Join our SchoolNet webinar on Weds 3.30 on quiz creation in PowerPoint and simple game coding in Kodu - Bram Faems.

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On Wednesday of this week we are privileged to have Bram Faems, the teacher who was the European winner of the Microsoft Innovative Teacher competition in 2012 presenting for us. Bram is from Brussels in Belgium.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWEJV3LsQo5GC2eLhgZaMeOB5x80e0YZVTNeCt2N-NLmdpDyGyYbNgjlVJcZqFTCL5v6OQHxFtDPMI0hdsqEpOjiRJ3DfmDWhPDZIrEYiEjDheKkfYPJ4maLcJ3rZXvxLOg_jEpUpAsXI/s1600-h/image%25255B2%25255D.png"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="image" border="0" height="164" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8_KeQ7FXEPRZTXFw6n6uReWeHc4Aqv3V_mSLGclXy6i0NwW2DUWfnxT8Q1InjL263vhE3D_h0ybHunQyv31friJrVc3f17Dvye_UWPh5vXo1pzjIHwq9_88hw1qlqNrEXNRxcf8MsUaU/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="image" width="244" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><br /></strong></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>2) </strong><b>Changing seats: quiz creation and game coding to activate pupils</b> <strong> (Bram Faems)</strong><br /><u>Summary</u>: Variation in teaching methods keeps students "awake" and concentrated. Playing games and quizzes can be a nice variation on the traditional lessons for your pupils  But what about taking it a step further? Why can't students create a quiz about a lesson subject or even code a game? In this webinar you'll hear Bram Faems talk about creating quizzes in PowerPoint and how to playfully teach young students the basics of coding with Kodu Game Lab. <br /><u>Presenter:</u> Bram Faems, Microsoft Teacher Trainer<br /><u>Start Time:</u> 3:30pm on Wednesday 24th July 2013<br /><u>Duration</u>: 30 mins<br /><u>URL</u>:<a href="http://meet78641452.adobeconnect.com/gaming3/">http://meet78641452.adobeconnect.com/gaming3/</a><br /><u>Access:</u> Anyone who has the URL for the meeting can enter the room</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>About Bram Faems</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bram Faems looks back on a very diverse carrier as teacher, ICT Coordinator and deputy school leader in Jonatan Berkenboom. This school for special needs education for children with learning difficulties has a long standing reputation in helping these children by using technology.  At the school he started the Jonatan Academy Project 2011. This project takes a different approach to e-learning. For children both watching online educational movies and creating them is part of the learning process.  For his work on this project he was awarded by the <b>Queen Paola Foundation for Education</b> award and he also won the award for <b>Teacher as Innovator and Change Agent at the European Microsoft Partners in Learning forum</b>. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bram Faems got the opportunity to broaden his horizons thanks to the internationally acclaimed teachers’ portal<b> </b><a href="http://www.klascement.net/?set_language=4"><b>KlasCement</b></a><b>.</b> There he moderates the teaching materials that teachers submit and he coordinates several projects. He leads the Media Literacy project. He tries to engage and inspire teachers to use, think critically about and create (digital) media in their classrooms. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On his blog, <a href="http://www.leesvoer.be/en/">http://www.leesvoer.be/en/</a>  Bram writes about his passion to blend emerging technologies with education. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bram has also been featured in Anthony Salcito, Vice-President of Microsoft’s blog, Daily Edventures as a Global Education Hero – <a href="http://dailyedventures.com/index.php/2012/07/02/bram-faems/">http://dailyedventures.com/index.php/2012/07/02/bram-faems/</a>. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh620osTww2mcz9pRXU7m2TJe76EWI2m26BTf9_WE6Z2FbW2ldgCJ1LxtMHgmQ0IxxAyCeDowDHQt7eQ7gyHOnnPhe7mJ8JLpID9ZoGrGQWuiRNMdCexzcWLqwuc3whYkitLBAvGCZ8Rdg/s1600-h/image%25255B8%25255D.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="image" border="0" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG6QBi3W5BqtcifMKb_byI3BfK47YWWiLrnGYgJYE9J4Q9EYz7Gc0w_w9xSHmagZs7t22Ch4wJ5X2Vyy8La9puQrhauCRC88HhT-EY3OVvMULWGynhIKngfiuhWW6U2og-1PWKUwuY7WY/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="image" width="400" /></a></div></div>

webinars Join our SchoolNet webinar on Weds 3.30 on quiz creation in PowerPoint and simple game coding in Kodu - Bram Faems.

On Wednesday of this week we are privileged to have Bram Faems, the teacher who was the European winner of the Microsoft Innovative Teacher ...

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Teacher selected to accompany the African Storybook Project team to Nairobi!

