SEC Football Preview 2013

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="MsoNormal">Hola again football fans! My <a href="http://news-these-days.blogspot.com/2013/08/2013-nfl-team-previews.html">NFL Preview</a> was such a smashing success (kinda, not really) that I decided to expand my previewing analysis skills to college football. No, I’m not gonna preview all 100-plus big-time college football teams. I’m going to preview the only teams that matter. So, here’s your 2013 Southeastern Conference Football Preview! <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><i>SEC West: </i></b><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Alabama:</b> Pfffffffft, these guys suck. The players mostly look just like the fans. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNU6wYKxjI1Vkif02VM1qP9v0L0rFByzrX_DhbhWTtkxq265vmjU_hedLJIK59XiuXE_e0MzRrdaOCIW0kDWFtHZYlsSdsJvdGT17PlPV7BJ4gZS91o7ztw32P9nJB3229xuLFT0dd8_XY/s1600/Alabama-Hot-Sexy-Babe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNU6wYKxjI1Vkif02VM1qP9v0L0rFByzrX_DhbhWTtkxq265vmjU_hedLJIK59XiuXE_e0MzRrdaOCIW0kDWFtHZYlsSdsJvdGT17PlPV7BJ4gZS91o7ztw32P9nJB3229xuLFT0dd8_XY/s1600/Alabama-Hot-Sexy-Babe.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><br /></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Arkansas:</b> The absolute, unchallenged class of the SEC. Only the highest quality human beings play on the team and they always play the game the way it was meant to be played. They play hard, practice harder and study the hardest. They are the epitome of Student-Athletes and the very definition of gentlemen. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Auburn: </b>The cheatingest, dirtiest, low-downest scum-buckets in any division of any conference in any sport on any level. Fuck those guys. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>LSU:</b> Why do both LSU and the New Orleans Saints use the “WHO DAT??!!” chant? Because it applies to all of South Louisiana. All over the bayou folks have for decades said things like “Who dat breaking into my house?” and “Who dat with the gun about to rob me on the street” and “Who dat that got killed walking to church last night for $3?” and … well, you get the idea. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Mississippi State:</b> THOSE GAWD-DAMMED COWBELLS! OMG! Most of the players can even spell Mississippi. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Ole Miss: </b>If you can’t get into Mississippi State then you’re only other options is Ole Miss, a drinking school with a football problem. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Texas A&M:</b> What’s the difference between an Aggie and a carp? One is a bottom-feeding scum-sucker and the other is a fish. Hey-OOOOOOOOOOO<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><i>SEC (L)East: </i></b><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Florida:</b> The only school with more player arrests each week than points scored. Aaron Hernandez and Riley Cooper are their most distinguished alumni. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Georgia: </b>The team and fans suffer from the least deserved superiority complex in the entire country. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Kentucky: </b>I don’t really have anything against the Mildcats cause they’re not good enough to really worry about. Besides, they already have a basketball program so dirty it makes Auburn fans gasp, it wouldn’t be fair to have a good football program too. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Missouri:</b> So stupid they think Missouri really IS in the southeastern part of the country. Also, Columbia has the greatest concentration of people who can’t figure out how to use “there,” “their” and “they’re” correctly in the entire country. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>South Carolina: </b>Their only redeeming quality is being named the “Gamecocks” so everyone can just refer to them as the “Cocks.” Heh…Heh…Huh…Huh …. “Cocks” <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Tennessee:</b> Their offensive line … <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkiT0umuJ_EWTOLBzWzPZG_cOVfVQ6bPuU5QquhdoQukb2km6xvkBuSkVxd1ThTK3tEI6J6ixnZNzCDfk6HWx5hCXtWJDI1d-aEp1nijjXeUICRQ0cxjrGF8Dr5PpjfzYHQigogTHCbz7i/s1600/Tennessee-Football-Players.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkiT0umuJ_EWTOLBzWzPZG_cOVfVQ6bPuU5QquhdoQukb2km6xvkBuSkVxd1ThTK3tEI6J6ixnZNzCDfk6HWx5hCXtWJDI1d-aEp1nijjXeUICRQ0cxjrGF8Dr5PpjfzYHQigogTHCbz7i/s1600/Tennessee-Football-Players.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><br /></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Vanderbilt:</b> Rich, stuck-up, over-privileged, condescending, Duke wannabes. Nobody likes you guys.  <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">So there you go y’all! An expert analysis of the greatest football conference in the history of the world. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="mailto:Jayman3768@gmail.com">Jayman3768@gmail.com</a><br /><a href="http://www.facebook.com/jayman68">Facebook.com/Jayman68</a><br /><a href="http://www.twitter.com/jayman_iws">@Jayman_IWS</a><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div></div>

SEC Football Preview 2013

Hola again football fans! My NFL Preview was such a smashing success (kinda, not really) that I decided to expand my previewing analysis sk...

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Senator-elect John Cosgrove wins 14th Senate District special election

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9sd8tqTRQmR5hPuC2W2R_HRe4BN8LZeSaIPVHNePzGjkkLdBmqsaWKbGvZVcfkysz1Jt82s3_QPO70YNQPDs3-f1XR8TnV0S5jvyeB6AV6n3oAmJTKKecBD6pltkKjFH_BG8lnDzoEC0X/s1600/John+Cosgrove+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9sd8tqTRQmR5hPuC2W2R_HRe4BN8LZeSaIPVHNePzGjkkLdBmqsaWKbGvZVcfkysz1Jt82s3_QPO70YNQPDs3-f1XR8TnV0S5jvyeB6AV6n3oAmJTKKecBD6pltkKjFH_BG8lnDzoEC0X/s400/John+Cosgrove+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><a href="http://www.johncosgrove.org/">John Cosgrove</a>, the Republican delegate who served for 10 years in the Virginia House of Delegates, won Tuesday's special 14th Senate District election after the Democratic candidate dropped out in July, leaving him unopposed in the race. He will serve the remaining two years of retired Senator Harry Blevins' term.<br /><br />Virginia House Speaker Bill Howell congratulated Cosgrove on his win:<br /><blockquote>"I want to congratulate John on his election to the Virginia Senate. For over a decade John has served the greater South Hampton Roads community and the Commonwealth of Virginia with dedication. John has been a valued member of the House of Delegates and a personal friend to many of us. We will miss his insight and expertise on the issues, and know he will be a tremendous addition to the Virginia Senate. On behalf of the entire House of Delegates, we wish him the very best in the years ahead."</blockquote>In May Cosgrove <a href="http://swacgirl.blogspot.com/2013/05/john-cosgrove-wins-14th-senate-district.html">won the Republican nomination</a> in a three-way firehouse primary after his endorsement by Congressman Randy Forbes.  Other endorsements included the man he is replacing, Senator Harry Blevins, as well as Senator Tommy Norment, Senator Ryan McDougle, Delegate Chris Jones, Sheriff Jim O'Sullivan, Eric Wray, Commonwealth Attorney for Chesapeake Nancy Parr, Treasurer Barbara Carroway, and Mayor Alan Krasnoff as well as others.

