Too often we come across applicants who really, really, want to want to engage in admission essay plagiarism. If you read through this website and take the time to put together a good game plan, you'll quickly realize that, even if you could be guaranteed of not getting caught, there are far more effective ways of obtaining powerful admission essays than plagiarism.
Admission essay plagiarism would not produce optimal essays even if there was no punishment deterrent.
We are sometimes approached by college applicants who want to know if it is OK to "plagiarize" essays from one application to another. This answer is an unequivocal "yes." Recycling essays can be effective and efficient. It is also completely ethical.
The essays are asking for the same information and insight.
The schools are similar and what you tell the first school still indicates that you are an appropriate "fit" at the other school.


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Tennessee Broadband Battle: FCC, Legislature Square Off Over Municipal Utility Bid
Municipal utilities in Chattanooga want to widen their broadband footprint by extending their fiber-optic service outside of their current service territories, where local governments request the service.
by Dave Flessner and Mitra Malek, Chattanooga Times / February 26, 2015
(Tribune News Service) -- Tennessee is leading the nation in the share of people with access to high-speed gigabit Internet service, which is now offered by five municipal electric utilities and soon will be offered by Google Fiber in Nashville.
But outside of those areas, only about half of rural Tennesseans have access to what the Federal Communications Commission calls broadband service needed for online education, telecommuting or most telemedicine services.
Municipal utilities like EPB in Chattanooga want to widen their broadband footprint by extending their fiber-optic service outside of their current service territories, where local governments request the service. But to do so, EPB and other municipal providers will need help from either the Tennessee Legislature in Nashville or the FCC in Washington, D.C., to lift a 15-year-old restriction on where they can expand their fiber-optic networks.
Private telephone, cable TV and other telecommunication companies object to having to compete with local governments in providing upgraded Internet service at speeds many claim are still not needed or likely to be used by most people. In 1999, Tennessee limited municipal utilities to serving only their existing power service territory with telecom services, and those limits have remained despite repeated attempts by municipal electric utilities to lift them.
State Sen. Janice Bowling, R-Tullahoma, and state Rep. Kevin Brooks, R-Cleveland, are pushing a legislative proposal again this year to give Tennessee municipalities the freedom to expand high-speed Internet services outside of their electric service area, if local governments request the service.
"We cannot afford to wait with the need as critical as it is today for high-speed broadband service," Bowling said. "We're already behind the curve in many rural areas. Let us come out of the 20th century as small towns and join our sisters that are already in the 21st century with modern-day broadband service."
With the explosion of the Internet and its impact on schools, universities and businesses, she said the need for lightning-quick service "has reached critical mass," especially for rural areas in her district and across Tennessee. She said she simply wants to offer the option for municipalities to offer broadband where private telecoms have not and where local governments say they want the service.
But lifting the limits on municipal broadband has been rejected before in Nashville by lawmakers worried that government utilities might shift costs to taxpayers or ratepayers or crowd out private investment.
"I don't understand why the government needs to do this," said state Sen. Mark Green, R-Clarksville, vice chairman of the Senate Commerce and Labor Committee.
But even if the state effort fails again this year in the General Assembly, EPB and other municipal broadband supporters may get some help today from the FCC which is expected to act on an EPB petition for the federal government to effectively overrule the limits on municipal broadband systems in Tennessee. The FCC will likely vote to give EPB the authority to expand its broadband service despite state restrictions on where it may operate.
The FCC decision today could become effective almost immediately.
"The goal is to release as soon as possible," FCC Spokesman Mark Wigfield said. "While there are no hard-and-fast restrictions, the goal is to implement the policies as adopted, and the only way to do that is by releasing the order."
But the FCC decision is likely to be challenged in court and in Congress.
U.S. Rep. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., has vowed to fight to prevent the FCC "from trampling on the rights of states when it comes to municipal broadband."
"We don't need unelected bureaucrats in Washington telling our states what they can and can't do with respect to protecting their limited taxpayer dollars and private enterprises," Blackburn said.
Private telecoms also are likely to fight any FCC decision to overrule state limits on municipal utilities expanding into Internet and cable TV services.
"If you allow municipalities to expand their networks beyond their footprints, it is very similar to Obamacare where you allow government to step in and invest untold amounts of money into something that already exists while stifling further private investment and threatening further private sector job creation opportunities," said John Farris, executive director for the Tennessee Cable Communications Association.
While supporters of municipal broadband cite the success of nine municipal power utilities that now offer broadband service to their Tennessee customers, critics of expanded municipal broadband point to Memphis Light Gas and Water, which lost more than $28 million of ratepayer funds in a failed telecom venture called Memphis Networx.
"The ratepayers of MLGW ultimately had to pay for that mistake," said Chuck Welch, a Nashville attorney who represents competitive local exchange carriers in Tennessee.
Critics also contend that local government investment in telecom ventures discourages private companies from making such investments, especially given that the cost of their capital is usually more expensive than what government utilities or agencies can borrow for in the municipal bond market.
David Snyder, CEO of VolState Inc. and Revtel LLC in Dayton, Tenn., said he started deploying high-speed broadband in Rhea County but stopped when he learned that EPB might extend its government-backed network into that area.
"When I looked at my payroll and my investment risk -- and if my own government comes behind me and turns that investment into dust -- I'm not taking that risk," Snyder said. "We've backed off the deployment of our private sector investment, and we've done it specifically because of the threat of competition from government. It is very real, and I deal with it every day."
