text:
Paralympian Marieke Vervoort fulfills wish to take own life
by: STEPHEN WADE, Associated Press
Posted: Oct 23, 2019 / 04:50 AM CDT / Updated: Oct 23, 2019 / 08:31 AM CDT
FILE – In this Sept. 11, 2016, file photo, Belgium's Marieke Vervoort poses for the photo as she holds her silver medal at a press conference during the Rio Paralympic games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Paralympian Vervoort said when the day arrived, she had signed the euthanasia papers and was prepared to end her life. The time came Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2019, in her native Belgium, her death confirmed in a statement from her home city of Diest. (AP Photo/Leo Correa, File)
Paralympian Marieke Vervoort said when the day arrived, she had signed the euthanasia papers and was prepared to end her life.
That day came Tuesday in her native Belgium, her death confirmed in a statement from the city of Diest.
Vervoort, who was 40, won gold and silver medals in wheelchair racing at the 2012 London Paralympics, and two more medals three years ago in Rio de Janeiro.
In an interview attended by The Associated Press at the Paralympics in Rio, Vervoort described living with unbroken pain from an incurable, degenerative spinal disease.
She talked of sleeping only 10 minutes some nights, described severe pain that caused others to pass out just watching her, and detailed how sports kept her alive.
"It's too hard for my body," Vervoort said in the 2016 interview. "Each training I'm suffering because of pain. Every race I train hard. Training and riding and doing competition are medicine for me. I push so hard — to push literally all my fear and everything away."
Vervoort spent her last evening with close friends and family, even sharing a glass of sparkling wine, which she referred to as a painkiller.
Condolences streamed in from across the nation, including from the royal family
"Marieke 'Wielemie' Vervoort was an athlete tough as nails and a great lady. Her death touches us deeply," the family said in a statement.
Vervoort was a strong advocate of the right to choose euthanasia, which is legal in Belgium. Like training hard, she said it gave her control and put "my own life in my hands."
"I'm really scared, but those (euthanasia) papers give me a lot of peace of mind because I know when it's enough for me, I have those papers," she said.
"If I didn't have those papers, I think I'd have done suicide already. I think there will be fewer suicides when every country has the law of euthanasia. … I hope everybody sees that this is not murder, but it makes people live longer."
Vervoort also had epileptic seizures and had one in 2014 when she was cooking pasta and spilled boiling water over her legs. That resulted in a four-month hospital stay.
A loyal Labrador named Zenn began staying with her, pawing her when a seizure was about to occur. Zenn also pulled her socks out of the sock drawer, she said, and helped carry groceries home when Vervoort bought too much.
"When I'm going to have an epileptic attack, she warns me one hour before," Vervoort said. "I don't know how she feels it."
Vervoort said she kept pushing back the day of her death, knowing it could come anytime — as it can for anyone. She said she can be pain-free one minute, and nearly pass out a few minutes later.
"You have to live day-by-day and enjoy the little moments," she said. "Everybody tomorrow can have a car accident and die, or a heart attack and die. It can be tomorrow for everybody."
Vervoort called herself a "crazy lady."
She talked of flying in an F-16 fighter jet, riding in a rally car, and she was curating a museum of her life going back to at least 14 when she was diagnosed with her rare illness.
She had spikey hair and wanted to be remembered as the lady who was "always laughing, always smiling."
"I feel different about death now than years ago," Vervoort said. "For me I think death is something like they operate on you, you go to sleep and you never wake up. For me it's something peaceful."
Stephen Wade on Twitter: http://twitter.com/StephenWadeAP
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Why I don't drink Soft drinks and wish you didn't!
The following is a list of information that will help those who are in a cycle of stimulation from the chemical effects of soft drinks. I personally do not consume these and have not for many years. After you read the following studies you will come to understand why I stay away from this American delicacy.
Negative Nutrients From Cola Drinks.
As pointed out by Beatrice Hunter in her book, CONSUMER BEWARE (published in 1971), "Nutritionally, soft drinks are low in value. Their food energy comes solely from refined sugar. Every element of nutritional Importance, except calories, is zero. Soft drinks have much in common with hard liquor, claimed the co-discoverer of insulin , Dr. Charles Best. Cirrhosis of the liver has been found among teenagers who drink large quantities of soft drinks, as well as among chronic alcoholics." Can we live without a functioning liver? No. And do doctors have a cure for cirrhosis of the liver? Consider a transplant. Cola drinks are like the great thief, they break in and steal, kill and destroy.
A three year study of over 1,000 men with a history of kidney stones showed, "There was a clear cut difference in the group's experiences, with much less renal colic in the men who had avoided soft drinks. Of those who continued to use soft drinks, there was also a big difference in outcome depending upon the nature of the soft drink consumed. Soft drinks acidified with phosphoric acid were the worst offenders. Colas of all kinds, of course, are well known for their high phosphoric acid content.
In making the public announcement in September of caffeine's possible dangers to unborn children, FDA Commissioner Dr. Jere E. Goyan urged prudence by pregnant women in the use of caffeine products. Goyan's words to mother-to-be: So while further evidence is being gathered on the possible relationship between caffeine and birth defects, a prudent and protective mother -to-be will want to put caffeine on her list of unnecessary substances which she should avoid.
Soft drinks use predominately three types of sweeteners – saccharin or aspartame in the diet type and sugar, cane syrup or corn syrup in the regular drinks. These substances enhance taste appeal and come touted as "refreshing" and "high energy". Saccharin has been shown to cause cancer in laboratory animals and Nutra-sweet has been linked to convulsions, depression, insomnia, irritability, weakness, dizziness, migraine headaches, mood changes and mental retardation.
Aspartame or (Nutrasweet) Aspartame accounts for over 75 percent of the adverse reactions to food additives reported to the FDA. Many of these reactions are very serious, including seizures and death. A few of the 90 different documented symptoms listed in the report as part of aspartame dangers are: Headache, seizures, nausea, numbness, rashes, weight gain, muscle spasms, depression, insomnia, hearing loss, tinitis, hearing loss, heart palpitations and more.
Sugar is a nutrient and fooling the body with an artificial sweetener to think it is sweet always has a consequence. There is no magic bullet when it comes to sugar substitutes. Sucralose is harming people at alarming rates and not being adequately reported.
Dr. Earl Mindell in his book, Unsafe at Any Meal says, "For anyone over forty, soft drinks can be especially hazardous because the kidneys are less able to excrete excess phosphorus, causing depletion of vital calcium".
"Heavy soft drink consumption can interfere with your body's metabolism of iron and diminish nerve-impulse transmission. "Sodas may contain – but are not required to disclose – such ingredients as ethyl alcohol, sodium alginate (possibly hazardous for pregnant women), brominated vegetable oil (found harmful to vital organs of animals and considered a health risk to heavy consumers of beverages contain it.) and caffeine.
"Diet sodas that are low in calories are high in sodium. Six ounces of regular Pepsi-Cola have 5 mg. of sodium; Diet Pepsi has 31mg. (But most don't drink only six ounces at a time!) Persons who suffer from certain tumors, kidney disease, adrenal or thyroid or pituitary malfunction would do well to avoid soft drinks.
Caffeine is a member of the same alkaloid group of chemicals as morphine, nicotine, cocaine, purines and strychnine. These alkaloids all have one thing in common: they are addictive. Colas are responsible for giving thousands of American addicts their daily "fixes" .


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I was searching for a Property and found this listing (MLS® #308731). Please send me more information regarding 101 Hampton Pl, Madison, Mississippi, 39110. Thank you!
I'd like to request a showing of 101 Hampton Pl, Madison, Mississippi, 39110 (MLS® #308731). Thank you!


Football is absurd in almost every way.
I'm weirdly excited to watch this game. Can the Browns blow it in a new Brownsie type way? Stay tuned!!
I've managed to see and hear next to nothing about Washington through two weeks. If they want to make a splash and beat the Packers, now would be a time to do it, but I'm not counting on it.
Rodgers says his knee will only get worse as the season progresses so there's that.
Kind of obsessed with Plain White T's' Light up the Room. How many more Bills players will retire halfway through this game?
If the Jets knew all the Lions plays, just imagine how much the Patriots know.
Patriots lost last week to the Jags so that was refreshing.
Everyone thinks they know so much about who's good and who isn't. Well, they don't. And neither do you. On a somewhat related note, here is a fun fact I heard quoted by Bill Simmons recently: none of last year's final four teams started last season 2-0. I'll add a couple additional notes I find interesting. Both eventual Super Bowl teams lost to the Chiefs in the first two weeks last year. Second, of those final four teams, only Jacksonville started this year 2-0.
All in on the Ryan Fitzpatrick led Bucs. Winston who?
Never stopped believing in you Cleveland!
Sarah, are you calling out Winston Churchill?


