LONDON, Oct. 13, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Ending months of anticipation, International Game Technology PLC (IGT) (NYSE: IGT) will unveil its new high-performance, high-reliability lottery solution, Aurora, at the NASPL 2015 trade show in Dallas, Texas, on Oct. 13. "It's the dawn of a new...
Reported by PR Newswire 22 hours ago.
IGT Introduces Aurora, Its New, Comprehensive Solution for Lottery Growth
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Confirmit Uncovers the Personalities and Trends Driving Market Research in New Survey
Survey reveals how researchers see themselves and the future of the industry
New York, NY and Oslo, Norway and London, UK (PRWEB) October 13, 2015
Confirmit is running a ‘state of the nation’ survey for Market Researchers that aims to uncover the range of personalities driving the industry and their views on what the future holds for MR organizations.
‘What type of Market Researcher are you?’ is an online survey that began in the UK in September. With strong uptake from researchers across the UK, as well as many attendees at the recent ESOMAR Congress in Dublin, the survey is already showing very clear trends in how researchers categorize themselves.
Wale Omiyale, SVP, Market Research at Confirmit, who is heading up the project, explains: “By taking our short, informal survey, researchers can get a clear idea of where they fit within the overall structure of the industry. Upon completion, they are given one of five personas based on their responses, the results of which have captured the imaginations of respondents across the spectrum.
“While this is by no means a scientific study, it is producing some fascinating insights into how researchers perceive their roles and how things will change, for them and the wider industry, in the years ahead.”
The project has produced some thought-provoking and surprising insights into what researchers believe lies ahead for the industry. One respondent sees the future of Market Research as ‘exciting for the researchers but frightening for their companies,’ neatly capturing the challenges and opportunities being presented by rapidly changing technologies, methodologies and attitudes.
The survey has proved so successful in the UK and Ireland, that Confirmit has extended it to run in the US and Germany over the next two months. As well as taking the online survey, attendees at Research & Results, Germany (October 28-29) and TMRE, US (November 2-4) can get involved with the project by visiting Confirmit’s booth.
‘What type of Market Researcher are you?’ will continue to run online until mid-November, following which Confirmit will announce key trends and findings from across the UK, US and Germany.
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About Confirmit
Confirmit is the world’s leading SaaS vendor for multi-channel Voice of the Customer, Voice of the Employee, and Market Research solutions. The company has offices in Oslo (headquarters), Chengdu, Cologne, Grimstad, London, Moscow, New York, San Francisco, Sydney, Vancouver, and Yaroslavl. Confirmit’s software is also distributed through partner resellers in Madrid, Milan, Salvador, and Tokyo.
Confirmit powers Global 5000 companies and Market Research agencies worldwide with a wide range of software products for feedback / data collection, panel management, data processing, analysis, and reporting. Customers include Aurora, British Airways, Cross-Tab, Dow Chemical, GfK, GlaxoSmithKline, GMO Research, JTN Research, Keep Factor, Morehead Associates, Nielsen, Research Now, RONIN, Sony Mobile Communications, Swisscom and The Wellcome Trust. Visit http://www.confirmit.com for more information. Reported by PRWeb 20 hours ago.
New York, NY and Oslo, Norway and London, UK (PRWEB) October 13, 2015
Confirmit is running a ‘state of the nation’ survey for Market Researchers that aims to uncover the range of personalities driving the industry and their views on what the future holds for MR organizations.
‘What type of Market Researcher are you?’ is an online survey that began in the UK in September. With strong uptake from researchers across the UK, as well as many attendees at the recent ESOMAR Congress in Dublin, the survey is already showing very clear trends in how researchers categorize themselves.
Wale Omiyale, SVP, Market Research at Confirmit, who is heading up the project, explains: “By taking our short, informal survey, researchers can get a clear idea of where they fit within the overall structure of the industry. Upon completion, they are given one of five personas based on their responses, the results of which have captured the imaginations of respondents across the spectrum.
“While this is by no means a scientific study, it is producing some fascinating insights into how researchers perceive their roles and how things will change, for them and the wider industry, in the years ahead.”
The project has produced some thought-provoking and surprising insights into what researchers believe lies ahead for the industry. One respondent sees the future of Market Research as ‘exciting for the researchers but frightening for their companies,’ neatly capturing the challenges and opportunities being presented by rapidly changing technologies, methodologies and attitudes.
The survey has proved so successful in the UK and Ireland, that Confirmit has extended it to run in the US and Germany over the next two months. As well as taking the online survey, attendees at Research & Results, Germany (October 28-29) and TMRE, US (November 2-4) can get involved with the project by visiting Confirmit’s booth.
‘What type of Market Researcher are you?’ will continue to run online until mid-November, following which Confirmit will announce key trends and findings from across the UK, US and Germany.
###
About Confirmit
Confirmit is the world’s leading SaaS vendor for multi-channel Voice of the Customer, Voice of the Employee, and Market Research solutions. The company has offices in Oslo (headquarters), Chengdu, Cologne, Grimstad, London, Moscow, New York, San Francisco, Sydney, Vancouver, and Yaroslavl. Confirmit’s software is also distributed through partner resellers in Madrid, Milan, Salvador, and Tokyo.
Confirmit powers Global 5000 companies and Market Research agencies worldwide with a wide range of software products for feedback / data collection, panel management, data processing, analysis, and reporting. Customers include Aurora, British Airways, Cross-Tab, Dow Chemical, GfK, GlaxoSmithKline, GMO Research, JTN Research, Keep Factor, Morehead Associates, Nielsen, Research Now, RONIN, Sony Mobile Communications, Swisscom and The Wellcome Trust. Visit http://www.confirmit.com for more information. Reported by PRWeb 20 hours ago.
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We Lost Our Daughter to a Mass Shooter: Here's What We Want to Know From Democratic Candidates
Martin O'Malley has invited us to attend the Democratic debate in Las Vegas on October 13. We want to ask the candidates to challenge laws that block the courthouse doors to people like us, who lost our daughter Jessi to a mass shooter and now owe $203,000 to his ammo dealer. The dealer, Lucky Gunner, plans to turn this blood money over to the corporate gun lobby.
We don't understand why a presidential contender like Senator Bernie Sanders voted in favor of a law called the Protection of Legal Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA), which gun lobbyists wrote to prevent people like us from holding gun dealers accountable in court.
In 2005, the Republican-controlled Congress delivered a long-sought victory to the gun industry by passing PLCAA, the No. 1 legislative priority of the National Rifle Association, or NRA. Fifty-nine Democrats joined 223 Republicans and the House's lone Independent, Congressman Bernie Sanders, to pass the bill.
NRA Executive Vice President Wayne LaPierre hailed PLCAA as "the most significant victory for the gun lobby since Congress rewrote the federal gun control law in 1986." The NRA's intent in crafting and lobbying for this legislation was to end a spate of lawsuits by individuals and municipalities, including New York City, who sought to hold gun manufacturers and dealers liable for negligence when their weapons are used in crimes.