EPB President Harold DePriest said the utility will expand its broadband service only where it is asked to do so and only if it makes financial sense to do so.
"It's designed to be a real business, but we are owned by the people of Chattanooga and our mission is to serve those people," he said.
DePriest said EPB is more likely to expand its services to rural areas than are private telecoms because EPB doesn't have to make a profit and isn't trying to protect an incumbent business in such areas.
EPB filed its petition last July asking the FCC to allow it to expand its gigabit fiber-optic Internet, TV and phone access beyond Chattanooga. EPB cited the Telecommunications Act of 1996, which requires that the FCC remove barriers to entry for broadband access. The city-owned utility in 2008 won approval to offer service in Chattanooga.
Joyce Coltrin is one of many looking for service so she can get the Internet at her business in southern Bradley County, J&J Nursery. A group of about 160 people have organized to that end, complaining that the only broadband service available in their area comes from either wireless or satellite connections.
"We went for years being promised Internet by AT&T and Charter" Communications, Coltrin said. She is hopeful that even if the federal order isn't adopted, the "state Legislature will say it's time" and make changes to Tennessee law.
Joelle Phillips, president of AT&T Tennessee, said private telecommunication companies are expanding high-speed Internet to businesses and areas where there is demand. Rural areas are more expensive to serve, she said, and typically have to be subsidized to upgrade connections.
She dismissed claims that everyone has to have fiber-optic connections for high-speed Internet service.
"There is no one size fits all in delivering high-speed broadband speeds," Phillips said.
But to extend Internet to rural areas, even conservative Republican lawmakers are backing the right of municipal utilities to expand service.
"I hope that the FCC decides to allow local municipalities to provide additional consumer choice, particularly for those who live in rural areas with limited broadband options," said U.S. Rep. Chuck Fleischmann, R-Tenn.
In Nashville, state Sen. Todd Gardenhire, R-Chattanooga, and state Rep. Brooks, R-Cleveland, both said changing the state law would open up more choice and needed options for consumers outside of EPB's footprint.
"There are many people in Bradley County who don't have poor broadband service; they don't have it at all -- and we're only a stone's throw away from Gig service by EPB," Brooks said.
©2015 the Chattanooga Times/Free Press (Chattanooga, Tenn.) Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC
Gloucester, Va., Considers County-Owned Broadband Network Tennessee Lawmakers Halt Debate on Broadband Expansion FCC Order Allows Chattanooga Utility to Expand Gig Service
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Culture, History, Personal, Places of Interest, Terengganu, Tourism Malaysia, Travel
Muzium Negeri Terengganu (The Terengganu State Museum)
June 13, 2015 Shah Said	Leave a comment
The Terengganu State Museum (@ all rights reserved)
My wife and I have this thing about museums. Some I like, some she likes, some we both like and some we both don't like.
I guess it got something to do with the museum itself – the concept, the layout, the museum's choice of exhibits, its ambience and that little unquantifiable thing called 'the X-factor' that makes or break a museum for visitors to the museum.
When we were in Kuala Terengganu or KT as it is more commonly known, recently, it came to our knowledge that the Terengganu State Museum is located nearby at a place called Kg Bukit Losong, Paloh, which is actually in KT itself.
Why the big deal about the museum? Well, when we last there in 1996, the Terengganu museum had yet to officially exist then.
Map – Terengganu
And being a museum, it could be said to be the place where one can get a crash course in local history ; a fun and very interesting way to learn about all things local.
As we made our way there, we discovered that not far from the museum itself, is another of KT's tourist attractions namely the Taman Tamaddun Islam (literally translated as The Islamic Civilization Park).
For the uninitiated, the main attraction as far as Taman Tamaddun Islam is concerned is the famed Crystal Mosque. But that is another story and another post.
Entrance ticket to the Terengganu State Museum (@ all rights reserved)
Since it is our very intention to make our stay in KT this time around as memorable and enjoyable as it can possibly be, and to take the opportunity to explore what the transformed KT had to offer, we made plans to visit the Terengganu State Museum first and, weather permitting, amongst others, the Taman Tamaddun Islam later.
After making our way to the museum and parking our car in the more than ample parking lot, we made our way to the museum's entrance proper.
As we made our way towards the museum's entrance, it dawned on us that this museum is HUGE and IMPRESSIVE.
Layout of the Terengganu State Museum. (@ all rights reserved)
One could not help but notice that a lot of effort and expense had been invested to make this museum live up to its status as THE state museum.
The landscape is tastefully done, with the pathway leading to the museum's entrance preparing the visitor for what should be a fun day at the museum.
We paid the entrance fees at RM10 per adult (circa USD2.50-USD3.00), took a complimentary copy of the museum's brochure and started our exploration of what is the Terengganu State Museum.
Approaching the Terengganu State Museum's from the side. (@ all rights reserved)
Reading from the bits of trivia that is the brochure, it was stated that the museum was designed by a well-known Malaysian architect, YM Raja Dato' Kamarul Bahrin Shah, who also happens to be related to the royal family of Terengganu himself.
The museum was officiated on 20 April 1996 by the late Sultan of Terengganu, AlMarhum Sultan Mahmud AlMuktafi Billah Shah and is built on 23 hectares of land.
