless steel. The beautifully designed and simple diving boards, platforms, steel ladders and rails on each side of the diving pool are each grouped around a tall rectangular pier of plain pinkish-brown brickwork. It forms a remarkably effective and sensitively thought-out contrast to the translucent atmosphere of the high spaces around.
Similar brickwork is also used as a panel wall behind the diving boards of the smaller pool at the other end of the building and elsewhere as walling, in positions which are always appropriate and effective.
On the exterior the butterfly roof over the south side of the main hall oversails the glazed wall below which comes forward in the centre as a huge bay- window around the diving pit. The winged shape of the roof truss is faced with white mosaic, as are all roof fascias elsewhere. A sunken and grassed sun-bathing area runs along the whole south front, and this is spanned by a pedestrian bridge-approach connecting the roadway with a circular stair, enclosed within a tower of brickwork and leading to the main restaurant. A wide flight of steps provides access between a sun deck outside the main bath and the grassed area below. The steps are cunningly utilised in connection with ventilation, all the risers being formed as air-intake grilles.
Something must be said of the consistency of this admirable building; in design, in the restriction to a very few materials and in its simple colours and tones. It was conceived 10 years ago under the leadership of the then City Architect, Arthur Ling, now Professor of Architecture and Civic Planning at Nottingham University, and was carried through to the finish by his successor, T. W. Gregory. The project architect, J. M. McLellan, who was largely responsible for its original conception, has been closely concerned with it throughout the whole period, with the result that it conveys an impression of consistency not always apparent in local authority work which so often suffers frequent changes in staff and control during a long or substantial contract.
The south flank of the building. The great bay window immediately below the butterfly roof marks the diving bay of the main pool. The brick tower on the left encloses a stair case to and from the restaurant. The approach is across the bridge seen at the foot of the tower.
Butterfly Roof
One major criticism is perhaps justified in relation to the ends of the butterfly roof. The shape is elegant enough as a transparent truss, but when clothed, as it must be the functionally formed surface suffers from the awkward contrast between the parallel edges of the central members and an awkward drop to the wing-like form at the extremities. When form follows function so literally the result can sometimes be a little uncomfortable, and it may be that here architect and engineer have failed to co-operate, although generally speaking the teamwork between the two has clearly been close and fruitful.
The planning problems of swimming baths have introduced a further aspect of the architect's organisational function in the years since the war. Before 1939 a swimming bath was a pool, covered or uncovered, with a growing, but still minimal, amount of ancillary accommodation around it. It hardly occurred to local authorities, or their architects, to do more than provide a tank with a fringe of bases, often with an expensive though completely illogical exterior.
After 1945 a substantial burst enthusiasm among swimmers and clubs demanded much more than this minimal provision and local authorities found themselves faced with an unparalleled demand for separate bathing accommodation for swimmers, divers and learners. As a result, the swimming bath expanded from a "public bath and wash- house" to the social centre which it has now become.
The former description derived from the age in which few homes had a bath. Bathing and laundry facilities were therefore provided by the more enterprising authorities, or those who were socially more hardly pressed, for their sadly deprived populations. The laundry facilities are now being superseded by the domestic washing machine, or by the local launderette. But the bathing facility has vastly expanded and has become not only a diverse sporting amenity, amateur and professional, but a social provision of great popularity. Hence there has occurred a growing segregation of its various aspects: the swimming pool for competitions of championship standards and for galas; the diving pool for the chaps who can really dive; the minor pool for the amateur swimmer; and the learner's pool for the school parties who spend an occasional morning learning, or just splashing around. In addition, changing facilities have to be organised into the wet and dry departments and the spectator has now to be accommodated in similar seating comfort to that enjoyed by the cinema or theatre-goer, for occasions which rival those of the sports ground and the race-course.
The Coventry Central Baths are a fine example of planning and organisation. To start with, they do not possess the deadly municipal appearance of the public baths of the past, and even some of those of the present. The internal arrangements are enlivened by the glazed south walls to the pools, which look over a sun bathing terrace and yet-to-be landscaped garden; by the restaurant, overlooking the pool; and by the games deck, provided for "dry- land" training also for social events and club training. More important still is the consistency shown in the few calm colours employed and economy in the number of materials.