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Submitted by Fiona Beal<br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We are very pleased to announce that a teacher has been selected to accompany the African Storybook project team to an African Storybook project workshop as well as a Reading Conference in Nairobi in August.  The teacher is Yolandi Ferreira, the English teacher,  from Laerskiool Helderkruin in Johannesburg. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXly5EP8-z7FL9-hCqMUq6_qUDsOetW8MEXaPQwlnYZzits9lJ9RvEzFIUKEhPIZczEbdAp6Mctd-GoH4iTDNRCAjXQ5DdteLoHA63rTyC1POSwSwLeYvSTTaf_18XUm3Ue7jsr-YSUTU/s1600-h/DSCF5610%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="DSCF5610" border="0" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDgARLk1UzXtdpixoJFlXcfKOsWFYX88HrgKRsOPogD2cui6YSS4hEqsFXGgWOc6Ydi_NIc9cHXaGqN6cz_Gi4KrttfUuL-D2tDLwCT5r1lqaBqmBhEO2pOIZDE2oPS7QmbvY81KPzc2Y/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSCF5610" width="184" /></span></a><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yolandi was competently aided by the computer teacher, Noeline van Wyk, and they sent in 63 very good stories written by different grades in their school.  They asked every child from Grade 3 - Grade 7 to develop a story using PowerPoint and a drawing application on the computer to write and illustrate their stories. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" style="width: 400px;"> <tbody><tr> <td valign="top" width="200"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimYMvtbV1R8_aVSJMX4AZo4Jnz7TIeGnwfaRqW_qRla2LQyHbqOdjZkPaZ8isniKf1ZkTejadR0bg46_gyQlu1Bbs39so7z8y1EBOvZkUvTcBNaoPrfxJCUs8yNGdEWIcEzas56mutfWM/s1600-h/DSCF5604%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="DSCF5604" border="0" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqSPxUsdwesZM9cMFiUu4BpHN0s7WUIDKd926oGPiInuS2Nc7rqOOjYjqo-g-GSmISkv7v9cG1gTBTZFss_PHv6-p_5wjs7QNq50DJ4VcjFmPGX7L6d1eI5BRrvt9qYNjkx0w06IB8Fy0/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSCF5604" width="244" /></span></a></td> <td valign="top" width="200"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht2kOEE2QPWH_FSKjlLPaUPMZZ63qa3ZUcIzHxt5cr3c9TveLWin28GDMsQKeJHKuYUtZkWuMKzvxUsnPmkxoveG8PpE8oM1d7_w4YAAceKSszMuoU36dPB0tv_digLh94c7bdgLo1wkQ/s1600-h/DSCF5614%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="DSCF5614" border="0" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVbY-omPNuMFjiuicq9ZUjRPJ4ligzEQJdB3CGWXcLlAKdMDTGFVWIX_6KbQxdkwh8dVp3QPyglOnKdZPSzmYFhKcV3iAqSPgAg_7Gkkc2CITcSqos1A-4HAKYqWF8PiGH2B5V449f-iQ/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSCF5614" width="244" /></span></a></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Megan Rademeyer from SchoolNet was invited to attend one of their lessons and she writes ‘They did a session launching the project in the hall using two of the videos from the course videos and said how useful the webinars have been. Yolandi showed a PowerPoint while I was there using some course examples that seemed to get the class excited for the task. As a class they also used the Smartboard to collectively brainstorm one example story so they could get used to the terminology like "theme", "character", "plot" etc. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The kids are very excited about writing a story for a genuine audience and purpose.  They have been told that only the best ones will make it to the website - so they are really keen to make sure that their stories are good.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />This is a really exciting project. The portal of stories will be great - but<br />the African Storybook Project is also doing worthwhile work in terms of encouraging good writing.” </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUFKP3IV_RbHx7tO7AiBeC57-6Z-KrGSE-RFXF1Uxdp-vBqsfdnQWUMX1kVGMr-I09mPIPeD5WNEQKuoCAdIbv3sM52iOIyY4TjpMlgENg9Sq7v6NDxI1G1gI-UXD436nY9uutRWAmxvc/s1600-h/DSCF5609%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSCF5609" border="0" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiWYvkH0PWU1oHNHPuQJ-uIlFuGLITtasg6LDtLboEg9QyYmoelN5fhnKtSJVeyWJKo0jyeK8J6Qq0_NQzSq5zc_gJc6BXTnxEkTC-ApYlD7b2xUtcgQe1_8IZ-oBEezCJ1c3SqGFRJs8/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSCF5609" width="244" /></a> </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We say well done to Yolandi. At the pre Conference African Storybook project in Nairobi Yolandi will be sharing what she did with the African Storybook team from the four pilot countires in Africa. After that she will attend the Pan African Reading Conference in Nairobi. Again we say well done Yolandi and Noeline and congratulations to all your students! </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Schoolnet and the African Storybook project</span></strong>It has been a great privilege for SchoolNet to be involved in this wonderful project by creating and running a four week free online course for interested teachers in South Africa in digital storytelling from 15th April to 15th May. There were several teachers who, like Yolandi, did a sterling job in coming up with a wonderful selection of stories from themselves and their classes. I am sure the African Storybook team had a difficult time selecting who would be the winner of their incentive prize. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><strong><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Ways of illustrating stories</span></strong><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We had a number of really excellent stories from teachers who discovered their writing gift within them. Something that fascinated me during this course was the ingenious ways that teachers used to illustrate their stories. Take a look! </span><br /><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"> <tbody><tr> <td valign="top" width="319"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgikeNYlEaZvwkut3EuTOUOmDk_3TiKrfcJbzmg1-R0_-cgSz6ELz5_1cm_81Zhk_5qV3YxPZh2o4zxx9x5WqmMn00ZTVe8ClVeEc7lEmXHff4GL9DYr_z7KfS2QDwYSgulmYHu2LkZ6Qk/s1600-h/clip_image002%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="clip_image002" border="0" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixXGC1jiu9WOUHhCtyex9yT1iVvhszmzpZawWXbRCEyck3R1MWxlQ_9KDVJiTlbzkxt6bNIPcOu3QZCi3qg5hfN-ltBavqfsAHILjQ3ijuLdliFbRpuAfw2wXq31X1RFIe0t1Q8ZkyPLY/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="clip_image002" width="244" /></span></a></td> <td valign="top" width="297"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuPhXnQVbz3oMfnQs6lxsJzjesS4K1ZZxoyvMPgcHdp1hB1P_Qbl0Vi7PKS2ePuSlwiY-rgylmTngqInPTyb_Q4Xgw7BqQlzefrEdyQXXXISQf14rqlOfkc0qY_rQp6WPUBGkLeJ0Dp6Q/s1600-h/clip_image004%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="clip_image004" border="0" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNKibtGLjrr4tKpJ34nZrcyMnIQry-nK0LRmXR7Ov2-NBKHAqr0FERQTXH-s25aJ2VHN5e-zK7tFSyPsnyfb8mT0uKkdlzAs_pk83NeZd-ibwHeYICTgesujtbY7ay-TtcbaLOL0FRMeo/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="clip_image004" width="244" /></span></a></td></tr><tr> <td valign="top" width="319"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Fabric with felt cut outs which were then captured with a camera as shown in </i></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>‘Emily and the Seagull’. </i></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></td> <td valign="top" width="297"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Own photos with words at the side and a colourful background as shown in ‘There’s a zoo in my school’. </i></span></td></tr><tr> <td valign="top" width="319"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE0Prryfs2fHt5gBjtYEpenhWexkZGp30ND4SfbXEi2oZ8l7K4aJ45aahygq_2cdeJR7epPZDRUK57uuGG6p7xNbn45gkFapgCcXk9C0DWto8_3rhM1t9W-uuJkGjcUeRPihQcF8RN_B8/s1600-h/clip_image006%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="clip_image006" border="0" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ56qup-FNtYMPK2iGR36T9F-yXRJU6g_MekiJFgMvk5emU8FSZQilnv3LJXy-FL2YYwhaJxLaaR5xRkU0RIj8w0T_60Uvg-wygjfjCyIR6o55ZmXWhlicbLMhM-QGKzLjJLqDAoMWezM/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="clip_image006" width="244" /></span></a></td> <td valign="top" width="297"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhusVFWRux60q2WeCqGyWgWCbhD7iSyG6w8czJR4Hj-q_DMPhT2yv2ECZ6tQosg4fKO3AOjUf8OA6AKDdtvF8WbRzDf91k8s1jvS5S_Vz5CQlCbafXGsAmAbhLf2K-0j-IB08S6oHO01J0/s1600-h/clip_image008%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="clip_image008" border="0" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjidfGY_45oieexEuSd8zjrxcduiG6_UK2o6tSuswo_mz8rYp_x67UzNvYTym33O-M6BT6IvSnZPMMTts0tGK7gFE6JwTCdTti9ApeOp9Pj70-cpxjULJ1uDozYpXcj_laIOzzxmGY3nrI/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="clip_image008" width="242" /></span></a></td></tr><tr> <td valign="top" width="319"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Some used royalty-free images from </i></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>the Internet such as in ‘The sheep who wanted to knit’. </i></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></td> <td valign="top" width="297"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Some asked different learners in their class to illustrate each page as shown in ‘Sisipho signs away’.</i></span></td></tr><tr> <td valign="top" width="319"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG6fRQbyj8LxTZc8xD8v8lDZcr3JTborrFef72Rb280Z6n8_HqAtejiM4HzoI80LWuGcOVfTB4t-XC7BhdBD4v9Rhik-n06plgWzhyphenhyphensritn15iANfsIwujYPZqOX32ZfcfPu3T3thty88/s1600-h/clip_image010%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="clip_image010" border="0" height="182" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy-g-_Gf6o3T99fVDZRnqzqMCvp8RS7l02XxALmZFYeR6GEjL-kNS2SpMZW6lRW7vwxCgrddaoTUWW2jRzuLiydGtDvwP65Av4GHU33RjhMs-uECdkoVHMZ2ax7SWVWnWcd96m-0XvKmk/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="clip_image010" width="242" /></span></a></td> <td valign="top" width="297"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx1rgluf-OQ-EiWy50PmZnWgWC_ig46-zG4yEHnMVffp5k7KsS9p7VwBJ0bUNVE6Dpfg4-TcmhnEsvBoXWQcmweOaMA0eBQVvlNIqspJVoZN-4rPX4AN0nzWVIZo-E8Ua8QrwTVrZrIiM/s1600-h/clip_image012%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="clip_image012" border="0" height="182" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdoMh3EU8vsxo-D2mNyigEGS3ZdldpQ2bxS-lQnNS6QLXq1AqftxcaUANK39ABCUasC2vQTtcYxhOJORyqBmjYg_gebFgwQhQPJouU7AljLe2VR5v941jSwx3yJyellEJhagbVLAs5Cro/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="clip_image012" width="242" /></span></a></td></tr><tr> <td valign="top" width="319"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Some teachers asked their students </i></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>to create their own illustrations using Microsoft Paint such as in ‘Bunny </i></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>tells the children’.</i></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></td> <td valign="top" width="297"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Some asked their own family to do their illustrations</i></span></td></tr><tr> <td valign="top" width="315"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9O9fWqipXRWCRlenhuA8a59vlJkjg0T0U9J3RvVHqzY4jpL3XmD3x0Mg4lfHLpbjCIVwLhRUbjbc3FmvADlebpykI_vOJ63pGNsurOA83WYYOuJYdlUaIy9r3YEUEhBHTCgouz8AUEbU/s1600-h/clip_image014%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="clip_image014" border="0" height="182" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht1rNN2WY23eyk6bOZhM8n26VgProuANydHdQwXeebUdSroF_IoPqGCJl-pz0p02D91XpCH5PfwBXrSgXPZfYWsdakw9Qt-7hxyyC23tFcT96X2_XaMgTaugFMyiLDyCvH-Cv7ow_AKS0/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="clip_image014" width="242" /></span></a></td> <td valign="top" width="301"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl6d18fqQ6jrxS1ETpOTSGgfDmAA2V4dbv0ahUauGMi5aPn5tFV7uIze9KLE-NG-jLLUAZfgLsRDj7vONhoI-AFBjGSWZmWuoA-SWWv1QqLTGLAR1VUmdHdDaD1_PWE_XyzlUefKiuTyY/s1600-h/clip_image016%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="clip_image016" border="0" height="182" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKs55JzybKE8jmnSrj6_i69W0aJS4rlKr4wfbQzkm4jWsCej_JTxb2FVWJ6Zw5DUNbzdfyvUd93Z2fSZtnjiCcAkcBsA88rd2d0QQ7NdGg66_R-8SbSJn3cND2W9oOse8sW1z965jJa8o/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="clip_image016" width="242" /></span></a></td></tr><tr> <td valign="top" width="315"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Some created templates and coloured </i></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>them in such as in ‘Khotso goes to the </i></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>zoo’. </i></span></td> <td valign="top" width="301"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Some asked a talented friend to do their illustrations for them such as in ‘The noise in the night’.</i></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></td></tr><tr> <td valign="top" width="315"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtf2aXMvq5WtnwfUFhBKUMtk7GBHuyArIaAdF-u0SaQGEHvXHjlKMqeDfBSnh1WmLcEgawRPBcc1h6V7qKhKPCB9Idwu80aExqX51ZtkO1M-oxzF_R7YT12juokr_ZISb9sgsc4ZpuqXM/s1600-h/clip_image018%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="clip_image018" border="0" height="182" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6FcuGPiPpeM3IxHcrCEJ8znahxaSJ3MyibnSMX-E4Zrvfk3xZ16ss4wpXnPADnl8tORj14FzpwtHZSVofFwpcT-B5Wd5ppKPSWOeRQ1ca3_0lajz2vWC4hi65reRBf0UwaCcG97MUKik/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="clip_image018" width="242" /></span></a></td> <td valign="top" width="301"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtoLKm3LzWvpgKp02zVAqNcGckpHPjGT4gTReor5AZfdVlKjUfxZZJiscqbs_gky0GVUDt5a8O05favSfeOzUvr6tezAv9CidpfDWqZXaudBIhUN-Jj4MHhxhzt0CSlD3SRAtz962xHhA/s1600-h/clip_image020%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="clip_image020" border="0" height="182" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8i7vSz8LLvGjbdRrL0D8Ej9IDp07Q7ebp_7NK1cjN9fcUVp6QfM1oFGdg-YKrq_iUDvUXw8qUA5iD_mB1rda7SZ59A0y37SG4FiKxu-iu5xYG6c1iAfh5WVeQYMt_9B4dMwuaZUxXkoo/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="clip_image020" width="242" /></span></a></td></tr><tr> <td valign="top" width="315"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Some used royalty free pictures from </i></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Pixabay such as ‘Angus the Dinosaur’.</i></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></td> <td valign="top" width="301"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Some created tasteful collages made from different materials such as in ‘Nonyane’.</i></span></td></tr><tr> <td valign="top" width="315"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSh1KkFtnZwqpcLY8vvXA7GU6Phtd4rCPlMNmEzAt-7vWVGy-kIi98sBi6_mQYYlI98YtkAO8-b68uWrRUH8TOe0dYl12XM8Ow_UMCCDEIzuh3_giI2kVEZHYbe1nkhyinDtwCwlkfQSo/s1600-h/clip_image022%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="clip_image022" border="0" height="170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRIVyu7MTw24u68FNQoTRLI5XXlYHGCY6Veds_vA01mqIoMY19y-iYSgKwlSlMzEsuRli6ZgIsvdVPhxNnhDiZzeyH0UAnvCKl8oNZbICkNGOXFjVyby6o9y2R8_x8yT0lOghtMv3XblQ/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="clip_image022" width="244" /></span></a></td> <td valign="top" width="301"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOXDNUsC5G_SyUeznEnDO17QNk5LQZMHd5DFqtfDb95hSnVIurpLwcMgwsVl0cDvQhZg2kDekaoXsFBPKhehsXDcdTtV1Qqv7R9Z-cQGMpy0p4m8kj021pdP1kmffE4nOD3-Tqsj7tzZk/s1600-h/clip_image024%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="clip_image024" border="0" height="182" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7oLQbPgUURSpYaX4e2kc58Gsx6YXzEYzaK2HNQQTpKraW-zJIs93Tvbfj71DggwNcdI_wZFUFRn6f8p_ONzMsQI2ofL-0e3GK6Dm8rtVTjCu5OjrIJvlInzbXEtfqbhNIoHaMXenAaXM/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="clip_image024" width="242" /></span></a></td></tr><tr> <td valign="top" width="315"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Some used whole, original photos and pasted the words in a convenient spot </i></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>as in ‘On Safari’. </i></span></td> <td valign="top" width="301"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Some used commercially obtained illustration programmes owned by their schools such as in ‘Monsters under my bed’.</i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We are looking forward to the launch of the African Storybook Project website later this year.</span></div>