Portuguese and Real Madrid Star Christiano Ronaldo is due to appear in court today over his task evasion case which is said to be worth millions in tax.
Christiano Ronaldo, who is the world's highest paid athlete is said to has evaded tax worth over €14.7m ($17.3m; £13.1m) which has been accumulated since 2010.
The football world has been hit by many tax evasion accusations by investigators and the latest of them is the four time Ballon D'Or winner, who initially denied all the allegations.
Before now, Lionel Messi was the one on the ropes, handed 21 month prison sentence which was later ruled he could pay €252,000 in place of jail time. However, Messi's tax evasion case was €10.6m less than Ronaldo and this evidence will be presebted at a court in the Madrid suburb of Pozuelo de Alarcon on Monday.
Gestha union of experts at Spain's Inland Revenue said that if the case is sent to trial and he is found guilty, the Portuguese forward could face a fine of "at least €28m" and a prison sentence of three-and-a-half years.
According to prosecutors, Ronaldo allegedly took "advantage of a company structure created in 2010 to hide income generated in Spain from his image rights from tax authorities" which was a "voluntary and conscious breach of his fiscal obligations in Spain"


text:
How to Calculate Food for Large Groups
Written by Tiesha Whatley • Updated August 24, 2022
Jessica Isaac/Demand Media
One of the challenges when planning an event for a large group is calculating how much food you need to prepare. You don't want the disaster of running out of food before everyone has had a chance to eat. You can avoid this by using the proper techniques to determine the food quantities for a large event. You will then be able to calculate how much food you need for the appetizers, main entree, side dishes and dessert.
Get an almost accurate number of how many people you will be feeding. It will be impossible to know exactly how many people will actually show up, but use your guest list and the number of people who sent in a RSVP to get an almost accurate head count.
Take the number of your guest list and multiply it by three to calculate how many servings you will need for the appetizers. A rule of thumb is to always calculate a big group meal as though it is a buffet, even if it is a sit down affair. People tend to go back for more servings or pile more food on their plate when they are at a buffet. Calculating three servings of appetizers for each person will ensure that you have enough for everyone.
Plan to use four heads of lettuce for every five guests if you are serving green salads. For other salads, such as macaroni or potato, have at least a gallon for every group of 25. For instance, you will need two gallons of potato salad for a group of 50 people.
Calculate 4 ounces of pasta for every guest, if it is being served as a main course. If you have a pasta dish as a side dish, then only calculate a 2-ounce serving for each guest. Use the same 2-ounces-per-guest measurement for all of your side dishes.
Estimate 6 ounces of fish for each guest, if you are serving it as a main course. Other meat's servings vary based on the type of meat you are serving. A 18-pound turkey, 12-pound roast or 7-pound boneless ham is enough for 25 to 30 people. For a group larger than this, calculate based on the group of 30. For example, for 60 people, use a 24-pound beef roast.
Calculate one serving of dessert for every guest if you are serving cake, pie or cobbler. For cookies, brownies or miniature desserts, estimate three pieces for each guest.
Plan to serve one drink per guest for each hour. Drinks are tricky and you should adjust this number based on the crowd. A tailgating party may require more drinks than a baby shower. Start with having four cups for each guest unless it is a relatively short event. For six guests, have about a pound of ice available.
Pastors' Wives Thriving: Feeding a Large Group
Tiesha Whatley has been writing for over 10 years. She has been published in "Marie Claire," "Ebony" and "Modern Bride" magazines. She holds a Bachelor of Science in English from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and has been working in the wedding planning industry for over 13 years.
How to Calculate Lunch Meat Servings Per Person
How to Figure Out How Much Meat to Buy Per Person
What Are the Courses in an Eight-Course Dinner?
How to Calculate Ice Cream Quantities for a Party
Retirement Party Food Ideas
How to Serve Sangria Wine

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


We welcome you to the Pauline South website as well as the new school year. We are excited to have you as part of the Pauline South community. We are dedicated to providing your children a caring and secure environment which emphasizes student learning, both academically as well as socially.


Sweden has its musical highlights in the past, and I'm not referring to the group of 4 from the 70s and 80s! Ef and Cult of Luna to name but two are bands that are on the cutting edge of modern rock music, and have helped push Sweden from underneath the radar, to a veritable music haven. Sey Hollo is another Swedish project that has been around for a few years (since 2010), mingling on the edges of the instrumental rock scene, having put out 2 releases digitally by themselves. Now Sey Hollo is back, with a brand new album!
Fans of Sey Hollo will know how well vocal samples are intermingled with dark and moody instrumentation. In an extremely The one man band uses a highly experimental manner, the music disregards classical boundaries and instrumentation, attempting to, and succeeding at making songs that possess their own completeness.


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The Devil's Bottom and other dark caves
I really don't want to lower the tone of this blog, so I have amended the name of a cave that we visited this afternoon.
It acquired it's name because water often floods into the cave through a small hole, and then gradually drains away through the same hole. As it drains it makes a loud, unsightly noise and hundreds of years ago people used to believe that the devil lived at the bottom of the cave, and the proof was that they could hear him going to the toilet!
It wasn't a very picturesque cave, but it was livened up a lot by our very sarcastic and entertaining guide.
He also showed us how the locals used to make ropes in the dry cave entrance, and as I volunteered to help him, he gave me the rope that we made together as a gift.
I was pleased with it, but Daz wasn't quite so much as it definitely had a 'farmyard' smell about it and I stored it in his backpack for the day. Don't know what I am going to do with it now though.
We then had a nice walk around Winnats Pass, and a visit to a second cave - it sounds rather keen but we got a discount for buying two together.
This one was the Speedwell Cavern and we had to walk down 106 steps to a hidden canal. It was built and used by lead miners about 200 years ago, although it was unsuccessful as very little lead was actually found.
We sat in the little boat and were carried to a large cave where we stepped out to look at the so called Bottomless Lake.
It was called bottomless because the miners believed that it was, and that the devil lived in it. Our guide said that two devils was probably at least one to many for a small Derbyshire village, but there you go.
Ps, I haven't had a competition for ages, so the first person to comment wins a handmade rope.
Darren 8 June 2016 at 10:38
I need to point out that the rope is very smelly indeed and we are keen to get rid of it
Ah. I see a problem here. Maybe second comment wins it? No, wait a minute...
Dave 9 June 2016 at 09:02
is it me....
Christine 9 June 2016 at 11:51
Dave, you've won the rope!!! It couldn't go to a better home. I will bring it round next week, that's if we're invited??
the me was Margs not Dave so Margs wins the rope see you Wednesday
Brighton renovations
Tiny flat in Brighton
World Triathlon event in Leeds
Animal magic and a sad goodbye


The PC market may or may not have bottomed out, but either way Intel has high hopes for this year. They are predicting a surge in sales of their Classmate PC, competitor to the XO laptop. After selling only around 700,000 units in 2008, a large enough number in its own right, Intel claims that this year they will churn out over two million of the sub-laptops in 2009.
The chipmaker claims that they are pushing into rural China and other emerging markets in Europe and Southeast Asia, which is where the two million figure primarily comes from. They are doing little to alleviate concerns from netbook vendors that they will erode the netbook market with their own product, aside from claiming that is not their goal. With Intel currently fabbing chipsets, boards, CPUs, GPUs and pretty much every other component found in both netbooks and notebooks, they are in a very interesting position.
The Classmate PC's goal, of course, is not market share – at least not according to Intel. It, along with the XO laptop and the OLPC project, is aimed at getting millions of laptops into the hands of children who have never had the chance to do such before. Still, that doesn't mean Intel won't be able to leverage their position as one of the very few hardware providers for such a market to their advantage.


Easter has arrived in force, ushered in by a couple of days of unexpectedly nice weather. So what does the rest of Easter have in store?
The slopes are getting busy again, but this year the snow base is so deep we're not worried about ending up with snow corridors snaking through the shade on rapidly browning pistes! 3 metres minimum at the summits of the resorts is going to be hard to erode in two weeks (touch wood).
Last week the snow in Courchevel and Meribel was blissful – fresh corduroy abound! For those finishing up their BASI 2 exam it couldn't have been better. It's left us with a sugar-like base, smooth and with a bit of give. The weather is forecast to be overcast for the next week or so, so it's likely to be preserved too! We'll see a little drizzle of rain, but mainly fresh snow over the next few days.
The Avalanche Hazard has reduced slightly to 2 (Moderate), but slab avalanches may still occur (both spontaneous and human-triggered).
If you're a powder hunter, St Anton is going to deliver this week! With fresh snow expected everyday except Friday, you probably won't have to leave the pistes to create fresh tracks.
If you are determined to hit the off-piste, the avalanche hazard has settled at 2 (Moderate) in most areas. However the danger is still Considerable (3) above 2500m. So there is a lot of risk still in the off-piste, and this will likely rise with the snowfall and wind to come this coming week.
If you're looking for a warmer ski, head to Switzerland. The temperatures in Villars and Verbier are continuing to creep above zero, and the sun will be making some brief appearances. Unfortunately the snow that will be falling in our other resorts will be melting to rain at the lower altitudes.
The avalanche danger has also reduced to 2 (Moderate) but skiers shouldn't become complacent – old snow drifts pose a significant danger.
With the end of the season fast approaching, we're crossing our fingers for a good base for spring. This isn't the end of the skiing for the season though – there are loads of options for skiing post-season! Check out summer skiing options here.