The largest pool is 165 feet in length and 56 feet wide, it has a deep-water diving bay projecting from one side. It has thus been possible to arrange the pool with two shallow ends, thus preventing the normal congestion where there is only one point of entry for the less experienced swimmers. The main swimming area is of a suitable depth for water polo. The spectators' gallery seats over 1,000 people. The smaller pool is 110 feet long and between the two and below the restaurant, the shallow learners' pool for children and school parties has its long side arranged as a flight of steps leading down into the water.
The main pool and diving pit. Brick pylons support the diving stages and ladder approaches. The roof and window mullions are sheathed in acoustically treated white enamelled aluminium. The teaching pool and restaurant above are at the right of the picture.
Changing Areas
Changing areas are based on the "hanger" system, in which bathers enter on a dry, corridor, choose a cubicle, change and put their clothes into a basket hanger, emerge from the opposite side of the cubicle into the wet corridor and deposit their clothes at a counter from whence they pass through the cleansing area to the bath -side. The changing cubicles-are ingeniously designed, with a slatted wooden tip-up seat which, when both doors are closed, turns down and locks them. On exit from the bath the process is reversed.
There are two special cubicles for the disabled. Wash and brush-up facilities, with hair-cream dispensers, make-up counters and hair dryers are provided on the way out. . Slipper baths are also provided.
The entrance hall serves as a central control for all users, and only one paydesk is provided, although the restaurant can be separately approached by way of the bridge.
The scheme will undoubtedly attract swimmers and spectators from a wide regional area. At a cost of £1.3m. it will have to do much to justify itself. But with low maintenance costs (good quality in external and internal materials has been invoked to ensure this) and reasonable charges, a centre of this quality, and calibre should be able to make its way in the long run. It provides a social amenity of the greatest importance.
DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION Architect: Design team headed by the former City Architect, Arthur Ling, and his successor, Terence W. Gregory. Main Contractor: Lavender, McMillan.
The Financial Times Saturday April 23 1966
Posted by Mark McLellan at Thursday, July 18, 2013
Labels: thearts
Santana at Wembley Arena
CSC alumni at The Crusting Pipe 2013
Race for Life Hyde Park 2013
A Walk in the Surrey Hills 2
Cassandra Wilson at Ronnie Scott's
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Sotto Le Stelle 11 - Underfloor heating
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time ...


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Your first day of school photos
It's back to school time! We asked you for your first day of school photos, and you responded! We're still adding some to this gallery. In the meantime, check out these images of some enthusiastic - and not so enthusiastic - students on that special first day of school!
Posted by Schools of Thought editors
Filed under: At Home • First day • iReport
Forging a new meaning for the rallying cry 'We Are...Penn State'
by Mallory Simon, CNN
State College, Pennsylvania (CNN) - A roar echoes through the arena. From the packed stands a chant begins: "We Are." Voices boom louder in response: "Penn State." For nearly 10 minutes, the chants reverberate.
This is not a football game, or any sports event. It is the freshman convocation, the official welcome for the incoming class. More than 7,000 new students are in the Bryce Jordan Center making themselves heard.
They are here.
They are here despite a scandal that has damaged this school's reputation, brought unprecedented sanctions from the National Collegiate Athletic Association, jailed a former football coach for sex abuse and prompted an ongoing investigation into allegations of a coverup by top officials.
But they are here. They are proud. Some are also angry.
As their chants grow louder and they wait to hear new President Rodney Erickson welcome them, some stand. They are decked out in blue and white, with shirts that say "I still bleed Blue and White" or "Penn State Proud."
Filed under: College • Issues • Policy • Practice
The education may be higher, but the fashion isn't.
What not to wear on campus
By Carl Azuz, CNN
(CNN) - Nothing is further from "Project Runway" than a college campus.
It's true that not every lecture is delivered by a renowned virtuoso, and not every gathering is a frat formal. But it's also true that a lot of students look terrible.
You can help the ones you know clean up a bit by avoiding these common sartorial snafus.