African Storybook Project Teacher selected to accompany the African Storybook Project team to Nairobi!

Submitted by Fiona Beal We are very pleased to announce that a teacher has been selected to accompany the African Storybook project team to ...

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So Matt-Man Has Some Random Thoughts

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">So yesterday…<br /><br /><a href="http://news-these-days.blogspot.com/2013/07/jays-got-some-random-thoughts.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;"><i>Jayman had some random thoughts</i></span></a>, and I thought to myself, in a less than random manner, that maybe today, I would do the same.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX4NwaXPgLIzlPMI3GHCV7Vl39I6sw0YtpPe1YB9L3kG3AG6AcADCMnr9cj9L1OWsXipgq3Jio7KCgYE4qMHIriFvATT7VgaMkBznNr6ZE5rCYMPO5QA-EFIlaGkhzlyWKSM5WAtcwJIA/s1600/Matt+and+Duchess+Kate+Middleton+Baby.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX4NwaXPgLIzlPMI3GHCV7Vl39I6sw0YtpPe1YB9L3kG3AG6AcADCMnr9cj9L1OWsXipgq3Jio7KCgYE4qMHIriFvATT7VgaMkBznNr6ZE5rCYMPO5QA-EFIlaGkhzlyWKSM5WAtcwJIA/s320/Matt+and+Duchess+Kate+Middleton+Baby.jpg" width="320" /></a>So, heres goes…<br /><br />I wonder if at some point while Trayvon Martin was on top of George Zimmerman allegedly wailing away upon Zimmerman, if he asked Mr. Zimmerman…<br /><br /><i>“Is that a gun in your pocket or are you just happy to see me?”</i><br /><br />What?  Too soon? Anyhoo…<br /><br />Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton, had a baby boy yesterday.  I hope that their son in honor of, and in solidarity with his grandfather Prince Charles, grows up to marry a man named Camilla.<br /><br />I get off at 5 PM today, so you know what that means.  That’s right…I’ll be drunk by 7 PM.  Getting old does have its benefits.  Beer Buzzes come much more inexpensively.<br /><br />I see that we are picking up a few more “likes” on our<a href="https://www.facebook.com/iwsradio" target="_blank"> <span style="color: blue;"><i>IWS Facebook page</i></span></a> of late.  If you don’t like our <a href="https://www.facebook.com/iwsradio" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;"><i>Facebook page</i></span></a>, you are a Communist and will spend the eternal afterlife in Hell being fondled by a bare-chested Vladimir Putin.  Uuch.<br /><br />I had Johnsonville Cheddar Wurst last night.  They were delicious.  You know why?  Because what’s not delicious about cooked pig meat with cheese inside?  Nothing.  Yeah, it’s that simple.<br /><br />Two of my favorite words are, “shenanigans” and “interloper.”  Is there a problem with that?  For your sake, I hope not.<br /><br />In order to soothe racial tensions within this country, President Obama is spending a family vacation in Martha’s Vineyard.  The next stop along his, <i>“Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner Tour”</i> will be spent hosting, <i>“A Week of Skeet Shooting and Cocktails with Wayne LaPierre”</i> in Roanoke, VA.<br /><br />My right hamstring is killing me!!<br /><br />My BFF Schmoop went to the Doctor for what appears to be the last time yesterday.  Her insides are fine, but looking at the rosy glow on her face, I think she may be pregnant…by HIM!!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJS4Yn207Yudab0F7wTSn6IP9pm-yuBLWLd7ryqma0SU6NVK8eoenHmOx406-kjldH8TxrMEdPDQcJc1eMmUEzkIjiZbiTHEkJSfxgFBlXImzTtP0FEH8fSbHo6NgcIEmRHxWaikiAXUo/s1600/Killer+Whale+Jumping+Sexy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJS4Yn207Yudab0F7wTSn6IP9pm-yuBLWLd7ryqma0SU6NVK8eoenHmOx406-kjldH8TxrMEdPDQcJc1eMmUEzkIjiZbiTHEkJSfxgFBlXImzTtP0FEH8fSbHo6NgcIEmRHxWaikiAXUo/s400/Killer+Whale+Jumping+Sexy.jpg" width="400" /></a>If I was going be a fish of some sort, I would be a Killer Whale.  Even though they are menacing looking, they are friendly, and adorable…and no one messes with them, because they have “Killer” in their name.<br /><br />If I wasn’t having brats last night, I would have had SPAM, but I wouldn’t have had it, because unfortunately, we have none on hand.  Mores the pity.<br /><br />Yesterday, Jayman mentioned that he should have his penis post on here at some point.  When he mentioned that I thought I could do the same, however…<br /><br />How’s my penis gonna do a sincere and articulate post when he can’t remember more than half of the places he has been?<br /><br />I’ll just let my penis slumber in its old age and…Oh damn…I left a cigarette burning as I typed this.  Talk to you all later.<br /><br /><i>Cheers!!</i><br /><br />Matt-Man<br /><br /><a href="mailto:mattmaniws@ymail.com">mattmaniws@ymail.com</a><br /><a href="https://twitter.com/MattMan_IWS" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">@mattman_iws</span></a><br /><a href="https://www.facebook.com/mattmaniws" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">My Facebook Page</span></a></div>