Local Malay architecture forms the basis for the design of the museum, with the concept based on the local architecture of the 'Rumah Tele' or 'Rumah Bujang Serambi'.
Terengganu State Museum – Side View (@ all rights reserved)
The museum itself is made up of nine different galleries : the Royal Gallery, the Historical Gallery, the Textile Gallery, the Islamic Gallery, the Handicraft Gallery, the Natural Resources Gallery, the Shipping and Trading Gallery, and the Fisheries and Marine Parks Gallery.
My favourites in any museum that I have visited have always been the history of the state, how it came to be, its politics, its administration, the personalities who helped shaped the state, its weaponry and its culture.
The Batu Bersurat of Terengganu. About 700 years old, it is evidence of the presence of Islam in the state of Terengganu, earlier than the Melaka Sultanate. (@ all rights reserved)
Luckily for me, as in all museums, every exhibit on display is accompanied by a narrative.
The quality of the narratives is of great importance as it plays a big role in getting first-time visitors like me to understand the story these exhibits want to tell, and tells you why they were chosen as exhibits in the first place.
The centrepiece of the Terengganu State Museum has to be the 'Batu Bersurat'. Literally, it means 'Lettered Stone'. But in reality, the 'Batu Bersurat' is of great significance to the history of the state of Terengganu.
The 'Batu Bersurat' was discovered in Kuala Berang, Hulu Terengganu (the interior part of the state) in 1887.
Estimated at 700 years old, the 'Batu Bersurat' narrates the position of Islam and application of Islamic laws in Terengganu state. The narration is written in Malay using the Jawi script which is based on Arabic characters.
The potraits of some of the Chief Ministers of Terengganu. (@ all righst reserved)
The significance of 'Batu Bersurat', which often escapes everyone's attention, is that being 700 years old, it dates back to circa 1326.
Regardless of its exact age, it establishes that Islam had already came to that part of the world well before the Melaka Sultanate came into being circa 1400.
If anything, that is what you would call a very important piece of history.
There are other interesting exhibits as well, amongst them are the potraits of all the Chief Ministers of the State of Terengganu dating back to the first Chief Minister of the state,
Thats a long array of potraits, many of whom have long departed except for the recent few, who apparently are still active in politics.
Then there are the exhibits with pictures of Terengganu from days gone by. It would not be surprising if some of the exhibits are actually pictures contributed by the Royal Family of Terengganu itself.
The Textile Gallery, telling the story of Terengganu's textile industry. (@ all rights reserved)
The state of Terengganu is famous for its textiles. Terengganu batik and songket is very much sought after and can fetch quite a good price in the market for practitioners of the craft.
Worn at both official functions and festivities, Terengganu batik and songket is a must have. When you can afford it, that is.
Knowing the contribution of textiles to the state of Terengganu, economically and culturally, the museum's Textile Gallery narrates and exhibits the development and the history of the textile industry in the state of Terengganu.
Brassware is another form of handicraft that is synonymous with the state. People come from far and wide to Terengganu, just to get good quality brasswares.
These are just some of the exhibits that you can find at the Terengganu State Museum and they are many more other interesting exhibits, depending on one's interests.
The fish pond, adding to the serene and tranquil to the Terengganu State Museum complex. (@ all rights reserved)
All in all, it has been a very educational and fun visit, exploring the Terengganu State Museum. It is money well invested by the State Government, the Terengganu State Museum, with the chosen exhibits showcasing the glory of Terengganu's history and culture (including its arts and crafts) for all to see and admire.
Definitely worth its entrance fee and definitely worth another visit.
Date : 13 June 2015
kuala terengganumuseummuzium negeristate museumTerengganu
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Monsignor Mankel receives MLK Commission award
By Bill Brewer
The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Commission has presented its 2017 Chair's Award to Monsignor Xavier Mankel for his work in support of justice and equality.
In revealing its selection, the MLK Commission cited Monsignor Mankel's work with the commission and the Knoxville community through the years.
"On behalf of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Commission, we would like to share in our collective decision of honoring you as our 2017 MLK Chair's Award recipient. The Chair's Award is provided to individuals whose life's work exemplifies that of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. In your assignment as monsignor of the Diocese of Knoxville, you have remained steadfast in voicing your support of justice and equality for all citizens. Through service as the former principal of Knoxville Catholic High School and superintendent of Catholic schools, we recognize your concentrated efforts to provide resources and opportunities to our future leaders," the MLK Commission said.
The award was presented Jan. 16 during the commission's annual memorial tribute program at Greater Warner Tabernacle AME Zion Church on Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue in Knoxville. Monsignor Patrick Garrity, diocesan vicar for priests and pastor of St. John Neumann Parish in Farragut, accepted the award for Monsignor Mankel, who was unable to attend.
Clarence Vaughn III, who chairs the MLK Commission, emphasized that the Chair's Award is presented to an individual whose life's work exemplifies Dr. King.
"We want to focus on individuals who really shine the light on justice and equality. Since serving as vicar general, historical archivist, and a consultor for the Diocese of Knoxville, Monsignor Mankel has remained steadfast in supporting equal rights and justice for all citizens," Mr. Vaughn said. "Through his tireless efforts in serving the youth and adult citizens of Knoxville, he has remained focused on bridging the gap between all citizens."
Mr. Vaughn added that Monsignor Mankel has served on the MLK Commission and is a partner in the interfaith prayer service the commission is involved in.