Wearing pajamas when you're not in bed
It's hard to say when jeans became too dressy. It was probably sometime in the '90s. That's when people turned to Zubaz. (Zubaz were conceived when Hammer Pants mated with a zebra or one of its predators.) If you wore Zubaz, you might as well have been wearing pajamas. Hence, pajamas in class.
Here's the thing: No woman ever looks back on her college days and wishes she looked worse. Why do you wanna start behind the eight ball sleeping through Psychology 101 in Spongebob PJs?
For your high school prom, you paid $25 for the ticket and dressed to the nines. If you're gonna spend $8,000 a year on higher education, don't dress for Hulu and cold pizza. FULL POST
Posted by Carl Azuz - CNN
Filed under: After High School • Carl Azuz • College
Harvard University, the oldest institution of higher learning in the U.S., is investigating allegations of cheating on a take-home final exam in May.
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Allegations of widespread cheating in government class probed at Harvard
By Julia Talanova and Jason Kessler, CNN
(CNN) - Harvard University is investigating allegations that almost half the students in an undergraduate class last spring may have plagiarized or "inappropriately collaborated" on their final exams, the school announced Thursday.
Following an initial investigation, Harvard's administrative board, which enforces academic regulations, undertook "a comprehensive review of the more than 250 take-home final exams" submitted at the end of a course, the school said in a statement.
The Harvard Crimson, the school's flagship student-run newspaper, identified the class in which the cheating allegedly occurred as Government 1310: Introduction to Congress.
A document on the website of Harvard's registrar's office says the class had 279 students.
"We take academic integrity very seriously because it goes to the heart of our educational mission," said Michael D. Smith, dean of the faculty of arts and sciences, in a written statement.
Last semester during grading, "the faculty member teaching the course questioned the similarities between a number of exams," according to the statement.
The board then reviewed the questionable exams and interviewed the students who submitted them, eventually launching a wider review along with the class's professor, the statement said.
That review is still underway.
A copy of the take-home exam found on Harvard's website shows that it laid out a series rules for students to follow.
Posted by Jason Kessler - CNN, Julia Talanova - CNN
Filed under: Cheating • College • Policy • Practice
"Teachers want to be recognized and rewarded when they do well. Who doesn't?" teacher Colleen McGurk writes.
My View: Teachers deserve real merit pay
By Colleen McGurk, Special to CNN
Editor's note: Colleen McGurk is a special education teacher with seven-years experience in the New York City Public School System. She holds master's degrees in educational leadership and childhood education, with dual certification in special education and general education. She is a member of Educators 4 Excellence.
(CNN) - After reading Diane Ravitch's post on this blog, I felt compelled to respond. As a teacher with seven years in a special education and integrated co-teaching classroom in New York City, I have heard a variety of excuses as to why our schools are not performing at a higher, and more consistent level. Poverty is certainly a piece of the puzzle and it must be addressed. But one of the best ways to reverse poverty is through an excellent education. And when it comes to education, no group is better prepared to lead than teachers. It's time policy makers, elected officials and even pundits help elevate our voices in these critical debates. It's one of the reasons I've joined a teacher-led group called Educators for Excellence, a national organization committed to ensuring teachers' voices are heard in the policy debates that affect our classrooms and careers.
Most of my fourth-grade students come from homes that are well below the federal poverty line. Living in poverty makes my students' lives harder, but that doesn't stop me from challenging them on a daily basis. Whether it is in reading, writing, math or a game of basketball, every time I raise the bar, they step up. My students need to be challenged and engaged more so than other kids who have more solid support systems outside the classroom.
Teachers are a large part of the solution, but we need the same support, and high expectations that we have for our students.
I've worked in other industries and I truly have unmatched respect for our profession. Prior to teaching, I lived in Brazil and worked as a technology consultant for international companies. Before that, I was the project manager at Harvard Business School's Executive Education. Both positions were incredibly competitive in terms of work ethic and salaries. Those environments inspired my colleagues and me to do our best. And that's where Ravitch's opinion on merit pay and mine veer off in different directions.