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Got Bed Bugs in the bedroom?
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Roaches are six-legged troublemakers that breed like rabbits. They carry disease pathogens, allergens and even triggers for asthma, and their presence is unacceptable and creepy to most people. Our experienced, certified Oklahoma exterminators can take on any pest or rodent (mice & rats) problems you may be experiencing. From ants, termites, fleas, cockroaches, ticks, spiders or other insects, our company will exterminate your pest issues from your home, yard or business.
If you have bed bug problems our unique and powerful 2-step heat and chemical treatments will eliminate bed bugs where they llive and breed. We will work quickly and effectively with as little disruption as possible.
At the first sign of an insect infestation, call Oklahoma Pest Services Co. for immediate attention at (580) 470-9839. Whether you need treatment in your home, apartment, office or commercial building, we are here to help.
Allowing excessive moisture in your crawlspace or around your home or business, without correction can create an environment conducive to all pests and most importantly wood-destroying fungi, termites, and wood-boring beetles.These pests can destroy the structure of your home, your belongings and merchandise. Excessive moisture may also lead to very serious health issues from mold spores which thrive in such an environment.
What is Pest Control? Simply defined, Pest control is the regulation or management of a pest and a pest is a species (i.e., animals, insects, plants, germs and other organisms) that interferes with human activities. And a practitioner of pest control is an exterminator. We are the best pest control exterminator in Duncan,Oklahoma. Our goal as the best pest company in Duncan and Lawton Oklahoma is to get all pests out of your home, yard or business and to stop any new pests from entering. We inspect, prevent and treat for pests in and outside your home or building.
Oklahoma Pest Services Co, a family owned & operated pest management company is based right here in Stephens County. We live and work here, therefore, we care about our communities. Unlike national companies, we want to create a personal and trusted relationship with your family. We will never try to sell you a treatment plan you can't afford or don't need. We will tailor a pest management plan that best suits your needs.
We want you to be a happy and satisfied customer.This is why we offer a fully-backed written guarantee for all our work. Also, we offer Free, No-obligation Inspections & Estimates.
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Don't be fooled. Even in this day and age, plenty of products on the market are harmful to your health.
Just in time for the holiday shopping season, a new report card has been released evaluating the United States' largest retailers' safer chemicals programs — providing detailed information for both consumers and investors on which retailers are leading and which are failing when it comes to managing toxic chemical risks.
"Who's Minding the Store? — A Report Card on Retailer Actions to Eliminate Toxic Chemicals" set out to evaluate the progress that has been made, challenges that remain and the ever-present need for transformational change in the marketplace to promote safer chemicals in products since the Mind the Store campaign was launched in 2013.
This comes at a time when nation's largest retailers are on the frontlines of consumer discontent with product safety and hazardous chemical ingredients.
Our investigation found that some leading retailers such as Walmart, Target and CVS are making significant progress to move the market away from toxic chemicals, while other top retailers, most notably Amazon and Costco, remain serious laggards. Major U.S. retailers earned grades ranging from B for good progress to F for failing to develop even basic safer chemical policies. But with an average grade of D+, most retailers barely make the grade, indicating a significant need for improvement by chain stores to meet rising consumer demand for safer products.
Retailers were graded on a scale of 0 to 130 points, and a corresponding letter grading scale was developed to match the points. The grades were based on publicly available information, and retailers were afforded the opportunity to review and comment on their draft scores, disclose additional information and make new policy commitments.
The report card has been getting considerable attention in both mainstream media and the business press. Bloomberg broke the story with this blistering headline: "Walmart is First, Amazon is Worst in New Ranking on Chemicals." The report has also been covered by numerous other outlets such as CNN, the Daily Mail and even Walmart's home-state newspaper, the Democrat Gazette.
Since the report release, thousands of people across the nation have signed petitions to the retailers, encouraging those that scored well to continue to improve and urging laggards to catch up. More recently, we placed a full-page ad (PDF) in the December issue of Chain Store Age Magazine, to bring our message directly to retail industry executives.
The production, use and disposal of toxic chemicals in common household products not only is costly to our health, but the associated reputational risks, regulatory, legal and financial liabilities for retailers continue to grow.
A new peer-reviewed study found that exposure to just a handful of endocrine disrupting chemicals such as flame retardants, phthalates and bisphenol A (BPA) cost the United States more than $340 billion in health costs annually. A recent United Nations report (PDF) found that over a recent three-year period, CVS Health, Costco, Walgreens, Target and Walmart paid a total of $138 million in fines for improper handling and disposal of products containing chemicals of concern.
Of the 11 retailers evaluated, Walmart, Target and CVS Health received the highest grades and have developed the most robust safer chemical management programs during the past three years. Walmart earned a grade of B, scoring 78.5 out of 130 possible points, the highest scoring retailer evaluated. Target was also awarded a B grade, receiving 76.5 points. Both Target and Walmart have flagged over 2,000 chemicals for reduction, elimination and substitution.
Added new criteria around disclosure of allergens in fragrance and nanomaterials.
CVS Health attained a grade of C based on a score of 53 points. The report card revealed for the first time that CVS Health has become the first pharmacy chain in the country to become a signatory to the Chemical Footprint Project. Additionally, CVS has pledged to publicly disclose its restricted list of chemicals in 2017.
Amazon, Costco and Albertsons all earned failing grades.
Retailers cannot afford to wait for slow-paced government regulation to catch up with the backlog of thousands of chemicals that remain untested.
Amazon received the lowest grade of any retailer evaluated, accruing only 7.5 out of 130 possible points. Meanwhile, Amazon's market share is rapidly growing and it soon will be the biggest retailer of apparel and electronics in the U.S.
Costco received the second lowest grade of any retailer, receiving only 9.5 points. Costco was, surprisingly, the only major retailer that did not publicly report any progress in eliminating chemicals of high concern over the past three years. Albertsons received the third lowest grade of any retailer, with only 12.5 points. Kroger also scored poorly with a grade of D-, barely avoiding an F, receiving only 15.5 points.
Some retailers are beginning to develop safer chemical policies. Best Buy will be announcing a safer chemicals policy, Restricted Substance List (RSL) and Manufacturing Restricted Substance List (MRSL) in 2017. Best Buy deserves credit as the only retailer that is developing a MRSL, which requires avoidance of hazardous chemicals in the manufacture of products, which can drive harmful chemicals out of complex supply chains such as electronics. Best Buy earned a C- grade, receiving 41 points.
Walgreens announced in late 2014 that it was developing a "Chemical Sustainability Program," for release in the spring of 2015, but then backtracked, saying it would be forthcoming in the "coming months." Nearly two years later, this program is still not public. Walgreens was issued a D grade, scoring 29.5 points.
Safer-chemicals standards: Every major U.S. retailer should nurture, promote, require and vigorously defend from attack reputable third-party safer chemicals standards aimed at promoting safer products.
Some of the biggest retailers are taking positive action to better ensure the safety of the products they sell by restricting the use of toxic chemicals by their suppliers.
However, the largest U.S. retailers demonstrate highly uneven progress across their ranks. Retailers cannot afford to wait for slow-paced government regulation to catch up with the backlog of thousands of chemicals that remain untested for safety or are already known to be hazardous to human health and the environment. Relying on self-policing by the chemical industry and product manufacturers will not satisfy the concerns of consumers, who increasingly are voting with their dollars.
Retailers must lead in promoting safer chemicals, safer products and healthy families.


text:
using System;

namespace InControl
{
	// @cond nodoc
	[AutoDiscover]
	public class SamsungGP20AndroidProfile : UnityInputDeviceProfile
	{
		public SamsungGP20AndroidProfile()
		{
			Name = "Samgsung Game Pad EI-GP20";
			Meta = "Samgsung Game Pad EI-GP20 on Android";

			SupportedPlatforms = new[] {
				"ANDROID"
			};

			JoystickNames = new[] {
				"Samsung Game Pad EI-GP20"
			};

			ButtonMappings = new[] {
				new InputControlMapping {
					Handle = "1",
					Target = InputControlType.Action1,
					Source = Button0
				},
				new InputControlMapping {
					Handle = "2",
					Target = InputControlType.Action2,
					Source = Button1
				},
				new InputControlMapping {
					Handle = "3",
					Target = InputControlType.Action3,
					Source = Button2
				},
				new InputControlMapping {
					Handle = "4",
					Target = InputControlType.Action4,
					Source = Button3
				},
				new InputControlMapping {
					Handle = "Left Bumper",
					Target = InputControlType.LeftBumper,
					Source = Button4
				},
				new InputControlMapping {
					Handle = "Right Bumper",
					Target = InputControlType.RightBumper,
					Source = Button5
				},
				new InputControlMapping {
					Handle = "Select",
					Target = InputControlType.Select,
					Source = Button11
				},
				new InputControlMapping {
					Handle = "Start",
					Target = InputControlType.Start,
					Source = Button10
				}
			};

			AnalogMappings = new[] {
				LeftStickLeftMapping( Analog0 ),
				LeftStickRightMapping( Analog0 ),
				LeftStickUpMapping( Analog1 ),
				LeftStickDownMapping( Analog1 ),

				RightStickLeftMapping( Analog2 ),
				RightStickRightMapping( Analog2 ),
				RightStickUpMapping( Analog3 ),
				RightStickDownMapping( Analog3 ),

				DPadLeftMapping( Analog4 ),
				DPadRightMapping( Analog4 ),
				DPadUpMapping( Analog5 ),
				DPadDownMapping( Analog5 ),
			};
		}
	}
	// @endcond
}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


text:
Q: Image with multiple layers In our gamedesign we wish to implement collisiondetection by (hopefully) being able to check the backgroundlayer of our mapimages. We are currently using .png but the problem is that the transparency channel (alpha) is useful information for the top layer (deciding transparency), we cannot use this layer as a bitmask without making the image transparent. Since our game is a tilebased RPG the checks would be simple (iterate every blocksize pixel, if alpha=1 then this block is a map-solid and cannot be  walked through or stepped upon).
The alternatives (the ones we can think of) require too much setup. For instance having a second image leaves no room for error as they have to match completely. Also designating individual blocks in the image as walkable requires us to store this information in either the image or manually set this, which is too brute-force. The transparency layer idea (if you can suggest a way to make it work) is ideal as you can just shadow the image in photoshop and create a transparent image, requiring almost no work.
TLDR; Can you use the alpha channel of png in java as a form of bitmask without rendering the transparency? Any imageformats easily handled by swing that can store multiple layers?