We never got our day in court. Our case was thrown out because of a law drafted and paid for by the corporate gun lobby before the judge could hear it on the merits. The purpose of our lawsuit was not to seek money, but to hold gun and ammunition dealers accountable by asking them to exercise a reasonable standard of care in selling lethal products.
Most reasonable people agree on the common-sense idea that manufacturers and dealers should be careful in selling lethal products. If dealers of guns and ammunition fail to exercise a standard of reasonable care to keep their lethal products out of dangerous hands - including people like felons and fugitives who have been prohibited from buying guns - then they should be held accountable just like dealers in any other industry.
If an auto dealer or rental agency gave car keys to someone who was visibly drunk and didn't have a driver's license, then they could be held liable when that drunk and unlicensed driver maims and kills someone in a car crash.
If a convenience store won't sell beer or cigarettes without checking the buyer's ID, then why would it be okay that the ammo dealer who supplied our daughter's mass killer sold him thousands of rounds of military-grade ammunition without even checking his ID?
We don't see why the gun and ammunition industry, unlike other industries, should receive special protection for failing to exercise reasonable care to keep guns out of dangerous hands.
Backers of the law claim it is necessary to keep the American arms industry in business. But it deprives gun violence victims and their family members, like us, of our legitimate right to have our day in court in order to hold the gun industry accountable for the maiming and killing of people that sometimes flows from their negligence in putting guns into dangerous hands.
There have been dozens of successful lawsuits against the gun industry in recent years. In response to those cases, the gun lobby has drafted legislation similar to PLCAA and successfully lobbied for the courthouse doors to be closed to these types of negligence suits in 33 states. It's a special exemption carved by and for the gun lobby to prevent injury victims and survivors of murdered people from holding the gun industry accountable to the same standards of reasonable care that apply to other industries.
PLCAA is a shameful law, bought and paid for by the corporate gun lobby, to slam the courthouse doors shut in the faces of gun violence victims and survivors like us.
Our daughter Jessica Ghawi was murdered along with 11 other people in a theater in Aurora, Colorado, three years ago. Last month, we watched the killer's face reveal nothing resembling remorse as he was sentenced to 12 life sentences. We believe that America's lawmakers have failed to protect public safety by failing to pass legislation that is still needed to keep guns out of dangerous hands.
Our daughter's killer went online and armed himself with 4,000 rounds of ammunition, a 100-round ammunition magazine, body armor and tear gas, all at the click of mouse, no questions asked.
We sued for injunctive relief, not for money. We relied on a basic principle of law: everyone in society has a duty to use reasonable care to prevent injury to others. We were never even given an opportunity to present the merits of our case, much less have a jury or judge decide if these companies were negligent. The judge dismissed our case on the first motion, citing PLCAA and a Colorado gun industry immunity law also crafted by the gun lobby, which blocked us from having our day in court. The same Colorado law now forces us to pay the kingly sum of $203,000 in attorney's fees and cost to the defendants.
It is outrageous that companies can sell a dangerous man an arsenal without getting any information about him, and without making any effort to see if he is a felon, a fugitive, a domestic abuser or dangerously mentally ill. When the killer had left a voicemail with a Colorado shooting range, the range operator knew that he was bad news and should be denied access to guns. But online gun and ammunition dealers allow people just like this killer arm themselves at the click of a mouse, offering express shipping but asking for no ID. We wanted to change that. And we still do.
The immunity from civil liability granted to licensed gun dealers and to gun manufacturers bars the courthouse doors to victims and survivors of gun violence. We should let judges and juries hear the facts of each case without giving blanket special immunity to firearm and ammunition manufacturers and dealers. Laws drafted and paid for by the corporate gun lobby should not deny victims and survivors of gun violence equal justice under the law.
We're carrying that message around the country through Jessi's Message, a nonprofit campaign named in honor of our daughter, to spare other families the grief that we endure every day.
-- This feed and its contents are the property of The Huffington Post, and use is subject to our terms. It may be used for personal consumption, but may not be distributed on a website. Reported by Huffington Post 15 hours ago.
We don't understand why a presidential contender like Senator Bernie Sanders voted in favor of a law called the Protection of Legal Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA), which gun lobbyists wrote to prevent people like us from holding gun dealers accountable in court.
In 2005, the Republican-controlled Congress delivered a long-sought victory to the gun industry by passing PLCAA, the No. 1 legislative priority of the National Rifle Association, or NRA. Fifty-nine Democrats joined 223 Republicans and the House's lone Independent, Congressman Bernie Sanders, to pass the bill.
NRA Executive Vice President Wayne LaPierre hailed PLCAA as "the most significant victory for the gun lobby since Congress rewrote the federal gun control law in 1986." The NRA's intent in crafting and lobbying for this legislation was to end a spate of lawsuits by individuals and municipalities, including New York City, who sought to hold gun manufacturers and dealers liable for negligence when their weapons are used in crimes.
We never got our day in court. Our case was thrown out because of a law drafted and paid for by the corporate gun lobby before the judge could hear it on the merits. The purpose of our lawsuit was not to seek money, but to hold gun and ammunition dealers accountable by asking them to exercise a reasonable standard of care in selling lethal products.
Most reasonable people agree on the common-sense idea that manufacturers and dealers should be careful in selling lethal products. If dealers of guns and ammunition fail to exercise a standard of reasonable care to keep their lethal products out of dangerous hands - including people like felons and fugitives who have been prohibited from buying guns - then they should be held accountable just like dealers in any other industry.
If an auto dealer or rental agency gave car keys to someone who was visibly drunk and didn't have a driver's license, then they could be held liable when that drunk and unlicensed driver maims and kills someone in a car crash.
If a convenience store won't sell beer or cigarettes without checking the buyer's ID, then why would it be okay that the ammo dealer who supplied our daughter's mass killer sold him thousands of rounds of military-grade ammunition without even checking his ID?
We don't see why the gun and ammunition industry, unlike other industries, should receive special protection for failing to exercise reasonable care to keep guns out of dangerous hands.
Backers of the law claim it is necessary to keep the American arms industry in business. But it deprives gun violence victims and their family members, like us, of our legitimate right to have our day in court in order to hold the gun industry accountable for the maiming and killing of people that sometimes flows from their negligence in putting guns into dangerous hands.
There have been dozens of successful lawsuits against the gun industry in recent years. In response to those cases, the gun lobby has drafted legislation similar to PLCAA and successfully lobbied for the courthouse doors to be closed to these types of negligence suits in 33 states. It's a special exemption carved by and for the gun lobby to prevent injury victims and survivors of murdered people from holding the gun industry accountable to the same standards of reasonable care that apply to other industries.
PLCAA is a shameful law, bought and paid for by the corporate gun lobby, to slam the courthouse doors shut in the faces of gun violence victims and survivors like us.