Posted by Colleen McGurk -- Special to CNN
Filed under: Issues • Teachers
My view: Obama, Romney need to know one thing about early childhood education – start over
By Nancy Carlsson-Paige, Special to CNN
Editor's note: Nancy Carlsson-Paige is professor emerita at Lesley University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where she taught teachers for more than 30 years and was a founder of the University's Center for Peaceable Schools. A strong advocate for public education, Nancy speaks and writes on a variety of education and parenting topics. Her most recent book is "Taking Back Childhood: A Proven Roadmap for Raising Confident, Creative, Compassionate Kids."
(CNN) - Here's what I would say to the presidential candidates (in case they ask me) about what we need to do to give the best education possible to our nation's youngest members.
I would start talking in a pretty loud voice to make sure they can hear: You are going in the wrong direction with policy-making for early childhood education! Please back up and start over.
And this time, put early childhood educators at the head of the policy-making table.
Most classrooms for young kids today are driven by a myriad of developmentally inappropriate standards-based tests and checklists. Policy mandates are causing a pushdown of academic skills to 3, 4 and 5 year olds that used to be associated with first-graders through third-graders. Young kids are expected to learn specific facts and skills at specified ages, such as naming the letters and counting by 2's, 5's and 10's.
This has led to more teacher-directed "lessons" and a lot more rote learning by kids who try to learn what's required but don't really understand.
Filed under: 2012 Election • Early childhood education • Policy • Politics • Practice • Voices
Comments (1,126 comments)
Doing the math behind homeschooling
(CNN) – Public, private, parochial, charter schools: There's no shortage of options on where to send your children for their education.
But a growing number of Americans are choosing not to send them anywhere at all, opting instead to educate them at home.
The National Center for Education Statistics says that 1.7 percent of kids were homeschooled in 1999, 2.2 percent in 2003, and 2.9 percent in 2007. Today, that figure is at 4 percent, according to an article published at EducationNews.org.
So it appears that the homeschooling growth rate is more exponential than it is steady.
Most parents aren't certified teachers, so it stands to reason why some question the effectiveness of a homeschool education. But the Home School Legal Defense Association, an advocacy group in favor of homeschooling, reported in 2009 that homeschooled students averaged 37 percentile points higher on standardized tests than their public school counterparts.
EducationNews.org backs that up, saying that while students in traditional schools mark the 50th percentile on standardized tests, students who are "independently educated" score between the 65th and 89th percentile.
Of course, there's a time commitment involved in homeschooling that many families simply can't make. If a single parent has a full-time job – or if both parents do – setting aside several hours a day to educate a child simply isn't feasible.
And the arguments against homeschooling – from varying state requirements to reduced social interaction among peers to a lack of student competition – can be challenging issues to address.
But if the number of kids who are homeschooled continues to rise, it may signal a noteworthy trend.
Filed under: At Home • Carl Azuz • Homeschooling • School choice
Students' Obama cartoons spark uproar
A teacher was fired after hanging what some are calling offensive political cartoons in the school hallway. WDSU video
What do you think? Do you agree or disagree with the decision to fire the teacher over this assignment? Watch the video and post your comment below.
Filed under: Issues • Policy • Practice • video
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September's legacy: Taking on Harvard in a wheelchair
by Ben Mattlin, Special to CNN
Editor's note: Ben Mattlin is the author of "Miracle Boy Grows Up: How the Disability Rights Revolution Saved My Sanity," a memoir about his life with spinal muscular atrophy.
(CNN) - For many, back-to-school is a season of anticipation, nostalgia, and shopping. For me, it evokes memories of an unsung historical event: the integration of Harvard.
No, I'm not talking about racial integration; I'm talking about the full inclusion of students with disabilities.
When I entered Harvard College as a freshman in 1980, it happened to coincide with a new requirement - all institutions receiving federal funds had to become fully accessible under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
I was a 17-year-old lifelong wheelchair-user, born with a neurological condition called spinal muscular atrophy. I'd never walked or stood and my arms were weak as a baby's. But, as my parents often said, there was nothing wrong with my head.
I had little awareness of the precedent I was setting.
