What is Apple's Gatekeeper and How Can it Save me?
Control how much cellular data your iPhone uses.
Improve your chances of recovering a lost phone by enabling 'Send Last Location' in iOS 8.
How to Fix the Annoying "Cellular Data is Turned Off for Podcasts" alert.
The WeMo Switch and Motion Detector are made by Belkin. The wall switch plugs into your exsiting outlets and then controls whatever is plugged into the switch. It can be controlled from anywhere you have internet and a smart phone with the Wemo app (Apple iOS or Android compatible). Rules that reside in the switch, can be set up for on/off timers. You can even have the device automatically trigger a rule according to the local sunset and sunrise times. With the motion detector, you have many more possible rules to automate the switch.
Setup and reliability of the WeMo switch has steadily improved with version updates over the last year. The early versions were often a hit or miss when it came to working past a few days. It would inexplicably lose it's connection to the wifi network and/or the remote access would not work. This has been improved and we were pleasantly surprised at how consistantly it works as advertised when we decided to revisit this product for a review. One area of concern that we were not able to address at the time of writing this. The vast majority of users have dynamic IP addresses assigned by their ISP. Does the WeMo dynamically update itself and your mobile app in order to maintain remote access? We will follow up this review with more info on this at a later date.
The WeMo Switch sells for $49 or $79 when bundled with the motion detector. It is a little steep for the average Do It Yourselfer (DIY). However, as competition heats up in this market, expect the prices to drop.


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Research centers give U-M students hands-on, practical policy experiences
With the guidance and support of the Ford School's research centers, graduate and undergraduate students are creating a real-life impact in a range of areas by working with external partners. The Ford School is deeply integrated with a wide range of...
State & Hill
Michael S. Barr's first term as dean By Laura K. Lee In October 2021, the Regents of the University of Michigan approved Provost Susan M. Collins' recommendation to reappoint Michael S. Barr as Joan and Sanford Weill Dean of the Ford School for a...
Ford School Black History Month activities cover a wide spectrum of topics
The Ford School and its research centers will be hosting a variety of events during February, Black History Month, examining a range of topics concerning the struggles for racial equity. The Center for Racial Justice, Weiser Diplomacy Center and...
Ford School research center websites get a fresh new look
Seven of the Ford School's dynamic research centers have launched new websites. Building on the Ford School's own modern web design and technical capabilities, the new websites convey the energy and innovation of each center. Participating research...
United States general election 2022
Nov 8, 2022, 7:00 am-8:00 pm EST
At your polling location or local clerk's office, or by absentee ballot
Key dates and deadlines for the November 8 election, plus how to register and vote.
Fall 2022 incoming master's welcome week
Aug 22-26, 2022, All Day
Weill Hall (1st & 2nd floor)
The official start of the school year, welcome week and orientation activities at the Ford School give new master's students the opportunity to meet and engage with peers, faculty, and staff, and begin the process of preparing for the academic year.
Michigan primary election
Aug 2, 2022, 7:00 am-8:00 pm EDT
Michigan will hold its primary election on Tuesday, August 2, 2022, and the Ford School strongly encourages all eligible voters to make their voices heard.
Michigan May 2022 regular election
May 3, 2022, 7:00 am-8:00 pm EDT
Michigan will hold a regular election on Tuesday, May 3, 2022, and voters may have measures or candidates on their local ballots. The Ford School strongly encourages all eligible voters to make their voices heard.
Hands-on, practical experiences
Dec 9, 2021, 1:00 pm EST
In this session, learn about the wide range of opportunities for students to engage with real-world policy issues in the classroom and through research, activities, and workshops.
Michigan November elections
Nov 2, 2021, 7:00 am-8:00 pm EDT
At your polling location or by absentee ballot
Michigan will hold elections on Tuesday, November 2, 2021, and the Ford School strongly encourages all eligible voters to make their voices heard.
The 2020 United States presidential election will be held Tuesday, November 3, 2020. (Polling location times vary by state)
The Role of Congress in U.S. Diplomacy
Oct 25, 2019, 11:30 am-1:00 pm EDT
Betty Ford Classroom 1110 Weill Hall
We invite you to a student session with Congressman Ted Deutch and his Chief of Staff Josh Rogin.
Ford School Reunion
Oct 4-5, 2019, 12:00-6:00 pm EDT
Joan and Sanford Weill Hall
We'll be celebrating this fall! Save the date and join us for the Ford School Reunion!
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redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


For the past few months I've been taking part in the Self Published Fantasy Blog Off. This idea was hit upon by Mark Lawrence and brings together 10 bloggers, each undertaking to read 25-27 books submitted by self published authors with a view to putting forward one book from their pile. The 10 books that are then put forward will then be read by each blogger and scored and eventually an overall winner will be hit upon. The full details are here.
In today's post I'm announcing my overall winner. I'm probably doing things a little back to front here because I haven't reviewed the book yet (or a number of the other books that I actually completed). This is simply because I focused on completing the task in front of me and in particular on finding my 'one' book.
I can say that this has been a very difficult challenge for me for a number of reasons. I hate being critical – I really do! And yet I have a list of books and only one to take forward. This certainly acted as a motivation in making me focus. Also, I think writing a book and putting your labour of love forward for an event such as this must be really tough and I appreciate that and don't want to discourage anybody.
What I can say about the books submitted on my list – I had some enjoyable reads here – in fact probably more than I expected (which was something of an eye opener and a revelation) Maybe I wasn't as open minded about self published books as I thought and in that respect I think this challenge has been a learning curve.
In terms of the reading I didn't complete all the books and this wasn't necessarily because I didn't enjoy them but more because I already knew that they would not be the book I put forward for one reason or another. In total I completed 10 books – I've already written a short review for a couple of those plus a full review for one of the others. The others I intend to write reviews for over the next few days starting with my finalist. I think I gave all the books submitted a very fair chance but at the end of the day the book I chose just stood out for me as up until that point I was undecided about which book I had enjoyed the most.
I would like to thank all the authors who submitted books for this challenge and hope that none of you are discouraged at all, at the end of the day I had to be fairly hard in terms of elimination. Put simply, some of the books were not my style, or maybe felt aimed at a younger target audience and some I had issues with the writing style that didn't particularly work for me.
The Weight of a Crown by Tavish Kaeden – review to follow.
The following three books I've already either reviewed or given a short write up of.
I just checkout out The Weight of a Crown on GR, it looks good! Whenever I feel myself getting judge-y about self-published books (happens to the best of us, I think) I just remember that Angelfall by Susan Ee was self-published. That was a truly fantastic book!
Well, this has been an interesting experience. I suppose you can't help getting a little judgemental – I think the covers are usually the first thing that hit your eye as they're just never quite as well done. I didn't realise Susan Ee was self published – great book. Plus Bloodsong of course.
Yeah, I'm kind of expecting the next round to be all good.
Isn't it funny how many good self-published books you can find these days? I think for a lot of authors it now makes more financial sense now to self-publish – as long as you do it right, no need for a middle man.
Yeah, there are an awful lot out there to choose from for sure.
I've already bought a book from another spfbo list of finalists, so I find this project so helpful in discovering good self-published books!
the next round should be really interesting.
No problem. I"m enjoying the SPFBO.


There is a strange silence surrounding the subject of death in our day. Our most clever people and outspoken commentators rarely broach the subject. When in fact the subject is raised in conversation the usual response for most is to desperately try and cover up their fears and mitigate their emptiness of hope or understanding on the subject. Indeed, most are probably asking "when is it my turn?"
Why all the silence on the subject of death? Has not the wisest man to ever lived, Solomon, said "for death is the destiny of every person"? Should it not be true that in order to know how to live right we need to first settle the questions of death? ... What does death mean? What is its use? How do I live my life today in relation to death Is there hope?
On Sunday when we once again take up the subject of the resurrection (Christ's and ours who are in Him), in studying 1 Corinthians 15:35-58, it is these questions that we will seek to answer (at least in part).
"54 When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written:" Death is swallowed up in victory."55 "O death, where is your victory?
It has been said that the ultimate separator of people is not rich and poor, black or white, educated or not - it is those who face their death with the hope found in the Gospel and those who do not.
How is our popular culture today grappling with the subject of death? Cite some examples if you can as you comment below.