So Matt-Man Has Some Random Thoughts

So yesterday… Jayman had some random thoughts , and I thought to myself, in a less than random manner, that maybe today, I would do the same...

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Misty Appalachian morning

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1AzUiBmreqHZkGN7VtrLvPluhgcJ5j1ywyCy2nU06dD1XyQHrWA2mX-_9SDhK3a4Vcox8F-Ie8mtsVhCry0fFD2FQY1Ul6AUKgs_y8dn3xE7Ofo0m_0ONNGnjUrDLoB9wWn1SN7rwYX0c/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1AzUiBmreqHZkGN7VtrLvPluhgcJ5j1ywyCy2nU06dD1XyQHrWA2mX-_9SDhK3a4Vcox8F-Ie8mtsVhCry0fFD2FQY1Ul6AUKgs_y8dn3xE7Ofo0m_0ONNGnjUrDLoB9wWn1SN7rwYX0c/s400/2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjd01222KydPcQjduJpzO0tHY2IQv3lQ_o67LhugS7swSzcsq6mPD16NM3xFHPAJ0MT7ejzdX8nE73CYghAWwVUF_ivYzGiNle2Ch3IeOGLVmZ7_Q8xa1ILuzQNJc5QBKhJ0uxQ5k21e_q/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjd01222KydPcQjduJpzO0tHY2IQv3lQ_o67LhugS7swSzcsq6mPD16NM3xFHPAJ0MT7ejzdX8nE73CYghAWwVUF_ivYzGiNle2Ch3IeOGLVmZ7_Q8xa1ILuzQNJc5QBKhJ0uxQ5k21e_q/s400/3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell<br />July 20, 2013

Misty Appalachian morning

Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell July 20, 2013

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Google’s Motorola Moto X will hit the market of smart phones on August 1

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /> First shots of Google's Moto X<br />  <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HIaVDMzfR6A/Ue3jIf1DLfI/AAAAAAAAAEc/o4fPtdsGcKI/s1600/MotoX-512x460.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HIaVDMzfR6A/Ue3jIf1DLfI/AAAAAAAAAEc/o4fPtdsGcKI/s1600/MotoX-512x460.png" width="400" /></a></div>                  (Credit: theUnlockr)<br /><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444;">About Moto X</span></h3>Motorola is going to launch his first smartphone after acquisition by Google since 2012.It is design and manufactured under eye vision of Google. It will be 4.7 inch device. The device is expected to running on platform of an Android 4.2.2 or jelly Bean operating system with 1.7-MHz dual-core Snapdragon S4 pro chip. The display uses the resolution of 720-by-1184. Leaks so far tell us total memory of smartphones 16 gigabytes but it’s unclear. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-naQTNU1QVOg/Ue3iEEChzbI/AAAAAAAAAEQ/UXHO821FpGc/s1600/moto_x_1+(1).png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-naQTNU1QVOg/Ue3iEEChzbI/AAAAAAAAAEQ/UXHO821FpGc/s1600/moto_x_1+(1).png" width="400" /></a></div><br />                             (Credit: Motorola)<br />The leaks said that Moto X haven’t provide slot for external memory. A leaked video of Canada’s Rogers tell us that smartphone’s software features work on your voice commands .It is preloaded with the Google’s voice identification technology. With the help of voice identification technology voice commands help to updating a user with the daily weather, setting alarm and  verdict about directions.  It is to be said that phone will automatically turn on the speakerphone function when you are driving.<br />Moto X would be made and assembled in U.S.A. according to Motorola’s announcement. Google’s gives the facility to customers to choose the colour for the back of the smartphone and will also be able etch a name or message to the back of cover when it will launch. Customers can upload a photo for wallpaper said by reports.<br />Google’s Motorola division sharing out the much awaited smart phone Moto X on 1st of August in New York city.<br /><div><br /></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://plus.google.com/100638775997274345522" rel="author">Anil Swami</a></div>

android google news voice identification Google’s Motorola Moto X will hit the market of smart phones on August 1

 First shots of Google's Moto X                     (Credit: theUnlockr) About Moto X Motorola is going to launch his first smartphone a...

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New neighbors

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWuQSwQlKtAYYrFIQUeRPF9JFq1d9KG3jUAiUd3dBjHWKeqxLkUJGgXpjuYVs-HS9wAymzg6vX0S617LIBisKv2tus028xLA2TdWpBk0br-gzmG_fekBX38hO0j8GPrzJrJ8yJT6SZtspu/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWuQSwQlKtAYYrFIQUeRPF9JFq1d9KG3jUAiUd3dBjHWKeqxLkUJGgXpjuYVs-HS9wAymzg6vX0S617LIBisKv2tus028xLA2TdWpBk0br-gzmG_fekBX38hO0j8GPrzJrJ8yJT6SZtspu/s640/4.jpg" width="432" /></a></div><br />Photo by Lynn R. Mitchell<br />July 20, 2013

New neighbors

Photo by Lynn R. Mitchell July 20, 2013

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Workers really, really want unions now more than ever

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6LqyRvctUBVEvg133PAsTI5pdsmEmt56fpyQ5j40sWDf4FBcIDVwfS3_H0b61Hvoj0jDHHKhwuKlKIO5M5DAvXY_C9EHtEnvatgsg-jmUmeKQsgxqxg3lrjIB23wZQHApk7BkV1cBXsQR/s1600/godblessunions.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6LqyRvctUBVEvg133PAsTI5pdsmEmt56fpyQ5j40sWDf4FBcIDVwfS3_H0b61Hvoj0jDHHKhwuKlKIO5M5DAvXY_C9EHtEnvatgsg-jmUmeKQsgxqxg3lrjIB23wZQHApk7BkV1cBXsQR/s200/godblessunions.jpg" width="200" /></a>To give you an idea of just how badly workers want to form a union, we turned to the Teamsters Organizing department. They are <i>deluged</i> with requests for help. Here's a sample from taken from two days of communications from workers who want to organize. All comments are anonymous, of course, because companies will fire workers who breathe the word "union."<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">...we really need a union. i  have seen mistreatment with some employees and we work extremely hard, and dont need to take mistreatment from upper managment.  i have a co worker who has worked there for 14 years and just got a 2.5 percent raise after all those years of service. much more than that but we need a union and some organization.</blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq">I feel a strong majority of the employees would be happy to unionize. I have seen many examples of both corruption and mistreatment of employees.<br /> <br />We are under paid - no benefits - no paid holidays - we need a union to represent our situation... </blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq">Warehouse/ Drivers are tired of being over worked an unable to get needed time off for quote no one to cover...<br /> <br />The company is being ran backwards and workers rights are being stomped all over. Pretty sure a vote would go over on first ballot the way people are treated.</blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq">...an employee will be due in to work at 7:00 am and sometimes won't get off work until 10:00 pm or midnight. The very next day will be due back in at 7:00 am. There are more issues than this but I think over working someone who drives a truck that size is wrong... </blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq">...enough is enough my friends and I deserve to make a decent wage that is why I am asking for the union membership...</blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq">...and we desperately need union representation...</blockquote><br />

organizing union Workers really, really want unions now more than ever

To give you an idea of just how badly workers want to form a union, we turned to the Teamsters Organizing department. They are deluged with...