A: you're operating on a single value, so why not reserve 1 number in 1 of the other channels. Keep your 16 million colors, but reserve b=0 as your collision color. People won't be able to tell the difference between 0,0,0 and 0,0,1 so just never use pure black, problem solved without weird transparency encoding.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


text:
Moazzam Begg exonerated: once again failed anti-terror policies continue to punish innocent citizens
Oct 2, 2014 | News & Press
he Cordoba Foundation
MOAZZAM BEGG EXONERATED
ONCE AGAIN FAILED ANTI-TERROR POLICIES CONTINUE TO PUNISH INNOCENT CITIZENS
The Cordoba Foundation (TCF) welcomes the decision of the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) to drop all charges of terrorism-related offences against Moazzam Begg. The release from prison today of Begg, once an innocent detainee of Guantanamo Bay, an author and a prominent British human rights campaigner, comes as a great relief to his family and friends, as well as the vast community who knew him and never believed for a second that he might have been guilty. Begg was arrested in the West Midlands, on the 25th of February 2014 on suspicion of "attending a terrorist training camp" and "facilitating terrorism overseas".
TCF warned at the time that Begg's arrest was politically-motivated and was the culmination of a long campaign of harassment from the UK authorities, including being prevented from attending events he was invited to abroad and the confiscation of his passport on numerous occasions.
TCF has a long-standing working relationship with Begg and the human rights and advocacy group CAGE. Dr Anas Altikriti, CEO of The Cordoba Foundation said:
"Moazzam is a close aide to The Cordoba Foundation; we have been collaborating on several projects over many years specifically addressing issues relating to human rights violations perpetrated under the pretext of the so-called War on Terror, the criminalisation of the Muslim community, but more importantly, fighting for the rights of those illegally detained. Moazzam is a leading light in this field and is a well-respected personality in not only the British Muslim community but across British society, as the huge numbers of messages of congratulations and celebration show. Indeed, many of those messages were received from all corners of the world".
Altikriti further commented that "it seems absurd that someone of Moazzam's stature was accused of supporting terrorism, despite being a strong voice against extremism, and someone who has always encouraged Muslims and the wider community to become engaged with the local and national legal and political processes. I find it strange how someone viewed as an antidote to extremism and radicalisation, became himself, a victim of the 'War on Terror…'".
TCF believes that Begg's unjustifiable incarceration, for the second time in his life-time, is representative of the fruits of the failed Prevent programme and anti-terror legislations which must be abandoned, for driving communities apart and creating a culture of fear rather than one of safety and security. This also highlights the dangers of home secretary Theresa May's call this week for the abandoning of the Human Rights Act.
1. The Cordoba Foundation is an independent strategic think tank aimed at promoting intercultural dialogue and positive coexistence, through a range of activities including research and publications, training and capacity building, policy briefings and dialogues. The Foundation takes its name from the city of Cordoba. The European metropolis was once a symbol of human excellence and intellectual ingenuity, where cultures, civilizations and ideas thrived. Embodying this spirit, TCF today facilitates the meeting of minds, to advance understanding and respect for one another.
2. Media and interview requests, contact: info@thecordobafoundation.com | 020 8991 3372 | http://thecordobafoundation.com


text:
using System;
using System.Collections.Generic;
using System.ComponentModel;
using Windows.UI;
using DvachBrowser3.Links;
using DvachBrowser3.Styles;

namespace DvachBrowser3.ViewModels
{
    /// <summary>
    /// Модель представления поста.
    /// </summary>
    public interface IPostViewModel : INotifyPropertyChanged
    {
        /// <summary>
        /// Родительская модель представления.
        /// </summary>
        IPostCollectionViewModel Parent { get; }

        /// <summary>
        /// Ссылка.
        /// </summary>
        BoardLinkBase Link { get; }

        /// <summary>
        /// Родительская ссылка.
        /// </summary>
        BoardLinkBase ParentLink { get; }

        /// <summary>
        /// Заголовок.
        /// </summary>
        string Subject { get; }

        /// <summary>
        /// Текст поста.
        /// </summary>
        IPostTextViewModel Text { get; }

        /// <summary>
        /// Медиафайлы.
        /// </summary>
        IPostMediaViewModel Media { get; }

        /// <summary>
        /// Флаги.
        /// </summary>
        IPostFlagsViewModel Flags { get; }

        /// <summary>
        /// Имя.
        /// </summary>
        IPostNameViewModel Name { get; }

        /// <summary>
        /// Дата.
        /// </summary>
        string Date { get; }

        /// <summary>
        /// Номер поста.
        /// </summary>
        int? PostNum { get; }

        /// <summary>
        /// Номер поста.
        /// </summary>
        string PostNumStr { get; }

        /// <summary>
        /// Счётчик постов.
        /// </summary>
        int? Counter { get; set; }

        /// <summary>
        /// Счётчик постов.
        /// </summary>
        string CounterStr { get; }

        /// <summary>
        /// Цвет подложки изображения.
        /// </summary>
        Color ImageBackgroundColor { get; }

        /// <summary>
        /// Количество пропущенных постов.
        /// </summary>
        string OmitPostCountStr { get; }

        /// <summary>
        /// Дополнительные данные.
        /// </summary>
        IDictionary<string, object> CustomAttachedData { get; }

        /// <summary>
        /// Менеджер стилей.
        /// </summary>
        IStyleManager StyleManager { get; }

        /// <summary>
        /// Штамп поста.
        /// </summary>
        string PostStamp { get; }

        /// <summary>
        /// Получить короткую информацию о треде.
        /// </summary>
        /// <returns>Короткая информация.</returns>
        ShortThreadInfo GetShortThreadInfo();

        /// <summary>
        /// Тэги.
        /// </summary>
        IPostTags Tags { get; }
    }
}


Newark, NJ—According to the American Diabetes Association, nearly 30 million Americans are living with diabetes and 86 million have prediabetes and are at risk for developing diabetes. In recognition of American Diabetes Month, November, Saint Michael's Medical Center will host a special diabetes event on Friday, November 13, 2015, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Saint Michael's Medical Center located at 111 Central Avenue, Newark, NJ.
The event will include diabetes and hypertension screenings (blood glucose and blood pressure), foot screenings, educational information and a healthy holiday cooking demonstration at 12:30 p.m.
There is no cost to attend this event and walk-ins are welcome.
Established by the Franciscan Sisters of the Poor in 1867, Saint Michael's is a 357-bed regional tertiary-care, teaching, and research center in the heart of Newark's business and educational district. Saint Michael's Medical Center is currently a member of Trinity Health. Learn more at www.smmcnj.org.


The Rio Olympics are right around the corner! Every fourth summer, there are a host of storylines and events that you, your friends, and your co-workers are all talking about.
So far, all the talk is about the Zika virus and Brazil's financial unpreparedness.
It will (likely) be the last Olympics for Michael Phelps and Usain Bolt. Basketball fans will get a preview of new Golden State Warrior Kevin Durant playing with his new teammates Draymond Green and Klay Thompson.
But what other new stars are on the horizon? What are the must-see events?
That's why we're here. Check out our expert guide to the under-the-radar storylines you can impress your friends with next month.
The gymnast that stole our country's hearts in London, 2012 will be back to recapture them in a few weeks. But it's her new teammates we should get familiar with.
2. Table Tennis is intense.
Wait, did you even know that Table Tennis is an Olympic sport?
Well it is. But before you roll your eyes, understand that table tennis at its highest level is incredible.
When I think of hammer throws, I think of Thor. But I have a feeling that will change next month.
This is the one "Field" event I'm making sure not to miss. Adding to the intrigue: the U.S. Women's team is trending upward.
We'll be represented by DeAnna Price, Gwen Berry, and Amber Campbell — the latter of which finished 12th at the 2012 Olympics and had the best mark ever for a U.S. women's hammer throw.
Berry, meanwhile, broke the American mark this past May, though it was thrown out because she was using a banned asthma medication, which I guess is a thing.
Just marvel at this video though. This looks super badass.
Water polo is already a fun, action-packed game that we're reminded of every four years at this time. Little did I know though, all that action we see above water is just a part of the full picture.
This fascinating look by U.S. team captains Maggie Steffens and Tony Azevedo highlight what happens below the surface.
That's right, your 39th guess (which is how many sports there are altogether).
Assuming you haven't brushed up on your badminton results from 2012, there was a scandal in women's doubles that saw two South Korean teams, a Chinese team, and an Indonesian team purposely throw matches to receive a better draw in the knockout round.
Apparently, the swings and misses were obvious enough to disqualify them all.
More about him, and the full storyline on the event here.
6. The Paralympics are in September!
Before we show love to the last, and probably coolest event if (I had to pick just one), we want to give some shine to the Paralympics as well!
The Games don't stop in August. The Paralympics start up right after in Rio in early September.
Need one reason to watch?
How about this headline: Blake Leeper Loses Prosthetic Leg, Still Finishes Second. Yep, it's as amazing as it sounds. Watch the video here.
I told you — coolest event of all.
We all know that the trampoline was a top five activity as a little kid. To see it performed on the world stage is seriously intriguing.
And the U.S. has a great story to root for: Logan Dooley.
He was the Olympic alternate in 2008 and 2012, which is the closest you can get to being an Olympian, without actually being able to call yourself one.
This year, he's a full-on Olympian — and he has some interesting superstitions.
The takeaway here, speaking to all the parents, is that you can further encourage your child's trampoline joy by telling them they can be an Olympic gold medalist one day.
So get your DVR ready, and enjoy feeling smug next month when you're the only person in the office who can explain the Big Badminton Scandal.