Our daughter Jessica Ghawi was murdered along with 11 other people in a theater in Aurora, Colorado, three years ago. Last month, we watched the killer's face reveal nothing resembling remorse as he was sentenced to 12 life sentences. We believe that America's lawmakers have failed to protect public safety by failing to pass legislation that is still needed to keep guns out of dangerous hands.
Our daughter's killer went online and armed himself with 4,000 rounds of ammunition, a 100-round ammunition magazine, body armor and tear gas, all at the click of mouse, no questions asked.
We sued for injunctive relief, not for money. We relied on a basic principle of law: everyone in society has a duty to use reasonable care to prevent injury to others. We were never even given an opportunity to present the merits of our case, much less have a jury or judge decide if these companies were negligent. The judge dismissed our case on the first motion, citing PLCAA and a Colorado gun industry immunity law also crafted by the gun lobby, which blocked us from having our day in court. The same Colorado law now forces us to pay the kingly sum of $203,000 in attorney's fees and cost to the defendants.
It is outrageous that companies can sell a dangerous man an arsenal without getting any information about him, and without making any effort to see if he is a felon, a fugitive, a domestic abuser or dangerously mentally ill. When the killer had left a voicemail with a Colorado shooting range, the range operator knew that he was bad news and should be denied access to guns. But online gun and ammunition dealers allow people just like this killer arm themselves at the click of a mouse, offering express shipping but asking for no ID. We wanted to change that. And we still do.
The immunity from civil liability granted to licensed gun dealers and to gun manufacturers bars the courthouse doors to victims and survivors of gun violence. We should let judges and juries hear the facts of each case without giving blanket special immunity to firearm and ammunition manufacturers and dealers. Laws drafted and paid for by the corporate gun lobby should not deny victims and survivors of gun violence equal justice under the law.
We're carrying that message around the country through Jessi's Message, a nonprofit campaign named in honor of our daughter, to spare other families the grief that we endure every day.
-- This feed and its contents are the property of The Huffington Post, and use is subject to our terms. It may be used for personal consumption, but may not be distributed on a website. Reported by Huffington Post 15 hours ago.
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Aurora brings in the clowns with ‘Submarine Show’
Slater Penney and Jaron Hollander, two first-class clowns — and terrific mimes as well — bring back “The Submarine Show,” a former San Francisco Fringe Festival highlight voted one of the must-see top 10 at the 2015 New York International Fringe. A two-person theatrical adventure of inspired pantomime, and hilarious to boot, “Submarine” ascends from the undersea world Slater and Penney create through their versatile physical comedy into the stratosphere and beyond. Both teach at Oakland’s Kinetic Arts Center, where Hollander is co-founder and artistic director. [...] Penney won an Emmy Award for his body performance work with Tech TV.
Reported by SFGate 14 hours ago.
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Ride the Ducks adds crew member to rides to boost safety
One person will drive the Duck vehicle and another will serve as a tour guide once the vehicles are back on the road after a suspension ordered after five people died in an accident on the Aurora Bridge.
Reported by Seattle Times 4 hours ago.
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NASA measuring the pulsating aurora
Greenbelt MD (SPX) Oct 08, 2015Thanks to a lucky conjunction of two satellites, a ground-based array of all-sky cameras, and some spectacular aurora borealis, researchers have uncovered evidence for an unexpected role that electrons have in creating the dancing auroras. Though humans have been seeing auroras for thousands of years, we have only recently begun to understand what causes them. In this study, published in t Reported by Terra Daily 6 hours ago.
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Graebel Announces Sponsors of 15th Annual Relocation Alliance Conference
150 Global relocation and mobility company owners and senior executives from six continents are expected to attend the leadership meeting.
Aurora COLO USA (PRWEB) October 14, 2015
This week, Graebel Relocation is pleased to announce that seven companies will sponsor its fifteenth Annual Relocation Alliance Conference. The two-day event, “Launching a New Era of Opportunity in Every Corner of the World” will take place on October 13 and 14 at the company’s world headquarters in Colorado. 150 Global relocation and mobility company owners and senior executives from six continents are expected to attend the leadership meeting.
The 2015 sponsoring global companies offer a wide range of diverse relocation, moving and specialty services for Graebel Relocation Alliance members’ clients that are respected leaders in the Global 100 and Fortune 500.
Premier Level· Willis Relocation Risk Group
Prestige Level· DAS Global Services (DAS)
· International Logistics Folder, Inc. (ILS)
· Rose Containerline
Acclaim Level· Lucas Freight Management, Inc.
· Movers Specialty Services (MSS)
· WorldCare Pet Transport
About the Graebel Relocation Alliance
At the dawn of the 21st Century a by-invitation member consortium of twenty global moving and storage (removals) firms was brought together under the mantle, The Graebel Alliance, with the objective for the moving industry’s respected company ownership and executives to collaborate and to share best-in-class service practices and programs. Renamed the Graebel Relocation Alliance in 2005, the membership has expanded to include leading global relocation and mobility service firms. In its fifteenth year, the Graebel Relocation Alliance member companies total two hundred and are found on six continents.
About Graebel Companies, Inc.
Founded in 1950, Graebel Companies is a privately-held global organization that administers employee and commercial office relocation, mobility management, workplace and consultative services for the Global 100, Fortune 500 and mid-sized companies. On-the-ground services are managed in 165 countries on six continents. The world headquarters is located in Aurora, Colorado USA with centers throughout the Americas, APAC and EMEA regions. Known for its industry-first innovations, Graebel holds numerous quality and security credentials, and has earned accolades from clients and from within its industry for its best-in-practice performance, market intelligence research and corporate social responsibility initiatives across the globe. To learn more visit: http://www.graebel.com
# # # Reported by PRWeb 1 day ago.
Aurora COLO USA (PRWEB) October 14, 2015
This week, Graebel Relocation is pleased to announce that seven companies will sponsor its fifteenth Annual Relocation Alliance Conference. The two-day event, “Launching a New Era of Opportunity in Every Corner of the World” will take place on October 13 and 14 at the company’s world headquarters in Colorado. 150 Global relocation and mobility company owners and senior executives from six continents are expected to attend the leadership meeting.
The 2015 sponsoring global companies offer a wide range of diverse relocation, moving and specialty services for Graebel Relocation Alliance members’ clients that are respected leaders in the Global 100 and Fortune 500.
Premier Level· Willis Relocation Risk Group
Prestige Level· DAS Global Services (DAS)
· International Logistics Folder, Inc. (ILS)
· Rose Containerline
Acclaim Level· Lucas Freight Management, Inc.
· Movers Specialty Services (MSS)
· WorldCare Pet Transport
About the Graebel Relocation Alliance
At the dawn of the 21st Century a by-invitation member consortium of twenty global moving and storage (removals) firms was brought together under the mantle, The Graebel Alliance, with the objective for the moving industry’s respected company ownership and executives to collaborate and to share best-in-class service practices and programs. Renamed the Graebel Relocation Alliance in 2005, the membership has expanded to include leading global relocation and mobility service firms. In its fifteenth year, the Graebel Relocation Alliance member companies total two hundred and are found on six continents.