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Part-Time Library Clerk - Bethel Public Library

<strong>Part-Time Library Clerk -</strong> <strong><strong><span style="color: #48286d;">Bethel Public Library</span></strong></strong>. Position Available: Part Time Library Clerk, 17-18 hrs/wk each – 2 positions available. Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree required. Working knowledge of computers and office software preferred. Knowledge of automated library systems and the Internet a plus. Library experience is desirable. Job Description: The Library Clerk assists patrons in the use of library services and facilities and provides prompt and courteous patron service in person and over the telephone. Activities primarily include Circulation Department services, which encompass use of the library’s electronic system for charging, discharging, and renewal of library materials, patron registration, collection and payment of fines, placing patron holds and directing patrons as needed with general information about the library’s services. The Part Time Library Clerk is responsible for assisting with jobs outlined for full time staff members and may be assigned to one or more departments to perform a variety of clerical tasks. EOE/M/F/V/D. Includes days, evenings, weekends. $13.12 per hour. Full job description and application available at the Library. Submit application by <span style="color: red;">August 2, 2013</span> to: Bethel Public Library, 189 Greenwood Avenue, Bethel, CT 06801. 203 794-8756 Ext.6.

Part-Time Library Clerk - Bethel Public Library

Part-Time Library Clerk - Bethel Public Library . Position Available: Part Time Library Clerk, 17-18 hrs/wk each – 2 positions available...

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Fast food workers get McDonald’s propaganda about pay cards

It’s insulting enough for fast food workers to get advice from McDonald’s on how to live on their poverty wages. But it’s even worse that McDonald’s budgeting advice includes a propagandized endorsement of fee-laden “pay cards.”<br /><br />McDonald’s put up a budgeting website that has been much reviled for <a href="http://teamsternation.blogspot.com/2013/07/mcdonalds-to-workers-dont-buy-gas-heat.html" rel="nofollow">advising workers to take a second job and to stop eating</a>. It also encourages the use of pay cards, which are debit cards that aren’t attached to a bank account.<br /><br />Employees’ already sparse paychecks are bled dry by fees for everything from cash withdrawals to bank transfers to inactivity fees. Racked-up card fees deduct so much from employee wages that <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2013/07/01/business/as-pay-cards-replace-paychecks-bank-fees-hurt-workers.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0" rel="nofollow">when the cost of fees are not considered as wages, some workers get paid less than minimum wage</a>.<br /><br />Although McDonald’s Corp. says that franchisees are responsible for payroll policies, over 500,000 McDonald’s fast food workers in America have been enrolled in the McDonald’s budgeting program, hosted on Visa Corporation’s Practical Money Matters website.<br /><br />McDonald’s budgeting advice offers <a href="http://www.practicalmoneyskills.com/mcdonalds/paycard/index.php" rel="nofollow">a clear endorsement of the payroll distribution</a>:<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">A pay card is an alternative to paper checks that allows you to receive and access your pay on payday electronically – without hassles or check cashing fees. Using a pay card opens up many new possibilities and offers benefits that you just can't get from a paper check.</blockquote>One of the world’s biggest banks, JP Morgan Chase issues pay cards for McDonald’s. Other big banks -- Bank of America, Wells Fargo and Citigroup – issue them as well for restaurants and retailers like Walgreen’s, Taco Bell and (you guessed it) Walmart. Those banks received taxpayer bailouts after the 2008 financial crisis. They borrow money from the Federal Reserve at interest rates far lower than fast food workers pay – recently as low as 0.75 percent. So pardon us for being offended that mammoth, profitable, taxpayer-subsidized banks are plundering the working poor.<br /><br />One former McDonald’s employee from northeastern Pennsylvania started a petition asking that <a href="http://www.change.org/petitions/mcdonald-s-stop-paying-employees-with-debit-cards-loaded-with-fees" rel="nofollow">McDonalds to require franchises to offer alternative methods of payment</a>. The petition has gathered almost 300,000 signatures in less than a month.<br /><br />Other sections of their budgeting website emphasize that “every day and every dollar make a difference” and warn against payday loans and check-cashing fees. One video explains that: <blockquote class="tr_bq"> Spending the extra twenty dollars means that a couple of hours of your pay is going just to pay for these fees…. That’s a lot of money! And nothing to show for it.</blockquote>Well, <a href="http://www.forbes.com/sites/narrativescience/2013/07/18/mcdonalds-mcd-earnings-expected-to-rise/" rel="nofollow">not entirely</a>.

Fast food workers get McDonald’s propaganda about pay cards

It’s insulting enough for fast food workers to get advice from McDonald’s on how to live on their poverty wages. But it’s even worse that Mc...

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A few Belviq patients....

Hello Everyone, I decided to today a vacation day from work. I have a few things I had to take care of and I couldn't get them done on a weekend and my calendar was really pretty light, I figured this was the perfect day to do it. Now I am just chilling.  <br /><br />I wanted to introduce you to a few Belviq patients that has friended me on Facebook.  For now, I will only share their first name until I get formal permission to use other data.  I want you to follow them through me as I will hopefully keep posting about their progresses as well.<br /><br />Meet Amy,<br />Amy is from Illinois and she just finished her 15 day trial yesterday.  She reports that she has lost 11 pounds during the trial and seems to be pretty pumped up!!  That is so great and seems to be in alignment with my weight loss during my trial period around about 2 pounds.  She just picked up here 30 day script and, with the coupon, had to pay $155 because her insurance is not covering yet.  She isn't letting that be an obstacle, but she has expressed that she would like her physician write in to see about getting an exception aka an appeal.  <br /><br />Meet Cecelia<br />Cecelia is from the great state of Colorado.  I LOVE Colorado and I have met so many from that wonderful state.  That just says, she's wonderful right?  She just finished day 4 on Belviq and is diabetic.  On day 4, she reported her daily blood sugar result was a 97, which she has not seen that low since she became diabetic.  I think that is really really awesome.  She seems to be really excited.<br /><br />These are just two of the many people I have friended online taking Belviq.  There will be more to come.  I will do check ins so you can read about their progress as well!!!!<br /><br />That's it for today - it's a vacation day for me so I am going to do something productive to not waste the day!!  <br /><br />I would like to end this with a quote from Santos who is on day 12 with Belviq:  "Remember, the fork is not a shovel" LOL  I LOVE IT<br /><br />xoxox<br />Ellie

A few Belviq patients....

Hello Everyone, I decided to today a vacation day from work. I have a few things I had to take care of and I couldn't get them done on ...