14th senate district Hampton Roads John Cosgrove Lynn R. Mitchell politics special election Virginia Senator-elect John Cosgrove wins 14th Senate District special election

John Cosgrove , the Republican delegate who served for 10 years in the Virginia House of Delegates, won Tuesday's special 14th Senate Di...

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Anti-ALEC Moral Monday protests spread

<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(UPDATES final graf to CORRECT large Chicago protest is Thursday, sted Wednesday).</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">An enormous Moral Monday rally in Asheville, N.C., </span><a href="http://www.carolinamercury.com/2013/08/thousands-attend-mountain-moral-monday-protests-spread-to-chicago-and-oakland/#.UgEHInE_fyc.twitter" rel="nofollow"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">drew about 10,000 people</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> yesterday to protest passage of pro-corporate ALEC legislation in Raleigh even as demonstrators in Oakland and Chicago took up the Moral Monday cause.<o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgknx5Vv5S0j0BFb51HYcMKxRH8kybhrP4iUiWvTEAuq0soX2Il4K_rwMf5k6KIzhQ42dXOJVi32bkxPbigqYGmdvSsEnO7pVO1pzkCB5GaR7ilWeRTln8oEi-he3pt4trXp_dIu4itjWeM/s1600/8-6moralmondayphoto1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgknx5Vv5S0j0BFb51HYcMKxRH8kybhrP4iUiWvTEAuq0soX2Il4K_rwMf5k6KIzhQ42dXOJVi32bkxPbigqYGmdvSsEnO7pVO1pzkCB5GaR7ilWeRTln8oEi-he3pt4trXp_dIu4itjWeM/s320/8-6moralmondayphoto1.jpg" title="This is a photo that shows a crowd estimated at 10,000 gathering for a Moral Monday protest in Asheville, N.C." width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A tremendous crowd took in event in Asheville, N.C.</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">At the county courthouse in Asheville, North Carolinians expressed their anger with Gov. Pat McCrory and the Legislature, which rolled back progress in education, voting rights and social and economic equality. During the legislative session, which just ended, lawmakers slashed unemployment benefits, Medicaid and education spending while cutting taxes to big business. <o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> In Chicago, clergy, unions and community organizers took over the Palmer House Hilton lobby during the first Moral Monday protest outside of North Carolina. They demanded the hotel rescind its invitation to ALEC, which is gathering for a conference there. Police arrested six protesters. <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;">The Carolina Mercury reported:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Oakland protesters held the first of a series of monthly ‘Moral Monday’ peace and justice rallies.</span></span></blockquote></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Called “Mountain Moral Monday” by organizers, the Asheville event rivaled the final Raleigh rally held last week. Yesterday’s protest was the first to be held away from the state capital and will be followed by additional events in all of North Carolina’s congressional districts. Teachers again were out in full force at the Asheville event to raise their objections to policies that strike down tenure, end salary increases for those with master’s degrees and caused the firing of thousands of classroom assistants. Angela Patane said </span><a href="http://www.citizen-times.com/article/20130806/NEWS/308060023/Protest-packs-Asheville" rel="nofollow"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">it is important to raise attention about what is happening to education in North Carolina</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="MsoHyperlink"><u><span style="color: blue;"> </span></u></span>and was glad to see others agreed:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I was amazed by the turnout. I wasn’t expecting that many people, so I was really happy to see so many thousands of people.</span></blockquote></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><a href="http://www.newsobserver.com/2013/08/05/3083774/moral-monday-protests-heading.html" rel="nofollow"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Retired teacher Sue Bartlett said she too felt the need to stand up</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> for what’s right:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We’re concerned about the children, concerned about health care, concerned about our environment.</span></blockquote></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The next Moral Monday rally in North Carolina has tentatively been scheduled for Aug. 19 in Charlotte.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There will be another large protest against ALEC in Chicago Thursday. ALEC, or the <a href="http://www.alecexposed.org/" rel="nofollow">American Legislative Exchange Council, has been exposed over the past few years as an anti-worker tool of big corporation. ALEC gatherings have been dogged with large protests over the past few years, and tomorrow's may be the largest yet.</a></span></div>

Anti-ALEC Moral Monday protests spread

(UPDATES final graf to CORRECT large Chicago protest is Thursday, sted Wednesday). An enormous Moral Monday rally in Asheville, N.C., drew a...

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Today's archidose #694

Catching up from my recent break, here are some photos of projects with little to no right angles.<br /><br />Drents Archive 3.0 (2012) in Assen, Netherlands, by <a href="http://www.zecc.nl/">Zecc Architects</a>, photographed by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/klaasfotocollectie/">Klaas Vermaas</a>:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/klaasfotocollectie/9442833728/" title="assen entreegebouw drents archief 05 2012 zecc arch (brink) by Klaas5, on Flickr"><img alt="assen entreegebouw drents archief 05 2012 zecc arch (brink)" height="427" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2812/9442833728_84dc469ef5_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/klaasfotocollectie/9440050409/" title="assen entreegebouw drents archief 01 2012 zecc arch (brink) by Klaas5, on Flickr"><img alt="assen entreegebouw drents archief 01 2012 zecc arch (brink)" height="427" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7350/9440050409_e853015527_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/klaasfotocollectie/9442833078/" title="assen entreegebouw drents archief 07 2012 zecc arch (brink) by Klaas5, on Flickr"><img alt="assen entreegebouw drents archief 07 2012 zecc arch (brink)" height="427" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2892/9442833078_0bce204d1a_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/klaasfotocollectie/9440047417/" title="assen entreegebouw drents archief 08 2012 zecc arch (brink) by Klaas5, on Flickr"><img alt="assen entreegebouw drents archief 08 2012 zecc arch (brink)" height="427" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3786/9440047417_1703345ca8_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><br />Ice Rink of Liège, Belgium (2012), by <a href="http://www.escaut.org/">L'Escaut Architectures</a>, photographed by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kenlee2010/">Ken Lee</a>:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kenlee2010/9416551018/" title="the whale, Ice Rink of Liège, Belgium by Ken Lee 2010, on Flickr"><img alt="the whale, Ice Rink of Liège, Belgium" height="479" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3723/9416551018_baf9a504ef_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kenlee2010/9416550596/" title="the whale, Ice Rink of Liège, Belgium by Ken Lee 2010, on Flickr"><img alt="the whale, Ice Rink of Liège, Belgium" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7287/9416550596_3ffd8a06b7_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kenlee2010/9413784517/" title="the whale, Ice Rink of Liège, Belgium by Ken Lee 2010, on Flickr"><img alt="the whale, Ice Rink of Liège, Belgium" height="426" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2865/9413784517_d1ee28bf72_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><br />Roca London Gallery (2011) by <a href="http://www.zaha-hadid.com/">Zaha Hadid Architects</a>, photographed by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/laurencemackman/">Laurence Mackman</a>:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/laurencemackman/9407628918/" title="RocaGalleryLondon E W 067 by laurencemackman, on Flickr"><img alt="RocaGalleryLondon E W 067" height="428" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3831/9407628918_90333eb954_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/laurencemackman/9404911677/" title="RocaGalleryLondon E W 057 by laurencemackman, on Flickr"><img alt="RocaGalleryLondon E W 057" height="428" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5537/9404911677_cacd501b97_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/laurencemackman/9442753188/" title="RocaGallery E W-024 by laurencemackman, on Flickr"><img alt="RocaGallery E W-024" height="428" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7418/9442753188_ff2d734e27_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/laurencemackman/9440036227/" title="RocaGallery 28 E W 072 by laurencemackman, on Flickr"><img alt="RocaGallery 28 E W 072" height="428" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7303/9440036227_2673555585_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><br />Helicopter Platform (2011) in Aachen, Germany, by <a href="http://www.ox2.de/">OX2architekten</a>, photographed by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kenlee2010/">Ken Lee</a>:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kenlee2010/9363466893/" title="Hubschrauberlandeplattform, helicopter landing platform, Hospital of RWTH Aachen, Germany by Ken Lee 2010, on Flickr"><img alt="Hubschrauberlandeplattform, helicopter landing platform, Hospital of RWTH Aachen, Germany" height="426" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7396/9363466893_0fd0e52e3c_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kenlee2010/9355991422/" title="Hubschrauberlandeplattform, helicopter landing platform, Hospital of RWTH Aachen, Germany by Ken Lee 2010, on Flickr"><img alt="Hubschrauberlandeplattform, helicopter landing platform, Hospital of RWTH Aachen, Germany" height="426" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5443/9355991422_9641549962_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kenlee2010/9366246262/" title="Hubschrauberlandeplattform, helicopter landing platform, Hospital of RWTH Aachen, Germany by Ken Lee 2010, on Flickr"><img alt="Hubschrauberlandeplattform, helicopter landing platform, Hospital of RWTH Aachen, Germany" height="640" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5447/9366246262_69c65f2c38_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kenlee2010/9353214419/" title="Hubschrauberlandeplattform, helicopter landing platform, Hospital of RWTH Aachen, Germany by Ken Lee 2010, on Flickr"><img alt="Hubschrauberlandeplattform, helicopter landing platform, Hospital of RWTH Aachen, Germany" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7440/9353214419_45f47fee51_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><br />To contribute your Flickr images for consideration, just:<br /><blockquote>:: Join and add photos to the <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/archi-dose/">archidose pool</a>, and/or<br />:: Tag your photos <span style="font-style: italic;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/tags/archidose/">archidose</a></span></blockquote>