Hogue SIG Sauer P220 Rosewood American Model Checkered Grip 20911.
ARMSCOR M1400 M20P, M14Y Youth Rifle .22 Long Rifle 10 RD Magazine 1212.
Armscor Rock Island Armory FS/MS MAP1 10 Round 9mm or 22TCM 9R Magazine 56058.
RIA Armscor MAPP1 9mm or 22TCM 9R 10 RD Full Size or Mid-Size Factory Magazine Armscor Blued 56097.
Rock Island Armory Armscor MAPP1 FS/MS (Full Size or Mid-Size) 9mm or 22 TCM 9R 16 RD Full Size or Mid-Size Blued Armscor 56057.


text:
package io.oilfox.backend.api.startup.routines;

import com.google.inject.Inject;
import io.oilfox.backend.db.entities.DbOilfox;
import io.oilfox.backend.db.entities.DbOrder;
import io.oilfox.backend.db.entities.DbTank;
import io.oilfox.backend.db.entities.DbUser;
import io.oilfox.backend.db.db.UnitOfWork;
import io.oilfox.backend.api.shared.helpers.PasswordHash;
import io.oilfox.backend.api.shared.startup.common.StartupRoutine;
import org.hibernate.criterion.Restrictions;

import java.util.*;

/**
 * Created by ipusic on 2/8/16.
 */
public class StartupDefaultFixtures extends StartupRoutine {

    @Inject
    UnitOfWork unitOfWork;

    @Override
    public void run() throws Exception {
        List<String> admins = new ArrayList<>();
        admins.add("admin@oilfox.io");
        admins.add("igor@oilfox.io");
        admins.add("ivan@oilfox.io");

        try {
            unitOfWork.open();

            for (String adminEmail : admins) {
                DbUser existingUser = (DbUser) unitOfWork.db().createCriteria(DbUser.class)
                        .add(Restrictions.eq("email", adminEmail))
                        .uniqueResult();

                if (existingUser == null) {
                    DbUser admin = new DbUser();
                    admin.firstname = "Firstname";
                    admin.lastname = "Lastname";
                    admin.email = adminEmail;
                    admin.mobile = "+49 000 0000 0000";
                    admin.passhash = PasswordHash.createHash("password");
                    admin.isAdmin = true;
                    admin.createdAt = new Date();
                    unitOfWork.db().save(admin);

                    final boolean loadDevFixtures = Objects.equals(System.getenv("DEV_FIXTURES"), "true");
                    if (loadDevFixtures) {
                        DbTank tank = new DbTank();
                        tank.name = "tank";
                        tank.height = 2000;
                        tank.volume = 4000;
                        tank.shape = 0;
                        tank.city = "munich";
                        tank.street = "zielstatt";
                        tank.country = "germany";
                        tank.zipcode = "81379";
                        tank.user = admin;
                        unitOfWork.db().save(tank);

                        DbOrder order = new DbOrder();
                        order.volume = 20;
                        order.price = 100;
                        order.notes = "";
                        order.status = "";
                        order.user = admin;
                        unitOfWork.db().save(order);

                        for (int i = 0; i < 2; i++) {
                            DbOilfox oilfox = new DbOilfox();
                            oilfox.name = UUID.randomUUID().toString();
                            oilfox.hwid = "112233445566";
                            oilfox.tank = tank;
                            oilfox.token = UUID.randomUUID();
                            oilfox.user = admin;
                            oilfox.ssid = UUID.randomUUID().toString();
                            unitOfWork.db().save(oilfox);
                        }
                    }
                }
            }

            unitOfWork.commit();
        } finally {
            unitOfWork.close();
        }
    }
}


text:
DIA Leaker Arrested
Political issues and parties in the USA and Canada.
Moderator: PoFo North America Mods
DIA Leaker Arrested#15040915
Defense Intelligence Agency Employee Arrested for Leaking Classified Information to Journalists
An employee of the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) was arrested today on charges related to his alleged disclosure of classified national defense information (NDI) to two journalists in 2018 and 2019.
"As laid out in today's indictment, Frese was caught red-handed disclosing sensitive national security information for personal gain," said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers. "Frese betrayed the trust placed in him by the American people—a betrayal that risked harming the national security of this country. This is one of six unauthorized disclosure cases the Department has charged in just over two years, and we will continue in our efforts to punish and deter this behavior."
Henry Kyle Frese, 30, of Alexandria, is a DIA employee and holds a Top Secret//Sensitive Compartmented Information U.S. government security clearance. According to court documents, between mid-April and early May 2018, Frese allegedly accessed classified intelligence reports, some of which were unrelated to his job duties, and provided TOP SECRET information regarding a foreign country's weapons systems to a journalist (Journalist 1). According to court documents, Frese and Journalist 1 had the same residential address from August 2017 through August 2018 and, based on reviews of Frese's and Journalist 1's public social media pages, it appears that they were involved in a romantic relationship for some or all of that period of time. The unauthorized disclosure of TOP SECRET information could reasonably be expected to cause exceptionally grave harm to the national security of the United States.
According to the indictment, a week after Frese accessed one of the intelligence reports (Intelligence Report 1) for the second time, Journalist 1 wrote to Frese on April 27, 2018, and asked whether he would be willing to speak with another journalist (Journalist 2). Frese stated that he was "down" to help Journalist 2 if it helped Journalist 1 because he wanted to see Journalist 1 "progress."
As alleged, in that same communication, Frese and Journalist 1 also discussed a story that Journalist 1 was working on, the subject matter of which was the topic of Intelligence Report 1. Several days after that communication, Frese searched on a classified United States government computer system for terms related to the topics contained in Intelligence Report 1. According to the indictment, in the hours after searching for terms related to the topic of Intelligence Report 1, Frese spoke by telephone with both Journalist 1 (twice) and Journalist 2, and within approximately a half hour after Frese's conversations with the two journalists, Journalist 1 published an article (Article 1) through News Outlet 1, which contained NDI from Intelligence Report 1 classified at the TOP SECRET//SCI level.
In addition, as alleged in the indictment, on Sept. 24, 2019, Frese was captured on court-authorized surveillance of his cell phone orally transmitting classified NDI to Journalist 2. These disclosures contained NDI classified at the SECRET level, meaning that the unauthorized disclosure of the information could reasonably be expected to cause serious harm to the national security of the United States.
"Henry Kyle Frese was entrusted with TOP SECRET information related to the national defense of our country," said G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. "Frese allegedly violated that trust, the oath he swore to uphold, and is charged with engaging in dastardly and felonious conduct at the expense of our country. This indictment should serve as a clear reminder to all of those similarly entrusted with National Defense Information that unilaterally disclosing such information for personal gain, or that of others, is not selfless or heroic, it is criminal."
"Mr. Frese allegedly disclosed highly classified national defense information, which puts our country and people at risk," said Alan E. Kohler Jr., Special Agent in Charge of the FBI's Washington Field Office Counterintelligence Division. "He violated his oath to serve and protect the United States. The men and women of the FBI work hard every day to protect the American people and uphold the Constitution - we will not stand by while trusted government employees violate that trust in such an egregious way."
A federal grand jury returned an indictment yesterday charging Frese with two counts of willful transmission of national defense information to persons not entitled to receive it. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison on each count. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/defense- ... ournalists
Return to "North America"
Civilian Massacres Tied to Corrupt Mexican Government Police/Military
- By SaddamHuseinovic
Mexico is fighting an US drug war with death toll[…]


For over 10 years, Courtney worked in television production and development in Los Angeles, California. She's worked at networks such as NBC, ABC Disney, and CBS, on shows such as, The Amazing Race, Survivor, and Grey's Anatomy. She was heavily involved in the production of the book, The Everyday Supermodel, by Molly Sims, which reached the top of the New York Times Best Sellers List in 2015. In her spare time, Courtney enjoys performing improv comedy and writing for the show Tonight In San Diego.


text:
I LIVE FOR ART: Film Threat Review
Overall, it's a fascinating study in creativity; what creativity is, how it happens and what it means to exercise one's own creative impulses Film Threat
Renee Slade and Ri Stewart's I Live For Art is a documentary film that examines creativity both philosophically and via first-hand examples of creatives in action. In this scenario, the creatives are composer Brian McWhorter, whose latest project involves a creativity machine borne of a bathtub; Mark Applebaum, focused on questioning assumed traditions and inherited ideas, working through all manner of different creative musical endeavors; and Mark Gould of Pink Baby Monster, who is often seen working alongside, and creatively antagonizing, McWhorter.
As the three go about their work, explaining their processes and/or showing them in action, the film includes the thoughts and feedback on creativity from theoretical quantum physicist and philosopher Amit Goswami, storyteller Michael Meade and event producer Elliot Rasenick. While creative in their own ways, obviously, this trio act to ground the previously mentioned creatives in a grander narrative of human existence and history; their insight serves to connect the individual acts of creativity to the collective whole of life.
You'd think a documentary on a subject such as creativity would lend itself to be impenetrably eccentric, but the film manages to keep itself to the tried and true structure the audience is most comfortable with, relying often on the talking head method. That is not to say that the film is dry or stiff by any means, only that it has elements that ground it in its form, and it doesn't become too experimental to grasp for those not ready for such an experience.
Instead, the experience is most like a gentle wake-up call for one's creativity. Not a loud shout of unintelligible ideas, waking you up with all the grace of a baseball bat to the head, here one is presented with ideas about creativity that inspire thought in a more productive manner. Whether you "get" what anyone on screen is doing, you at least relate to those moments.
Overall, it's a fascinating study in creativity; what creativity is, how it happens and what it means to exercise one's own creative impulses, among other considerations. Some ideas I shared, and yet others I never really thought too much about. Mostly, I just really want my own Mouseketeer.
Read the entire review at Film Threat


Holiday Cookies from my First Cookbook | We Like to Cook!
As the holidays quickly approach, I have started gathering up my favorite cookie recipes. They are like old friends that I only see once a year. On my list are "Molasses Crinkles" from my very first cookbook: Betty Crocker's New Boys and Girls Cookbook. You can tell which recipes were my favorites growing up because the pages are a bit stained from youthful mishaps. Flipping through the pages, I am transported back to 1975. The campy illustrations and pictures are familiar and comforting like a vintage quilt, and the taste of these spicy cookies evoke childhood memories of holidays past!
Mix shortening, brown sugar, molasses and egg thoroughly in large bowl. Stir in dry ingredients except for the granulated sugar. Cover and refrigerate the dough for at least 2 hours or overnight.
Preheat oven to 375°F and grease the cookie sheet. Shape the dough into 1 1/4-inch balls and roll them in the granulated sugar. Place balls 3 inches apart on the cookie sheet. Sprinkle each with 2 or 3 drops of water (I use a mister and lightly mist the tray.) Bake cookies for 10 to 12 minutes or just until set but not too hard. Remove from the cookie sheet to a wire rack to cool. Serve with hot chocolate!
No. 99 in Saveur's Top 100. You go girl.