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IRS Releases Additional Guidance for Business Interest Expense Limitation Under §163(j)
Thoughtware Article 11/30/2018
Presenters/Authors
Julia Dengel
In Notice 2018-28 issued in April 2018, the U.S. Department of the Treasury (Treasury) and the IRS announced their intention to issue proposed regulations to help taxpayers comply with the changes made to the rules regarding the limitation on the deduction for business interest expense under Section 163(j) of the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) as a result of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA). On November 26, 2018, the IRS and Treasury issued the first set of those proposed regulations, which provide general guidelines, definitions and rules for calculating the limitation in a consolidated group, partnership and international context.
In this alert, we'll examine some of the significant aspects of the recently proposed regulations under IRC §163(j), which taxpayers and their related parties may elect to apply for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017. Read this BKD Thoughtware® article to learn more about how this provision changed under the TCJA, and check out this one-page summary for additional examples of how the limitation under this new regime applies.
An Overview of the Limitation
For tax years beginning after December 31, 2017, the deduction for business interest expense is generally limited to the sum of:
Business interest income1
Thirty percent of adjusted taxable income (ATI)2
Floor plan financing interest
Any disallowed interest is considered paid in the following tax year and may be carried forward indefinitely.
The limitation under IRC §163(j) applies to all taxpayers except certain small businesses that meet the $25 million gross receipts test under IRC §448(c)3, those in the trade or business of providing services as an employee, regulated public utilities and real property or farm businesses that elect out of the limitation as provided under IRC §163(j)(7). For owners of pass-through entities, the limitation applies at the entity level, and the deduction is included in ordinary income. Pass-through owners determine their limitation without regard to pass-through income, gain, loss or deduction, except in cases where the pass-through is determined to have excess taxable income.4
Taxpayers will use Form 8990, Limitation on Business Interest Expense Under Section 163(j) to calculate and report the limitation, which was released in draft form.
BKD Insights & Highlights of the Proposed Regulations
Definition of ATI
ATI, for purposes of determining the limitation under IRC §163(j), includes add-backs for depreciation, amortization and depletion through December 31, 2021. While these adjustments result in an ATI that's more aligned with a taxpayer's cash flow, the IRS and Treasury assert that no further adjustments to ATI to approximate cash flow are appropriate. As a result, the proposed regulations don't adopt a cash flow approach to ATI that would require adjustments for the increase in accounts payable balance (and the decrease in accounts receivable balance) between the end of the preceding year and the end of the current year as part of the calculation of an accrual basis taxpayer's ATI.
The proposed regulations also address concerns by the IRS and Treasury of a double benefit associated with the sale or disposition of property, prior to January 1, 2022, where the related depreciation or amortization expense has been added back to taxable income in the computation of ATI. In addition, the guidance provides a somewhat unexpected clarification that a deduction for depreciation, amortization or depletion for purposes of the calculation under IRC §163(j) doesn't include such amounts that are capitalized to inventory under IRC §263A and included in cost of goods sold.
Under this recently released guidance, the Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income (GILTI) and foreign-derived intangible income (FDII) deduction under IRC §250(a) would be included when computing taxable income for purposes of ATI without regard to the taxable income limitation included in that subsection. However, additional adjustments may be necessary to the extent some or all of the deduction is attributable to an inclusion under IRC §951A. The IRS and Treasury are currently developing a separate set of proposed regulations to provide additional guidance.
Definition of Interest
Interest is defined under the proposed regulations to include amounts associated with conventional debt instruments, as well as transactions that are indebtedness in substance, although not in form. The definition also includes amounts treated as interest under other provisions of the IRC or Treasury regulations, such as original issue discount, accrued market discount and amounts with respect to an integrated transaction under Treas. Reg. §1.1275-6.
The proposed regulations take a broader view of the definition of interest by also including certain amounts that aren't necessarily considered "interest" but are "closely related to interest" such as the income, deduction, gain or loss from a transaction used to hedge an interest-bearing asset or liability, a substitute interest payment made on a debt instrument under the terms of a securities lending or sale-repurchase transaction and certain commitment fees.
This broad definition of interest seeks to address all transactions that are commonly understood to produce interest income and expense, including those that may otherwise have been entered into to avoid the application of IRC §163(j).
The proposed regulations further clarify the definition of interest as it relates to partnership investment interest allocated to a C corporation partner. While investment interest is excluded from the definition of business interest income for purposes of IRC §163(j), an exception is made under Prop. Reg. §1.163(j)-4(b) to recharacterize investment interest allocated to a C corp partner as interest expense properly allocable to a trade or business of the C corp and, thus, subject to the business interest limitation under IRC §163(j).
Definition of Floor Plan Financing Interest Expense
Following the changes made to the statute discussed above, the proposed regulations provide that certain business interest expense paid or accrued on indebtedness used to acquire an inventory of motor vehicles is deductible without regard to the IRC §163(j) limitation. In a response to requests made in BKD's Comments on Notice 2018-28, the proposed regulations clarify that the definition of "motor vehicle" for purposes of floor plan financing indebtedness is based on the equipment held for sale or lease, not on the kind of business the purchaser or lessee is engaged in. With this clarification, the IRS and Treasury did not include BKD's recommended rule that debt incurred to purchase construction machinery or equipment for sale or lease to farmers be considered floor plan financing indebtedness for purposes of §163(j).
Definition of Trade or Business & Electing Real Property Trade or Business
Similar to the recently released proposed regulations under IRC §199A, the proposed regulations define a trade or business for purposes of IRC §163(j) as a trade or business within the meaning of IRC §162.
The proposed regulations provide that taxpayers can make an election to treat a certain trade or business as an excepted trade or business if it's a real property trade or business under IRC §469(c)(7)(C), or a certain trade or business conducted by a real estate investment trust. Also included in the proposed regulations are amendments to §1.469-9(b) to provide the definition of "real property trade or business" for purposes of IRC §469(c)(7)(C). Specifically, the proposed regulations provide that taxpayers engaged in trades or businesses that aren't directly or substantially involved in the creation, acquisition or management of rental real estate, or that provide personal services that are merely ancillary to a real property trade or business, will generally not be treated as engaged in real property trades or businesses for this purpose. In addition, the guidance clarifies that machinery, equipment and other assets or items that aren't generally viewed as items of real property won't be treated as real property for this purpose.
The IRS also released Rev. Proc. 2018-59, which provides a safe harbor for certain infrastructure trades or business for purposes of qualifying as an electing real property trade or business under IRC §163(j)(7)(B).
Consolidated Entities
Proposed Reg. §1.163(j)-5(b)(3) provides disallowed business interest expense carryforwards are deducted after current-year business interest expense and in the order of the taxable years in which they arose, beginning with the earliest year. These disallowed interest expense carryforwards also are subject to the separate return limitation year rules, as defined in Treas. Reg. §1.1502-1.
The proposed regulations also address the methods by which the business interest limitation and associated carryforwards should be allocated among consolidated group members. In situations where the aggregate amount of business interest expense, including carryforwards, of all members exceeds the consolidated group's IRC §163(j) limitation for the year, the following rules apply:
Each member with current-year business interest expense and either current-year business interest income or floor plan financing interest expense deducts its current-year business interest expense up to the amount of its business interest income and floor plan financing interest expense for the year.
Each member with remaining current-year business interest expense, after applying the previous rule, deducts its current-year business interest expense pro rata, based on the relative amounts of remaining current-year business interest expense of all members.
Any member with remaining business interest expense after applying the above rules carries the disallowed expense forward to the succeeding taxable year. Members leaving the consolidated group will include their allocated carryforwards in their first separate return year.
ATI of Partnerships & Partners
The proposed regulations address the issue of partner-level adjustments made pursuant to IRC §743(b). Proposed Reg. §1.163(j)-6(f) states these adjustments aren't taken into account when the partnership determines its IRC §163(j) limitation; however, these basis adjustments will be considered, if applicable, when determining ATI at the partner level under Prop. Reg. §1.163(j)-6(e). Conversely, adjustments made to the basis of partnership property under IRC §734(b) will be taken into account when determining partnership-level ATI.
The proposed regulations also include rules for determining the portion of the proceeds from the sale of a partnership interest that should be included in a selling partner's ATI as well as an 11-step computation for allocating deductible business interest expense, excess taxable income, excess business interest income and excess business interest expense among partners.
Elections for Excepted Trades or Businesses
Certain real property and farming trades or businesses may elect out of the business interest expense limitation by following the guidance provided in Prop. Reg. §1.163(j)-9. An election statement must be attached to the taxpayer's timely filed original federal tax return, including extensions, and is applicable for all subsequent years. A separate election statement must be made for each electing trade or business and should include basic information about the taxpayer and the trade or business.
Where a taxpayer transfers all the assets of an electing trade or business to a related party, any previously-made election remains intact and transfers with the trade or business to the related party. The proposed regulations also include an anti-abuse rule to prevent the unauthorized termination of a prior election. An anti-abuse rule also exists to prevent businesses that lease at least 80 percent of their real property to another trade or business under common control from using the real property trade or business exemption election.
Taxpayers with excepted and nonexcepted trades or businesses must allocate interest expense and interest income based on the relative amounts of the taxpayer's adjusted basis in the assets used in each trade or business. Proposed Reg. §1.163(j)-10(c)(1) contains a general de minimis rule that allows a taxpayer having at least 90 percent of its basis in assets allocable to either excepted or nonexcepted trades or businesses to designate all of its properly allocable interest expense and income to excepted or nonexcepted trades or businesses, as applicable.
While the proposed regulations provide some clarity and guidance, several key areas of uncertainty remain pending future guidance—specifically, guidance on self-charged lending transactions. The IRS and Treasury have requested comments regarding the proposed regulations, which must be received within 60 days of being published in the Federal Register. A public hearing is scheduled for February 25, 2019.
The recently released proposed regulations also cover rules for calculating the limitation in international contexts and provide several detailed examples for taxpayers and their advisors to follow. Visit BKD's Tax Reform Resource Center for insights into other TCJA provisions and contact Julia or your trusted BKD advisor for help determining how the new business interest limitation affects you and your business.
1Business interest income is interest includible in gross income and properly allocable to a trade or business
2ATI is taxable income computed without regard to any item of income, gain, deduction or loss not properly allocable to a trade or business, any business interest income or expense, net operating loss, IRC §199A deduction and, for tax years beginning before January 1, 2022, any deduction for depreciation, amortization or depletion
3Other than a tax shelter as defined in IRC §448(a)(3)
4Excess taxable income occurs when a pass-through entity's business interest incurred is less than the calculated limitation. The proportion of ATI attributable to this "excess" is allowed to be included in the pass-through owner's calculation of ATI
Like what you see here? Get the information you need with BKD Thoughtware®
Related Thoughtware
Qualified Opportunity Zone Update: IRS Issues Second Round of Guidance
Illinois Tax Reform & the Dubious Subgroup Schedule
TCJA – The $25 Million Question
New Depreciation Rules Create Tax Planning Opportunities
IRS Issues Final & Proposed Guidance on Qualified Business Income Deduction
The Importance of Robust Transfer Pricing Documentation in an Era of Uncertainty
See More Thoughtware