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Uses for coconut oil

I picked up some Coconut Oil in the Hopsack Health Store today.  There are so many uses for Coconut Oil, I condition my hair with it as well as using it as a moisturizer.  You can even cook with it!<br><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpiBKENHDqIgXCFAwbroa3uxtfkJyTLFdMy9J91jcIM8Rece6_CNbD29Z2uqH35ZMHfQ4gPhoMgGthyphenhyphenkdflkylIvm24tRcl2wlZ1oXH_VbQ2MM3V4oZy8uxK9N860KUIQfoM2dj2iD1Tas/s640/blogger-image--630826554.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpiBKENHDqIgXCFAwbroa3uxtfkJyTLFdMy9J91jcIM8Rece6_CNbD29Z2uqH35ZMHfQ4gPhoMgGthyphenhyphenkdflkylIvm24tRcl2wlZ1oXH_VbQ2MM3V4oZy8uxK9N860KUIQfoM2dj2iD1Tas/s640/blogger-image--630826554.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">It's solid at room temperature but melts very quickly.  BTW, it makes a great lip balm also!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvHIVo175Hw77hNWNVEAyE9gwR_4CsKvwXFXqxA5vfe4qgo7jKiUlsEo8EcQc7dd3CLs3x6vQ2OVuxB_RsJ5RuwU_sUFbNZ55DvJOGUi2uoGsR77hTx0YkqzDtzqzy0Ra_fLoyAgq9NozA/s640/blogger-image--2061920309.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvHIVo175Hw77hNWNVEAyE9gwR_4CsKvwXFXqxA5vfe4qgo7jKiUlsEo8EcQc7dd3CLs3x6vQ2OVuxB_RsJ5RuwU_sUFbNZ55DvJOGUi2uoGsR77hTx0YkqzDtzqzy0Ra_fLoyAgq9NozA/s640/blogger-image--2061920309.jpg"></a></div><br>Here is <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2013/05/01/coconut-oil-benefits_n_3194782.html">more</a> info about what you can do with coconut oil.</div><div><br></div><div>*****Edit</div><div>Biona coconut oil got a mention in the Sunday Times magazine 28th July</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlrEeztATN-Jp82roG3ikxZfImRqGet3GlKaT7-Wuwe1hK1wubGh_tu24KTki94kZ5iyEVGtYDvwNgKs8UO7AZyOpvgR9v0oc5OODlU42_HEiLHp5KelAmC4Mb3t9EdJFDBAx8aP3gbm97/s640/blogger-image-1104005173.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlrEeztATN-Jp82roG3ikxZfImRqGet3GlKaT7-Wuwe1hK1wubGh_tu24KTki94kZ5iyEVGtYDvwNgKs8UO7AZyOpvgR9v0oc5OODlU42_HEiLHp5KelAmC4Mb3t9EdJFDBAx8aP3gbm97/s640/blogger-image-1104005173.jpg"></a></div><br></div>

Uses for coconut oil

I picked up some Coconut Oil in the Hopsack Health Store today.  There are so many uses for Coconut Oil, I condition my hair with it as well...

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Acquisitions Librarian - University of Hartford, West Hartford

<strong>Acquisitions Librarian -</strong> <strong><strong><span style="color: #48286d;">University of Hartford</span></strong></strong>, West Hartford. Position Summary: The Acquisitions Librarian establishes guidelines for securing all library resources for the University Libraries through a variety of national and international vendors; acquires, processes, and maintains all library material orders and receipts for both University Libraries, Mortensen Library (general collection) and Allen Library (music & dance), including but not limited to monograph (paper and electronic), databases, standing orders, and serials; assumes responsibility for copy cataloging all new and donated monographs for Mortensen Library. Key Responsibilities: Acts as primary liaison to all library vendors and material selectors in facilitating the ordering of materials for the University Libraries. Assumes responsibility for securing and facilitating effective relations with vendors in order to obtain needed materials at optimal prices. Negotiates with vendors and consortia to provide the best possible discount rate. Ensures timely receipt of materials and proper invoicing. Manages invoicing activities with University Libraries administration for the payment of resources. Establishes, maintains and monitors all acquisitions funds and budgets and allocates appropriate funds to subject area selectors within the University Libraries. Adjusts and allots material budgets based on need and availability, ensuring prudent fiscal management at all times. Reviews, evaluates, and prices standing orders and electronic databases, as well as tracking subscriptions and renewals. Oversees subscriptions and tracks renewals for online databases and hardcopy standing orders to ensure timely and appropriate resources are made available to all patrons. Facilitates the management of all donated items, which includes receipt, acknowledgement, and the sorting of materials. Updates, maintains, and copy catalogs new and donated materials, including searching for bibliographic records and downloading them from online utilities, updating those utilities to accurately reflect the University Libraries’ inventory as needed. Initiates and supervises special projects as necessary and appropriate. Assists in the training and oversight of student library assistants in the processing of materials. Reviews and suggests improvements and upgrades to the ILS and the WALDO consortium. Represents the University Libraries on various internal and external committees. As a member of the Collection Development Committee, provides regular reports on expenditures. Establishes and maintains cooperative relationships with faculty in the determination of curriculum needs and serves as a subject selector. Formal Education: This position requires a Master's Degree of Library Science from an ALA accredited institution (or recognized equivalent). Work Experience: 1 year to < 2 years. Pay Grade: G -- See salary ranges and benefits at <a _fcksavedurl="http://www.hartford.edu/hrd/employment.aspx" href="http://www.hartford.edu/hrd/employment.aspx" target="_blank"> http://www.hartford.edu/hrd/employment.aspx</a>. This is a full-time position. See the complete job description at <a _fcksavedurl="http://www.hartford.edu/hrd/files/images/acquisitions_librarian.pdf" href="http://www.hartford.edu/hrd/files/images/acquisitions_librarian.pdf" target="_blank">http://www.hartford.edu/hrd/files/images/acquisitions_librarian.pdf</a>. Application Procedures: There is no deadline for applications and the position will remain open until filled. Electronic resumes are highly encouraged. All resumes are acknowledged. If you are applying by email, please send one complete set of the following: resume, cover letter (including position of interest and salary requirements), and professional references to <a _fcksavedurl="mailto:hrd@hartford.edu" href="mailto:hrd@hartford.edu">hrd@hartford.edu</a>. If you are applying by either fax or by mail, please send two complete sets of the following: resume, cover letter (including position of interest and salary requirements), and professional references to: University of Hartford, Attn: Human Resources Development, 200 Bloomfield Ave., West Hartford, CT 06117-1599. Fax: 860.768.4732.

Acquisitions Librarian - University of Hartford, West Hartford

Acquisitions Librarian - University of Hartford , West Hartford. Position Summary: The Acquisitions Librarian establishes guidelines for ...

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Librarian 1, Reference Services - Connecticut State Library, Hartford

<strong>Librarian 1, Reference Services - </strong><strong><strong><span style="color: #48286d;">Connecticut State Library</span></strong></strong>, Hartford. The Connecticut State Library has an opening for a Librarian 1, Reference services. Examples of Duties: Assisting patrons in locating and obtaining information in person, by telephone, correspondence, email or other electronic platforms; conducting research in response to patron inquiries; contribute content to the Library’s web page; providing information on library equipment, facilities, rules and services. The preferred candidate will have knowledge of Connecticut legal and legislative procedures; knowledge of print and electronic legal research tools; experience utilizing software applications to improve patron services, and experience working with diverse patron groups in a multidisciplinary library environment. Experience and Training: An ALA-accredited master’s degree in Library Science or Information Science. The full posting may be viewed here: <a _fcksavedurl="http://das.ct.gov/HRDocs/JobsExams/Job_Posting_Librarian1_35051.pdf" href="http://das.ct.gov/HRDocs/JobsExams/Job_Posting_Librarian1_35051.pdf" target="_blank">http://das.ct.gov/HRDocs/JobsExams/Job_Posting_Librarian1_35051.pdf</a>. Application Instructions: Interested and qualified candidates who meet the above experience and training requirements should submit a cover letter that describes your interest and suitability for the position, resume and application for Examination or Employment (Form CT-HR-12 at <a _fcksavedurl="http://www.das.state.ct.us/cr1.aspx?page=13" href="http://www.das.state.ct.us/cr1.aspx?page=13" target="_blank">http://www.das.state.ct.us/cr1.aspx?page=13</a> ) by <span style="color: red;">July 28, 2013</span> to: Deborah Craig, Human Resources Specialist, Department of Administrative Services, Small Agency Resource Team – SmART Unit, 165 Capitol Avenue, 5th Floor East, Hartford, Connecticut 06106. Confidential Fax: (860) 622-4921 (preferred method of submission). The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

Librarian 1, Reference Services - Connecticut State Library, Hartford

Librarian 1, Reference Services - Connecticut State Library , Hartford. The Connecticut State Library has an opening for a Librarian 1, Re...