Distance learning, also known as e-learning, correspondence, TeleCourse, Independent study and many others, is education that is conducted and completed outside of the traditional classroom setting of any institution. It could be a correspondence course to learn a new skill or a course of study that is completed totally via the internet. This form of study is making foreign accredited courses much easier to attain than ever before.
Today, online education and assessment makes it possible to earn an Associate, Bachelor, Master, or even a Doctorate degree. In addition to the above one can undertake business training and development programs, career training diplomas, foreign language courses all available via the Internet and distance learning institutional facilities.
Interactive technology has moved the classroom to the student in the distance learning situation. Top tier universities and colleges now offer the same degree programs that they offer on campus through online distance learning programs, with the same curriculum, taught by top faculty members. This has been a boon for continuing education for busy professionals.
New call launched! Innovation in Lifelong LearningThe 21st issue of eLearning Papers proposes a broad approach to the theme of Innovation in Lifelong Learning. We are not only interested in research on innovation within formal education; this issue aims to reveal the potential of those innovations that are shaping informal learning in our everyday environments or in the workplace. Deadline 28 June 2010.
The E-VITA project promotes and investigates pedagogy-driven innovation by defining new approaches to problem-based and contextualised learning. Integrating Game Based Learning with intergenerational learning concepts and storytelling techniques, E-VITA is producing 4 different serious game prototypes: experiential, problem-based, narrative and exploratory. In June 2010 an extended, international test phase will begin: everyone (schools, teachers, students, experts, anyone interested) is invited to participate: information will be available on the project website and in the LinkedIn group "e-VITA".
SURVEY ON THE FUTURE OF LEARNING.
The Institute for Prospective Technological Studies (IPTS) is currently conducting a study on the future of learning in 2025, looking in particular at ways to learn new skills for future jobs (www.futureoflearning.eu). The project foresees multiple consultations with experts and stakeholders to obtain their views on the future of learning in order to develop visions and scenarios and to elaborate on the needs and challenges of future learners. It will then consider how learning, skills and training policies should address these challenges. At this point, they would like to ask you to reflect on some of the participant feedback they have obtained through 2 short surveys on 2 topics: The Role of Teachers and Lifelong Learning - Labour Market Re-intergration, Re-skilling, Up-skilling.
EFQUEL Innovation Forum. September 8-10, 2010. Lisbon (Portugal).
The annual assembly of eLearning and education professionals will debate how opening education can contribute to social inclusion agendas and promote economic welfare by better equipping citizens with necessary skills. The Conference Programme and registration are available online.
ONLINE EDUCA BERLIN 2010 December 1-3, 2010 Berlin (Germany).
Under the banner of Learning for All, the conference will deeply interrogate 4 themes that form the pillars of innovation: Learning Content, Learning About Learning, Learning Ecosystems and Learning Environments, in order to contribute to successful learning outcomes in three learning domains: Institutional Learning, Workplace Learning and Lifelong Learning. Online Registration is available.
EDEN 2010, 9-12 June 2010, Valencia, Spain.
The main theme at the European Distance and eLearning Network annual conference this summer in Spain will be "Media Inspirations for Learning. What makes the impact?" The detailed conference programme with the schedule of plenary and parallel sessions is now available at the conference homepage.
Can Video Games Promote Learning?
My guest blogger today is Anna Miller. Please be sure to check out her unique guest post. Guest posts are always welcome, please contact me.
Computers were just gaining in popularity around the time I was in high school, and it was with much excitement that we welcomed the first computers into school the year I was all set to graduate. They were equipped with the now-ancient DOS environment, black and white monitors, and large CPUs; even so, they were technological wonders that promised so much more. While we enjoyed the basic lessons in computer languages (I think BASIC and COBOL were the major ones around then), what we really looked forward to was the time we got to play games on the system. Of course, back then you had to boot the system and load your games from a floppy disk, so we would fight over who got to play the Carmen game.
"Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego?" was a very popular gaming series back then because it followed the basic cops and robbers theme – you had to chase a crook who escaped to places all over the world using a set of educational clues, and every successful arrest would help you climb up the professional ladder. To cut a long story short, we enjoyed these games, but they were educational too. They focused on teaching geography, history, mathematics and even English.
Today's kids however would scoff at Carmen Sandiego, inured as they are to multi-player and multi-tasking games like World of Warcraft and Age of Empires. While parents are dead against them, there are a few educational experts who argue that video games, even the ones that are around today, can actually enhance the learning process. Microsoft is leading the way by setting aside $1.5 million to fund The Games for Learning Institute, a joint venture with a few colleges that include the New York University and other reputable institutions. The initiative hopes to see if video games can be designed to help students gain skills that will help them excel in the subjects of mathematics, science and technology.
The problem with today's games is not that they're violent and so detrimental to the minds of young children; the more pressing issue is that they're addictive and end up becoming an overpowering influence in the lives of children who need a more balanced range of activities. Gaming has ruined many a brilliant college student's life by bringing down their grades (because they've been too busy playing and not studying) and by negating their social lives with real people.
Gamers claim that games can encourage scientific thinking because players have to come up with various scientific and mathematical models of the worlds they have to build and defend, and also boost spatial skills and the ability to think and react quickly. We've always known that video games improve hand-eye coordination, but now they seem to boost mental acuity as well.
But at the end of the day, the plain truth is that such games are addictive, and the educative value comes out and is of use only if the gamer is able to draw the line between fantasy and real life and never cross it.
This guest post is contributed by Anna Miller, who writes on the topic of online degrees.
Many thanks to Anna Miller.
I hope that you found these post interesting and helpful from BigGyan Cloud eLearning.
Cloud computing has been defined in various ways. The definition that mostly aptly describes it is – Cloud computing is a computing paradigm where the boundaries of computing will be determined by economic rationale rather than technical limits. given by Prof. Ramnath K. Chellappa (currently at Goizueta Business School, Emory University).
Cloud computing is about dissociating business applications from the underlying infrastructure. Cloud computing customers do not generally own the physical infrastructure serving as host to the software platform in question. Instead, they avoid capital expenditure by renting usage from a third-party provider.
This introduces a "gap" between the physical infrastructure "The Earth" and business applciations "The Cloud". It is exactly like consuming electricity from the grid rather than generating your own. Consumers consume resources as a service and pay only for resources that they use.
Today I have Alexis Montgomery guest blogging. Please be sure to check out her unique guest post. Guest posts are always welcome, please contact me.
Keeping kids on track with their studies is hard enough throughout the school year, but when summer hits, forget it! Pulling out a math book or their assigned summer reading is bound to result in complaints at the least and outright tantrums at the worst. Do you really want to deal with this all summer long? Isn't there a better way to engage your kids in educational activities that they might actually enjoy? As a matter of fact, there is.
Today's child is plugged into a world of technology that was unavailable even a couple of decades ago, and they pick it up with astonishing speed. So if you can find a way to work around their interests, there's absolutely no reason you can't make learning fun. In fact, a lot of other people have already had the same idea, as there are a huge number of websites geared towards making education fun for kids.
FunBrain may be one of the best education-based websites for kids in that it is organized by subject, age, and grade level. You can browse any one of these options to find the areas your child needs help in. The best part is that the site makes learning more attractive to kids by offering everything in the format of a game, so that they can have fun even as they're challenged. There are age-appropriate skill games, adventure or sports games that incorporate math and reading skills, and practical applications like quizzes. In addition, they offer web comics and blogs for boys and girls of different age groups.
Primary Games also offers a lot of original games broken up by subject, with options like Princess Math, where players can practice basic math skills with a twist, such as adding the cost of dresses and tiaras to fit a target number, typing speed tests, and Carto's Magic Maps, an adventure game that allows players to travel through time collecting maps.
PBS Kids is another good site that has educational games that incorporate characters from your kids' favorite PBS shows. And these are just a few of the many websites that cater to your child's thirst for knowledge.
You will need to browse a bit to find the sites that best suit your child, in terms of their needs and interest level, but with all of the options available, your sure to find several that are acceptable. The main thing to remember is that whatever you choose should be kid approved, or they're going to end up dragging their feet. If you can get them going to the website on their own, without prompting, you know you've found a winner.
Alexis Montgomery is a content writer for Online Degree, where you can browse through various online degree programs to find a college that suits your needs.
Many thanks to Alexis Montgomery.
Please, take a look and find out what is hot right now?
Leaders of online education gathered Thursday to discuss the role that virtual learning must play in our nation's future, saying brick-and-mortar classrooms won't become obsolete but will be complemented by blended and virtual learning models.
"We [the United States] were great at creating human capital but the rest of the world is catching up," said Paul Peterson, executive editor at Education Next during a forum at the Heritage Foundation. According to Peterson, virtual learning will allow for the personalization of education and save costs.
Today I have Jessica Cortez guest blogging. Please be sure to check out her unique guest post. Guest posts are always welcome, please contact me.
E-Learning, is, without doubt, one of the most exciting technological developments of our age. While there are millions of "trends" occurring right now, all fueled by the Internet, e-Learning is one such phenomenon that has transcended Web fashions that seem to always come and go. E-learning is here, and it's here to stay.
Perhaps the only way to combat perennial global problems like poverty, the spread of disease, and violent conflict, is through education. E-learning makes education affordable and available to all. The power of this simply cannot be understated.
Both on the Net and within academic circles we hear ad infinitum about the new methods in teaching that e-learning as a whole has developed. However, something that I'm particularly interested in is examining valuable lessons distance educators can import from traditional academia. To be sure, many aspects of the Ivory Tower are slowly but surely crumbling and I have no reservations about rejoicing in this. Old, entrenched ideas must necessarily be constantly questioned, re-envisioned when necessary, and disposed of entirely if new problems and challenges arise.
My personal academic background, I must shamefully admit, was solidly brick-and-mortar. And I graduated from my alma mater--an insular, private, unconscionably pretentious school--quite bitter about the state of higher education. Yet there were, of course, some things I learned that have changed me and my worldview for the better. I firmly believe that some of these personal and intellectual improvements were accomplished in specific ways. We in the business of fashioning the future of e-earning should retain some aspects from the past. Development, as the saying goes, is built up by standing on the shoulders of giants.
One such giant is our established canon of philosophy and literature. These simply cannot be forgotten, because they give us a structured sense of our development as human beings. Another, closely related aspect of academia which is not as emphasized in our supposedly "traditional" curriculum as much as it should be is primary sources. The wonders of Wikipedia notwithstanding, we should be sure to still place value on the "straight from the horse's mouth" method. And of course, one aspect that I particularly enjoyed at my university was seeking and maintaining a rapport with professors. This hardly happens in larger traditional university settings, although I experienced it to a measured extent at my school. E-learning, fueled by the Internet's connectivity, is the perfect platform to foster a healthy, intellectually stimulating student-educator relationship.
These are only a few ideas that retain the valuable lessons we've learned from a traditional educational system that is experiencing many, not so forward-thinking upheavals. Whatever the future of the brick-and-mortar university, e-learning must take the reins and think carefully about its future trajectory now that it is still in its early stages. For the future of online education, now is an absolutely critical time.
This guest post is contributed by Jessica Cortez, who writes on the topics of online degree programs.
She welcomes your comments at her email Id: cortez.jessi23@gmail.com.
Many thanks to Jessica Cortez.
Imagine if we could harness this drive to connect for the purpose of learning. Is it possible to use social networking to further learning?
While doing research for my book, The Socially Networked Classroom: Teaching in the New Media Age, I spoke with dozens of pioneering teachers across the country and even around the world about how they are figuring out ways create a new media classroom while keeping their students safe and focused on learning. Their responses covered a range of examples, from social networking in a low-tech environment to teaching at the most advanced levels of technological innovation.
William Kist is an associate professor at Kent State University, where he teaches literacy education courses. A former high school English teacher, Kist has presented nationally and internationally, with over 40 articles and book chapters to his credit; his profiles of pioneering teachers were the essence of his book New Literacies in Action (2005).
In November, 2007, Kist began a three-year term as director of the Commission on Media for the National Council of Teachers of English. Kist continues to work in video and film and has earned a regional Emmy nomination for Outstanding Music Composition.
His book, The Socially Networked Classroom, presents a snapshot of how teachers are currently using Web 2.0 to educate today's students. Complete with real-world examples, lesson plans, sample assignments, and assessments.
Below are an excellent book, I thought you may find be very helpful.
Fluency in Distance Learning offers a practical, hands-on, workshop style approach to creating an effective distance learning course. Full of specific ideas and strategies, Celeste Fenton and Brenda Ward Watkins guide you through the process from beginning to end.
Specific instructions are provided for setting up a course home page, developing interactive content, and utilizing a variety of multimedia resources.
Fluency in Distance Learning distinguishes itself from other publications on distance learning with its straightforward, practical workshop format. Specific strategies and examples of effective distance learning course materials help instructors to build a quality distance learning course quickly and effectively regardless of the learning management system being used. A companion website contains multimedia files and interactive exercises to enhance the reader's learning and understanding of distance learning pedagogy and content development for online courses.
"Many schools present an assortment of delivery modes, such as full-time, part-time, modular and distance learning programmes. No so long ago, the very notion of a distance learning MBA would be regarded with disdain, the chief argument being that it lacks face-to-face contact.
But as technology has progressed, so too are those perceptions shifting rapidly.", Erica Webster, Times Live reports.
Someone with first-hand experience in this is Ray Irving, head of learning and resources development at Warwick Business School in the UK.
"When I started working with the Warwick distance learning MBA 12 years ago, we would have to inquire whether students had access to things like an e-mail address, a CD-ROM drive and whether they were able to install a browser on their computers.
"Now we can stream lectures live over the Internet to students across the world. They can simply log in via their web browser and watch the lecture. Not only that, but they can participate in the lecture, either via voice or text chat."
Ray holds a first degree in Information Studies and an MBA from the Open University. Working in the field of online teaching and learning at one of Europe's leading business schools, Warwick Business School (WBS), Ray has developed e-learning resources used by MBA students across the globe. On a consultancy basis, Ray has applied this process of e-learning to in-house programmes for business improvement and personal development.
Initially employed at the Chartered Management Institute (the UK's largest professional organisation for managers) as an Information Researcher, Ray helped develop the Institute's initial Internet presence and first electronic publications. Ray's written work appears in a number of published management books, covering the areas of knowledge management, strategy, Intranets, relationship marketing and flexible working.