Today's archidose #694

Catching up from my recent break, here are some photos of projects with little to no right angles. Drents Archive 3.0 (2012) in Assen, Nethe...

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World of Warcraft: Burdens of Shaohao Part One: Doubt

<div class="separator" style="text-align: center; clear: both"> </div> <p> <div id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:a9067e47-0a13-4f84-9d0d-15061af6779a" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent" style="float: none; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px"><div id="3b0187e9-ace7-489d-aa4b-371ed2eead06" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; display: inline;"><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=afpRzcAAZVM&feature=share&list=UUbLj9QP9FAaHs_647QckGtg" target="_new"><img alt="" galleryimg="no" onload="var downlevelDiv = document.getElementById('3b0187e9-ace7-489d-aa4b-371ed2eead06'); downlevelDiv.innerHTML = "<div><object width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/afpRzcAAZVM&hl=en\"><\/param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/afpRzcAAZVM&hl=en\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><\/embed><\/object><\/div>";" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-MVzftkIUuS4/UgJZ8dETLdI/AAAAAAAADCg/lYy_g8Y0BOM/videoa16c4f4e5a3d%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none"></a></div></div></div></p> <p><a href="http://us.battle.net/wow/en/" target="_blank">World of Warcraft</a>'s second installment in the Burdens of Shaohao animated series.  Smashing story telling in under five minutes.</p>

Blizzard Burdens of Shaohao MMO video games World of Warcraft WOW World of Warcraft: Burdens of Shaohao Part One: Doubt

  World of Warcraft 's second installment in the Burdens of Shaohao animated series.  Smashing story telling in under five minutes. ...

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World of Warcraft: Burdens of Shaohao Prelude: The Vision

<div class="separator" style="text-align: center; clear: both"> </div> <p> <div id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:5c184aaa-d637-4979-b4f6-1b95409fd3f6" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent" style="float: none; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px"><div><object height="480" width="853"><param name="movie" value="//www.youtube.com/v/-D--GWwca0g?hl=en_US&version=3"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="//www.youtube.com/v/-D--GWwca0g?hl=en_US&version=3" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="853" height="480" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div></div></p> <p><a href="http://us.battle.net/wow/en/" target="_blank">World of Warcraft</a> has released a stunning new series further documenting and solidifying the lore for Pandaria.  I was blown away by the video.  It is stunning in it's simplicity and art direction.  It begins the beautiful tale of the last emperor of the Pandarian.<br><br>I may not be playing WOW any longer, but the truth is I love the lore behind WOW.  Particularly late because of much of the lore is available outside of the game and I can consume it at my own pace.  I think this was a wise move on Blizzard's part a couple of years ago.  Video games come and go from our lives like waves, some waves we ride a little longer and some waves crash upon the beach violently.  I may no longer be interested in the grind of MMO's but the lore and stories Blizzard is telling outside of the game I find fascinating and engaging.</p>

Blizzard Burdens of Shaohao lore MMO video games World of Warcraft WOW World of Warcraft: Burdens of Shaohao Prelude: The Vision

  World of Warcraft has released a stunning new series further documenting and solidifying the lore for Pandaria.  I was blown away by t...

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Improve security of Smartphone with new Version of Android: Android 4.3 Jelly Bean.

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">After nine month of previous version, Google introduced new version of Android Jelly Bean 4.2. It is the third edition to carry the same tag after Android 4.1 and 4.2. It is released with Google’s new Smartphone Nexus 7 (<a href="http://pc-gadgetworld.blogspot.in/2013/07/googles-nexus-7-tablet-powered-by-asus.html" target="_blank"> Features of Nexus 7</a> ) that is running on Android 4.3 Jelly Bean, improved version of Android 4.2.  Google does not make big changes in Android 4.3 and comes with few major changes.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CKLrXyikXnw/UgES7OZzNQI/AAAAAAAAAIs/-DU2nkMBtck/s1600/android635205-08-2013-07-38-35W.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="186" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CKLrXyikXnw/UgES7OZzNQI/AAAAAAAAAIs/-DU2nkMBtck/s1600/android635205-08-2013-07-38-35W.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">source:ptrika.com</td></tr></tbody></table><br />In android 4.3 now dial-pad suggests the contact names or numbers when users start keying-in something. This is not new for Smartphone but it is new for Android, because Samsung and HTC already brought in their UI skins running on top of Android, but devices running stock Android were missing it. In notification Access, now you can be in command of and act together with the status bar notification. Users can manage how notifications are pushed to the primary and connected devices.  You can also see all the notification at one position.<br /><br />If you are a game lover then this new feature will excite you. This feature turns Android devices in to high quality graphics. This app is named openGL ES 3.0 and it was missing from previous version of Android.<br /><br />Devices with this version of Android can sync with Bluetooth enabled car stereos. The Bluetooth AVRCP 1.3 version is used in Android 4.3. This version of Bluetooth also supports low-energy Bluetooth Smart accessories that can also sync these low-energy devices without have an effect on the battery usage of the device.<br /><br />In this OS you can manage the apps and content for any user; it will help those parents who want to give limited mobile access for their children. You can hide app that you do not want to share with anyone. Other minor changes are also made like simplified the Setup Wizard, location accuracy features, restriction of profiles.<br /><br />For Hindi lover’s, it’s like a dream comes true in form of Android 4.3. Android 4.3 supports some new languages including Hindi.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://plus.google.com/100638775997274345522" rel="author">Anil Swami</a></div></div>

android 4.3 Bluetooth google Hindi jelly bean notification Improve security of Smartphone with new Version of Android: Android 4.3 Jelly Bean.