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Southern Pacific in San Jose
Vasona Branch, 1932
Model Railroad Pages /
Vasona Branch /
Model Railroad Pages
Market Street Station
Vasona Branch
Vasona branch towns
Freights
Vasona Track Plan
Passenger Service
Packing House
Abinante and Nola
Smith Manufacturing Company
Installing DCC...
Kemtron Tender
Modeling Passenger..
Timetables and Maps
Live Steam Locomotive
SwitchList
California buildings
"By the 1920s, the valley's fruit industry was known around the country for its incredible bounty. Canning companies like Del Monte, Sunsweet, Mayfair and Valley View Packing transformed the fruit industry into a national commodity. Local ranchers, such as the Peruccis, Dinapolis, Battaglias and Rubinos, helped this area to earn its nickname, 'Valley of Heart's Delight."'"
-- Cookie Curci-Wright, "Valley of Heart's Delight" in the Willow Glen Resident.
Virtual visitors for the NMRA 2021 "Rails By the Bay": Weclome to the Vasona Branch! Read below for a quick summary, or see a list of videos, longer articles, and more about the layout.
Hyde Cannery, Campbell California, 1920's.
It's summer 1932, and the Great Depression has taken hold in the U.S. Even with the depression, Santa Clara's crops still head for Eastern markets. Apricots fresh and dried, prunes, and cherries from the Valley of Heart's Delight all are grown here, and all get exported to the rest of the country. The valley is still covered in orchards, and make a beautiful sight when they flower in the spring.
Wrights Station
The Santa Clara Valley isn't idyllic, though. Large canneries and packing houses are scattered around the Valley. Industry flourishes in San Jose and elsewhere. Commuters board trains in Los Gatos, Los Altos, San Jose, and Sunnyvale, all heading to work in San Francisco. The Southern Pacific Railroad switches cars for the canneries, brings in lumber from the Santa Cruz Mountains and further north, and carries the commuters to work and back.
Del Monte Plant 51, West San Jose
The Vasona Branch layout is my latest model railroad layout, started in September 2003. The garage fills one half of a two car garage, and will represent the branch line from San Jose to Los Gatos (and beyond) in the early days of the Great Depression. I hope to capture a bit of the feeling of California before the appearance of suburbs and freeways: the ranching, the canneries and packing, and early industry. I'd also like to capture the look of the Valley at that time -- orchards stretching as far as the eye can see, Eucalyptus windbreaks along property lines, golden grasses, and steep canyons.
Operating sessions on the layout
My primary goals were:
Plan for operation. I wanted this layout to support realistic amounts of switching and freight activity.
Correspondence with reality. I use Sanborne fire insurance maps and old photos to identify track arrangements and interesting buildings.
Some scenery. I don't want this layout to be just a mess of tracks, but want to capture the look of nature and the look of representative buildings and industries.
Examine the track plan.
Learn more about the towns on the layout.
Learn more about freight operation.
Learn more about passenger operation.
Learn more about detailing Ken Kidder Harriman passenger cars.
Learn more about the layout construction.
Learn more about the latest progress.
Learn more about what design decisions worked and which didn't.
© 2017 Robert Bowdidge Contact Me


Honestly, after long effing days like today, these are the little things that still really make me smile. We let Jack stay up through half-time last night, and he was the most ardent of Ravens fans despite the fact that I'm not sure he's ever watched much of any football game before. Today he felt very proud of them and wanted to write them a card of congratulations. Here's his result which I fully intend to actually mail tomorrow. Darling, eh?


FSI International, a supplier of surface conditioning, microlithography and chemical management tools for the semiconductor industry, has undertaken a major project to improve the quality of the ultrapure water used at its production and laboratory facilities. The goal is to produce water that meets the SEMI/SEMATECH "acceptable" criteria recommended by Balazs Analytical Laboratory. Achievement of this goal is especially significant because more than 95% of the production water is recycled.
This paper explains how the purity of the water was improved by on-line monitoring, elimination of undesirable components and implementation of advanced water purification techniques. The improvements shown in the overall water quality were matched by an improvement in the rinsing time necessary for process tools to achieve required purity specifications before shipment.


Test papers, worksheets and online tests for Primary 5 Tamil exams. You can use the multimedia units to learn the concepts. You can also practice exam questions online. Once you complete a test, the questions are marked and graded instantly.


text:
Cleveland Indians Get Scalped by Woke Culture
After nearly 17,000 games, the Cleveland baseball team played their final game as the Indians Sunday afternoon. The iconic nickname since 1915 will be change to "Guardians" next season for no good reason other than politics and a weak owner bullied by the woke mob.
"The team announced the name change earlier this year in the wake of a nationwide reckoning over racist names and symbols. For some, the change was overdue. Others still aren't ready," the AP wrote Sunday, with no proof of the first statement. "When 'Take Me Out to The Ballgame' was played during the seventh-inning stretch, Cleveland fans shouted 'root, root, root for the Indians!' as if to send a message."
The Indians won their final game, 6-0, over Texas.
Shoeless Joe Jackson was in the starting lineup for the 1915 season opener when Cleveland played for the first time as the Indians. The franchise was known as the Blues, Broncos, and the Naps from their official founding in 1902 through 1914.
The Indians had only two home ballparks over the last 90 years, and when the current stadium opened in April 1994, I was in attendance with my grandfather.
Credit Ari J. Kaufman
Cleveland won the 1920 and 1948 World Series and came close to winning it all again in 1995, 1997, and 2016, only to lose in heartbreaking fashion each time.
Needless to say, many sentient folks realize the name change was unnecessary and objectively foolhardy.
"It is a shame because many Native American people took pride in the names Redskins and Indians, and it is only a very vocal minority who claimed to be offended that worked to spur this change. The stance that this vocal minority took to the use of these names backfired because their being offended was a show of weakness that belied the very characteristics of strength and resiliency that these names were intended to project," former NFL player, coach, and executive Judd Garrett, who was raised in Cleveland, wrote on his website last week. "The most pressing question is, how does this help the people of Native American descent? It doesn't. Not one of their lives will be improved by changing these names. It does not fix the poverty, the unemployment, the failing schools, the scourge of addiction that many Native Americans have to live with every day. All those problems will be as real next week, as they were in June of 2020 when the name Redskins was put into mothballs forever. There is not one of the 5.2 million Native Americans who can point to one thing in their life that is better today because of that change, not one. This is the height of liberal virtue signaling. Doing something without doing something."
Cleveland's first game as the Guardians will be March 31 against Kansas City.
Next chapter. ✍
We'll have the opportunity to make it two in a row on March 31, 2022 and we can't wait.#OurCLE | #Windians pic.twitter.com/1WVPD6mmOH
— Cleveland Indians (@Indians) October 3, 2021
Related: Did the Cleveland Indians Really Demean Native Americans?
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Kellogg's Froot Loops Cereal Family Size 580 Gram
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Biden administration defends Trump-era asylum policy in D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals January 20, 2022


text:
Current (https://current.org/2013/09/with-credits-gone-nprs-off-mike-staffers-get-silent-treatment/)
With credits gone, NPR's off-mike staffers get silent treatment
Mike Janssen, Digital Editor | September 12, 2013
NPR ended the practice Aug. 30 of crediting the off-mike staff behind the scenes of its newsmagazines, citing evidence that the lists of names cue listeners to tune away.
The network had been considering the change for some time, said Margaret Low Smith, senior v.p. of news. In addition, credits could not accommodate all staffers, so those named "ended up being a select slice of people," Smith said. And stations aren't always consistent in crediting their own staffs during the newsmagazines.
"It was evolutionary, and it was clear," she said of the decision.
Morning Edition made a nod to the change that day by ending the show with credits in which editors and producers said their own names, á la Public Radio International's Studio 360. "I say this sincerely, we could not ask for a better team," said host David Greene.
Marketplace host Kai Ryssdal mentioned the change on Twitter Sept. 3, commenting that listeners' dislike of the credits didn't justify NPR's decision to cut them. He received dozens of replies from listeners who agreed with him and said they liked the credits. Ryssdal pointed out that Marketplace would continue to include credits.
"I guess Kee Malesky will now return to toiling in obscurity," said tweeter Tom Cronin, referring to the NPR librarian whose name appeared in credits.
Another avid listener who will regret the change is Zippy the Pinhead, the polka-dot-muumuu-wearing, nonsense-spouting comic-strip character created by Bill Griffith. Over his decades in comic form, Zippy has often spouted random names of NPR staffers. Though he favors hosts, in one strip he name-dropped NPR editor Sara Sarasohn and editor and producer Laura Lorson.
Griffith lives in East Haddam, Conn., and works while listening to public radio in Fairfield. He includes the names of NPR staffers in his strips because they have "a mantra-like quality," and he absorbs them while working. "Whatever captures Zippy's ear, he regurgitates," Griffith said.
"If those names are no longer going to be broadcast, Zippy will be bereft," the cartoonist said. "He'll have to depend solely on [NPR West Africa correspondent] Ofeibia Quist-Arcton for his name mantras."
Weekend listeners shouldn't fear: The signature credits on Car Talk will remain untouched.
This article was first published in Current, Sept. 9, 2013.
'Intelligence Squared Debates' expands to deliver weekly episodes
A decision to rethink the format gave producers flexibility to create episodes on hotly debated, timely topics.
2 thoughts on "With credits gone, NPR's off-mike staffers get silent treatment"
Douglas Crets on September 12, 2013 at 8:36 am said:
Why is Mike Janssen's name missing from this article? He looked up Zippy the Pinhead's phone number before, and asked him questions for an interview? How dare you, NPR!
Johnny_Dollar on September 12, 2013 at 9:53 am said:
Good for NPR- bad on Marketplace.