Monsignor Mankel said he is grateful and very appreciative to be selected as the 2017 recipient of the Chair's Award in recognition of Dr. King and his civil rights ministry. He noted that outside of Atlanta, Knoxville's celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is one of the largest in the country.
The monsignor also said he has worked, as a representative of the diocese, with the MLK Commission for 20 years and also has worked to establish good, solid relations between the diocese and the African American community in Knoxville.
"Doing this work, I have met a lot of fine people who have been interested in civil rights," Monsignor Mankel said. "I believe in it. It has been good for the Church."
In accepting the award during the commemoration service, Monsignor Garrity described Monsignor Mankel as a mentor and friend.
"This is an honor and I am humbled to be here representing my good friend and mentor Monsignor Mankel. He is truly a man of Knoxville and a man of this community," Monsignor Garrity said, noting that he and Monsignor Mankel served as principal of Knoxville Catholic High School.
"He's been a great mentor and a great friend to me for over 40 years. In his name I thank you and I thank the commission for honoring his work and his love of this community in Knoxville," Monsignor Garrity added.
Monsignor Patrick Garrity accepts the Chair's Award on behalf of Monsignor Xavier Mankel from the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commission.
The MLK Commission is a nonprofit, volunteer organization that works to reaffirm and reflect upon the ideals of freedom, justice, and peace. It works inclusively with community partners to lift and live the principals of non-violence, equality, and love as well as to tell the stories of struggles and provide education and leadership training for adults and youth.
Some 500 people attended the program at Greater Warner Tabernacle AME Zion Church.
Also recognized during the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Service was Knoxville Police Chief David Rausch, a Diocese of Knoxville parishioner, who received the MLK Commission's Community Service Award. Luther Bradley, a retired Knoxville Fire Department deputy chief and fire marshal, received the MLK Commission's Distinguished Service Award.
Chief Rausch and Deputy Chief Bradley said they were honored to be recognized with the awards.
"I'm honored and humbled to receive this award, especially in this day and age as we see what's going on around our country with the divisiveness and turmoil. I think it's vital that we shine a light here on Knoxville. I'm proud of this community. I'm proud to serve this community," said Chief Rausch, who was greeted with applause when he accepted the award. "It's an honor to serve this community, and this award is an affirmation to me that we're doing the right thing. We will continue every day, with every opportunity I have, to assure that our department is working closely with this community to assure justice regardless of who sits in the White House. That doesn't matter in our house. We will continue to do what's right, and we will be a light to this nation." ■


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A RARE CONFESSION
Yes, it's true that YOE missed the beginning on the meeting (never explain, I'm told). Thus I rely on the printed agenda supplied by Prexy STEVE, and hereby state that GENE PRINDLE was scheduled to lead the Pledge, which I assume he did. Next was the song, and while I arrived as it was going on, all I can be sure of was that the leader was PP STEVE DAY and accompanist Three-Finger JACK. DAVE MATSON gave an excellent Invocation - and is it just me, or do you also get the impression that he has done this sort of thing before? FLOYD DEWHIRST introduced our Visiting Rotarian, Gerald P. Smith, who, I think, hails from the China Town Club in New York. SUSAN ALLEN introduced another Scholar, . And of course GEORGE DEA had a Special Guest, Khin Vohn, Assistant VP of Union Bank. This apparently caused the bell to toll for him, Prexy STEVE leading him to admit to the purchase of a new car. We now learn that such significant events, if reported directly to the President, qualify for a lesser fine than if the good news is gleaned from second-hand sources. GEORGE, however, trying vainly to defend himself, claimed that the car was only a favor from PP STEVE SCHERER. This piteous plea enabled him to be nicked for just 75 clams - and someone at our table remarked that that wouldn't even cover his first maintenance service.
Prexy STEVE read a letter from DG Reka Shetty of Kerala State in India, thanking us for our support of their armless artist. MARK BLOCK was also warmly thanked for hosting the Board Meeting this past Tuesday evening - but no one seems to know how they clean - or even dust - the center of that wonderful marble table in the Board Room at MARK'S firm. ELLIOTT TURNER was called upon to speak in defense of his occupation, which is Mortgage Ban king. He has helped several of our members with their mortgages, and as he says, they are all pleased - so far, at least. RUDY ALVAREZ reminded us to get our reports on Committee Activity in to him for the Awards Book, plus noting that his International Service Committee will meet next week at 11:15 - that's Feb 22nd.
HARLAN LEWIS announced the upcoming Yearling Breakfast on March 6th, at the Holiday Inn at Sunset and the freeway - EVERY new member should plan on being there, please. JIM GREATHEAD reminded us that the next District Breakfast would be March 27th. And last, PETER MORE spoke about the District Conference, which will be held at the Newporter Hotel in Newport starting 26 April. PP DOUG DESCH has applications. And February birthdays were noted - ((Jan, this info will follow, as will the name of Susan Allen's guest, OK?))
OUR VALENTINES BRUNCH
While he was up there already, PETER MORE won applause for this fun event at Shanghai Red's this past Saturday. 74 attended, with the following members contributing to a most successful celebration. PDG AND ANDERSON suggested the place, and it was a real find. The centerpiece was Pat Anderson's idea, assisted by Shirley More. BOB YOUNKER noted it on our Web Page, plus supplying animation for the flyer. PP RALPH WOODWORTH was the on-scene Major Domo.