After nine month of previous version, Google introduced new version of Android Jelly Bean 4.2. It is the third edition to carry the same tag...

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Union investors demand resignation of McKesson compensation committee chairman

<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/hhiOEokyDI8" width="420"></iframe><br /><br />A union investment group affiliated with the Teamsters says the $159 million pension given to McKesson’s CEO is cause for the compensation committee chairman to resign.<br /><br />The Teamsters represent 1,500 McKesson warehouse workers across the U.S. and in Canada. But in Lakeland, Fla., where many McKesson distribution workers cannot afford to pay for their health insurance or contribute to their 401(k) plan, McKesson has hired union-busting firms and retaliated against workers who support the union. After nearly two years as Teamsters, the workers are still fighting for a fair first contract. <br /><br />Now, the Change to Win Investment Group is demanding the resignation of McKesson director and compensation committee chairman Alton Irby. It also asked for the renegotiation and reduction of CEO John Hammergren’s $159 million pension benefit “as part of a comprehensive overhaul of the company’s compensation structure.” <br /><br />Steve Vairma, Teamsters international vice president, said Hammergren’s compensation is an insult to the company’s front-line workers. <br /><br />“Hammergren’s staggering $159 million pension and $50 million/year total compensation is a slap in the face to so many McKesson workers who have no pension at all and cannot even afford to contribute to their 401 (k) plan or pay for health care coverage for their families,” said Vairma, who is also director of the IBT Warehouse division, which represents some 1,500 McKesson workers across the U.S. and Canada. <br /><br />Chris Rauber at the <a href="http://www.bizjournals.com/sanfrancisco/blog/2013/07/mckesson-shareholders-re-elect-all.html" rel="nofollow">San Francisco Business Times</a> has the story about CtW Investment Group’s demands:<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">Both demands were made in an Aug. 5 letter from CtW's Executive Director <a href="http://www.bizjournals.com/sanfrancisco/search/results?q=Dieter%20Waizenegger" rel="nofollow">Dieter Waizenegger</a> to <a href="http://www.bizjournals.com/sanfrancisco/search/results?q=Edward%20Mueller" rel="nofollow">Edward Mueller</a>, McKesson's lead independent director, a role created after an earlier round of pressure on the San Francisco-based drug distribution and health care IT giant. </blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq"><a href="http://www.bizjournals.com/sanfrancisco/blog/2013/07/mckesson-shareholders-re-elect-all.html" rel="nofollow">CtW said last week's vote</a> by shareholders at McKesson's annual meeting showed that "shareholders rejected the board's work in extraordinarily strong numbers." It said 78 percent voted against management's position on executive pay, 53 percent supported strengthening the company's policies to "clawback" executive compensation in the wake of executive misdeeds, and 40 percent voted against Irby's re-election to the board. </blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq">Last week, <a href="http://www.bizjournals.com/sanfrancisco/search/results?q=Scott%20Zdrazil" rel="nofollow">Scott Zdrazil</a>, director of corporate governance for <a href="http://www.bizjournals.com/profiles/company/us/dc/washington/amalgamated_bank/3290173" rel="nofollow">Amalgamated Bank</a>, a union-owned institution that oversees a fund that owns a significant chunk of McKesson stock, said the July 31 shareholders' vote "may be the first clawback proposal to ever receive majority support" from a company's investors. </blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq">The Aug. 5 letter to McKesson's lead independent director said Hammergren's huge pension was the driving force behind what CtW called "a clear referendum" last week against flaws in executive compensation policies at the company, adding that the benefit "provides no clear alignment with the interests of shareholders."</blockquote>

CEO Pay McKesson Union investors demand resignation of McKesson compensation committee chairman

A union investment group affiliated with the Teamsters says the $159 million pension given to McKesson’s CEO is cause for the compensation c...

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World of Warcraft: Connected Realms

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi91ARSyLk_v205ZXKsGr46pEjiAhiY-9geIm9EaYVM4nIFXu1vWiDYnFc6q3rGizf2SPmZNJXkzpNFWXQbD1j_fk_fWh4qDwRr3xwLdL9EKqtRB5dBIuKDSTyrE8QIHe5MqkP2Jwgn6YFm/s1600/NJKJW53FJA3G1372445749288.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi91ARSyLk_v205ZXKsGr46pEjiAhiY-9geIm9EaYVM4nIFXu1vWiDYnFc6q3rGizf2SPmZNJXkzpNFWXQbD1j_fk_fWh4qDwRr3xwLdL9EKqtRB5dBIuKDSTyrE8QIHe5MqkP2Jwgn6YFm/s640/NJKJW53FJA3G1372445749288.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Do your characters reside on an dead server, dead raiding community, or have an auction house that is sparse? <a href="http://us.battle.net/wow/en/blog/10551009/Patch_54_Feature_Preview_Connected_Realms-8_5_2013" target="_blank"> Relief</a> is coming sometime after Patch 5.4 lands.<br /><br />Blizzard is connecting struggling realms together into one large shared space. Your server won't be going away and there won't be the possibility of name conflicts arising. Instead, like servers which are under-populated will be linked together to share guilds, raiding, auction houses, etc. The goal is that this will help alleviate the concerns players have regarding dead servers and the constant forum pleas for server mergers.

Blizzard MMO video games World of Warcraft WOW World of Warcraft: Connected Realms

Do your characters reside on an dead server, dead raiding community, or have an auction house that is sparse? Relief is coming sometime af...