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Q: Set class property that not define as global from other method I have issue that i am tying to solve.
I have an winform application and in my main form (public partial class MainWin : Form) i am try to avoid using global variables.
I have Play button click that in that event i am create my class who hanle my files from my Listbox.
Inside this class i have property that if i want to stop immediatly i just set this value to false but because i am not save my class as global i cannot access this class from stop button event.
Can i use some other way to access this class or there is no other way despite to save my class as global ?
ListBox listBoxFiles;

private void btnPlay_Click(object sender, EventArgs e)
{
    for (int i = 0; i < listBoxFiles.Items.Count; i++)
    {
        myClass class = new MyClass();
        class.play...
    }
}

    private void btnStop_Click(object sender, EventArgs e)
    {
       // i cannot reach myClass from here
    }

A: I believe that you might be overthinking this, because it's rather hard to define "global variables" in C#, compared to languages like C/C++.
The variable, whether it's a member of a property, is only defined within the scope of the class. It is not readily accessible outside that class, unless you have the class' reference and the member is (of course) public.
So create as many variables as you'd like within the Application class.

A: How about a public static property in MyClass which is not a variable in its usual sense like:
public static Boolean play { get; set; }

Then can be access as :
private void btnStop_Click(object sender, EventArgs e)
{
   MyClass.play = false;
 }

A: You cannot access a reference to your MyClass object unless you store its reference and make it available to the btnStop_Click event handler. The scope of your MyClass objects are currently limited within the btnPlay_Click method only.
Since you are instantiating a new instance of MyClass for each of your listBoxFiles.Items, one way of achieving this would be to maintain a list of the MyClass instances (or a dictionary of item/MyClass) and use the same in your btnStop_Click event hander.
private List<MyClass> listMyClass = new List<MyClass>();

private void btnPlay_Click(object sender, EventArgs e)
{
    for (int i = 0; i < listBoxFiles.Items.Count; i++)
    {
        myClass classObj = new MyClass();
        listMyClass.Add(classObj); //store the reference
        classObj.play...
    }
}

private void btnStop_Click(object sender, EventArgs e)
{
   foreach(var obj in listMyClass)
   {
    obj.play = false; //do wahatever you want to do with your MyClass object
   }

}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


🎬 Hard to express just how much I enjoyed Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. It looks incredible, and it's fun, funny and affecting. Just plain brilliant. One of the best movies I've seen in ages. I could've turned round and walked right back in to the cinema to watch it again.


To reserve a seminar date for your company please contact Jim Loewke at 585-647-9350 - click here to download a registration form.
Loewke & Brill Consulting Group provides a workshop in which we teach people in all facets of the construction industry survival in today's complex, litigious and misinformed "Construction Manager" industry. We teach the most comprehensive explanation of contractor's rights and remedies under the contract. We provide and explain in detail (in construction lingo) the actual laws of the industry. We also offer alternative ways to save money, increase cash flow, and shorten collection time.


Deira is the oldest part of Dubai, on the eastern front of the Dubai Creek. It houses the Gold Souk which Cat holds much affection for. It is also Dubai's most famous and visited souk, with a labyrinth of covered walkways that is home to hundreds of retailers offering a very large selection of jewelry made from gold, silver, diamond and other precious metals and stones.
It's a fascinating place that should be on the list of everyone visiting Dubai, even if you don't intend to buy (in this case, my dear wife).
wonder how much a vest would cost?
'worth its weight in gold', literally!
the Lord Jesus flanked by his guardians?
Finally managing to tear herself away, Cat was crestfallen as she joined us to make our way back across the Dubai Creek.


text:
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 * Date: 6/4/12
 * Time: 4:54 PM
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redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


A very unique and eye-catching "Save the Date". I'm wondering what type of wedding invitation they're going to have. Definitely different!
If you are having a Valentine's Day themed wedding or just recently got engaged and want to send out Save the Date announcements, you may be interested in these invitations. To order any of these invitations, visit Wedding Paper Divas today!


Executive Chairman, Alkeus Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Dr. Joshua Boger is the founder of Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated and the Executive Chairman of Alkeus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. He retired as Vertex's Chief Executive Officer in May 2009, after over 20 years with the company. He continues to serve on the Vertex Board. Prior to founding Vertex in 1989, Dr. Boger held the position of Senior Director o f Basic Chemistry at Merck Sharp & Dohme Research Laboratories in Rahway, N.J., where he headed both the Departments of Biophysical Chemistry and Medicinal Chemistry of Immunology & Inflammation. During his ten years at Merck, Dr. Boger developed an international reputation in the application of computer modeling to the chemistry of drug design and was a pioneer in the use of structure-based rational drug design as the basis for drug discovery programs.
Dr. Boger holds a bachelor of arts in Chemistry and Philosophy from Wesleyan University (Connecticut) and a master's and doctorate degrees in Chemistry from Harvard University. His postdoctoral research in molecular recognition was performed in the laboratories of the Nobel-prize winning chemist, Jean- Marie Lehn in Strasbourg, France. He is the author of over 50 scientific publications, holds 32 issued U.S. patents in pharmaceutical discovery and development, and has delivered over 100 invited lectures, in the United States, in Europe and in Asia, on various aspects of drug discovery and development. He was named one of forty "Technology Pioneers" worldwide for the 2003 World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
Mass. filmmaker plans feature film about early days of Vertex Pharmaceuticals - Seiffert D. Boston Business Journal. 2016.


text:
Tow truck turf wars: Toronto sees rise in violence likened to organised crime
A fourth murder in two years has shone a light on the danger for drivers in a highly lucrative – and highly cut-throat – industryJust before sunset, a volley of gunshots rang out in the parking lot of a northern Toronto apartment complex.When police arrived, they found a black tow truck pinned between two other vehicles. The driver, Hashim Kinani, 23, was slumped in the front seat, having been shot several times.Despite efforts by the emergency crew, he was pronounced dead at the scene.The brazen murder followed a week of arson attacks which left the burned remains of tow trucks scattered throughout the city.The Coronavirus lockdown has quietened Canada's largest city, but there has been little reprieve for an industry rife with violence and intimidation – and some tow-truck owners fear that organized crime has pushed the industry to a BREAKING point.Two boys, aged 15 and 17, were charged on Thursday with first-degree and attempted murder, and Toronto police told the Guardian they do not believe Kinani's murder was related to an ongoing turf war.But he was the fourth Toronto tow-truck driver to be murdered in less than two years. Several others have been shot – or shot at – including one who was targeted just hours after Kinani's death.In a statement to the Guardian following Kinani's murder, Ontario's ministry of transportation said it was "deeply concerned" by the violence in the towing industry and was working to "deter this behaviour".A recent investigation by the Globe and Mail found at least 30 arson attacks targeting tow-truck businesses, though that figure has now risen since the spike in violence over the last few months.In March, a collision reporting centre in northern Toronto was set on fire. Another was vandalized and an accelerant-doused object found amid the broken glass, say police.That same month, two drivers were shot and numerous vehicles set ablaze, prompting anger and frustration from Ontario's premier, Doug Ford."We're coming for you, and we're going to catch you," Ford warned the attackers. "The party's over."For many drivers, the violence feels unrelenting."I worry about waking up to find my truck on fire outside of my house," one driver, who has worked in the industry for 13 years, told the Guardian.Much of trouble stems from "accident chasing" – where truck operators race their rivals to be the first at the scene of a crash.Some repair garages will pay tow truck drivers a "finder's fee" for damaged vehicles, making "chasing" an incredibly lucrative field.The lure of profits – and the relative lack of oversight – has attracted organized crime. Last June, police conducted a series of raids under the name Project Kraken, charging more than 70 people – including seven drivers – with offenses ranging from firearms possession to conspiracy to commit murder.Police recovered Tasers and body armour, and found that numerous drivers were armed and "prepared to shoot other tow-truck operators over an ongoing battle over territory", said Toronto's police deputy chief, James Ramer.But nearly a year after those high-profile raids, critics say the problems have only got worse."We've got guys racing down the highway to be the first to arrive for a tow, threaten each other, bang into each other and even shoot each other. Things need to change," said John Henderson of the Fair Towing Task Force, a lobby group advocating for industry reform.Henderson and others have called for greater regulation and licensing, as well as the establishment of an oversight body, to rein in what they say is an increasingly saturated industry with few clear standards."Trucks are just popping up every few days with new names and faces, and then they disappear just as fast. Their one motive is to eliminate competition and own the road. It's crazy these days," said the driver.In theory, the towing industry is regulated at a municipal level in Ontario, but according to the Canadian Automobile Association, only 17 of Ontario's 444 municipalities have clear rules, meaning swaths of the province have become a free-for-all for drivers looking to circumvent or exploit exiting loopholes.Companies say they also want clear regulations for truck maintenance and safety – as well as better training standards for drivers.Henderson says a number of "unscrupulous" drivers are using modified trucks – not actual tow trucks. "If an unlicensed, unregulated guy picks up your vehicle, he's never going to see you again. He's going to charge you as much as he thinks you're going to pay."With the government preoccupied by the coronavirus pandemic, businesses worry that legislation that has been repeatedly proposed will once again be forgotten.But Henderson hopes the recent shooting will put lingering crisis back in the spotlight."Because let's be clear: someone was killed," he said. "We need to fix this."
Stephen Colbert has theories about Trump's conspiratorial 'pillow talk' with MyPillow's Mike Lindell
"On Wednesday, Joe Biden will be inaugurated as the 46th president of the United States," Stephen Colbert said on Monday's Late Show, crossing both fingers, "but after the sacking of the U.S.
UK reimposes Covid-related travel restrictions on film and TV crew
Media's libertarian Covid sceptics under fire from senior Tory
How many waves will it take for Britain's lockdown sceptics to finally call it a day? | Marina Hyde
Man In Court Accused Of Tricking Woman, 92, Into Paying £160 For Fake Covid Vaccine
Schwarzenegger compares Capitol attack to Kristallnacht, brandishes sword – video
Covid Deaths: Over 1,000 More People In The UK Have Died After Catching Coronavirus
Sergey Lavrov