Hospitality was aided by GEORGE DEA, Prexy STEVE, PDG ANDY, and the aforementioned RALPH WOODWORTH. And as always, PP JIM DOWNIE'S music was the hit of the day. Two anniversaries - ROZ and DON NELSONS 50th, and DORIS GREATHEAD'S 90th birthday. A final kudo to PP JOHN SINGLETON, who started the whole thing eons ago.
ART HENRY'S -"CALL A COLLEAGUE"
This has been briefly mentioned before, but here is more information. ART has put together a small team of confidential counselors, who are available to assist members who may have a variety of personal problems. They will not only "lend an ear" but are trained to help with the kind of problems that sometimes come up. Remember, this is entirely confidential, and it all starts by calling ART at (310) 391-3594,
DICK LITTLESTONE is updating the convenient one-page members list, and if you have not already done so, please provide him with all your data - business and home phone, fax, & email address since this should be ready for publication by early March.
We had a lovely note from Marian Tseng, thanking us for our concern and support after the recent loss of her sister, Jean Davidson-Austen.
SAN ANTONIO CONVENTION
Check this - GEORGE DEA has gathered 24 members and friends for this event, starting on 24 June. Those going include (with some spouses), WALLY FISCHMANN, KEN KILPO, PETER MORE, HENRY TSENG, VICTOR HSIA, PP HOWARD SISKEL, HENRIETTA LIAN, NORA AQUINO, TED IHNEN, RO SHAW, RUDY ALVAREZ, BILL PIERCE and RON LYSTER - these last two by motorcycle! Most will be staying at the Westin Hotel. A minor problem here - Prexy STEVE will be out of town for what would otherwise be the last meeting of his term, on June 28th, and Prez Elect GEORGE won't be back in time to chair the meeting. The obvious candidate to 'get back into harness' is Senior PP JIM COLLINS - so JIM, are you available, please? Call PP DOUG DESCH, either way, OK?
VAL ZAVALA of KCET
was our Speaker and was introduced by PP RALPH WOODWORTH. After graduating from Yale in Latin American Studies, she got a Masters at American University in Washington D.C. in Journalism, and later received a fellowship to the John S. Knight School of Journalism at Stanford. Val is Vice President of News and Public Affairs at KCET, having joined them in 1987. She has received an Emmy and a Golden Mike Award, plus the coveted Imagine Award for excellence in her field.
With the wide variety of news that she covers, she felt it might be worthwhile to review the 12-hour period immediately following the close of the Polls on November 7th. It was a busy time, as we all recall. Voters News Service (henceforth referred to as VNS) is designed to collect poll results, and then supply that information to the various TV stations, all of which subscribe to this service. Starting at 1 p.m., with the first third of data in, they reported that Gore had lost Pennsylvania. At 2:47, they reported an Alert, and at 4:p.m., problems with statistics. Yet at 4:05, Dan Rather said their results "could be taken to the bank"! All news services want to be FIRST, of course, and when the polls in the east closed at 7 p.m., they had some data from 9 states.
By 7:40 VNS was ready to declare Gore the winner, with exit data from just 45 precincts out of a total of 58 THOUSAND precincts. CNN doubted this result, and of course the Bush people said, "Hey, wait a minute". By 8:15 they canceled this tally, but at 10 p.m. VNS still had Gore winning in Florida. At 10:13 they retracted that call, since they had not counted the absentee ballots. Rather was by then referring to this as "The Dance of Democracy". At 2 a.m. with 96% of the vote counted (in Florida) Bush was ahead by 24K, and 15 minutes later, ahead by 48K. At 2:30, Fox projects Bush as the winner, and the others followed. "Governor Bush will appear about 3:15" but apparently it was about this time that Gore withdrew his telephone concession, so of course Bush didn't appear. At 3:27 the difference was much narrower, and at 3:45 a recount was called for. Rather then pleads, "Don't Shoot the Piano Player" and at 4:10, he admitted, "we don't know what to do".
Part of the problem with all this 'Lets be FIRST' driven psychology is the time differential between the east and west coast - we will never know how many in the west gave up voting, once they 'learned' that Gore had already won. Of course this is all driven by the egos of the anchors - none of whom like egg on their face.
Q&A - Is the head of VNS still on the job? Unknown. What will Digital TV mean to all of us - it will be a much better picture, but note that it is probably a couple of years away from full implementation, with a lot of intermediate steps necessary. What programs do well during your fund-raising drives -Those with emotional content or needed information do best - Masterpiece Theatre, for instance, does NOT do well at this time. Public Service TV feels that their older viewers are philanthropically minded, while the 30 to 50 year olds donate because they enjoy a particular show. So, Thank You, Val - for your rapid-fire delivery of a most historic time for all of us.
Thought for the Day - "Nobody can make you feel inferior without your consent" Eleanor Roosevelt.
Note: The following was added by an e-mail from YOPrexy:
Contrary to what you just read in the emailed February 15 Wind Mill version... Prexy Steve Adler will chair the June 28th of WVRC.
YOE apparently also missed all the Rotarians gracing the head table at this past Thursday's WVRC luncheon inclusive of Ann Elkin, Susan Allen, Henrietta Lian, Athena Jackson, Sally Brant, Lenore Mulryan; KCET speaker Val Zavala; as well as Program Chair Ralph Woodworth and YOPrexy.