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Third World state: Wisconsin

(NOTE: The following is a cross post from <a href="http://teamsterslocal320.org/index.cfm?zone=%2Funionactive%2Fview_article.cfm&HomeID=298841&page=Brian27s20Blog#.UgBQ3Tj6R_8.twitter" rel="nofollow">Brian's Blog</a>, written by Brian Aldes, secretary-treasurer of Teamster Local 320 in Minnesota)<br /><br />In the past few weeks some alarming news has developed within Wisconsin. It appears that Governor Scott Walker, famous for busting public employee unions, now wants to go after police and firefighter unions. In 2011 Walker pushed for and signed “ACT 10” making it impossible for public sector unions to negotiate over issues such as working conditions, overtime, health insurance, sick leave and vacation. Moreover unions can now only seek raises that are no greater than the rate of inflation as determined by the employer!<br /><br /> Police and firefighter unions were exempted from most aspects of ACT 10; however, many law enforcement and firefighter units lost their right over the past two years to bargain over health insurance and other health care related issues. Just last week, Walker has signaled his intent to place Wisconsin police and firefighter units under the full application of ACT 10.<br /><br /> According to the <em><a href="http://www.jsonline.com/news/statepolitics/scott-walker-opens-door-to-limiting-police-firefighter-unions-b9964953z1-217588071.html" rel="nofollow">Milwaukee Journal Sentinel</a></em> Walker said the following:<br /><br /><div style="margin-left: 0.5in;"> "I think now for those areas, having seen that the world didn't come to an end for all the municipal employees and county employees, there might be a greater opening going forward because they'd say, 'Hey things worked out'" [...] </div>Pardon my bluntness, but things did not work out for Wisconsin public employees under ACT 10 and Walker has proven himself not only to be a union-buster, but a bold-faced liar!<br /><br /> In last week’s article for <em><a href="http://www.salon.com/2013/08/02/new_labor_movement_emerges_in_scott_walkers_wisconsin/" rel="nofollow">Salon</a> “New labor movement emerges in Scott Walker’s Wisconsin,”</em> Marty Beil, the director of the Wisconsin State Employees Union, said things have not worked out for the majority of state workers. He says, “work sites have become hell holes. Every day there’s a new set of rules that people have to understand. Act 10 prohibits union members from bargaining or filing grievances over day-to-day working conditions: shop-floor rules, scheduling, performance evaluations or even discrimination. Workers have responded with petitions of no confidence against their supervisors, confrontational appearances at administrative offices, and more” [...]<br /><br />Meanwhile in Minnesota the top three candidates vying to unseat Governor Mark Dayton, Republican Sen. Dave Thompson, Rep. Kurt Zellers and businessman Scott Honour, have all advocated for policies similar to ACT 10. Sen. Thompson told <em><a href="http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2013/06/26/state-sen-thompson-enters-gop-race-for-governor" rel="nofollow">MPR</a></em> that he is willing to revisit the contentious right-to-work <strong>FOR LESS</strong> (emphasis added) issue that put him at odds with Minnesota’s labor unions and triggered loud protests in 2012.<br /><br /> Teamsters Local 320 stands in solidarity with its Union Brothers and Sisters of Wisconsin against Gov. Walker’s oppression. We also ask Minnesota Teamsters to remain vigilant against Walker clones here at home.

Third World state: Wisconsin

(NOTE: The following is a cross post from Brian's Blog , written by Brian Aldes, secretary-treasurer of Teamster Local 320 in Minnesota)...

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President George W. Bush recovering after artery blockage surgery

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik80vxKWC9sl9uR2KDUbfdY1sOMzd6Y_U_jSsebJU2lxYmRaWu9h3Nl9Elil_meRMZ1hHlj68kPn2yBNrD8YanVoSjMQIPTmQlXBsW2NvnIFutTd6ndBbfDPJXPxfz4GgtD3GK7xVs1Wxa/s1600/George+W.+Bush+34.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik80vxKWC9sl9uR2KDUbfdY1sOMzd6Y_U_jSsebJU2lxYmRaWu9h3Nl9Elil_meRMZ1hHlj68kPn2yBNrD8YanVoSjMQIPTmQlXBsW2NvnIFutTd6ndBbfDPJXPxfz4GgtD3GK7xVs1Wxa/s320/George+W.+Bush+34.jpg" width="263" /></a></div><br />President George W. Bush, 66, underwent successful surgery for a <a href="http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2013/08/06/george-w-bush-undergoes-surgery-for-stent-after-blockage-discovered/">blocked artery</a> on Tuesday morning and is resting comfortable, according to a Bush family press release:<br /><blockquote>During President George W. Bush’s annual physical examination at the Cooper Clinic in Dallas yesterday, a blockage was discovered in an artery in his heart. At the recommendation of his doctors, President Bush agreed to have a stent placed to open the blockage. The procedure was performed successfully this morning, without complication, at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital. President Bush is in high spirits, eager to return home tomorrow and resume his normal schedule on Thursday. He is grateful to the skilled medical professionals who have cared for him. He thanks his family, friends, and fellow citizens for their prayers and well wishes. And he encourages us all to get our regular check-ups.</blockquote>Prayers and best wishes to President Bush and his family.

blocked artery Cooper Clinic Dallas George W. Bush Lynn R. Mitchell stent surgery Texas President George W. Bush recovering after artery blockage surgery

President George W. Bush, 66, underwent successful surgery for a blocked artery on Tuesday morning and is resting comfortable, according to...

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A great way to appreciate teachers for #backtoschool