This Batman Logo Applique Nylon Bi-fold Wallet is the perfect daily wallet. Carry your money in style with this licensed DC Comics Batman wallet.
Includes 3 card slots, 1 section for notes and an additional space for a drivers license with see through plastic.
Comes with the famous black and yellow Bat logo.


Here at Wpromote, one of the nation's leading digital marketing firms, we invite you to "Think Like A Challenger" and push our clients to take on the 800 lb. gorillas of their industries. Our crew of 300+ digital marketers breathes in marketing and exhales ROI, and we challenge our clients and ourselves each and every day to surpass yesterday's expectations! Our award-winning campaigns have helped hundreds of companies from startups to Fortune 500 brands thrive. If you've heard of Toyota, Verizon, Dickies, TOMS, Wienerschnitzel, or Zenni Optical, you've heard of our clients. And we want you to join us in making our clients even better.
Yoga sessions once a week to help you de-stress and recharge. Stretch it off; it's the new norm.


Water is often used as a filler. When water is taken out, the effectiveness of each ingredient goes way up!
Preservatives kill protective flora (bacteria) living on our skin. These flora are crucial to our health.
Flora are vital to our skin's immune response to allergies, skin diseases and infections.
It is important to keep this balance of flora on the skin, where it can protect us. Sans will not harm the flora.
So, You Say You Want a Truly Natural Product?
Water itself is not bad; we need water. Water sustains life . . . but, therein lies the problem, where there is water, there can be life in the form of bacteria and other harmful microbes. So if there is water, even a drop of water in a product that is applied to the skin, a preservative MUST be used. It makes no difference whether the preservative is natural or synthetic, if that preservative is doing its job, it is killing bacteria and microbes that grow in the product . . . this is good. What is not good however, is that the preservative will also kill the beneficial bacteria (flora) that live on our skin and protect our immune system. This can severely comprise our health. We must protect our skin flora for our overall health and wellbeing.
More and more people are asking that pure, natural, chemical-free products be used on their skin when they go for facial and body treatments. Sans Skincare is loved and used by the skincare experts. We are so happy to be the exclusive designer and provider of natural, chemical-free mani/pedi treatment products to the country's first ever boutique "waterless" mani/pedi shop located in Washington, DC.
I have to say I didn't know what a butter was and didn't know what to expect. This is an incredible product. It is exactly like they say, a whipped butter that moisturizes beautifully. I HIGHLY recommend.
I absolutely LOVE the Night and Day Serums! My skin has never looked better. At age 48, it has even eliminated my need to wear foundation and/or concealer on a daily basis.
I finally found a skincare line that works for me! I'm over the moon with all of the products, but REALLY love the facial scrub!


After you arrive in Phuket our representative will drive you to your pre-booked hotel. After check in the rest of the day is for your personal activities. Later rest at hotel.
Post breakfast you will head to city tour which will cover Chino Portuguese style buildings, Phuket Town, Chalong Temple, OTOP shop, Honey Bee Shop and Phromthep Cape. the rest of the day is for your personal activities. Later rest at hotel.
After a hearty breakfast you can proceed to Phuket International Airport your onward flight back home with lasting memories .


Our Capitola Rattan Counter Stool from Palecek will add a relaxed vibe to any dining space. Featuring a pole rattan frame and textural arms and back with natural seagrass tied with lampakanai rope. This coastal inspired counter height stool includes a fixed upholstered seat in a variety of neutral fabrics. Seagrass and abaca are natural materials and may vary in color. Choose cushion fabric below.
Please allow 10-12 weeks for upholstery and delivery.
*Fabric swatches available upon request.


text:
Archive for the 'leadership' Category
character, corporate persona, diplomacy and tact, Humanity, kids, kindness and compassion, leadership, persona, sharing, suit of armor, transparency, trust, truth, veneer, vulnerable
Shed the "Corporate" Persona and Just Be You!
In authentic power, character vs. personality, Connecting, connecting with people, Corporate Persona, diplomacy and tact, humanity, impress, kids, leadership, letting go, person to person dynamics, Reputation, self-image, self-improvement, sharing information, transparency, trust, working relationships on January 10, 2018 at 7:17 pm
It's now 2:04pm on a Monday. If I was addressing a classroom of three year-olds and said, "It's time to act like little, furry, meowing kittens, everyone," not one kid would say, "Hey, that would make me look silly." The kids would just go for it; taking the opportunity to show off their interpretations of kittens, with glee. There wouldn't be one child in that room that would be afraid of how he or she was perceived; there wouldn't be a thought to block their natural sparkle.
On the other hand, it's now 2:04pm on a Monday and we're at a company meeting when the boss requires us to communicate what we truly feel on a subject. We find ourselves falling over our words. How do I say this without giving myself away? How do I make the point without being vulnerable to criticism? How do I share this honestly when it also involves my co-workers? How do I present my ideas openly without getting slammed for them?
What happened to the three year-old who would act like a kitten if only asked?
We worry that we are at risk of creating the wrong perception because corporate life isn't kindergarten and it doesn't encourage the humanity, character, and honesty that are natural to us. It uses us as job functions and demands a protocol and persona that makes us blend in. So over time, we become encased in a shell of protection against the forces; we become so withdrawn from our true selves that we don't take risks to reveal what makes us unique, to speak our minds, or even to be playful!
I say to you that it actually takes more energy to hide than to reveal who we are and that a veneer robs us of our freedom. It ends up adding to our misery and our stress. The good news is that we can step out of that suit of armor at any time and simply be ourselves.
1. Tell the truth. Always with kindness and compassion.
2. Dare to say what must be said (diplomatically and tactfully) without condemning others. Back up your point with evidence.
3. Let down your guard. If you feel that demonstrating an idea in a goofy or frenzied way, do it to dramatize your point. People will get a kick out of it and your message will be the one that people remember.
5. Look beyond the surface when interacting with others. See the humanity and realness of your co-workers. What unique qualities about them were behind a job well done? Recognize their attributes and tell them what you admire about them.
6. Protect yourself. Don't go out of your way to feel vulnerable by sharing too much. Rather, give people a a sense of how you feel and what you think by daring not to hide. It builds trust.
7. Think of yourself as a leader who is transparent. It's the key to shedding 'the persona' on behalf of the person you are. It creates safety and support for others to follow; it breaks apart the veneer.
By taking this concept under consideration, you will feel a new sense of power and freedom in being authentic. It can activate your creativity, you can have more fun at work, and might even find yourself purring once in awhile…
Personally yours,
beliefs, boss, brain, career, coach, compassion, crisis, curse, dreams, edged out, enraged, excited, financial, financial crisis, fired, HR, inner beliefs, job, Kevin O'Leary, leadership, life, mission, mourn, move forwrad, Mr. Wonderful, plan of action, Shark Tank, special projects director, Starbucks, therapist, Tony Soprano, Universe, vision, You're Dead to Me
You're Dead to Us: Getting Edged out of a Job
In career, career change, career opportunities, Compassionate universe, create a new career, discover your passion, Getting Edged out of a Job, getting fired, getting laid off, keep negativity to yourself, leadership, life changes, life mirrors our inner beliefs, live your passion, living a dream, mission, moving forward in life, Mr. Wonderful, opportunity for change, Shark Tank, You're Dead to Me, You're Dead to Us on February 13, 2016 at 5:59 pm
Many professionals hit a certain point in their careers when suddenly they are fired or laid off (aka FIRED) or (and this is the sneakier one) moved from leadership positions to those of 'special projects directors.' This former non-position; now a quasi-unspecified position, is a little closer to the door — but management chose to sit you by the door rather than push you out of it. They're 1. Hoping you will find a new job and resign, or 2. Just resign, or 3. Waiting until some HR time-frame comes into play to actually cut you loose.
There are many ways we can find ourselves being pushed out. We are not invited to key meetings. Our opinions are no longer being requested. We are offered less and less opportunities to generate some form of work or income. This is especially hard when we're not told anything, rather just that the changes are being made and we find ourselves in a career and/or financial crisis.
So, as someone who has experienced the "You're Dead to Us" phenomenon in 35 years of professional life, I thought I'd share how I made it beyond this type of situation to thrive, hoping this will help those who are going through what feels insulting, denigrating and unjust.
1. Curse! Cursing is hugely cathartic. Cry. Mourn. Be enraged. Do this for as long as you need (this stage will end, by the way). HOWEVER, do not display this behavior or say anything negative or share your personal feelings with any of your colleagues! This is a private matter! Stay neutral around people and show that you're going with the flow, outwardly.
2. Actions to take (with options): a. If you can trust your boss, ask him/her "Why the changes? and "What caused these changes?" (NOT, "What did I do wrong?"). You may receive information that will help you gain some valuable insight, or sadly, to use for legal action. b. If you do not trust your boss, you can go to HR, but they will report your query back to your boss. c. This is really really really really really really really hard to do, but this is the one I recommend: Ask yourself how moving on will support your vision for your career and life.
3. Life mirrors our inner beliefs. I have a theory that when things fall away (like jobs or relationships) it's a signal that the little gnawing whisper in our heads that has been begging us to listen to it, is actually getting its secret wish, despite our mental control to stay put. Ever hear yourself say, "Geez, I want to be a pirate, if only…" or "I want to discover the first sponges that don't smell!" or "My passion isn't here, it's in rescuing elephants and I want to be in Africa doing that right now!" So, if you're being pushed out, you must ask, "Why is this happening now and how does this SUPPORT me?"
4. Create an interim plan of action. This might mean going to recruiters or taking a job at Starbucks (actually that could be a cool job!) while you go back to school, or begin marketing a consultancy and get busy on social media looking for freelance work. Ask friends for leads. Or, take that vacation and luxuriate on the Riviera! It's rare that we feel we are in our dream job when it falls away. There is usually a dream yet unfulfilled. The key is to remember that what is happening is meant to cut the apron strings so we are free to move forward.
5. Be excited! The use of our energy at this critical time will produce what happens next. Yes, if you feel immobilized you must get help – go see a counselor, therapist or coach. But once you can move through the pain, it's so important to use your creativity and positivity to define a mission for your career and take the very next step towards that. After all, in the big picture of life, it's never about defining who we are based on the job, but rather, on what we do with our dreams.
My belief is that the Universe is compassionate and that it juggles us around to put us on the right paths. Many spiritual teachers talk about how true compassion is ruthless. Is Mr. Wonderful (Kevin O'Leary of "Shark Tank") compassionate when he says, "You're dead to me?" Was Tony Soprano? Well, maybe not. But I wouldn't exactly consider them spiritual teachers! The bottom line is that it's our job to look at the big picture when we are being edged out and perhaps say (silently) to the boss: "Thanks for setting me free."
With compassion,