About Graebel Companies, Inc.
Founded in 1950, Graebel Companies is a privately-held global organization that administers employee and commercial office relocation, mobility management, workplace and consultative services for the Global 100, Fortune 500 and mid-sized companies. On-the-ground services are managed in 165 countries on six continents. The world headquarters is located in Aurora, Colorado USA with centers throughout the Americas, APAC and EMEA regions. Known for its industry-first innovations, Graebel holds numerous quality and security credentials, and has earned accolades from clients and from within its industry for its best-in-practice performance, market intelligence research and corporate social responsibility initiatives across the globe. To learn more visit: http://www.graebel.com
# # # Reported by PRWeb 1 day ago.
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United States: BRING-YOUR-GUN-TO-WORK-DAY? . . . . MAYBE! Swindol v. Aurora Flight Sciences Corporation - Butler Snow LLP
Robert Swindol brought his gun to work . . . kind of. He parked his car in the Aurora Flight Services parking lot with his firearm locked inside.
Reported by Mondaq 1 day ago.
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DIA land sale could help revive stalled Aurora mixed-use neighborhood
A proposed $12 million sale of Denver International Airport-owned land to a Greenwood Village developer could get a derailed Aurora master planned community back on track.
Reported by Denver Post 16 hours ago.
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9 Ways You Know You Are a Writer at Heart
The love of writing is a special sort of gift that I would like to think was bestowed on me in a past life. Not only is writing a way of sharing what I think, but it's also a way to clear my mind and understand the world around me. It's an art of the soul, the pen and the tongue and I don't believe you have to be a published writer to know that you are a writer at heart. Here are a few way I believe one can distinguish on whether they are a true writer.
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1. Nothing quite beats the feeling of a new journal.
*
The crisp smell of the paper, the feel of the leather, the possibilities of all that will go in this little book are so moving! New journals create a feeling of wholeness that can't quite be described, only felt. Sometimes I find myself buying new journals even though I have an unfinished one at home. The more journals the better. In fact, another way you know you're a writer is if...
*
1. You have 30 old journals hidden in your closet.
*
You refuse to throw them away. In them are the secrets you've kept, the stories of heartbreaks you've endured and the ramblings of your everyday life. Sometimes you take some time to go and read all the things you've written and it's always baffling to see how far you've come or how much you've changed.
*
1. You get excited when words convey your thoughts both clearly and elegantly.
*
The play on words is an everlasting challenge. It is absolutely beautiful when you find the words to describe exactly how that smile changed your life or how your lover's hair felt that morning in Autumn. It really is a beautiful feeling, and all the more when the words follow a rhythm that is easy to understand. It's almost orgasmic!
*
1. You have spontaneous word enlightenment.
*
You could be driving down a busy road when all the suddenly And his love shone like the light on a sunny day. Words just seem to spontaneously come to you. The most frustrating thing though, is when a pen or paper isn't around and you just have to keep those pretty words in your head until they disappear.
*
1. Grammar is not always your first concern.
*
You know the rules say that you shouldn't start a sentence with because, and or but. And you often find yourself thinking "It would flow better if I could add a pause there."
*
1. You're observant
*
You pay attention to the way someone's eye glistens when they hear a beautiful symphony and you notice the dark aurora that comes in with the man at the restaurant. Writers are observant because the world around us is the basis of our inspiration. It gives us something to write about.
*
1. Coffee? Tea? Both?
*
With a mind that's constantly moving many writers typically have a comfort drink. This is the drink you go to late at night when you're sat on your couch with your pen. My main drink used to be coffee but I switched over to tea for about a year. Now I drink both.
*
1. You head to your journal when you're feeling lost
*
I can't count the number of times I've said to myself "I have to write." I've even had aches to write. Writing has often taken the place of meditation because I go into a deep being state and at the end of the process I always feel better. Some of the most challenging problems in my life I have solved while writing. It's a soul healer!*
1. Little things inspire you
*
As stated earlier as a writer you are inspired by the world around you. It isn't just the grand schemes that move you though. It's the sound of a waterfall or the laughter of your little sister. You may not even write about. The little things of life may just inspire you for inspiration's sake.
-- This feed and its contents are the property of The Huffington Post, and use is subject to our terms. It may be used for personal consumption, but may not be distributed on a website. Reported by Huffington Post 13 hours ago.
*
1. Nothing quite beats the feeling of a new journal.
*
The crisp smell of the paper, the feel of the leather, the possibilities of all that will go in this little book are so moving! New journals create a feeling of wholeness that can't quite be described, only felt. Sometimes I find myself buying new journals even though I have an unfinished one at home. The more journals the better. In fact, another way you know you're a writer is if...
*
1. You have 30 old journals hidden in your closet.
*
You refuse to throw them away. In them are the secrets you've kept, the stories of heartbreaks you've endured and the ramblings of your everyday life. Sometimes you take some time to go and read all the things you've written and it's always baffling to see how far you've come or how much you've changed.
*
1. You get excited when words convey your thoughts both clearly and elegantly.
*
The play on words is an everlasting challenge. It is absolutely beautiful when you find the words to describe exactly how that smile changed your life or how your lover's hair felt that morning in Autumn. It really is a beautiful feeling, and all the more when the words follow a rhythm that is easy to understand. It's almost orgasmic!
*
1. You have spontaneous word enlightenment.
*
You could be driving down a busy road when all the suddenly And his love shone like the light on a sunny day. Words just seem to spontaneously come to you. The most frustrating thing though, is when a pen or paper isn't around and you just have to keep those pretty words in your head until they disappear.
*
1. Grammar is not always your first concern.
*
You know the rules say that you shouldn't start a sentence with because, and or but. And you often find yourself thinking "It would flow better if I could add a pause there."
*
1. You're observant
*
You pay attention to the way someone's eye glistens when they hear a beautiful symphony and you notice the dark aurora that comes in with the man at the restaurant. Writers are observant because the world around us is the basis of our inspiration. It gives us something to write about.
*
1. Coffee? Tea? Both?
*
With a mind that's constantly moving many writers typically have a comfort drink. This is the drink you go to late at night when you're sat on your couch with your pen. My main drink used to be coffee but I switched over to tea for about a year. Now I drink both.
*
1. You head to your journal when you're feeling lost
*
I can't count the number of times I've said to myself "I have to write." I've even had aches to write. Writing has often taken the place of meditation because I go into a deep being state and at the end of the process I always feel better. Some of the most challenging problems in my life I have solved while writing. It's a soul healer!*
1. Little things inspire you
*
As stated earlier as a writer you are inspired by the world around you. It isn't just the grand schemes that move you though. It's the sound of a waterfall or the laughter of your little sister. You may not even write about. The little things of life may just inspire you for inspiration's sake.
-- This feed and its contents are the property of The Huffington Post, and use is subject to our terms. It may be used for personal consumption, but may not be distributed on a website. Reported by Huffington Post 13 hours ago.