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12 new Teamster brothers and sisters

<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Please give a warm welcome to our 12 new brothers and sisters, cafeteria workers at the University of Pennsylvania employed by Bon Appetit Management Company. The workers, represented by Teamsters Local 929 in Philadelphia, unanimously </span><a href="http://www.citypaper.net/blogs/nakedcity/216194131.html" rel="nofollow"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">approved a union contract</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> last week after two months of bargaining.</span><br /><o:p><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></o:p><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBc3y-9sBte1juXch_Yso-XhViDpMbPg3TqGj1zpE0s6arAbzFFr11lsmJPTCGGpRT1ATLl1nA_XKnwDG8KuFaWa1LTR2D5f5h2SePLfZMMqyOVKf7k78gKVOkg5NOFvoj6dfFZp4beemP/s1600/Victory.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBc3y-9sBte1juXch_Yso-XhViDpMbPg3TqGj1zpE0s6arAbzFFr11lsmJPTCGGpRT1ATLl1nA_XKnwDG8KuFaWa1LTR2D5f5h2SePLfZMMqyOVKf7k78gKVOkg5NOFvoj6dfFZp4beemP/s200/Victory.jpg" width="133" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Previously, the 16 full-time workers at UPenn’s kosher cafeteria were at-will workers employed directly by Bon Appetit. About half of the university’s cafeteria workers are employed directly by the company, while the other half are union workers employed by the school and receive significantly better wages, benefits and working conditions. <o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The three-year contract includes provisions that guarantee sizeable wage increases, pension contributions, affordable health care, and more sick days and vacation time, said John Preston, Local 929’s secretary-treasurer. It also means workers won’t have to wait every August to find out whether they will still have a job for the coming school year.<o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Troy Harris, assistant shop steward who has worked in the dining hall for 13 years, said there are many benefits to the deal:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We don’t have to walk a tightrope to get a raise. Everything in in our contract.</span></blockquote></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Preston hopes the new contracts will encourage the almost 100 other full-time cafeteria workers that are still at-will employees to join the Teamsters:<o:p></o:p></span></div><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“We’re pursuing all Bon Appetit employees at the University of Pennsylvania,” he said, adding that he hopes they will “become aware of the benefits of being covered by a union.”</span> </span></blockquote>

12 new Teamster brothers and sisters

Please give a warm welcome to our 12 new brothers and sisters, cafeteria workers at the University of Pennsylvania employed by Bon Appetit...

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Simple Ideas For Contributing To Weight Loss Salt Lake City Dwellers May Use

<div style='font-style:italic;' class='uawbyline'>By Roxy Albright</div><br /><br /> <div class='uawarticle'>Talking with your doctor about the weight loss Salt Lake City residents like you might be seeking is an excellent place to begin. A physician might be able to help you know what ways you individually could change your diet or exercise practices. There's also many little tips out there that you can do which might aid you in working toward the weight loss Salt Lake City citizens like you might seek. We are going to talk about three such ideas that could at least be positive influences on weight-reduction. We are going to look into how different sources things like breakfast or the lip injections Utah estheticians can perform might be of use in your weight loss efforts.<br /> <br /> First, we'll begin by examining how daily supplements might enable you to receive the weight loss Salt Lake City residents frequently need. Second, we will speak about how upping your confidence in your appearance could be yet another means to help weight loss. Third, we are going to consider how the way you approach breakfast matters, and we'll look at the difference breakfast could make.<br /> <br /> For almost everyone it's difficult to achieve the kinds of goals for weight loss Salt Lake City residents set for themselves. A study on obesity issues reported that a multivitamin could be a useful aid. The research involved splitting obese women up into three groups who each took a multivitamin, a placebo, or a calcium supplement each day for 6 months. Those women utilizing the multivitamin were left with much less body-fat compared to the other two groups of women. A professional has suggested that some people may overeat since their bodies are seeking vitamins they are potentially not consuming enough of and that multivitamin supplements might provide.<br /> <br /> Improving your appearance isn't always only for show. In reality, sometimes it might have a positive effect on you and your quality of life. Many people find more confidence from making improvements to their appearance. Whether you get lip injections Utah medical estheticians could offer or a new haircut, improving your appearance could raise your confidence and thereby help in the weight loss Salt Lake City residents like you may want.<br /> <br /> A lot of people have heard the quip that breakfast is the most critical meal of the day. It has been suggested that it is actually one of the important factors in long-term weight control. Eating in the first hour after you get up helps maintain blood sugar and hormone levels. It is also much better to consume proteins and complex carbohydrates in the place of simple carbohydrates which can be in a large amount of common breakfast choices.<br /> <br /> Work is required to achieve weight loss, but simple ideas like getting the lip injections Utah treatment centers may offer could help positively affect the weight loss Salt Lake City residents are seeking to work toward.<br /> <br /> </div><br /> <div class='uawresource'><br /> <div style='font-style:italic;' class='uawabout'><br /> About the Author:<br /> </div><br /> <div class='uawlinks'>Learn more about <a href='http://www.elase.com/utah/vive-weight-loss'>weight loss Salt Lake City</a>. Stop by Lucy Cho's site where you can find out all about this and options like <a href='http://www.elase.com/utah/lip-augmentation'>lip injections Utah</a> and what they can do for you.</div><br /> </div><br />

Simple Ideas For Contributing To Weight Loss Salt Lake City Dwellers May Use

By Roxy Albright Talking with your doctor about the weight loss Salt Lake City residents like you might be seeking is an excellent place...

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Why is the rich US in such poor health? - opinion - 15 July 2013 - New Scientist