Betty was a successful survivor on her own terms. In public she eat copious amounts of sweets and drank alcohol to dissuade any suspicion of the disease.
We enacted Betty's survival strategy and made copious amounts of cake to eat.


text:
Tag: jason bay
September 17, 2013 Opinion and Analysis Paul Festa
Predicting Mets Offseason Activity
What can we expect from the Mets this offseason? There's been a lot of speculation, but let's try to make a deduction based on the information we have. The two main factors are available money and available players that match team needs.
November 7, 2012 12-13 Offseason Paul Festa
Happy Bays Are Here Again
Jason Bay is moving on.
The Mets and Jason Bay have agreed to part ways.
"Jason has a tremendous work ethic. There was never any question about it," Sandy Alderson said in a statement. "Unfortunately, the results weren't there and we are in a results-oriented business. We thank Jason for his efforts and wish him well."
Of course, the Mets will have to pay Bay's full 2013 salary, but this is the right move. Time to make room for the future on the field, even if room is not cleared on the ledger.
Mets Game 151: Win Over Marlins
Mets 4 Marlins 3
Since this game was not broadcast on a television station I could watch, and I couldn't attend the game in person, I'm taking for granted that Howie Rose and all the tweeters weren't lying when they said the Mets won.
For once, we witness the opposing team going in the tank.
August 21, 2012 Opinion and Analysis Dan Capwell
The Mets: Giving Jason Bay The Bobby Bonilla Treatment
The Mets have certainly given us some colorful terms over their history. In several cases a word or two has been coined that succinctly sums up a seminal moment in the team's history. There's the recently broken "Fregosi Curse" that they were infected with after they traded Nolan Ryan. (Yes I know, the term originated on The Munsters, but work with me here). There's the "Midnight Massacre;" which refers to the infamous night of June 15, 1977 when they traded Tom Seaver to the Reds. On the plus side there's the "Buckner Game," aka "Game Six." More recently there's the "Cab Ride," the car accident that ultimately ruined both Duaner Sanchez' career and the Mets 2006 season. Then there is "The Collapse," which can refer to the end of either the 2007 or 2008 seasons.
There is another term used for eating massive amounts of money remaining on the contracts of unproductive and unhappy players. The Mets have done this a few times in their history, including Vince Coleman, Luis Castillo and most recently, to southpaw Oliver Perez. I think many Mets fans wish the team would just go ahead and "Ollie Perez" outfielder Jason Bay.
Bay's rapid decline from one of the most feared hitters in the American League to one of the worst offensive players (current BA: .151) to ever don a big league uniform is the subject of tons of conjecture. I am in the "he changed pharma—err, training methods" camp, but what do I know. Well, I do know this, he is toast. At this point I believe the Mets could bring back Dave Schneck (Go Zephyrs) and he could outhit Bay.
But here's the rub: if everything being reported in the press is true, the Mets won't have any additional money to spend to fill several of the gaping holes in their lineup. That means if Bay is Ollie'd, a low cost alternative like Lucas Duda is the only option they will have; while the same budget constraints are also forcing them to shop in the discount rack for relief help and some right-handed outfielders. In other words, another inspiring off-season, and poor advanced ticket sales. The downward spiral continues.
Instead, the Mets need to "Bobby Bonilla" Jason Bay. Saddled with a toxic Bonilla after the 1999 season, the Mets worked out a long term buyout of Bonilla's horrible contract and got him out of their hair. Yes, they are paying him today but at a reasonable cost (hey it isn't my money) and if they invested the sunk cost wisely, the interest probably covers most of their annual obligation. They need to attempt the same thing here with Bay. If the reports are true and Bay is the stand-up guy he is portrayed as, he'll go for the deal.
Bay is owed $16 million next year, with an option for $17 million in 2014 or a $3 million buy-out. Here is my proposal: bundle the $19 million he is due into a five year buy-out of evenly spaced payments. It allows Bay to save face and hopefully gives the Mets a little extra financial leeway heading into the offseason. Suddenly having $10-$12M extra might enable GM Sandy Alderson to at least shop at the big league equivalent of Kohl's or Target instead of Five Below for additions to the roster. The problem is that the Wilpons may be too tempted to just hold on to that money and not reinvest it in the roster
So what do you think? Does this idea have merit? Or should the Mets hold on to Bay for one more year and hope for the best, trade him for another problem contract or just cut him and eat his entire salary? Sound off below.
August 17, 2012 Mets 2012 Games Joe Janish
Mets Game 118: Win Over Reds
Mets 8 Reds 4
Mets save up all their offense for the final game. Why didn't they put that Harvey kid in the lineup in the first two games?
July 29, 2012 Mets 2012 Games Joe Janish
Mets Game 101: Loss to Diamondbacks
Diamondbacks 6 Ike Davis 3
If only Ike Davis could have batted seven or eight more times, the Mets might've had a chance to win this one.
Mets Game 97: Loss to Nationals
Nationals 5 Mets 2
Not even the great R.A. Dickey can halt this slide into the abyss.


The 2018 CCAFPS Summer English Camp came to a perfect end on July 5, 2018.
This year we are pleased to invite teachers from the United States, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, and New Zealand to join us in planning activities such as group discussions, field games, and English drama presentations. The students were immersed in an English-learning environment, which naturally helped them improve their English speaking skills and broaden their worldview. We believe that the end of this camp is the beginning of the students' journey to improve their English.