At 17, I was too self-centered for that. I was preoccupied with how I'd cope my first time living away from my parents, depending on full-time, live-in personal-care attendants. Yet I had an Ivy League freshman's cockiness, too. Somehow I'd manage. I'd always managed before, hadn't I?
Filed under: At Home • Policy • Practice • Voices
Study: School vouchers have positive effect on college enrollment for African-Americans
By Donna Krache, CNN
(CNN) - A recently released study by the Brookings Institution at Harvard has stirred up the debate over school choice and vouchers.
In some districts and states, parents can get vouchers to pay for their children's education. Parents may choose to send their children to religious or private schools using the vouchers as payment for tuition. Much of the research surrounding the effectiveness of vouchers centers on more immediate outcomes, such as test scores.
The Brookings study was based on data collected on students who were recipients of vouchers from the privately funded New York School Choice Scholarships Foundation program. In 1997, the foundation offered three-year scholarships of up to $1,400 per year to 1,000 low-income families whose children were either entering first grade or were already in public schools in second through fifth grades. The Brookings study claims to be the first that used "a randomized experiment to measure the impact of school vouchers on college enrollment." It also claims to be one of only a few studies to track longer-term outcomes, years after students received their first vouchers.
Overall, the study found no effect on college enrollment, except among African-Americans, where there was significant impact.
Posted by Donna Krache CNN
Filed under: After High School • College • School choice


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Putin Says Russia Managed to Prevent Significant Growth of COVID-19 Cases Over Past Weeks
14:37 GMT 30.03.2020(updated 14:38 GMT 30.03.2020) Get short URL
MOSCOW (Sputnik) – Russia managed to prevent the significant growth in the number of cases of the coronavirus in previous weeks, President Vladimir Putin said on Monday.
"Our actions must be reasonable and professional. Thanks to such an approach, we managed to win time today and the explosive spread of the coronavirus infection in previous weeks. And we need to fully and efficiently use the time we have saved", Putin said.
The president once again called on the elderly citizens of Russia to stay home amid the outbreak.
The president added that everything possible was being made to prevent the coronavirus from affecting a large number of people in the country, noting that it is important to take into account all the scenarios and use the experience of other countries in the fight against the spread of the infection.
"Today, everything is being made so that the [COVID-10] threat does not affect a large number of people. But all regions [of Russia] should be prepared and we should take into account all scenarios of development of the situation using experience of other countries", Putin said.
The president added that the measures being implemented in Russia to fight the new coronavirus are very important, even though they might seem excessive to citizens.
"It is better to be safe than sorry", the president said.
Additional Reserve of Medications
President Putin also called for the creation of an additional reserve of medications to treat the coronavirus disease in the country.
"The most important issue is medication supply. An additional reserve should be created for all medications that are currently used to combat coronavirus and disease-related complications", Putin said.
He went on to say that he ordered to create additional COVID-19 diagnostics facilities in Russian regions as well as to provide swift registration of new tests for the new coronavirus.
"It is necessary to use all our laboratory capacity, as well as to create additional diagnostics centers, both in public and private medical organisations. Thanks to this we would rapidly increase the volume of testing for the coronavirus in the coming days. Also, [we have to] evaluate the capacities of relevant manufacturers to involve them in the production of efficient [COVID-19] testing systems. A number of such tests have been created in Russia. I request you to provide rapid registration of new testing systems. Please, do not drag this out", Putin told his representatives in federal districts.
Coronavirus in Russia
Russia has registered 1,836 cases of coronavirus, up 302 for the past 24 hours. Nine people have died while 66 people have recovered from the disease.
Moscow authorities have imposed a self-isolation regime in the capital, urging all people to stay home unless they have to to go to work that cannot be done distantly, buy essentials, get urgent medical treatment, walk the dog within 330 feet if their home, and take out the trash.
Last week, the president declared a non-working week between 28 March and 8 April, with people retaining their full wages for this period, as a way to slow the spread of the coronavirus.
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All questions about your photo session with Slava Bowman Photography, answered! Simply click through the photos in this gallery to find the answers!