Some miles east of the opulent palace, dusty homes, and bustling markets of Al-Kharid, a nameless adventurer marches steadily through the shifting desert sands, past the sparse palm trees and rocks that give way to cacti and dead shrubbery. He ascends a ridge above the endless expanse of desert as he reflects upon what would be the last few steps of his journey from the far western kingdoms of men before he stops in his tracks. The sand seems alive in mounds before him; one last obstacle, it would seem. The adventurer moves diligently between them, careful not to disturb the denizens below the surface, as a grand structure becomes clear in the distance.
The adventurer removes his head coverings and shakes off the grains of the desert as he enters the open gates of a large, stone structure, seemingly ancient upon the sands. He finds himself in a peaceful courtyard, with stone staircases, wooden furniture's and a beautifully crafted fountain of crystal clear water - still. In sight is but one modestly-dressed man, tinkering away at the edge of the fountain with magics and crystals in an attempt to once again power the magnificent fixture. As the adventurer approaches, the man turns to face him, cleaning the grime from his hands. The man sits on the edge of the fountain, the ambiance of songbirds and blowing sands offering a tranquility for his thoughts. He waves his hand and produces a slip of paper, sliding it along the edge of the fountain toward the adventurer. He narrows his eyes as he gazes deep into the young man's, before finally speaking.
1.3 – What is the "Academy of Hero's"?
1.3 - What is the Academy of Heroes?
The Academy of Heroes was originally founded by Eshebi Kash in late 2013 and has passed through many hands and thus has existed in several forms. The goal of the Academy of Heroes has largely remained the same since its inception: to train the next generation of Heroes or adventurers in the realm of Gielinor. The Academy is a non-partisan institution that offers a variety of classes in every combat discipline and many non-combat disciplines that would be imperative to any aspiring adventurer. There are no requirements to enroll as a student within the Academy and its doors remain open to all who are willing to learn. The Academy is home to a robust panel of experts in their respective fields. Those willing to share their knowledge are always welcome to apply for a teaching position within the academy, though keep in mind that these positions are not as easy to obtain as a student or other faculty position - you will need a working RP knowledge of the subject (ie, a Combat Master or teacher should be excellent at IC combat). Lastly, keeping in line with the Academy's goals, it will accept quests or jobs from third parties. However, the Academy does not take sides in wars and will not take on assassination or otherwise unruly jobs; we are a band of Heroes, not mercenaries.
Master of Melee: Doc Doctor "Captain Arlgor Kull"
Master of Range: Aerowenc "Aerowen"
Classes are divided into four categories; Melee, Magic, Ranged and non-combat. The Academy focuses primarily in training a new generation of Heroes and thus focuses primarily on combat training and questing abilities. Students are divided into one of the combat disciplines and assigned to a teacher. They will be taught until their teacher believes they are ready for their first exam. Upon passing they will be allowed to continue with more advanced training either by their original teacher or with the Master of their respective discipline. They will be subject to another exam administered by the Master of their discipline before moving onto the final category. At this point, students are no longer beholden to a single teacher and are able to take courses offered in any field. When a student deems themselves ready, the Headmaster will give them one final task (usually in the form of a quest). Upon completion, the student will graduate the academy with the title of 'Hero'. Students begin as trainees and gain a new title upon completion of each exam (Trainee > Adept > Expert > Hero).
As the Academy grows, instructors will become available for a variety of non-combat lessons, such as healing practices (both traditional and magic-based), Alchemy, Survivalism, and many more niche classes.
1. While within the academy you will respect the authority of the Headmaster and the Faculty.
2. You will treat all property and gear owned by the academy with the utmost respect.
3. Student - Faculty relationships are strictly forbidden; anyone found violating this rule will be subject to expulsion.
4. Unregulated fights between students are strictly forbidden; both parties will be seriously reprimanded or even expelled.
5. The Academy does not take sides in any conflict nor does it discriminate against race or religion. All are welcome, and thus the Academy will not tolerate conflicts on these basis within its walls.
6. The Headmaster is *not* a convicted criminal guilty of treason.
1. Please show respect to everyone. We are here for fun so leave your baggage at the door.
2. Adhere to the in-game rules and the RS forum's code of conduct as set by Jagex.
3. Adhere to the standards of World 42's role-playing community. See the guide on page one of the forums for details.
4. Be reasonable. This is a role-play in a public setting so keep in mind what kind of characters would be acceptable within lore. Your Mahj is going to have a hard time fitting in here.
5. The owner and admins are the GMs during events. They have the final say during disputes.
6. As a last resort, the Headmaster and Discipline Masters have the right to refuse interaction those who have disregarded the following rules.
Currently the Academy is looking for the following positions. Keep in mind that an excellent, working, In-Character knowledge of subjects will be required for teachers. Students have no requirements besides those stated in the rules. Keep in mind we will not be able to accept every teaching applicant right away as we are looking for students first, and teachers only when needed to fill skill gaps.
Medical Office: The Academy boasts a well-funded and well stocked Medical Centre. It occupies half of the left wing of the academy. The Centre doubles as a local infirmary where willing participants are used to help advance the knowledge of our medical students.
Library: The Academy houses an impressive amount of literature, acquired through both exploration and donation from scholars around Gielinor. Students are expected to make good use of available resources as they are often useful for preparation for their final exam.
Dining Hall: The Academy sports an impressive Dining Hall capable of seating up to forty students at any given time, plus staff and faculty. This Hall connects directly to the kitchen which is staffed by renowned chefs from across the world. These chefs are also responsible for teaching cooking classes offered at the Academy.
Foundry: Donated by the benefactor of the new Academy, the Foundry occupies much of the basement with a workshop located on the floor above it. Although it is one of the smaller wings of the facility, it allows the Academy to construct its own equipment and allows for courses in metallurgy and woodworking practices.
Observatory: The top floor of the tower is home to the Observatory and Orrery, usually reserved for more arcane practices, it houses many of the arcane contraptions used by the Master of Magic. The Observatory also hosts an impressive telescope used in multiple classes.
Assembly Hall: The main hub of the Academy is the Assembly Hall. Celebrations and announcements from the Headmaster are held here and it is capable of holding the entire faculty, students, and a decent number of guests.
Dorms: A third of the academy is taken up by the student dorms, students are allowed to stay on the campus if they so desire but are not required to do so.
Although the Academy does not actively participate in conflicts it has been attacked in the past. The Academy sports meter-thick stone walls which span the entirety of the complex. The entrance consists of a steel gate between the stone walls, with a guard house on the right side. A permanent tele-block is continuously projected over the entirety of the Academy, though it expires once off the grounds. Lastly, the Strykewyrms in front of the Academy, which are used in training, have been known to attack large machines or groups of people who disturb the grounds.
Credits: I would like to thank my wonderful Admin team for helping me get the academy setup as well as a special thanks to Tulak for help with the thread.