<p> I'm drafting this on Monday night after our first day of preplanning at school. Today at lunch, our PTO had the nicest "teacher appreciation" luncheon. It was so nice. I snapped quite a few photos and thought I'd share with you what they did and what I liked about it.</p> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf2c3EbGP1fhEXgJLuu3d0FfNIxMPqRRm-VfcH88KviKOTUYmLo2PRlh_ENuehw73_fOPG3u8Mu2IolpJridYV7M_ArefFNBbak_rgoBO1yxKzD6mSljTYesau3XO9g9Jueawei2Zb2oJO/s1024/Photo%252520Aug%2525205%25252C%2525202013%25252C%25252012%25253A07%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img alt="" class="alignnone" height="373" id="blogsy-1375754700183.2673" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf2c3EbGP1fhEXgJLuu3d0FfNIxMPqRRm-VfcH88KviKOTUYmLo2PRlh_ENuehw73_fOPG3u8Mu2IolpJridYV7M_ArefFNBbak_rgoBO1yxKzD6mSljTYesau3XO9g9Jueawei2Zb2oJO/s500/Photo%252520Aug%2525205%25252C%2525202013%25252C%25252012%25253A07%252520PM.jpg" width="500"></a></div> <h3> Motivational Quotes</h3> <p>We all need to be reminded. The PTO had large watering cans with zinnias and flowers from the yards of the PTO members. Orange and white are our school colors so the green was accented with white and orange. It was gorgeous. Their quote was perfect:</p> <blockquote><p>"A teacher's like a gardener and this is so you'll know we surely do appreciate how you help the children grow. Thanks for all you do." </p></blockquote> <p> That was on a wooden stick inside the watering can with the flowers.</p> <h3>Teacher Wish Lists and Likes </h3> <p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTn06RKmCXCtsJ9c0oOFW3IjcMjUgb-rPlHsIJUI3VJx51tDbYJKGjFMt1N0_IF6htIPpGjJLoJGhaBWvtukHKQrkbNxXpOTYB1b9LUIJGiGg1QwLj2R6AeM2bdfkgNvi_EZXUKOetFcL8/s1024/Photo%252520Aug%2525205%25252C%2525202013%25252C%25252012%25253A07%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><img alt="" class="alignnone" height="373" id="blogsy-1375754700209.821" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTn06RKmCXCtsJ9c0oOFW3IjcMjUgb-rPlHsIJUI3VJx51tDbYJKGjFMt1N0_IF6htIPpGjJLoJGhaBWvtukHKQrkbNxXpOTYB1b9LUIJGiGg1QwLj2R6AeM2bdfkgNvi_EZXUKOetFcL8/s500/Photo%252520Aug%2525205%25252C%2525202013%25252C%25252012%25253A07%252520PM.jpg" width="500"></a></p> <p> Underneath our boxed lunches we had a piece of paper for our wish lists and likes. This list is one that PTO puts in a binder in the office. Things like "what is your favorite soda" and "what is your favorite snack" or "what is one simple thing you do to pamper yourself." We wrote this with the pen beside it which had our name "Westwood Wildcats" emblazoned on the side.</p> <p>On our birthdays, a person on the PTO is responsible to make a basket of our "likes." Because each one is personal, it makes us feel so loved. (The PTO even had a blizzard day and had students help them deliver each teacher's favorite DQ blizzard back in the spring. WE LOVED IT.)</p> <h3>The Theme of the Year</h3> <p>Our Board of Directors has adopted a vision statement for the year: "Moving Forward." They want all of us to set goals for how we want to move forward this year. What are a few goals we can set for improvements we want to make. The board is making goals and we will too. Imagine if everyone at a school tries to level up?</p> <p>Above our plates you can see a rolled up Tshirt with the theme on it tied in raffia. The Tshirt has the theme and our vision verse for the year. Scattered around were small circles with "We appreciate teachers" on them.</p> <h3>Little Messages</h3> <p>You can see the water bottles with the words "Teacher appreciation luncheon 2013" which were made with the sticker paper that you print off the printer. </p> <h3>Helping New Teachers Find a Place and Feel Included</h3> <p>Also notice that each teacher had a namecard and a place. I liked how they mixed us up. I got to sit by people and no one was left alone. New teachers were mixed among the tables. They thought seriously about placement. It really made it fun. Co teachers were seated together.</p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqCFeNeHM-gGkB1MmDiyyFBHVAVJyQGUPUA5gBJKrLh5b5I8SIMoukt5ZkobQfcdkoKmcm3Vjk2nAWDA37UbtBCHO-X9TeTv1nxezGfKjpvb5PLYQMKc9NOWbIj5mhofl8yKPF6LLCeLsR/s1024/Photo%252520Aug%2525205%25252C%2525202013%25252C%25252012%25253A18%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="text-align: center; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; "><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="373" id="blogsy-1375754700160.6055" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqCFeNeHM-gGkB1MmDiyyFBHVAVJyQGUPUA5gBJKrLh5b5I8SIMoukt5ZkobQfcdkoKmcm3Vjk2nAWDA37UbtBCHO-X9TeTv1nxezGfKjpvb5PLYQMKc9NOWbIj5mhofl8yKPF6LLCeLsR/s500/Photo%252520Aug%2525205%25252C%2525202013%25252C%25252012%25253A18%252520PM.jpg" width="500"></a><h3> Something for everyone</h3> <p> Inside the boxes were an assortment of salads: pasta salad, broccoli salad, chicken salad, fruit salad and a croissant. They were in different sized containers (which helped the PTO volunteers get it done more easily.)</p> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieWyiUd0QzDw0fczkbWHgRka7Jz2ZXMW29XjQMK5Bwy4GpaqI_qrqA1UbxB47vY8zbmbtwFKPniPaW97Hyov6z1LpI2cm19jftQx3MOWBhu4wQj_mcHdzKlVYKYxGau_7njfLRM04ZlqbZ/s1024/Photo%252520Aug%2525205%25252C%2525202013%25252C%25252012%25253A22%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img alt="" class="alignnone" height="373" id="blogsy-1375754700175.5244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieWyiUd0QzDw0fczkbWHgRka7Jz2ZXMW29XjQMK5Bwy4GpaqI_qrqA1UbxB47vY8zbmbtwFKPniPaW97Hyov6z1LpI2cm19jftQx3MOWBhu4wQj_mcHdzKlVYKYxGau_7njfLRM04ZlqbZ/s500/Photo%252520Aug%2525205%25252C%2525202013%25252C%25252012%25253A22%252520PM.jpg" width="500"></a></div> <p> </p> <p>The fork was actually a disposable fork but looked like metal which made it look classy. They had orange and white and dots repeated. And it was DELICIOUS. This was my meal today.