What is a photo shoot with Slava Bowman Photography like?
A photo session with me is usually laid back and fun. My job is to make you feel at ease in front of the camera. When we meet at the desired location, I am going to ask you a couple of questions (what types of photos are you expecting to get from your photo shoot, do you have multiple outfits you are wanting to wear, is there some specific pose/location you would like us to take, do you have any props you would like to include, etc.) Your answers will help me plan the photo shoot better, so that you can get the results you expect. Most of my photo shoots happen outside. Once we start walking, I will ask you to stop at different locations and pose for a photo. I love letting people take a natural stance, so there won't be much of "lift your chin this way, put your left arm on your right shoulder" type of commands. I might ask you to smile, though :-) The more we walk and talk, the more relaxed you are going to be, and the better photos we are going to get. When I see you are starting to get tired, I will probably notice one more "too-good-to-miss" location, take some last shots and thank you for a great photo shoot. Attention, couples: I will most likely make you hold hands and/or kiss!
Important details you should know for your photo session.
Please give at least 24 hours notice if you need to cancel your photo session. All sessions at this time are on location or in your home. The session fee covers the photographer's time, post-session production of prints (editing and retouching), and an online proof gallery for 30 days. If you would like to discuss anything about your session prior, please don't hesitate to get in touch. I would be happy to answer any questions you might have.
How early in advance should I schedule my photo session?
How long does it take to get my pictures done?
Normally, it takes me about two weeks to go through and edit your images. It might be a little sooner, it might be a little later. If you need your photos done urgently, please let me know in advance and I will do everything possible to deliver them to you in time. Please, allow a week for printing and shipping once you do your order through the website.
My name is pronounced exactly as it is spelled. It means "fame" or "glory" in Bulgarian.
How can I prepare for my photo shoot?
Don't be nervous. Having your picture taken is not scary at all (although I still get nervous if somebody is taking mine). My job is to make the photo session as enjoyable and fun as possible, your job is to be relaxed and be yourself. Ladies, you are beautiful and your pictures will look great. Wear comfortable clothes that fit well and make you feel good. Accessorize: head bands, flowers, bows, flowing cardigans, scarves, belts, etc. However, do not overdo it. Get some good night's sleep prior to the photo shoot, and bring your smile with you. If you would like to discuss anything about your session in advance, e-mail or call me, I will be happy to help.
Can you edit photos in sepia and black and white?
Yes, I can. Normally, when I work on your photos I try to keep them as natural as possible. If you would like some different editing done, please let me know in advance and I will make sure that I do that. If there are photos in your gallery that you would like to see in black and white or sepia, feel free to e-mail me and I will re-edit them for you. The first 5 re-edits are free of charge.
Wear whatever you are comfortable in. Avoid thin-striped shirts - they lend themselves easily to light distortion. The layered look is usually great for ladies. Dark solid color pants/skirt, a colorful top and a sweater is always a good idea. Accessorize, accessorize, accessorize. Belts, scarves, head bands, bows, flower pins, cute heels, tall boots - they all show well in photos.
Do you give a CD with high resolution images, so we can print photos ourselves?
I would rather you order prints through my website. It is not because I am making huge profit off of prints. It's because most print labs in the area do not do the photos justice. The prints come out too dark, too green, too brown - in a word, not the way they are supposed to be. With that said, if you want to own your full resolution files, you can purchase a CD. Or, if you need a photo or two for a project you are doing, I will be happy to release the file for you. My print prices are VERY reasonable: if you like your photos, I want you to have prints of them. That's the purpose of the whole photo shoot. I want you to be happy with the quality of the pictures that you get. Feel free to to browse through the albums and click on the "buy photo" button above each image. This will give you an idea of the different sizes options and prices, as well as photo products available under the "Merchandise" tab. P.S. The photos above were not taken by me, but they illustrate my point perfectly.
How early should I show up at my photo appointment?
Show up on time. Depending on the location, I might show up earlier to scope it out and find the best spots where I would photograph you. There is no need to show up half an hour in advance, just be on time.