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Frank Beddor
Frank Beddor is the author of the New York Times bestseller THE LOOKING GLASS WARS, the young-adult novel that first introduced young readers to the true story of Alyss. He lives in Los Angeles, California.
Books by Frank Beddor
Mad with Wonder: Hatter M, Volume Two
by Frank Beddor - Graphic Novel
It's a mad, mad, mad world as Royal Bodyguard Hatter Madigan's maniacal quest to find Alyss continues! In Volume 2, MAD WITH WONDER, Hatter follows the Glow from London to the battlefields of America's Civil War in search of the Princess who must some day be Queen. The America that Hatter encounters is a sprawling, wounded, boiling landscape of innocence and energy run amok. The war is tearing the country apart, yet Hatter must maintain his sanity in this maelstrom of holy rollers, child healers, prophetic snake handlers, deranged outlaws, and passionate southern belles. As Hatter searches, he learns he is not the only Wonderland presence that has found its way to the Promised Land. Queen Redd's black imagination is fueling the Civil War and threatening our world with her evil!
Hatter M: Mad with Wonder
by Frank Beddor and Liz Cavalier - Fairy Tale, Graphic Novel
by Frank Beddor - Adventure, Fantasy
Hatter M: The Looking Glass Wars, Volume One
written by Frank Beddor and Liz Cavalier; illustrated by Ben Templesmith - Graphic Novel
Seeing Redd
The Looking Glass Wars
The Heart Crystal's power has been depleted, and Imagination along with it. The people of Wonderland have all lost their creative drive, and most alarmingly, even Queen Alyss is without her powers. There is some comfort in the fact that the vicious Redd Heart seems to be similarly disabled. Amazingly, she is attempting to team up with her enemy, Alyss, in order to reclaim Wonderland from King Arch. Alyss might have no choice but to accept Redd's overtures, especially when she begins to receive alarming advice from the caterpillar oracles.
Discover the fate of Wonderland --- and imagination itself --- in this riveting conclusion to the
News and Interviews


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Home » Invisible Man » The Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison
The Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison
In the novel, The Invisible Man, by Ralph Ellison, written in 1952, a young black man's struggle to find an identity in a harsh and very manipulative society is exemplified. The narrator's experience and struggles are often expressed through the memory of his grandfather's words, the people he has come in contact with, and the places ha has been. During the course of his life, he has learned many valuable lessons, both about society and himself. This is demonstrated by elements of the plot, characters, setting, and the underlying theme, and the application of foreshadowing. The moral message of the novel is as follows: You can never judge a book by it's cover, because the narrator thought the brotherhood was all together as one, but in reality they were just using him for what he had to offer; being a good public speaker.
The story begins with the narrator recounting his memories of his grandfather. The most remarkable, and eventually the most haunting, of these is his memory of his grandfather's last words in which he claims to have been a traitor to his own people and urges his son to "overcome 'em with yeses, undermine 'em with grins, agree 'em to death and destruction, let 'em swoller you till they vomit or bust wide open." These words remain imprinted in the narrator's mind throughout the book, although he never fully understands their meaning. His grandfather's words eventually serve as catalyst for his subsequent disillusionments, the first of which occurs directly after he graduates from high school.
At this time, the narrator is invited to give a speech at a gathering of the town's leading white citizens. The speech he is planning to give expresses the view that humility is the essence of progress. Subconsciously, the words of his grandfather prevent him from truly believing the thesis of his own speech, but he gives it anyway. Instead of being shown respect for his work, however, he is humiliated by being made to fight blind-folded against other young black men, and then being shocked by an electrified rug.(Nadel 24-25) He pretends not to be angered by these events, yet his true feelings escape him for a moment when, while he is reading his speech, he accidentally says "Social equality," instead of "Social responsibility." After he finishes his speech, he is awarded a new briefcase. Inside the briefcase is a scholarship to the state Negro College. That night he has a dream in which his grandfather tells him to open the briefcase and read what is in the envelope. He finds that it says "To Whom It May Concern, Keep This Nigger-Boy Running." Unfortunately, he is still too disillusioned to grasp the meaning of his grandfather's warnings.(Benston 15-16)
During his Junior year at college, the narrator drives for Mr. Norton, one of the college founders that is visiting the campus. During the drive, Mr. Norton tells the narrator that he is his destiny. The narrator, however, fails to understand this statement until several years later, when he finally understands the real nature of his own exploitation.(Trimmer 65)
While driving, the narrator and Mr. Norton pass by an old log cabin. Mr. Norton becomes curious about the two pregnant women washing clothes in the yard. The narrator explains that one is the wife of Jim Trueblood and the other is his daughter and that he impregnated them both. Mr. Norton is astonished by this and decides to go talk with Trueblood. Trueblood explains how it happened, and Mr. Norton is so disturbed that when he gets back into the car, he becomes sick and instructs the narrator to get him a drink.
The narrator drives to a local bar and tries to buy a drink to take outside to Mr. Norton, but the bartender won't let him. The narrator is forced to carry the now unconscious Mr. Norton into the bar.(Reilly 55) When Mr. Norton awakes, he is harassed by several mental health patients, and leaves in utter disgust. When Dr. Bledsoe, the head of the narrator's college finds out what happened, he expels the narrator. When the narrator threatens to fight him, Dr. Bledsoe explains to the narrator the true nature of his power. He tells the narrator that he doesn't care if he tries to fight, because behind his power is an entire hierarchy of power that cannot be displaced by anything, no matter how true or righteous: "This is a power set-up, son, and I'm at the controls. You think about that. When you buck against me, you're bucking against power, rich white folk's power, the nation's power–which means government power!"(Benston 47) But even then, he still does not understand what is being done to him. He still believes that other people have his best interests at heart.
Dr. Bledsoe tells him that if he goes to New York and earns enough money, he will be readmitted to the college. The narrator agrees to this, and Dr. Bledsoe gives the him several letters of recommendation and sends him on his way.(Nadel 12) When the narrator gets to New York, the son of Mr. Emerson, one of the people Dr. Bledsoe wrote a letter to, tries to tell the narrator about the tyranny that he is being exploited by. But the narrator refuses to listen until he is shown the letter that Dr. Bledsoe wrote. He discovers that all the letters of recommendation are phony and that Dr. Bledsoe never actually intended for him to be able to re-enroll in the college. This realization finally causes the narrator to become at least partially disillusioned. Because of this, he decides to forget about the college and takes a job at a paint factory.(Trimmer 66)
At the paint factory he begins working as an assistant to Lucius Brockway, an old black man that works the machines in the basement. Brockway explains to the narrator that it is the people who work the machines, and not the machines themselves, that are responsible for the success of the company. He tells him, "We the machines inside the machine." The narrator, however, fails to grasp the broader meaning of this quote. When Brockway discovers that the narrator went to a union meeting, he attacks the narrator. While they are fighting, the machinery goes haywire and when the narrator tries to fix it, it explodes, knocking him unconscious.(Reilly 35) The narrator wakes up in the factory hospital. At first he thinks they are going to help him that they are going to try and relieve his pain and suffering. But again, this is only a naive illusion. Instead, he becomes a guinea pig for experimental electroshock therapy. The electroshock therapy causes him to forget who he is. This is symbolic of how his continual exploitation has been robbing him of identity.(Nadel 82) After he recovers from the amnesia and leaves the hospital, he realizes that he is no longer afraid of important men since he no longer expects anything from them. He is still a long way away, however, from full disillusionment.
A few days later, as he is walking down a street in Harlem, he happens upon a crowd gathered where an old black couple are being evicted from their apartment. Here he gives a speech about how the couple has been disowned by society about how the entire black race has been disowned by society. This speech motivates the crowd to attack the evictors. Later that day, the narrator is approached by someone who witnessed the incident.(Benston 40) He offers the narrator a job as a public speaker. The narrator eventually accepts and joins the political organization known as the Brotherhood. In the first speech he gives for the brotherhood, he says that we are all like one-eyed men walking down opposite sides of the street. If someone starts throwing bricks, we start blaming each other and fighting among ourselves. This description later proves to be more accurate than he thought. After he has given his first speech, the Brotherhood decides to train him and give him a new name, new clothes, and a new residence.(Reilly99)
All these changes make the narrator think that he is finally finding an identity. "The new suit imparted a newness to me. It was the clothes and the new name and the circumstances. It was a newness too subtle to put into thought, but there it was. I was becoming someone else." The narrator does not realize, however, that it was still the same game, just with a deeper level of illusion. The Brotherhood teaches him their doctrine of scientific world brotherhood and he eventually becomes manager of the entire Harlem branch. At first, things seem to be going well and he is very enthusiastic, but then he receives an anonymous note that tells him not to gain power too fast, or the whites will start to resent him. This disturbs him deeply. A few days later, another setback occurs. A fellow brother accuses him of trying to amass power for himself. The Council takes this accusation seriously and relocates the narrator to the downtown branch.
The narrator is infuriated, but accepts the relocation. This experience is the first step in the narrator's realization that even the Brotherhood is a bureaucracy, and acts only in its own self-interests.(Nadel 2) Without the narrator's leadership, the Harlem Branch soon falls into disarray. Because of this, the Council decides to move the narrator back to Harlem. When he returns he finds that most of the members have left, and the community feels betrayed by the organization. Within a few days of the narrator's return, Tod Clifton, a former member of the Brotherhood, is shot, unarmed, by a police officer. The narrator decides that this is just the catalyst he needs to save the dying organization. He organizes a public funeral for Clifton and gives a speech denouncing the shooting. When the Council finds out what the narrator has done, they threatens to expel him. They say that it was wrong to treat Clifton as a hero since he had betrayed the organization before being shot, and it was also wrong to act without the authorization of the Council.(Reilly 11) The narrator argues that it was justified by the need to rebuild support for the organization in the community.
At this, Jack becomes infuriated and his glass eye comes out. When the narrator learns that Jack only has one eye, this is symbolic of his realization that the people who head the organization are essentially blind to the real needs of the community. They are more interested in arguing philosophy than really doing what is right. In essence, they are like the one-eyed men that the narrator spoke of in his first speech for the Brotherhood. Becoming further disillusioned, he decides to go visit Hambro. On the way there, he narrowly escapes being assaulted by black nationalists. He decided to buy a disguise so that he will be safe in the future. Wearing the disguise, he is stopped several times on the street by people that think he is a man named Rinehart. Eventually, he discovers that Rinehart is a lover, a gambler, a briber, and a reverend. The knowledge that such a man could truly exist opens up a new perspective for the narrator.
This new perspective causes him to decide to follow his grandfather's advice and undermine the brotherhood with the illusion of complete submission.(Trimmer 9) He falsifies all of the branch's records and reports, while pretending that everything is perfectly fine. Meanwhile, the people of Harlem are becoming increasingly angry, and there is no one left to organize their anger into productive activities. Eventually, riots break out, and the narrator realizes that he has been fooling himself the whole time, he has been betraying his community. The Brotherhood had planned it all, but now it's too late for him to do anything about it. So instead of trying to organize the people, he simply observes what happens. He finds that the people have the ability to organize and take action for themselves. "And now I was seized with a fierce sense of exaltation. They've done it, I thought. They organized it and carried it through alone; the decision their own and their own action." He realizes that the real forces of history are not political organizations, but the common people.
During the riots, the narrator is recognized by black nationalists, led by Ras the Destroyer. They chase him until he falls down a manhole, landing on a pile of coal. He searches for an exit by burning the contents of his briefcase, one by one. Each item he burns represents freedom from an aspect of his past. First he burns his high school diploma, then a doll made by Clifton. Next he burns the anonymous letter and the new name given to him by Jack. He discovers that the handwriting is the same on both documents. He now understands the complete truth about the Brotherhood.(Nadel 22) Exhausted, and without light, the narrator collapses into the darkness. He soon falls asleep and begins to dream. In this dream he has a final confrontation with Jack, Emerson, Bledsoe, Norton, and Ras. He discovers that they are all the same, all they want to do is to keep him running. None of them really cares about him, they just want to use him for their own gain. He finally sees beyond all the illusions and realizes that history will vindicate his invisibility.(Benston 66)
Essay Examples. (April 2019). The Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison. Retrieved from https://benjaminbarber.org/the-invisible-man-by-ralph-ellison/
"The Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison." benjaminbarber.org. 04 2019. 01 2022. <https://benjaminbarber.org/the-invisible-man-by-ralph-ellison/>.
Essay Examples. April 2019. The Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison. [online]. Available from: https://benjaminbarber.org/the-invisible-man-by-ralph-ellison/ [Accessed 18 January 2022].
Essay Examples. The Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison [Internet]. April 2019. [Accessed 18 January 2022]; Available from: https://benjaminbarber.org/the-invisible-man-by-ralph-ellison/.
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The Associated Press reports Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has "signaled" that he "may pardon more convicts than his predecessor, Vladimir Putin, who all but ended the practice during his eight-year term." Indeed, Putin abolished a presidential pardon commission early in his presidency. Ekho Moskvy radio claims more than 70,000 people were pardoned over nine years by recommendation of the commission Mr. Putin abolished in 2001. But the total dropped to only 42 in 2005 and nine in 2006. No one was pardoned in 2007 — the last full year of Putin's presidency. See story here.