It should have been noted that Jim Sumner presented a most entertaining and informative speech on his war experiences with General George S. Patton, last Wednesday, at the Hawthorne Rotary Club.


Message: Christians are supposed to be happy persons! Our generation has become well versed in Christian terminology, but is remiss in the actual practice of Christ's principles and teachings. Hence, our greatest need today is not more Christianity but more true Christians. The world can argue against Christianity as an institution, but there is no convincing argument against a person who, through the Spirit of God, has been made Christlike.
Such a person is a living rebuke to the selfishness, rationalism, and materialism of the day. Jesus said to the woman at Jacob's well, "Whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst." This sin-sick, disillusioned woman was the symbol of the whole race. Her longings were our longings! Her heart-cry was our heart-cry! Her disillusionment was our disillusionment! Her sin was our sin! But her Savior can be our Savior! Her forgiveness can be our forgiveness! Her joy can be our joy!
Prayer for the day: My soul delights in You, my God, and my Redeemer.


October 11, 2013. Research shows that prior to starting school, children from high-income families benefit from 400 hours more literacy-related activities than children from low-income families . Furthermore, by age four, a high-income child is exposed to 35 million more words than a low-income child . In response to the wide gap in literacy rates that prevails between children of high and low-income families, Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit organization behind Sesame Street, has partnered with the Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation (IICF), a non-profit organization funded by the insurance industry and focused on community development across the United States, to launch Every Day is a Reading and Writing Day.
This new bilingual, digital resource includes tips, games, and activities that parents, caregivers, and volunteers can engage children with to improve their reading and writing capabilities from an early age. The resources were unveiled today at the New York City Public Library and are available, for free, to parents across the country at www.sesamestreet.org/literacy.
In concert with the united insurance community, the IICF and Sesame Workshop will be promoting Every Day is a Reading and Writing Day at events nationwide and will be working to reach as many families and volunteers as possible through both local and national programming.
• Help parents and caregivers realize the important role they play in creating the foundation for literacy in their children.
• Provide volunteers with engaging, fun-filled, and educational resources that they can use to positively impact the literacy development of undeserved children across the United States.
• Present children with games and activities that will stimulate their interest in talking, reading, and writing from an early age.
"From the very beginning, Sesame Street has promoted the importance of early-childhood education. However, children from low-income families do not have access to the same educational opportunities as children from high-income families," says Dr. Jeanette Betancourt, Senior Vice President for Community and Family Engagement at Sesame Workshop at Sesame Workshop. "With support from IICF, we are excited to bring Every Day is a Reading and Writing Day to young children. Every Day is a Reading and Writing Day will provide families, parents, caregivers, and volunteers with materials that draw from everyday life, thus giving adults an easy way to implement literacy into their daily interactions with children."
• Video segments that draw from everyday life and model ways for parents to easily engage their children in activities around vocabulary, reading, and writing.
• Materials volunteers can use to plan fun-filled literacy-based experiences for children and families.
• A Parent/ Caregiver guide bursting with information and activities to encourage literacy development for children ages two to five. The guide also includes additional material that parents can use to help form the building blocks for literacy in children ages zero to two.
• A new mobile site with videos, games, and activities for parents and volunteers to enjoy with children on-the-go, as well as an online section dedicated to Every Day is a Reading and Writing Day on sesamestreet.org.
"Together with our insurance industry partners we are proud to collaborate with Sesame Workshop on such an important initiative that will positively impact thousands of children in the communities where we live, work and serve," said Bill Ross, chief executive officer for IICF. "The IICF and insurance industry are committed to improving early childhood literacy rates across America, but we know change will not happen overnight. This is why we felt it was so important to make a long-term, active, commitment to Every Day is a Reading and Writing Day, where we support and sponsor Sesame Workshop, but more importantly, engage the nationwide network of insurance professionals across the country to serve as advocates, stewards and volunteers for this wonderful program."
All materials are free to download at www.sesamestreet.org/literacy.
About Sesame Workshop: Sesame Workshop is the nonprofit educational organization behind Sesame Street, the landmark television program that reaches millions of children every day in more than 150 countries. The Workshop's mission is to use the educational power of media to help children everywhere reach their highest potential. Delivered through a variety of platforms, Sesame Workshop develops research-based content – including television programs, books, games, mobile apps and community engagement initiatives – that supports early childhood learning, helps prepare children for school, and addresses developmental needs. The Workshop's programs are tailored to the needs of specific regions and focus on topics that help young children and families develop critical skills for lifelong learning. For more information, visit us at www.sesameworkshop.org.
About the Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation (IICF): The Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation was established in 1994 and is completely directed and funded by the insurance industry. The foundation helps communities and enriches lives by uniting the collective strengths of the industry to provide grants, volunteer service and leadership. Since its inception in 1994, IICF has contributed more than $20 million in grants to charities and 166,000 volunteer hours to hundreds of community nonprofit organizations. IICF is a registered not-for-profit organization under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS code. Learn more at about the IICF at www.iicf.org.


President Barack Obama will go for immigration reform and gun control this month, the White House tells the left-leaning Huffington Post. Obama's actions will reportedly be done "quickly."
"An Obama administration official said the president plans to push for immigration reform this January. The official, who spoke about legislative plans only on condition of anonymity, said that coming standoffs over deficit reduction are unlikely to drain momentum from other priorities. The White House plans to push forward quickly, not just on immigration reform but gun control laws as well," reports the Huffington Post.