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Fountain Valley Real Estate Homes For sale
Located in central Orange County, the city of Fountain Valley, California, is a middle-class residential area that is home to almost 60,000 residents, as of 2009 California Department of Finance estimates. The city is located at an elevation of about 20 feet above sea level, a lower elevation than most of the rest of the area, which accounts for its sloping hills in the southwest region of the city. It is bordered to the east by the Santa Ana River.
The area was originally inhabited by the Tongva people and then was settled further when Manuel Nieto was given a land grant for Rancho Los Nietos, which included more than 300,000 acres, including what today is Fountain Valley. The city incorporated in 1957, and today makes up an area of nearly nine square miles. It gets its name from a reference to the area's high water table and the artesian wells that existed at the time it was named. Median household income for city residents is nearly $80,000.
The city is home to two hospitals: the Fountain Valley Regional Hospital, with 400 beds, and Orange Coast Memorial Hospital, with 230 beds and a medical clinic. Main businesses in the city include the headquarters for Hyundai Motor Company, D-Link Corporation, Kingston Technologies and Surefire, LLC. There are 18 churches, one synagogue and one mosque in town. Attractions include Mile Square Regional Park and three 18-hole golf courses. The city has its own newspaper, the Fountain Valley View.
Public schools in the city are operated among the Fountain Valley, Garden Grove Unified and Huntington Beach Union High School districts. In Fountain Valley are three high schools, three middle schools, nine elementary schools, one K-12 school and two K-8 schools. Additionally, Coastline Community College offers degree programs and continuing education courses. For getting around the area, several bus lines are operated by the Orange County Transportation Authority, and most of the city's major roads contain bicycle lanes in addition to traditional vehicle lanes.
Garden Grove Real Estate Information
A mid-sized city in central Orange County, Garden Grove, California, is located in the southern part of the state, not far from the Pacific Ocean. It is home to around 170,000 residents is lies about 30 miles southeast of Los Angeles and just a mile from Anaheim, home to Disneyland, and less than 10 miles from the local beaches and the nearest commercial airport, John Wayne Airport in Santa Ana.
Garden Grove was founded in 1874 by a man named Alonzo Cook, but its development really took off in the beginning of the 20th century with the arrival of the railroad. It grew as an agricultural center where oranges, walnuts, chili peppers and strawberries were grown, but much of this industry was destroyed by an earthquake in 1933. The city officially incorporated in 1956 with more than 50,000 residents and now makes up an area of around 18 square miles.
Throughout the area, Garden Grove is best known as being the home of Robert H. Schuller's Crystal Cathedral, a religious building where a number of Christian broadcast shows are filmed. Its other claim to fame is its position as host of the annual Strawberry Festival, which is held over Memorial Day weekend and attracts nearly a quarter-million people to the area. Other annual celebrations held here include four cultural events commemorating Vietnamese, Korean, Arabic and American heritage.
Public schools in the city are run under the Garden Grove Unified School District and include 45 elementary schools, nine junior high schools, eight high schools. There also are five community colleges that offer degrees and continuing education courses. Arts and cultural attractions in Garden Grove include sites like the Orange County Symphony and three theaters: the Garden Grove Playhouse, the Gem Theater and the Festival Amphitheater, home to Shakespeare Orange County, which hosts an annual Shakespeare Festival in the summer.
Orange Real Estate Homes For Sale
The city that shares its name with the county where it is located, Orange, California, is a city of around 130,000 residents. It is in central Orange County, about three miles north of the county seat, Santa Ana and about 30 miles southeast of Los Angeles. The city (and subsequently, county) got its name from its originations as a popular place to grow citrus fruits. Today, Orange's Villa Park Orchards Association packing house is the only operation still remaining of that heritage.
Annual house income for residents of Orange is around $60,000. The city, which makes up an area of almost 24 square miles, was settled in the mid 1800s and incorporated in 1888. It is still home to several historical buildings in its Old Towne, Orange Historic District, where visitors and residents can see the county's oldest operating bank, its oldest operating soda fountain and the Lewis Ainsworth House, which also serves as the local museum.