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Dilated Cardiomyopathy: Cherish's Story
Heart Failure and Transplant Program
1-877-ORGAN50
Cherish's rare and extremely serious heart condition went undiagnosed for years. It was experts at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) that gave Cherish and her family, at first, hope, and then a new heart.
Knowing what she knows now, Cherish's mom, Tiffiney, recognizes symptoms of serious heart disease when she looks back over the past few years. At the time, those symptoms were diagnosed as severe asthma and allergies. While Cherish had been diagnosed with asthma as a baby, she had never needed an inhaler. But in recent years, she tired easily and struggled to catch her breath on the basketball court.
Pressing for time and answers
It wasn't until the summer of 2018 that Cherish's health took a dramatic turn for the worse. "She was fatigued, had trouble breathing after walking a few feet, was vomiting and didn't have an appetite," says Tiffiney.
At first, Tiffiney and her husband, Kenyon, thought Cherish had a virus or flu. But when Cherish's symptoms didn't go away, they took her to an urgent care near their Harrisburg, Pa., home. They were told Cherish was experiencing severe asthma. The clinician prescribed steroids. A few weeks and a trip to the ER later, they were told once again that it was "a bad season for asthmatics." A chest X-ray showed Cherish's heart looked enlarged, and the family was told in passing they should follow up with a pediatrician. Cherish was again given steroids and sent home.
Tiffiney made an appointment with the family's pediatrician, but it was weeks away and Cherish's symptoms were alarming. On a second visit to the ER, she made a stern request that may have saved Cherish's life. "No one say 'asthma' to me again, not asthma or allergies. I need you to look at it like it is something different."
This time, an X-ray and electrocardiogram (EKG) pointed to something more serious. Cherish's resting heart rate was between 160 and 170 beats a minute. She was sent by ambulance to a hospital that had a pediatric cardiologist on staff. By 11 p.m., Tiffiney and Kenyon learned their daughter was in severe heart failure.
Finally, a diagnosis of dilated cardiomyopathy
More About Cardiomyopathy
Learn about the different types of cardiomyopathy and how they are diagnosed and treated at the Cardiac Center.
Cherish was diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy, a severe condition that makes it difficult for the heart to pump blood through the body because the left ventricle of the heart is weakened and enlarged.
"Initially, it was all very hard [to hear]," Tiffiney recalls. "To wake up one morning to a normal healthy child and find out the next day that she is sick, extremely sick, life-threatening type of sick, was life shattering. Our faith in God is the only thing that got us through this journey. God blessed us with a lot of support that also helped."
Finding CHOP
Cherish's local cardiologist, Jason Imundo, MD, had served his fellowship in pediatric cardiology at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) in 2012 and wanted his former colleagues to review her medical records. If Cherish needed a transplant, CHOP was the hospital for it. Within a day, Cherish was in an ambulance and on her way to Philadelphia.
"Once we got to CHOP, the team flat-out told us she was the sickest child on the floor," says Tiffiney says. "They were very frank and honest. I have a special kind of love for that team."
To help Cherish's heart pump, in mid-September 2018, Cherish's team at CHOP's Cardiac Center implanted a new version of a left ventricular assist device (LVAD), the Heartmate 3 LVAD. While this type had been used in adults, this a newer model designed specifically for pediatric patients. Jonathan Chen, Co-director of the Cardiac Center and Chief of the Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery was her surgeon for the LVAD implantation.
Over the next few months, Cherish's health improved, but she did experience some additional complications due to her condition. She continued her follow-up care at CHOP.
Cherish is one of four children. Throughout her illness, the family was separated frequently, not always able to stay under the same roof. Tiffiney calls the family's social worker, Charisse Rhone, MSS, a godsend for helping the family find resources it didn't know existed. For example, they frequently stayed at the Ronald McDonald House and Gift of Life Family House throughout Cherish's treatment.
By spring 2019, it was clear that, while Cherish was healthier than she had been in a long time, she needed a new heart. She was on the transplant list for one month when the family got the call.
"They tell you to have a bag packed for when you get the call. By the time we got to the hospital, they were ready to admit her. It was 4 in the morning, and nine months to the day she had her LVAD implanted: June 20, 2019," says Tiffiney. Dr. Chen gave her a new heart.
Cherish's response to her new heart was immediate and positive. When asked by one of her doctors if she felt any different following her surgery, Cherish said:
"I didn't know breathing felt like this."
Cherish, now 15, recently celebrated her six-month anniversary with her new heart. In the initial months of her recovery, she spent time at CHOP undergoing physical and occupational therapy. She now visits the outpatient clinic once a month for tests. Cherish's cardiologist is Matthew O'Connor, MD. Her recovery has been swift.
"She is playing basketball again. She loves spending time hanging out with friends and family. She had too many worries over the last year and a half, and now she can concentrate on being a kid," Tiffiney says. "This is a good place."
Cherish's experience has altered the course of her life in many ways, including her college plans. She's interested in medicine, nursing and health and was especially impressed with CHOP's child life specialists, who educate kids about their conditions and teach them ways to cope with the stress of serious illness.
Cherish and her family are grateful for the cardiologists, doctors, nurses and staff at CHOP.
Tiffiney says:
"I have had nothing short of great care during the most terrifying time of our lives. They were patient, kind, caring, informative and a true blessing through this entire journey. This year we appreciated Christmas a whole lot more"
An Active Lifestyle
After receiving a new heart, Amber is now enjoying an active life again, attending college, and riding horses.
A New Heart, a New Future
After four months on a ventricular assist device, 13-year-old Naadir received a heart transplant at CHOP.
After developing heart failure, Hudson received a heart transplant at CHOP. Now 5, he's running circles around his parents.
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