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New Hire in the Business of Wellness
CU Anschutz Health and Wellness Center hires industry leader to promote products and services with wellness partners
Aurora, Colo. (PRWEB) October 15, 2015
The University of Colorado Anschutz Health and Wellness Center has hired Martha Van Gelder to oversee the development and commercialization of the center’s products and services. The center’s newest hire reinforces efforts to develop research-based products and programs to help the local, national and global communities, especially as wellness continues to become more influential worldwide.
As executive director for operations and commercialization at the center, Van Gelder’s mission is to examine the cutting-edge research developed by the center’s experts to benefit others, while also helping it become more financially sustainable.
“We’re working with partners across the CU Anschutz Medical Campus and the globe to look at wellness in a different way to positively affect their everyday lifestyle,” Van Gelder said. “This is the right time for a university-based center such as ours to develop partnerships as we see corporate wellness and insurance dollars opening up for preventative, and healthy lifestyle improvement. My hope is that I can bring partnerships faster to the table and put the center on the map. It’s going to take a team of people.”
CU Anschutz Health and Wellness Center has several unique products and programs, such as the State of Slim program and Destination Boot Camp.
“We see our niche as a provider of a suite of evidence-based, wellness solutions serving diverse distribution channels,” Van Gelder said. “Our product offerings support the participant by welcoming them no matter where they are in the wellness spectrum. We license our programs to wellness centers, insurance providers, medical centers and corporate clients, and we develop custom wellness and weight loss programs here.”
Van Gelder, who was hired in June, believes that the research-based programs and products produced by the center can impact and shape the ways people achieve their own definition of wellness.
“Our strategy is to incorporate accountability and results by weaving mindset changes into everything we do,” Van Gelder said. “Our researchers and providers embrace a transformative, whole person approach to wellness, and the result is sustainable behavioral changes for our clients that lead to measurably improved quality of life. If you follow that formula and then understand the data and desired outcomes, it is much easier to speak to partners and have conversations about what their goals are and how a program or product would work in their distribution channels.”
Van Gelder is no stranger to examining data and outcomes. She’s worked in business development throughout the world for companies like The Walt Disney Company, Sesame Workshop, Gaiam and L’Oréal. Most recently, Van Gelder headed the University of Arizona’s center for consumer and retailing excellence, merging the expertise of industry and academia on big data and analytics, to inform the ways in which they are changing the consumer retail landscape.
About the University of Colorado Anschutz Health and Wellness Center: CU Anschutz Health and Wellness Center is an innovative, state-of-the art research, education and consumer care facility located on the CU Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora, Colorado. The center's mission is to transform the lives of individuals and communities through science-based wellness strategies both locally and nationally. Our research is translated into customized programs and offerings, delivered through our Wellness Clinic and Fitness Center. We provide programs, in partnership with schools, worksites and community organizations, throughout Colorado. Our vision is a world empowered by wellness. Learn more at http://www.anschutzwellness.com. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter. Reported by PRWeb 3 hours ago.
Aurora, Colo. (PRWEB) October 15, 2015
The University of Colorado Anschutz Health and Wellness Center has hired Martha Van Gelder to oversee the development and commercialization of the center’s products and services. The center’s newest hire reinforces efforts to develop research-based products and programs to help the local, national and global communities, especially as wellness continues to become more influential worldwide.
As executive director for operations and commercialization at the center, Van Gelder’s mission is to examine the cutting-edge research developed by the center’s experts to benefit others, while also helping it become more financially sustainable.
“We’re working with partners across the CU Anschutz Medical Campus and the globe to look at wellness in a different way to positively affect their everyday lifestyle,” Van Gelder said. “This is the right time for a university-based center such as ours to develop partnerships as we see corporate wellness and insurance dollars opening up for preventative, and healthy lifestyle improvement. My hope is that I can bring partnerships faster to the table and put the center on the map. It’s going to take a team of people.”
CU Anschutz Health and Wellness Center has several unique products and programs, such as the State of Slim program and Destination Boot Camp.
“We see our niche as a provider of a suite of evidence-based, wellness solutions serving diverse distribution channels,” Van Gelder said. “Our product offerings support the participant by welcoming them no matter where they are in the wellness spectrum. We license our programs to wellness centers, insurance providers, medical centers and corporate clients, and we develop custom wellness and weight loss programs here.”
Van Gelder, who was hired in June, believes that the research-based programs and products produced by the center can impact and shape the ways people achieve their own definition of wellness.
“Our strategy is to incorporate accountability and results by weaving mindset changes into everything we do,” Van Gelder said. “Our researchers and providers embrace a transformative, whole person approach to wellness, and the result is sustainable behavioral changes for our clients that lead to measurably improved quality of life. If you follow that formula and then understand the data and desired outcomes, it is much easier to speak to partners and have conversations about what their goals are and how a program or product would work in their distribution channels.”
Van Gelder is no stranger to examining data and outcomes. She’s worked in business development throughout the world for companies like The Walt Disney Company, Sesame Workshop, Gaiam and L’Oréal. Most recently, Van Gelder headed the University of Arizona’s center for consumer and retailing excellence, merging the expertise of industry and academia on big data and analytics, to inform the ways in which they are changing the consumer retail landscape.
About the University of Colorado Anschutz Health and Wellness Center: CU Anschutz Health and Wellness Center is an innovative, state-of-the art research, education and consumer care facility located on the CU Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora, Colorado. The center's mission is to transform the lives of individuals and communities through science-based wellness strategies both locally and nationally. Our research is translated into customized programs and offerings, delivered through our Wellness Clinic and Fitness Center. We provide programs, in partnership with schools, worksites and community organizations, throughout Colorado. Our vision is a world empowered by wellness. Learn more at http://www.anschutzwellness.com. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter. Reported by PRWeb 3 hours ago.
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10 Takeaways From the Democratic Debate
On October 13, the five Democratic presidential candidates debated for more than two hours. There were 10 takeaways from the event:
*1. It was a high-level debate, filled with discussion of Democratic policies and values.* In contrast, the first two Republican debates featured a mixture of tired conservative maxims (cut taxes), opprobriums (dictator Obama), soft-ball questions (which woman would you put on the $10 bill) and personal attacks by Donald Trump.
Democrats tackled substantial subjects including climate change, income inequality, race, campaign finance reform, domestic surveillance, Wall Street reform, the "one percent," college affordability, diplomacy, paid family leave, health care, and the minimum wage.
*2. Former Senators Lincoln Chafee and Jim Webb should withdraw their candidacies.* Both Chafee and Webb were embarrassed. Chafee flubbed a question about why he voted to repeal the "Glass-Steagall Act." Webb came out in favor of an "all-of-the-above" energy sources including coal and nuclear power(!).
*3. There was remarkable policy unanimity among the Democratic candidates.* While differing in policy details, Chafee, Clinton, O'Malley, Sanders and Webb agreed on most subjects.
*4. Regardless of whom the Democratic candidate turns out to be, there are unmistakable differences between Democrats and Republicans.* Whether the ultimate Democratic nominee is Clinton or Sanders, there will be a policy chasm between the Democrat and whomever the Republicans nominate.