One of the city's most popular attractions is the almost 500-acre Irvine Park, which is home to the Orange County Zoo. Other popular sites to see in Orange include the Block at Orange, an outdoor shopping and entertainment center, the Ridgeline Country Club and Vans Skate Park. Each year over Labor Day Weekend, the city is the host of the Orange International Street Fair.
Schools in Orange are operated under the Orange Unified School District, with an enrollment of more than 30,000 students spread across 29 elementary schools, five middle schools, four high schools, a continuing-education high school, and a K-8 math and science magnet school. Colleges in the city are Chapman University and Santiago Canyon College. For transportation around the region, the Orange County Metrolink regional commuter rail network offers several stops in Orange.
Tustin Real estate Homes For sale
A mid-sized community located in the heart of central Orange County, Tustin, California, is right next to Santa Ana, the county seat, and was estimated in 2009 to be home to a population of around 75,000. Contrary to its name, the city does not include the Tustin Foothills. Median household income for residents of the city is around $56,000.
Tustin makes up an area of just over 11 square miles, all of which is land. It was originally inhabited by the members of the Tongva and Juaneño/Luiseño Native American nations. In 1801, the Spanish Empire gave more than 60,000 acres to a man named Jose Antonio Yorba, who named the area Rancho San Antonio. Columbus Tustin, a carriage maker from the northern part of the state, then founded the city in the 1870s on 1,300 acres, and it derives its name from him. The city officially incorporated in 1927 with a population of around 900.
The city was the site of a Naval anti-submarine airship base during the World War II era, established in an unincorporated area that lies just south of the city. Today, the two hangars that still stand account for some of the largest structures made of wood ever built, and they are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The public schools here are operated by the Tustin Unified School District. Popular points of interest here include The Tustin Museum, summer Concerts in the Park at Peppertree Park and the various events and performances sponsored by the Tustin Area Council for Fine Arts. Annual events celebrated include a tennis festival, a Cinco de Mayo celebration, a street fair and chili cook-off, July 4 celebrations, movies in the park and the Tiller Days festival and parade.
Westminster Real Estate Homes For sale
A mid-sized, landlocked city located within the central region of Orange County, Westminster, California, is a city with a population of nearly 90,000, as of 2000 census figures. Residents here have a median household income of around $50,000, and the city has one of the largest Vietnamese communities in the nation. It encompasses an area just over 10 square miles, all of which is land. The city is bordered by Seal Beach to the west, Garden Grove to the north and east, and Huntington Beach and Fountain Valley to the south.
Westminster was founded in 1870 by Rev. Lemuel Webber as a Presbyterian temperance colony, and as such the city takes its name from the Westminster Assembly of 1643, which designed and conferred the basic tenets of the Presbyterian denomination. The city incorporated in 1957 with about 11,000 residents. In the 1970s, during the height of the war in Vietnam, a large number of refugees from the country fled and arrived here, settling into an area now officially known as Little Saigon.
Public schools in the city include five elementary schools, three middle schools and two high schools. Kindred Hospital Westminster provides medical services and care to residents. Today around a third of the city's population is Vietnamese, and the city has a strong presence of that country's heritage, culture and cuisine. There is a large Vietnam War Memorial.
Popular points of interest here include the Westminster Mall, with a food court, 180 specialty stores and four department stores; Liberty Skate Park; Westminster Ice Palace skating/hockey rink; the Hoover Golf Practice Center; and the Blakey Historical Park and Museum. Annual events include summer concerts, Saint Patrick's Family Festival and the Blessed Sacrament Parish Festival. The Westminster Rose Center is a nearly 34,000-square-foot banquet hall with a theater that seats nearly 500.
Could Irvine Property Sales Actually be Made in Bi...


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Interior Design : Gold Parsons Chairs Nailhead Parsons Chair Green Parsons Chairs Print Parsons Chairs Single Parsons Chair Classic Parsons Chair Gun Cabinet's Design Choice? What Are They?
Gallery of Gold Parsons Chairs Nailhead Parsons Chair Green Parsons Chairs Print Parsons Chairs Single Parsons Chair Classic Parsons Chair Gun Cabinet's Design Choice? What Are They?