</p> <h3>We ate together at the same time</h3> <p>This was so nice because after we prayed everyone was able to open their boxes and eat right then. When you have long lines sometimes the first in the line are done before the last in the line. We actually enjoyed it and laughed so much. I wondered why I couldn't remember really eating with colleagues and I realized -- it was the line. The boxed lunch really facilitated it.</p> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaSaP1lANz9Qq_by45ettr46pG6KwL0RWOgOQCF5O88r0Vc7Yy1yn4onAvrB3l2Et_42JODEniJDmCeZd9IuPCAU_LT2hCD3AwA-sLigI_caP2gb1BevT8KSjnm2ZZEC5qygVweXF0FeIv/s1024/Photo%252520Aug%2525205%25252C%2525202013%25252C%25252012%25253A18%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img alt="" class="alignnone" height="373" id="blogsy-1375754700191.9077" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaSaP1lANz9Qq_by45ettr46pG6KwL0RWOgOQCF5O88r0Vc7Yy1yn4onAvrB3l2Et_42JODEniJDmCeZd9IuPCAU_LT2hCD3AwA-sLigI_caP2gb1BevT8KSjnm2ZZEC5qygVweXF0FeIv/s500/Photo%252520Aug%2525205%25252C%2525202013%25252C%25252012%25253A18%252520PM.jpg" width="500"></a></div> <blockquote><blockquote><h3> </h3><h3>Messages everywhere</h3></blockquote> </blockquote><p> We had stickers on quite a few things to help us remember what we do. They fit with the gardening theme.</p> <blockquote><p> "A teacher helps a child bloom."</p></blockquote> <p> was the quote on the brownie bag.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtt1uz2eGuB065g8ZKDnSEVp9XSpQEI0-YRVwmXts9UNXbpMB3v_L-VdT5UPBC8cze6K_NHVw3DSPGp6R1iGr8soq68fsY20PfTcYTAEt6kezEURbA7CHH_FF8ccM12vP4qD_Eg-E4L6CH/s1024/Photo%252520Aug%2525205%25252C%2525202013%25252C%25252012%25253A22%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><img alt="" class="alignnone" height="373" id="blogsy-1375754700141.667" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtt1uz2eGuB065g8ZKDnSEVp9XSpQEI0-YRVwmXts9UNXbpMB3v_L-VdT5UPBC8cze6K_NHVw3DSPGp6R1iGr8soq68fsY20PfTcYTAEt6kezEURbA7CHH_FF8ccM12vP4qD_Eg-E4L6CH/s500/Photo%252520Aug%2525205%25252C%2525202013%25252C%25252012%25253A22%252520PM.jpg" width="500"></a> </p> <blockquote><p> "A teacher helps a child flourish"</p></blockquote> <p> was on the croissant.</p> <p>You can also see the motivational bookmark beside our place as well.</p> <h3> Taking Time to Be Kind Goes a Long Way</h3> <p> Little things make a big difference in the classroom. Right now I'm shopping for fabric, purchasing colorful duct tape which I use on my walls. I'm running here and there working on those small details.</p> <p>The fact that someone would consider the details of a luncheon for us. I was almost in tears when I got done and realized the time that meal took. We had tablecloths and round tables. They thought of everything.</p> <p>Some of you would say this time was better spent on the kids. But I'm saying as a teacher, I'll remember this meal all year. The time and tenderness and attention to detail made me feel loved. It made me feel appreciated. </p> <p>I know it was a sacrifice. It meant so much more because it was a sacrifice. </p> <h3>But you don't have time!</h3> <p>Well, the people who did this meal include a doctor and the manager of an alligator farm. They have kids starting Thursday too. They took hours. </p> <p>This meal meant so much to me because it cost them so much -- not in money but in time and attention. They really cared.</p> <h3>What can you do?</h3> <p>I hope amidst these details that you'll glimpse and see a few nuggets of ideas.</p> <h3>What if you don't have a PTO like this?</h3> <p>There are times you won't have a PTO this incredible. I'm starting my 12th year. In those down years, we teachers got together and appreciated ourselves. We had potlucks and did things to appreciate each other. Sometimes a person would bring flavored coffee and other times we would plan something fun. </p> <p>Appreciate each other. That is a start. If you show each other respect, you'll see others start joining in.</p> <h3>Appreciate your students</h3> <p>What will it mean to your students when they see your attention to detail? What happens when they see you've thought of everything? What happens when they see your sacrifice and how much time it took you to plan?</p> <p>If teachers crave appreciation -- as grown adults -- how much more so does a young child need it?</p> <h3>Appreciation rolls forward</h3> <p>I will love my students no matter how people treat me. </p> <p>But I will love my school more and feel more deep loyalty as I feel love from people surrounding the school.</p> <p>Some people might just take words as meaning 'I care" but for me, show me. Students feel the same way.</p> <p>This has me thinking about the tiny details for my students. It has me thinking about how I can show more appreciation for my students. I'm so grateful for the experience that I want to pay it forward to others. Somehow sacrifice and appreciation multiplies itself greatly. These PTO representatives are blessing students through blessing us. All of us teachers felt the same way: cared for. People lingered and talked. We had a great time.</p> <p>These are the things that make a fine school into a family.</p> <p>I hope you will share pictures of great things that people do to appreciate teachers so that there are a lot of Back to School ideas floating around.</p> <p>Have a great start of your school year. I know many of you won't have one as nice as mine but in all my years of teaching, nothing has been like this! Thank you Westwood PTO! Now, let's move Forward!</p> <p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img alt="Written by Vicki Davis, author - Flattening Classrooms, Engaging Minds - Posted with Blogsy from my iPad" height="20" src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" />Written by Vicki Davis, author - Flattening Classrooms, Engaging Minds - Posted with Blogsy from my iPad</a></div>