<base href="data:"><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; color: black; text-align: left; "><p style="margin: 0px 20px 20px 10px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><i style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; ">In the wake of a startling report highlighting the US's poor health compared with other wealthy nations, its study director searches for answers</i></p><p class="infuse" style="margin: 0px 20px 20px 10px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); ">AMERICANS die younger and experience more injury and illness than people in other rich nations, despite spending almost twice as much per person on healthcare. That was the startling <a href="http://www.iom.edu/Reports/2013/US-Health-in-International-Perspective-Shorter-Lives-Poorer-Health.aspx" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; text-decoration: none; color: rgb(52, 163, 209); ">conclusion of a major report</a>released earlier this year by the US National Research Council (NRC) and the Institute of Medicine (IOM).</p><p class="infuse" style="margin: 0px 20px 20px 10px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); ">It received widespread attention. <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/11/opinion/americas-health-disadvantage.html?_r=0" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; text-decoration: none; color: rgb(52, 163, 209); "><i style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; ">The New York Times</i></a> concluded: "It is now shockingly clear that poor health is a much broader and deeper problem than past studies have suggested."</p><p class="infuse" style="margin: 0px 20px 20px 10px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); ">What it revealed was the extent of the US's large and growing "health disadvantage", which shows up as higher rates of disease and injury from birth to age 75 for men and women, rich and poor across all races and ethnicities. The comparison countries – Australia, Austria, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the Netherlands and the UK – generally do much better, although the UK isn't far behind the US.</p><p class="infuse" style="margin: 0px 20px 20px 10px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); ">The poorer outcomes in the US are reflected in measures as varied as infant mortality, the rate of teen pregnancy, traffic fatalities and heart disease. Even those with health insurance, high incomes, college educations and healthy lifestyles appear to be sicker than their counterparts in other wealthy countries. The <a href="http://blogs.cfr.org/renewing-america/2013/01/10/the-health-of-americans-its-worse-than-you-think/" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; text-decoration: none; color: rgb(52, 163, 209); ">US Council on Foreign Relations</a>, a non-partisan think tank, described the report as "a catalog of horrors".</p><p class="infuse" style="margin: 0px 20px 20px 10px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); ">Findings that prompted this reaction include the fact that the rate of premature births in the US is the highest among the comparison countries and more closely resembles those of sub-Saharan Africa. Premature birth is the most frequent cause of infant death in the US, and the cost to the healthcare system is <a href="http://www.cdc.gov/reproductivehealth/maternalinfanthealth/PretermBirth.htm" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; text-decoration: none; color: rgb(52, 163, 209); ">estimated to top $26 billion a year</a>.</p><p class="infuse" style="margin: 0px 20px 20px 10px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); ">As distressing as all this is, much less attention has been given to the obvious question: why is the US so unwell? The answer, it turns out, is simple and yet deceptively complex: it's almost everything.</p><p class="infuse" style="margin: 0px 20px 20px 10px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); ">Our health depends on much more than just medical care. Behaviours such as diet, physical activity and even how fast we drive all have profound effects. So do the environments that expose us to health risks or discourage healthy living, as well as social determinants of health, such as education, income and poverty.</p><p class="infuse" style="margin: 0px 20px 20px 10px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); ">The US fares poorly in almost all of these. In addition to many millions of people lacking health insurance, financial barriers to care and a lack of primary care providers compared with other rich countries, people in the US consume more calories, are more sedentary, abuse more drugs and shoot one another more often. The US also lags behind on many measures of education, has higher child poverty and income inequality, and lower social mobility than most other advanced democracies.</p><p class="infuse" style="margin: 0px 20px 20px 10px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); ">The breadth of these causal factors, and the scope of the US health disadvantage they produce, raises some fundamental questions about US society. As the NRC/IOM report noted, solutions exist for many of these health problems, but there is "limited political support among both the public and policymakers to enact the policies and commit the necessary resources".</p><p class="infuse" style="margin: 0px 20px 20px 10px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); ">One major impediment is that the US, which emphasises self-reliance, individualism and free markets, is resistant to anything that even appears to hint at socialism. Interestingly, as a group, classically liberal nations like the US and the UK – free market-oriented with less regulation, tax and government services – are the least healthy among wealthy democracies.</p><p class="infuse" style="margin: 0px 20px 20px 10px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); ">By contrast, social democratic countries such as Sweden – in which the state emphasises full employment, income protection, housing, education, health and social insurance – enjoy better overall health, although <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22475407" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; text-decoration: none; color: rgb(52, 163, 209); ">health inequalities within these nations</a> are not always the smallest.</p><p class="infuse" style="margin: 0px 20px 20px 10px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><a href="http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/05/29/why-cant-america-be-sweden/" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; text-decoration: none; color: rgb(52, 163, 209); ">Debates about the relative merits of "cut-throat" US versus "cuddly" Swedish capitalism</a> contend that there are important trade-offs between economic growth and innovation on the one hand, and growing inequality, high poverty and a weak social safety net on the other. Unfortunately, these debates often fail to factor in our health. That needs to change.</p><p class="infuse" style="margin: 0px 20px 20px 10px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); ">And, as it turns out, the <a href="http://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/138483/kimberly-j-morgan/americas-misguided-approach-to-social-welfare" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; text-decoration: none; color: rgb(52, 163, 209); ">US spends plenty on social welfare</a>. It may tax less and spend less on social programmes than most rich democracies, but when you add in tax-based subsidies and private social spending, it <a href="http://www.oecd-ilibrary.org/social-issues-migration-health/is-the-european-welfare-state-really-more-expensive_5kg2d2d4pbf0-en" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; text-decoration: none; color: rgb(52, 163, 209); ">ranks as the fifth highest in the world</a>, just after Sweden. What distinguishes the US is how that money is spent. More goes on healthcare – while still leaving many without health insurance or access to care – and less on children, families and the disadvantaged.</p><p class="infuse" style="margin: 0px 20px 20px 10px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); ">Digging into the social determinants of health can be tricky. Social scientists and other researchers are rightly trained not to confuse correlation with causation. But the <a href="http://www.nyas.org/publications/annals/Detail.aspx?cid=79be4d13-c2ef-4d4c-8249-09130fa910e7" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; text-decoration: none; color: rgb(52, 163, 209); ">evidence on the biology of disadvantage</a> – how social and economic conditions affect our health and survival – is rapidly building.</p><p class="infuse" style="margin: 0px 20px 20px 10px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); ">Following the World Health Organization's 2008 <a href="http://www.who.int/social_determinants/thecommission/en/" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; text-decoration: none; color: rgb(52, 163, 209); ">Commission on Social Determinants of Health</a>, countries such as Finland, Australia and Canada are taking a "health in all policies" approach that promotes health through public policies in areas as diverse as transportation, housing and agriculture. In the US these ideas have yet to gain much traction.</p><p class="infuse" style="margin: 0px 20px 20px 10px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); ">Moving beyond the dismal headlines generated by the NRC/IOM report, we can hope that the evidence of a health disadvantage in the US is now so compelling that the terms of the conversation and even the political calculus will begin to change. Then, perhaps, we can start addressing that disadvantage and stop paying for it with our lives.</p><p class="infuse" style="margin: 0px 20px 20px 10px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><i style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; ">This article appeared in print under the headline "Paying with our lives?"</i></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 20px; margin-bottom: 20px; margin-left: 10px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); position: static; z-index: auto; "><i style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; "><b style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; ">Laudan Aron</b> is a senior research associate with the <a href="http://www.urban.org/" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; text-decoration: none; color: rgb(52, 163, 209); ">Urban Institute</a> in Washington DC, and was study director for the NRC/IOM report. The opinions are the author's and do not represent those of the NRC/IOM panel or Urban Institute</i></p></div><a href="http://www.newscientist.com/article/mg21929250.200-why-is-the-rich-us-in-such-poor-health.html?">http://www.newscientist.com/article/mg21929250.200-why-is-the-rich-us-in-such-poor-health.html?</a><br><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; color: black; text-align: left; "><br class="webkit-block-placeholder"></div>

Why is the rich US in such poor health? - opinion - 15 July 2013 - New Scientist

In the wake of a startling report highlighting the US's poor health compared with other wealthy nations, its study director searches for...

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Library Systems Coordinator - Trinity College Library, Hartford

<strong>Library Systems Coordinator -</strong> <strong></strong><strong><strong><span style="color: #48286d;">Trinity College Library</span></strong></strong>, Hartford. The Library Systems Coordinator is responsible for planning, implementing, and supporting the Library’s information technology systems and services. Ensures the successful deployment of our integrated library system (Voyager), interlibrary loan software (ILLiad), and other critical local systems. Develops and maintains multiple tools and applications to discover, support, and analyze library collections and operations. Provides leadership in helping staff evaluate opportunities for the introduction of new technologies that enhance library services. Duties: 1. Evaluate, implement, and manage all library software, systems, and equipment. A primary area of focus will be managing library enterprise applications (Voyager, ILLiad, etc.) and ensuring both their successful operation and integration with other College systems. 2. Build local scripts, reports, databases, and web applications to support ongoing library operations. Oversees internal and external data transfers. 3.Develop ongoing training for library staff to allow them to become knowledgeable and independent users of our local systems and technology. 4.Collaborate with staff on investigating, evaluating, recommending, and implementing new tools and technology. 5. Maintain written documentation of all implementation and development decisions. 6. Serve as the Library’s primary liaison to both Trinity’s Information Technology Services Department and our CTW Library Consortium for all IT issues, and represent the Library at relevant national and regional meetings. 7. Perform other tasks and duties as assigned. Technical skills: Experience maintaining an integrated library system; proficiency in using relational database management tools especially ODBC, MS Access, and SQL; ability to navigate a Linux operating system and understand and modify shell scripts and other automated operations; working knowledge of HTML and XML; familiarity with standard desktop software and hardware. Personal qualifications: Self-starter with strong organizational, interpersonal, and project management skills; excellent oral and written communication skills; adaptability, creativity, and an aptitude to learn new technological tools and techniques. Hours are typically Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm. Work hours may include covering an evening (2pm – 10pm) and rotating weekend during the academic year. Salary is commensurate with education, training, and experience. Excellent benefits package. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Apply online at: <a _fcksavedurl="https://trincoll.peopleadmin.com" href="https://trincoll.peopleadmin.com/" target="_blank">https://trincoll.peopleadmin.com</a>.

Library Systems Coordinator - Trinity College Library, Hartford

Library Systems Coordinator - Trinity College Library , Hartford. The Library Systems Coordinator is responsible for planning, implementi...

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mso-para-margin-left:0in; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;} </style><![endif]-->Okay, very serious and extremely important question here lol <br /><br />So… if you have long hair, what do you do with it?  Not while out and about, I’m talking about after-hours.  You know, when you’re doing things where your hair gets in your mouth and becomes a problem.  Stop, fix the hair, start again… And then at other points it tangles over your face and then it’s a problem again.  It does make a good handle and all, but geez! <br /><br />See, it’s a fairly new issue for us now that there’s a majorly different tone to things. <br /><br />I’ve been sticking it in a sloppy twisty up bun like thing.  It keeps it from getting too tangly and I brush it out before going to sleep. It's not crazy long, it's always in the back bra-strap area.<br /><br />Fast forward to the hairdresser this weekend.  My hair is crazy thick and you just can’t do anything with it so I go with boring. I get a couple inches cut off a few times a year and its fine.  Same hairdresser every time so she knows my annoying hair well despite the gaps in attention. <br /><br />“Why have you been wearing it in a ponytail so much?” <br /><br />Huh? I don’t wear one often because it tends to give me a headache.  “Why?” <br /><br />“Look at the back of your head.  You’ve got tons of broken hair here and it’s getting frizzy.  And see how it’s getting sun-bleached in the damaged area?” <br /><br />Crap.  Now, I know good and darn well how it’s getting broken.  I didn't fess up, of course, that it’s not from wearing a ponytail all day.  I promised her I’d wear ponytails less often and I’d use spray conditioner before putting it up.  So now what?

Question for ya

Okay, very serious and extremely important question here lol So… if you have long hair, what do you do with it?  Not while out and about, I’...

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