Former Benton Harbor Tiger Wilson Chandler is included in a trade ahead of Thursday's NBA trade deadline. ESPN is reporting that Chandler along with Landry Shamut, Mike Muscala and two first round and two second round picks are going from Philadelphia to the Los Angeles Clippers. In return, the Clippers are sending forward Tobias Harris, center Boban Marjanovic and forward Mike Scott. This is Chandlers first season in Philadelphia after spending the previous six plus seasons with Denver. He spend three plus seasons with the New York Knicks after being drafted by them in the first round of the 2007 draft (23rd overall). Chandler is averaging 6.7 points per game with the Sixers.
The Detroit Pistons and the Los Angeles Lakers have swapped a few players. The Pistons have sent Reggie Bullock to the Lakers in exchange for guard Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk and a second-round draft pick to the Pistons.
Blake Griffin scored 29 points and Andre Drummond finished with 17 points and 16 rebounds as the Detroit Pistons beat New York 105-92 on Tuesday night, handing the Knicks their 14th straight loss. Reggie Bullock and Reggie Jackson each added 19 points for the Pistons. Dennis Smith Jr. had 25 points in his second game for New York, which has also lost a franchise-record 15 straight at home. Mitchell Robinson had 13 points and 10 rebounds, and Kevin Knox scored 11 points. The Knicks haven't won since Jan. 4 against the Lakers in Los Angeles. Their last win at Madison Square Garden was a 136-134 overtime victory against Milwaukee on Dec. 1. Griffin scored 14 points in the first quarter as the Pistons, who never trailed, led by as many as 12.
Bojan Bogdanovic scored 24 points and the Indiana Pacers tied an NBA franchise record by making 19 3-pointers in a 136-94 win over the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday night, handing LeBron James the most lopsided loss of his career. James' teams lost by 36 points twice previously. Myles Turner had 22 points and Thaddeus Young finished with 12 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists to help the Pacers pick up their third consecutive victory. James had 18 points, nine rebounds and seven assists in his second game back since injuring his groin on Christmas Day. He didn't play in the fourth quarter. JaVale McGee had 16 points for the Lakers, who have lost two straight and six of their last eight. This time, the Lakers never had a chance.
New Orleans Pelicans at Chicago Bulls, 8:00 p.m.
Freshman Ignas Brazdeikis scored 23 points and No. 7 Michigan hit nine of its first 11 shots in opening a big lead and beating Rutgers 77-65 on Tuesday night. Zavier Simpson added 14 points, seven assists and seven rebounds as the Wolverines (21-2, 10-2 Big Ten) bounced back from a dreadful performance in a loss to Iowa to remain unbeaten in 11 all-games against the Scarlet Knights (11-11, 4-8). Jordan Poole added 15 points and Charles Matthews had 11 in giving coach John Beilein his 121st win in the conference for Michigan, a school record. Eugene Omoruyi, who spent a year in high school with Brazdekis in Ontario, Canada, had 21 to lead Rutgers. Montez Mathis added 12 points for the Scarlet Knights, who never got closer than seven points after falling behind by 17 early.
Ayo Dosunmu scored 24 points, and Illinois used a swarming defense to upset No. 9 Michigan State 79-74 on Monday night. Giorgi Bezhanishvili scored 16 for Illinois (8-15, 4-8 Big Ten), and Trent Frazier added 15 as the Illini handed the Spartans (18-5, 9-3) their third straight loss. Cassius Winston led the Spartans with 21 points. Xavier Tillman added 16. Illinois led for all but a three-minute stretch late in the game, pushing ahead by as many as 14 points before Michigan State rallied to take a 64-63 lead on Kenny Goins' 3-pointer with 6:21 remaining. But Illinois, behind its defense, held on and took a 71-68 lead on Dosunmu's 3-pointer with 2:35 left. Dosunmu made another 3 with 1:57 remaining, and the Illini held on from there as the Spartans missed their last four field-goal attempts.
Antwon Lillard scored a career-high 27 points and grabbed 11 rebounds and Bowling Green beat Western Michigan 85-72 on Tuesday night to remain atop the Mid-American Conference East standings. Dylan Frye added 20 points with four 3s for the Falcons (16-6, 8-1).Bowling Green hit 12 of 28 3-pointers, led by Lillard's five, and scored 21 points off 22 Broncos' turnovers. Michael Flowers scored 24 points with five 3-pointers and Seth Dugan added 17 with 11 rebounds for Western Michigan (6-16, 0-9), which has lost nine straight.
Notre Dame at Miami (FL), 7:00 p.m.
Western Michigan at Kent State, 7:00 p.m.
Ball State at Central Michigan, 7:00 p.m.
Eastern Michigan at Miami (OH), 7:00 p.m.
Patrick Kane had a goal and an assist and the Chicago Blackhawks scored four goals in less than a three-minute span of the third period in a 6-2 victory over the Edmonton Oilers on Tuesday. Erik Gustafsson, John Hayden, Dylan Strome, Drake Caggiula and Dominik Kahun also scored for the Blackhawks, who have won five straight. Cam Ward stopped 25 shots. Leon Draisaitl scored both goals for Edmonton, which matched a season-high with its sixth-straight loss. Cam Talbot turned aside 23 of 27 shots before giving way to Mikko Koskinen, who made six saves.
A person familiar with the situation says outfielder Brandon Guyer has agreed to a minor league contract with the Chicago White Sox. The person spoke Tuesday on condition of anonymity because the deal had not been completed. Guyer, who debuted with the Tampa Bay Rays in 2011, has a .250 career batting average. He hit a combined .266 for Tampa Bay and Cleveland in 2016 but has struggled the past two years, batting .206 in 103 games for the Indians last season.
St. Joseph rallied from a 10 point deficit in the 2nd half to beat Battle Creek Lakeview 46-43. Jordan Marble had a game high 13 points, including a pair of free throws with :05.1 seconds left to give the Bears the 3 point advantage.
Austin Kiser scored a game high 17 points as Lakeshore picked up the 50-25 road win at Bridgman. Hunter Adams had 7 points to lead Bridgman.
Martin rebounded from their loss on Monday to defeat Michigan Lutheran 63-30. Mitch Jager led the Clippers with 11 points as every Martin player found the scoresheet. Sam Taylor tied for game high honors for Michigan Lutheran with 11 points.
South Haven's Andre Cobbs shot a career high 27 points, while teammate Jaylen Fox added 25 last night, as the Rams romped to an 82-68 win over Vicksburg. Vicksburg's center Nate Rose led all scorers with 29 points in the losing cause.
St. Joe's Emma Inman scored 16 of her team high 21 points in the fourth quarter to help the Lady Bears rally to force overtime and they went on to defeat Battle Creek Lakeview 51-50 in the extra session. Brazyll Watkins scored 26 points to lead Lakeview.
Brandywine outscored Lakeshore 24-7 in the final quarter and went on to a 69-45 win over the Lancers. Zakiyyah Abdullah had 23 points to lead the Bobcats. Morgan Tillman led Lakeshore with 22 points.
Gull Lake outscored Niles 18-10 in the 3rd quarter to take a 12 point lead into the fourth and Niles couldn't overcome the double digit deficit as Gull Lake beat Niles 48-40. Audrey Dewaters had 11 points to lead the Blue Devils. Niles was led by Alycia Patterson with 12 and Aynslee Myer with 11.
Narpreet Singh scored 19 points and Hillary Dortch had 14 points in the Shamrocks 57-36 win at Lawrence.
Niles at Kalamazoo Central, 6:30 p.m.
Parchment at Berrien Springs, 7:30 p.m.
Parchment at Berrien Springs, 6:00 p.m.
Kalamazoo Loy Norrix at Holt, 7:00 p.m.
Lakeshore vs. Benton Harbor, 6:00 p.m.
St. Joseph vs. Niles, 6:00 p.m.
Vicksburg vs. Coldwater, 6:00 p.m.
Edwardsburg vs. Sturgis, 6:00 p.m.
Gull Lake vs. Plainwell, 6:00 p.m.
Paw Paw vs. Dowagiac, 6:00 p.m.
Three Rivers vs. Constantine, 6:00 p.m.
Gobles vs. Bloomingdale, 6:00 p.m.
Bangor vs. Martin, 6:00 p.m.


Hexagon Booking Agency SARL is a France based booking agency, working with both established and emerging rock/metal acts. Our agents have a 10+ years experience in many roles within the live music industry such as promoter,agent, manager, & tour manager. We offer a 360 degree business partnership to our clients with lots of services included worldwide tour bookings, tour management, merchandising, work permits, administrative tasks, and van/nightliner rentals.