Democrats want to continue the policies of the Obama administration; Republicans don't. Democrats believe climate change is a real threat and want to do something about it; Republicans believe climate change is "a hoax." Etcetera.
*5. Sanders had the best moment, setting the tone for the night:* Sanders defended Clinton, attacking the media obsession with her emails:
Let me say something about the media... as I go around the country, [and] talk to a whole lot of people. Middle class in this country is collapsing. We have 27 million people living in poverty. We have massive wealth and income inequality. Our trade policies have cost us millions of decent jobs. The American people want to know whether we're going to have a democracy or an oligarchy as a result of Citizens Union. Enough of the e-mails. Let's talk about the real issues facing America.
*6. There were two "gotcha" attempts and neither one worked.* True to form, Sanders never attacked Clinton. However, Sanders was attacked twice: Martin O'Malley tried to get at Sanders record on gun control by introducing two folks who had tried to sue a man who had sold 4000 rounds of ammunition to the Aurora shooter; however, the CNN host, Anderson Cooper, didn't follow up. And, Cooper tried a soft attack on Sanders' patriotism by noting, "You honeymooned in the Soviet Union," but Bernie brushed it off. (Actually, Sanders went to the Soviet Union as part of a cultural exchange.)
*7. Despite their agreement on most subjects, the five candidates disagreed on the greatest national security threat.* Chafee said, "Chaos in the Middle East." Webb added, "Cyber-warfare." O'Malley said, "Nuclear Iran." Sanders responded, "Climate change." And Clinton said, "The spread of nuclear weapons."
*8. The political debate is Clinton's ideal milieu and it showed.* Clinton has a lot of debate experience. In 2008, Hillary debated Obama 25 times. As a result, Clinton gave a superb performance. She was confident, positive and had the best body language of all the candidates.
*9. Nonetheless, Sanders performed well.* Bernie never got rattled, even when attacked by Martin O'Malley and Anderson Cooper. He stayed on message, concluding, "Here is the truth that very few candidates will say, is that nobody up here, certainly no Republican, can address the major crises facing our country unless millions of people begin to stand up to the billionaire class that has so much power over our economy and our political life."
*10. Hillary Sanders will probably be the Democratic presidential candidate, but Bernie Sanders will compete with her for at least six months.* Many Democrats were waiting for Hillary to screw up so that Vice President Joe Biden would feel compelled to enter the race. Clinton didn't bomb and Biden probably won't declare.
Clinton's strong debate performance doesn't mean Sanders is out of the running. Many observers were surprised at how well he did and most focus groups had Bernie winning the debate. Sanders should be around until at least "Super Tuesday," March 1, 2016.
And, there's no doubt that Bernie Sanders presence has driven Hillary Clinton to the left. (During the debate she said, "I'm a progressive.")
The first Democratic presidential debate was good for Clinton and for Sanders. It was good for the Democratic Party. And, the debate was good for America.
-- This feed and its contents are the property of The Huffington Post, and use is subject to our terms. It may be used for personal consumption, but may not be distributed on a website. Reported by Huffington Post 2 hours ago.
*1. It was a high-level debate, filled with discussion of Democratic policies and values.* In contrast, the first two Republican debates featured a mixture of tired conservative maxims (cut taxes), opprobriums (dictator Obama), soft-ball questions (which woman would you put on the $10 bill) and personal attacks by Donald Trump.
Democrats tackled substantial subjects including climate change, income inequality, race, campaign finance reform, domestic surveillance, Wall Street reform, the "one percent," college affordability, diplomacy, paid family leave, health care, and the minimum wage.
*2. Former Senators Lincoln Chafee and Jim Webb should withdraw their candidacies.* Both Chafee and Webb were embarrassed. Chafee flubbed a question about why he voted to repeal the "Glass-Steagall Act." Webb came out in favor of an "all-of-the-above" energy sources including coal and nuclear power(!).
*3. There was remarkable policy unanimity among the Democratic candidates.* While differing in policy details, Chafee, Clinton, O'Malley, Sanders and Webb agreed on most subjects.
*4. Regardless of whom the Democratic candidate turns out to be, there are unmistakable differences between Democrats and Republicans.* Whether the ultimate Democratic nominee is Clinton or Sanders, there will be a policy chasm between the Democrat and whomever the Republicans nominate.
Democrats want to continue the policies of the Obama administration; Republicans don't. Democrats believe climate change is a real threat and want to do something about it; Republicans believe climate change is "a hoax." Etcetera.
*5. Sanders had the best moment, setting the tone for the night:* Sanders defended Clinton, attacking the media obsession with her emails:
Let me say something about the media... as I go around the country, [and] talk to a whole lot of people. Middle class in this country is collapsing. We have 27 million people living in poverty. We have massive wealth and income inequality. Our trade policies have cost us millions of decent jobs. The American people want to know whether we're going to have a democracy or an oligarchy as a result of Citizens Union. Enough of the e-mails. Let's talk about the real issues facing America.
*6. There were two "gotcha" attempts and neither one worked.* True to form, Sanders never attacked Clinton. However, Sanders was attacked twice: Martin O'Malley tried to get at Sanders record on gun control by introducing two folks who had tried to sue a man who had sold 4000 rounds of ammunition to the Aurora shooter; however, the CNN host, Anderson Cooper, didn't follow up. And, Cooper tried a soft attack on Sanders' patriotism by noting, "You honeymooned in the Soviet Union," but Bernie brushed it off. (Actually, Sanders went to the Soviet Union as part of a cultural exchange.)
*7. Despite their agreement on most subjects, the five candidates disagreed on the greatest national security threat.* Chafee said, "Chaos in the Middle East." Webb added, "Cyber-warfare." O'Malley said, "Nuclear Iran." Sanders responded, "Climate change." And Clinton said, "The spread of nuclear weapons."
*8. The political debate is Clinton's ideal milieu and it showed.* Clinton has a lot of debate experience. In 2008, Hillary debated Obama 25 times. As a result, Clinton gave a superb performance. She was confident, positive and had the best body language of all the candidates.
*9. Nonetheless, Sanders performed well.* Bernie never got rattled, even when attacked by Martin O'Malley and Anderson Cooper. He stayed on message, concluding, "Here is the truth that very few candidates will say, is that nobody up here, certainly no Republican, can address the major crises facing our country unless millions of people begin to stand up to the billionaire class that has so much power over our economy and our political life."
*10. Hillary Sanders will probably be the Democratic presidential candidate, but Bernie Sanders will compete with her for at least six months.* Many Democrats were waiting for Hillary to screw up so that Vice President Joe Biden would feel compelled to enter the race. Clinton didn't bomb and Biden probably won't declare.
Clinton's strong debate performance doesn't mean Sanders is out of the running. Many observers were surprised at how well he did and most focus groups had Bernie winning the debate. Sanders should be around until at least "Super Tuesday," March 1, 2016.