EDUCATION Inspiration Teaching A great way to appreciate teachers for #backtoschool

I'm drafting this on Monday night after our first day of preplanning at school. Today at lunch, our PTO had the nicest "teacher ap...

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Today's Teamster News 08.06.13

<a href="http://www.record-bee.com/cars/ci_23787121/teamsters-strikers-call-community" rel="nofollow">Teamsters, strikers call on Lake Transit, county leaders to take action</a>  Lake County Record-Bee   ...Teamsters, Paratransit employees and members of the community gathered Friday at noon in front of Lake County’s City Hall to picket, address the media and call on county leaders and Lake Transit to take action on the public transportation issue...<br /><a href="http://www.teamster.org/content/waste-workers-win-card-check-recognition-new-hampshire" rel="nofollow">New Hampshire Waste Workers Win Card-Check Recognition to Become Teamsters</a>  IBT   ...Waste workers with Casella Waste Systems in Brentwood, N.H., will now be represented by the Teamsters Union, after Local 633 in Manchester, N.H., secured a card-check agreement. The workers overwhelmingly signed up to become Teamster members... <br /><a href="http://www.ivpressonline.com/community/ivp-photo-galleries-gold-cross-strike-continues-20130804,0,3449113.photogallery" rel="nofollow">Gold Cross Strike Continues for EMTs, Paramedics</a>  Imperial Valley Press...Friends, families, and supporters of Teamsters Local 542 picket in front of Gold Cross Ambulance on Sunday afternoon in El Centro. Check out this photo gallery...<br /><a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887323681904578644610607143772" rel="nofollow">U.S. Trustee Objects to AMR Chief's $20 Million Severance, Again</a>  Wall Street Journal   ...Justice Department officials monitoring the American Airlines bankruptcy case again objected to a proposed $20 million severance package for Tom Horton, AMR's current chief executive, according to a court filing made late Friday...<br /><a href="http://www.joc.com/regulation-policy/transportation-regulations/us-transportation-regulations/us-issues-new-rail-safety-rules-after-quebec-disaster_20130803.html" rel="nofollow">U.S. Issues New Rail Safety Rules After Quebec Disaster</a>  Journal of Commerce   ...The Federal Railroad Administration on Friday issued <a href="http://www.fra.dot.gov/eLib/details/L04719">an emergency order</a> aimed at making the hauling of hazardous materials safer, following last month's deadly Quebec fuel train accident...<br /><a href="http://rabble.ca/news/2013/08/politicians-must-step-and-make-rail-safety-top-priority" rel="nofollow">Politicians must step up and make rail safety a top priority</a> (opinion)   Rabble   ...Transport Canada's emergency safety directive issued following the Lac-Mégantic rail tragedy is welcome but more can be done...<br /><a href="http://www.latimes.com/news/nation/nationnow/la-na-nn-louisiana-train-accident-20130805,0,3187072.story" rel="nofollow">100 homes evacuated in southern Louisiana after train derails</a>  Los Angeles Times   ...About 100 homes remained evacuated on Monday as officials worked to clean up the area around the derailment of a train carrying chemicals near the town of Lawtell, Louisiana. The accident took place Sunday and derailed 27 cars of a Union Pacific train...<br /><a href="http://michaelsnyder.mensnewsdaily.com/2013/08/40-percent-of-u-s-workers-make-less-than-what-a-full-time-minimum-wage-worker-made-in-1968/" rel="nofollow">40 Percent Of U.S. Workers Make Less Than What A Full-Time Minimum Wage Worker Made In 1968</a>  Men's News Daily   ...Are American workers paid enough? Back in 1968, the minimum wage in the United States was $1.60 an hour. Using the inflation calculator <a href="http://www.bls.gov/data/inflation_calculator.htm" rel="nofollow">that the Bureau of Labor Statistics provides</a>, $1.60 in 1968 is equivalent to $10.74 today...<br /><a href="http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2013/08/03/bernie-sanders-walmart-familys-obscene-wealth-subsidized-by-taxpayers/" rel="nofollow">Bernie Sanders: Walmart family’s ‘obscene’ wealth subsidized by taxpayers</a>  Raw Story   ...Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) appeared on MSNBC’s “The Ed Show” on Saturday and scoffed at the idea that major corporations like Walmart can’t afford to pay their workers a living wage and that to raise the U.S. minimum wage would be bad for the economy...<br /><a href="http://www.cnbc.com/id/100935856" rel="nofollow">The rich are saving cash at a record pace</a>  CNBC   ...Since the financial crisis, the wealthy have become the nation's top cash hoarders, filling up deposit accounts and money markets at a rapid clip...<br /><a href="http://www.commondreams.org/further/2013/08/02">Massive Toxic Black Cloud, Brought To You by the Koch Bros, Blows Over Detroit</a>  Common Dreams   ...Mind-boggling video of a billowing, high-carbon, high-sulfur cloud from the mountain of petroleum coke - waste from Canadian tar sands shipped from Alberta to Detroit, and the dirtiest potential energy source ever - illegally stored by the Koch Brothers along the Detroit River...<br /><a href="http://truth-out.org/buzzflash/commentary/item/18126-eight-ways-privatization-has-failed-america" rel="nofollow">Eight Ways Privatization Has Failed America</a> (opinion)  Truth-Out   ...Some of America's leading news analysts are beginning to recognize the fallacy of the "free market." They're right. A little analysis reveals that privatization doesn't seem to work in any of the areas vital to the American public...<br /><a href="http://inthesetimes.com/article/15355/special_report_the_alec_fueled_race_to_the_bottom_in_wages_and_workers_righ/" rel="nofollow">The Force Behind Bills To Lower Wages and Suppress Workers’ Rights? You Guessed It: ALEC</a>  In These Times   ...As working Americans speak out for higher wages, better benefits and respect in the workplace, a coordinated, nationwide campaign to silence them is mounting—and ALEC is at the heart of it...<br /><a href="http://www.journal-advocate.com/sterling-local_news/ci_23786016/report-state-workers-need-raise-match-private-sector" rel="nofollow">Report: State workers need raise to match private sector</a>  Denver Post   ...Colorado's roughly 32,000 state workers need a 3.8 percent raise to catch up to their counterparts in the private sector, the state Department of Personnel and Administration said...<br /><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/washington-post-to-be-sold-to-jeff-bezos/2013/08/05/ca537c9e-fe0c-11e2-9711-3708310f6f4d_story_1.html" rel="nofollow">Washington Post to be sold to Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon</a>  Washington Post   ...Ultimately, the paper’s financial challenges prompted the company’s board to consider a sale, a step once regarded as unthinkable by insiders and the Graham family...<br /><a href="http://www.courier-journal.com/viewart/20130804/NEWS02/308040048/Indiana-senator-push-municipal-bankruptcy-law" rel="nofollow">Indiana senator to push for municipal bankruptcy law</a>  Associated Press   ...A northwestern Indiana lawmaker says he will push a measure next year that would change state law to allow local governments to file for bankruptcy like Detroit did in July...<br /><a href="http://www.seattlepi.com/news/us/article/Judge-to-open-documents-in-Idaho-prison-lawsuit-4707081.php" rel="nofollow">Judge to open documents in Idaho prison lawsuit</a>  Associated Press   ...A federal judge has ordered that several documents be unsealed in a lawsuit between Idaho inmates and Corrections Corporation of America just days before a hearing is set over whether the private prison company should be held in contempt of court...<br /><a href="http://www.kentucky.com/2013/08/04/2749781/union-bus-strike-in-parts-of-metro.html" rel="nofollow">Four-day bus strike in suburbs east of Phoenix ends</a>  Associated Press   ...First Transit bus drivers in the Phoenix suburbs tentatively reached an agreement Sunday with a national bus company to end a four-day strike by the drivers that would let bus service resume in time for Monday morning's commute...<br /><a href="http://www.thereporter.com/news/ci_23795522/bart-strike-averted-governor-orders-inquiry" rel="nofollow">BART strike averted as Governor orders inquiry</a>  Associated Press   ...Hundreds of thousands of San Francisco Bay area commuters got at least a temporary reprieve from a massive transit strike today when Gov. Jerry Brown ordered an inquiry into a labor contract dispute...

Today's Teamster News 08.06.13

Teamsters, strikers call on Lake Transit, county leaders to take action   Lake County Record-Bee   ...Teamsters, Paratransit employees and m...

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Firefox OS has been Announced by Mozilla with HTML based and Open Source Feature

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Mozilla has been announced its first Operating System named Firefox OS, which is HTML based and open source, for smartphones and tablet computers. It is totally based on web technology and community based system for mobile devices, using HTML 5, CSS, and C++ etc. These products will be available in Mexico, Spain, and Venezuela etc.<br /><br />Mobile operating systems (Mobile OS), is the OS that operates a mobile, tablet or digital mobile devices. Modern mobile operating systems are coming in to the market with the features of touchscreen, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, camera, voice recorder, maps and etc. Most common mobile OS are Android, Blackberry, iOS, Asha, Windows Phone etc.<br /><br />The new Firefox OS, which is HTML based and open source mobile OS, should be an alternative OS to others like some of entry-level smartphones. Mozilla announces its smartphones with the latest Firefox OS on Monday: Alcatel One Touch Fire and ZTE Open. Both devices will be available soon in Telefonica and Deutsche telecom.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaMdNcI2BF6wrNd_7Pc6BPQx_kdhS9_2cKoIPgY_3_mrcoFMikiJ8EK45eKQopvMvC-Gr1GNsdablKCVakW0g_EtFfW84NDV7ylKgPr2iNwmXOtD6JUo_vaAb05do_rKKp3zixB-ZHP2E/s1600/Firefox+OS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Firefox OS Announced by Mozilla with HTML based and Open source Features" border="0" height="152" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaMdNcI2BF6wrNd_7Pc6BPQx_kdhS9_2cKoIPgY_3_mrcoFMikiJ8EK45eKQopvMvC-Gr1GNsdablKCVakW0g_EtFfW84NDV7ylKgPr2iNwmXOtD6JUo_vaAb05do_rKKp3zixB-ZHP2E/s1600/Firefox+OS.jpg" title="" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">source: daily.bhaskar</td></tr></tbody></table><br />“<i>We are proud to work with partners like Telefonica which see the potential to deliver an experience for first time smartphone users which will delight them and really put the power of the web in everyone’s hands</i>”: by Chief Operating Officer of Mozilla.<br /><br />Telefonica has tweeted that ZTE open (cheapest developer unit), consist of Qualcomm Snapdragon processor of 1 GHz, 256 MB Ram and all the common features including some special ones. Alcatel One Touch Fire have same specification as ZTE Open. Both smartphones have all the common features like camera, micsoSD card slot, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and many more.<br /><br />Telefonica has also announced that they will soon bring the Sony and Huawei products with Firefox OS in to the market.</div>

Firefox OS gadgets smart phone Firefox OS has been Announced by Mozilla with HTML based and Open Source Feature

Mozilla has been announced its first Operating System named Firefox OS, which is HTML based and open source, for smartphones and tablet comp...

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