"The timeframe is likely to be cheered by Democrats and immigration reform advocates alike, who have privately expressed fears that Obama's second term will be drowned out in seemingly unending showdowns between parties."
Pocketprotector;61917 Wrote: Any buyer remorse yet?
" But Obama doesn't want your guns, name one thing he has done the past four years to make you think he does"
Under the radar meant nothing to them.
Looks like it meant a lot, like, "I'm planning the biggest 2A clusterphuck you've ever seen, but you haven't seen it YET, shall I win, you will FEEL it"


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The 60 Four
The 60 Four is a four-piece vocal group who are presenting the hottest, freshest tribute to 60s music in this year's Adelaide Fringe Festival. With their slick moves and tight four-part harmonies, the group perform classics from groups such as Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons, The Beatles, The Beach Boys, Simon & Garfunkel, The Monkees and many more.
The group are led and directed by Ben Francis who scales the falsetto heights of Frankie Valli and the Beach Boys' Jeffrey Foskett. Ben and his fellow performers Lachlan Williams, Kyle Hall and Jordan Tomljenovic, attended school together at Scotch College. They weren't born in this era but don't let that fool you into thinking their portrayal is inferior. Far from it. Their blend is close in a way that emanates from their obvious rapport as friends and a shared passion for music.
The 60 Four are all successful performers as individuals. All of them have worked professionally from London to New York, in Music Theatre, Opera, Stage Plays and Film. An impressive list of credentials for anyone, but especially so given their youth. Their love of this era in music sprang from a performance of the Four Seasons hit song Sherry at the Big Barbershop Day Out, an annual acapella workshop held at St Peter's College. To the boy's amazement they received rapturous applause and a standing ovation from
staff and pupils alike. "Everyone loved it" says Ben, "from kids who had never heard of the Four Seasons to staff who grew up with this music".
The boy's love of the harmonies and the realisation that this iconic sound had universal and timeless appeal led them to explore more music of the era, extend their repertoire and add in sharp suits and choreography popular in those times. The results have been astonishing.
Ticket and show information at Fringe Tix
Check out a preview of what to expect from The 60 Four
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Next Ella Hooper


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Arbitrator Upholds Discharge of Long Service Employee with Clean Record for Theft
September 28, 2015 · 3 min read By: Hicks Morley
In a recent arbitration decision involving a case of petty theft in the workplace, an arbitrator provided very useful guidance on workplace theft and the mitigating factors an employer should take into account in determining the penalty.
The decision involved the discharge of an employee with 17 years of service and a clean disciplinary record for stealing from the company's cafeteria. The grievor engaged in three acts of premeditated petty theft within a four-day period. When confronted, he refused to admit wrongdoing, specifically denied the thefts and attempted to deflect responsibility by making several false accusations. Even after he became aware that his employment was going to be terminated, he continued to lie and deny the thefts.
Approximately one hour after he was terminated, the grievor confessed. He also admitted stealing items on multiple prior occasions. At the arbitration hearing, the union put great emphasis on the low value of the stolen goods; however, the arbitrator was not moved by this given the grievor's conduct and the surrounding circumstances. In particular, the arbitrator noted that while the value of items stolen was low, there was an established pattern of misconduct over a substantial period of time, and the thefts were simply "business as usual" for the grievor. The arbitrator accepted that he was genuinely remorseful (for both his misconduct and the consequences thereof); however, that was "too little, too late."
The arbitrator noted that the timely willingness to take responsibility and accept the consequences for an act of theft, and the demonstration of sincere remorse for the misconduct (as opposed to remorse for the consequences) would have been particularly important because these steps would be a "window to true character and offer clues to the extent to which the employee can truly be trusted again." Here, the grievor did not do this – his actions undermined the mutual trust that is fundamental to the employment relationship. Therefore, the arbitrator decided that there was ample cause to discipline the grievor, that it would be "inappropriate" to return him to the workplace, and that it was not just and reasonable to substitute a lesser penalty.
The arbitrator's comments regarding factors in favour of mitigating the employer's penalty are instructive. Some of the most salient comments are:
Workplace-related theft is universally considered to be a serious employment offence which merits a significant disciplinary response. Once theft is proved, discharge remains a prima facie appropriate penalty and the union bears the onus to demonstrate that a less severe penalty is just and reasonable.
While relevant, the following will not, by themselves, be generally compelling:
an employee's age or personal circumstances that are not significantly distinguishable from those of any other discharged employee;
seniority; and
contrition at the hearing.
The most significant factors are those which speak to the employee's character and "trust rehabilitation" potential:
whether the theft was premeditated, a single incident or a pattern of behaviour; and
the employee's reaction when confronted with the allegation.
The decision in this case is an important reminder of the critical role trust plays in any employment relationship. Accordingly, in determining whether the penalty imposed for such misconduct was appropriate, arbitrators will engage in a careful assessment of the surrounding circumstances, including the presence or absence of mitigating factors. Employers are therefore well advised to ensure that they approach each incident of theft, including an employee's post-theft conduct, with the same degree of attention.