And, there's no doubt that Bernie Sanders presence has driven Hillary Clinton to the left. (During the debate she said, "I'm a progressive.")
The first Democratic presidential debate was good for Clinton and for Sanders. It was good for the Democratic Party. And, the debate was good for America.
-- This feed and its contents are the property of The Huffington Post, and use is subject to our terms. It may be used for personal consumption, but may not be distributed on a website. Reported by Huffington Post 2 hours ago.
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15th Annual Graebel Relocation Alliance Welcomes Keynote David Pottruck – Former Ceo of Charles Schwab
Former CEO of Charles Schwab and Best-Selling Author Keynote Speaker
Aurora COLO USA (PRWEB) October 15, 2015
Today, the fifteenth Annual Graebel Relocation Alliance Conference is being held at the Graebel Companies, Inc. world headquarters in Colorado. The two-day, by-invitation conference has 150 global relocation and mobility company owners and senior executives from around the world. Participants from 40 countries will engage in leadership meetings and educational sessions. This year’s keynote speaker, David Pottruck, a former chief executive officer of Charles Schwab, a leading global investment and financial institution, and best-selling author will address the Alliance membership during its general session today.
Pottruck’s keynote address will focus on ‘Leading Breakthrough Change’. In addition, Pottruck will team with William Graebel SGMS, chief executive office of Graebel Companies, Inc., in an interactive 90-minute executive leadership workshop.
David Pottruck is the author of the New York Times and Amazon best-sellers Clicks and Mortar and Stacking the Deck, which offers a nine-step plan for leaders inspired to find meaningful, lasting change at their organizations. While at Charles Schwab Pottruck helped the company revolutionize the way stocks are bought and sold and under his leadership the firm was among the first to rebuild its business model around the internet. His storied 20-year career at Charles Schwab included growing its revenue to $5 billion, increasing client assets to more than $1 trillion, and developing a new leadership paradigm at the firm. Pottruck ihas been a frequent guest on CNBC and has been interviewed by virtually every financial publication of note. He was named by Smart Money as one of the three most influential executives in the world of investing, and Institutional Investor named him the single most influential executive in online finance. He was also named one of the “Top 15 CEOs” by Worth, “CEO of the Year” by Information Week, “Executive of the Year” by the San Francisco Business Times, and “CEO of the Year” by Morningstar.
About the Graebel Relocation Alliance
At the dawn of the 21st Century a by-invitation member consortium of twenty global moving and storage (removals) firms was brought together under the mantle, The Graebel Alliance, with the objective for the moving industry’s respected company ownership and executives to collaborate and to share best-in-class service practices and programs. Renamed the Graebel Relocation Alliance in 2005, the membership has expanded to include leading global relocation and mobility service firms. In its fifteenth year, the Graebel Relocation Alliance member companies total two hundred and are found on six continents.
About Graebel Companies, Inc.
Founded in 1950, Graebel Companies is a privately-held global organization that administers employee and commercial office relocation, mobility management, workplace and consultative services for the Global 100, Fortune 500 and mid-sized companies. On-the-ground services are managed in 165 countries on six continents. The world headquarters is located in Aurora, Colorado USA with centers throughout the Americas, APAC and EMEA regions. Known for its industry-first innovations, Graebel holds numerous quality and security credentials, and has earned accolades from clients and from within its industry for its best-in-practice performance, market intelligence research and corporate social responsibility initiatives across the globe. To learn more visit: http://www.graebel.com
# # # Reported by PRWeb 2 hours ago.
Aurora COLO USA (PRWEB) October 15, 2015
Today, the fifteenth Annual Graebel Relocation Alliance Conference is being held at the Graebel Companies, Inc. world headquarters in Colorado. The two-day, by-invitation conference has 150 global relocation and mobility company owners and senior executives from around the world. Participants from 40 countries will engage in leadership meetings and educational sessions. This year’s keynote speaker, David Pottruck, a former chief executive officer of Charles Schwab, a leading global investment and financial institution, and best-selling author will address the Alliance membership during its general session today.
Pottruck’s keynote address will focus on ‘Leading Breakthrough Change’. In addition, Pottruck will team with William Graebel SGMS, chief executive office of Graebel Companies, Inc., in an interactive 90-minute executive leadership workshop.
David Pottruck is the author of the New York Times and Amazon best-sellers Clicks and Mortar and Stacking the Deck, which offers a nine-step plan for leaders inspired to find meaningful, lasting change at their organizations. While at Charles Schwab Pottruck helped the company revolutionize the way stocks are bought and sold and under his leadership the firm was among the first to rebuild its business model around the internet. His storied 20-year career at Charles Schwab included growing its revenue to $5 billion, increasing client assets to more than $1 trillion, and developing a new leadership paradigm at the firm. Pottruck ihas been a frequent guest on CNBC and has been interviewed by virtually every financial publication of note. He was named by Smart Money as one of the three most influential executives in the world of investing, and Institutional Investor named him the single most influential executive in online finance. He was also named one of the “Top 15 CEOs” by Worth, “CEO of the Year” by Information Week, “Executive of the Year” by the San Francisco Business Times, and “CEO of the Year” by Morningstar.
About the Graebel Relocation Alliance
At the dawn of the 21st Century a by-invitation member consortium of twenty global moving and storage (removals) firms was brought together under the mantle, The Graebel Alliance, with the objective for the moving industry’s respected company ownership and executives to collaborate and to share best-in-class service practices and programs. Renamed the Graebel Relocation Alliance in 2005, the membership has expanded to include leading global relocation and mobility service firms. In its fifteenth year, the Graebel Relocation Alliance member companies total two hundred and are found on six continents.
About Graebel Companies, Inc.
Founded in 1950, Graebel Companies is a privately-held global organization that administers employee and commercial office relocation, mobility management, workplace and consultative services for the Global 100, Fortune 500 and mid-sized companies. On-the-ground services are managed in 165 countries on six continents. The world headquarters is located in Aurora, Colorado USA with centers throughout the Americas, APAC and EMEA regions. Known for its industry-first innovations, Graebel holds numerous quality and security credentials, and has earned accolades from clients and from within its industry for its best-in-practice performance, market intelligence research and corporate social responsibility initiatives across the globe. To learn more visit: http://www.graebel.com
# # # Reported by PRWeb 2 hours ago.
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Dallas' Wyly Theatre plays a prime role in Aurora 2015
Reported by DallasNews 3 days ago.
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Typhoon Takes Aim at Northern Philippines
A typhoon was heading straight for the main Philippine island of Luzon on Friday, prompting storm alerts in nearly 20 provinces and placing army and police units on standby. With center winds of 130 kph (80 mph), Typhoon Koppu was about 585 km (360 miles) east of northeast Aurora province and moving west at 15 kph. Tropical Storm Risk forecast it would gain strength overnight. "We have placed military and emergency workers on alert," Alexander Pama, executive director of...
Reported by VOA News 2 days ago.