Messier-Dowty Inc v International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, Local Lodge 905, 2015 CanLII 56078 (ON LA)
Practice Areas: Labour RelationsIndustries: Arts & Sports, Construction, Education, Energy & Utilities, Government Ministries & Agencies (Federal and Provincial), Healthcare, Hospitality & Gaming, Long-Term Care and Home Care, Manufacturing, Media & Communications, Mining & Natural Resources, Municipalities & Municipal Agencies, Professional & Technical Services, Retail & Wholesale Trade, Social Services, Transportation & WarehousingTags: Arbitration, Discipline and Discharge


For those of us who have naturally aspirated heavy vehicles, these graphs may be of some use.
Thanks to http://www.gpsvisualizer.com/elevation for the tool!
The standard route (I-5 South to Hwy 58 to Hwy 97 to K-Falls to Hwy 139 to Hwy 299 to Hwy 447 to Gerlach, NV) Shortest with most pre-elevation low-altitude driving (better MPG at lower altitudes).
This route is using Hwy 22 out of Salem. (I-5 South to Hwy 22 to Hwy 97 to K-Falls to Hwy 139 to Hwy 299 to Hwy 447 to Gerlach, NV) Not as much low altitude driving as the 58 route, but it does have a nicer climb profile. I've done this route and it's not too bad but you definitely notice running up around 3000-4000ft right off the freeway.
This is the ever popular route that uses Hwy 58 but passes by SummerLake hot springs. (I-5 South to Hwy 58 to Hwy 97 to Hwy 31 to Hwy 395 to Hwy 299 to Hwy 447 to Gerlach, NV). The length is a bit longer than the K-falls route and has a few more random bumps with steep peaks along the way, but the SummerLake option is a nice one.
This entry was posted on December 10, 2012 at 11:35 and is filed under Uncategorized.	You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.


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text:
package com.sxdsf.alliance.general;

import com.sxdsf.alliance.Information;
import com.sxdsf.alliance.impl.Request;
import com.sxdsf.alliance.impl.Response;
import com.sxdsf.alliance.impl.UniversalAlliance;

/**
 * GeneralAlliance
 *
 * @author sunbowen
 * @date 2016/4/17-22:11
 * @desc 普通的Alliance接口,区别于RxAlliance
 */
public abstract class GeneralAlliance<T extends Information> extends UniversalAlliance<T, Request, Call<Response>> {
}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


text:
Transforming An Urban Core: Discovery Green's Ten Year Anniversary
The rendered buildings overlaying a 2008 image show part of the $1 billion in adjacent economic development spurred by the popularity of Discovery Green Park in downtown Houston.
© Hargreaves
Ten years ago this month, the east side of downtown Houston was not considered a destination. The Four Seasons Hotel was considered the "edge" of downtown and beyond it was a 12-acre vacant lot separating it from the George R. Brown Convention Center. For safety's sake, some convention attendees drove to the center.
Today, the same scene is an urban planner's dream – visitors and families enjoy a LEED Gold-certified multi-use park surrounded by thriving restaurants, office buildings, hotels and multifamily residences. This part of downtown Houston has since been referred to as a "crown jewel" and is the proud winner of several prestigious awards.
The idea for the park was conceived by a group of non-profits that feared the land would simply serve as surface parking. Then-Mayor Bill White enthusiastically supported a public-private partnership to develop a green space that could serve as Houston's "front yard". They selected a project team led by Hargreaves Associates that included Page, which had an office literally down the street, as the designer of the built architecture.
As optimistic as the partnership was, they feared the initial planning numbers of estimated visitors was unachievable. Once the park opened, those expectations were surpassed and Discovery Green has welcomed more than a million people each year who play in its fountains, sail toy boats on its pond, browse farmers' markets, exercise or watch movies on the lawn and enjoy meals at the two restaurants.
The park proved to be an extremely effective catalyst for redevelopment. Beyond driving convention activity, it become an anchor for approximately $1 billion in downtown development. A recent renovation of the convention center resulted in the creation of a pedestrian mall between it and Discovery Green to further promote urban walkability.
Page designed several significant architectural components, most notably the LEED Gold-certified restaurant, a café, and park administration headquarters. The firm tucked a parking garage accommodating 600 vehicles out of sight directly underneath the park itself. Other built elements include a bandstand, a children's performance space and several shade structures.
Page Senior Principal Larry Speck, who served as lead designer for Discovery Green, cites the park as a prime example of how architecture influences lifestyle. He explained, "[A] city is defined far more by the way the streets, public spaces, buildings, offices, shops, entertainment spaces, residences, etc. work together to become an influential crucible for people's lives."
Discovery Green has won the Urban Land Institute Development of Distinction Award, the Business Week/Architectural Record Award of Excellence, the Society of American Registered Architects Design Award and more.
To learn more about Discovery Green, click here.
To learn more about Page's Civic market sector, click here.
To learn more about Page's planning practice, click here.
Jeffrey Bricker
Arturo Chavez
John N. Cryer III
Marcus Martinez
Robert H. Owens
Jonathan Vaughan
70 Rainey: Highrise Condo Celebrates Topping Off
BakerRipley: Making Houston FABulous
A New Tower for Downtown Austin
70 Rainey: Highrise Does the Twist
Groundbreaking of Neighborhood Centers Economic Development Project
Page Multifamily Project Certified LEED® Platinum; Awarded AEGB 1 Star Rating
500 More Apartments Planned for Mueller Development
Architecture of Discovery Green
The Grove at Discovery Green