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Multiple shots fired at car on I-225 early Friday morning
The Aurora Police Department is investigating after someone in a vehicle on Interstate 225 shot at another commuter early Friday morning, officials said.
Reported by Denver Post 2 days ago.
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Aurora gang member gets 20 years on gun and drug charges
An Aurora gang member has been sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for gun and drug charges, federal prosecutors said Friday.
Reported by Denver Post 2 days ago.
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Aurora Man Arrested for Sexual Conduct with Underage Girl at Movie Theater: Police
Patch Oswego, IL -- The 25-year-old was arrested at his work place in Oswego.
Reported by Patch 2 days ago.
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Plainfield Man Found Dead in Aurora Train Bathroom
Patch Naperville, IL -- Police believe the 25 year old's death may have been narcotics related.
Reported by Patch 2 days ago.
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Millennials, the Generation That Grew Up Practicing for a Mass Shooting
I grew up in a country that has accepted mass shootings since I was eight years old.
I grew up in Colorado, U.S.A. One day, when I was in third grade, many of my classmates' parents came to pick them up early from school. Teachers wouldn't tell us anything, but kids are perceptive. There was a current of fear in the air.
Columbine High School was over an hour away from my town, but parents were afraid to send their children to school after that horrible day. The town implemented new security measures. Along with tornado drills, we practiced hiding if a shooter came into the building. We held a moment of silence on April 20th, and later, on September 11th.
When I moved up to middle school, there was a beautiful windowed courtyard where we went to test science projects and do messy art. We learned that in the event of a shooter, if you hid against the door you'd be out of view from the hallway, but in full sight of the courtyard. We were to hide against the sidewall, in partial view of both. We were told that this was not ideal, but it was our best option. Our teacher assured us that he would protect us or die trying.
In my freshman year of high school, parents and students received news that a bomb threat had been received. Attendance that day was optional. Terrified, most students stayed home, myself included. Better to be safe than...
I can remember thinking about what I'd do if I were in the room with a shooter. What I'd do if he and I came face to face. If I had a chance, what would I say? In my imagination, he'd have his gun pointed at someone else, we'd lock eyes and somehow I'd know how to get through to him. I hoped that if I were the person who could make the difference, I'd know what to say.
I wondered what I'd say if he asked me if I believed in God. I usually decided that I'd say yes, because it's true. But I also knew that a statement of my faith might encourage him to test it. I knew the risk of saying the wrong thing, knew that no amount of rehearsal could prepare you for that moment.
During sophomore year, two unidentified students in ski masks were spotted in the kitchen before school hours. For the next three hours, I watched on TV as a SWAT team scoured the building, armed with rifles. No one was found. Nevertheless, school the following Monday was tense. Some students stayed home, just in case.
Bomb threats became almost common, and by my senior year, I mostly believed them to be the tactics of students trying to get out of a test. One morning, I remember waving to the Fox News cameras as I walked into school on a day of a threat, wondering if my grandma would see me. I was defiant. I was a little pissed off.
But any one of those days could have turned into the events at Umpqua Community College in Oregon on October 1st. I write today because, 16 years of similar shootings after Columbine, no one has stepped up. Previous generations of lawmakers and leaders have not been compelled by the lives lost, the families shattered, the futures ripped away. The common references have changed from Columbine to Virginia Tech to Aurora to Sandy Hook to Oregon. There seems to be a belief that these events affect the victims alone. We feel sad, we whisper a prayer, and we keep on living.
Mathew Downing should not be considered "the lucky one," because he survived the shooting in Oregon. We're all here because we've been lucky, but we're taking it for granted. This kind of thing cannot happen again. Children should not feel the need to practice having a conversation with someone who wants to kill them. Teachers should not be asked to die for their students. Students should not need to weigh the risks of attending class each day.
What is freedom worth, if not to protect our lives and our future?
-- This feed and its contents are the property of The Huffington Post, and use is subject to our terms. It may be used for personal consumption, but may not be distributed on a website. Reported by Huffington Post 2 days ago.
I grew up in Colorado, U.S.A. One day, when I was in third grade, many of my classmates' parents came to pick them up early from school. Teachers wouldn't tell us anything, but kids are perceptive. There was a current of fear in the air.
Columbine High School was over an hour away from my town, but parents were afraid to send their children to school after that horrible day. The town implemented new security measures. Along with tornado drills, we practiced hiding if a shooter came into the building. We held a moment of silence on April 20th, and later, on September 11th.
When I moved up to middle school, there was a beautiful windowed courtyard where we went to test science projects and do messy art. We learned that in the event of a shooter, if you hid against the door you'd be out of view from the hallway, but in full sight of the courtyard. We were to hide against the sidewall, in partial view of both. We were told that this was not ideal, but it was our best option. Our teacher assured us that he would protect us or die trying.
In my freshman year of high school, parents and students received news that a bomb threat had been received. Attendance that day was optional. Terrified, most students stayed home, myself included. Better to be safe than...
I can remember thinking about what I'd do if I were in the room with a shooter. What I'd do if he and I came face to face. If I had a chance, what would I say? In my imagination, he'd have his gun pointed at someone else, we'd lock eyes and somehow I'd know how to get through to him. I hoped that if I were the person who could make the difference, I'd know what to say.
I wondered what I'd say if he asked me if I believed in God. I usually decided that I'd say yes, because it's true. But I also knew that a statement of my faith might encourage him to test it. I knew the risk of saying the wrong thing, knew that no amount of rehearsal could prepare you for that moment.
During sophomore year, two unidentified students in ski masks were spotted in the kitchen before school hours. For the next three hours, I watched on TV as a SWAT team scoured the building, armed with rifles. No one was found. Nevertheless, school the following Monday was tense. Some students stayed home, just in case.
Bomb threats became almost common, and by my senior year, I mostly believed them to be the tactics of students trying to get out of a test. One morning, I remember waving to the Fox News cameras as I walked into school on a day of a threat, wondering if my grandma would see me. I was defiant. I was a little pissed off.
But any one of those days could have turned into the events at Umpqua Community College in Oregon on October 1st. I write today because, 16 years of similar shootings after Columbine, no one has stepped up. Previous generations of lawmakers and leaders have not been compelled by the lives lost, the families shattered, the futures ripped away. The common references have changed from Columbine to Virginia Tech to Aurora to Sandy Hook to Oregon. There seems to be a belief that these events affect the victims alone. We feel sad, we whisper a prayer, and we keep on living.
Mathew Downing should not be considered "the lucky one," because he survived the shooting in Oregon. We're all here because we've been lucky, but we're taking it for granted. This kind of thing cannot happen again. Children should not feel the need to practice having a conversation with someone who wants to kill them. Teachers should not be asked to die for their students. Students should not need to weigh the risks of attending class each day.
What is freedom worth, if not to protect our lives and our future?
-- This feed and its contents are the property of The Huffington Post, and use is subject to our terms. It may be used for personal consumption, but may not be distributed on a website. Reported by Huffington Post 2 days ago.
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More Pages to Explore .....
