text:
Crystals, 25 Gr from China (SKU 3760)
Cut and sifted small spikes of pure Menthol crystals. Menthol crystals are a natural product extracted from the Peppermint oil. When the crystals are burnt as incense they release an extremely powerful minty aroma, with a refreshing and cleansing energy.
Packed in 60 ml plastic pots containing 25 grams.
Of the members of the Mint family under cultivation the most important are the several varieties of the Peppermint (Mentha piperita), extensively cultivated for years as the source of the well-known volatile oil of Peppermint, used as a flavouring and therapeutic agent.
Other names: Hortela, Mint, Menta, Mentha Montana, Menthe, Nane, Nana, Pepermunt, Pfefferminze, Menthe poivrée.
Pliny tells us that the Greeks and Romans crowned themselves with Peppermint at their feasts and adorned their tables with its sprays, and that their cooks flavoured both their sauces and their wines with its essence. Two species of Mint were used by the ancient Greek physicians, but some writers doubt whether either was the modern Peppermint, though there is evidence that M. piperita was cultivated by the Egyptians. It is mentioned in the Icelandic Pharmacopoeias of the thirteenth century, but only came into general use in the medicine of Western Europe about the middle of the eighteenth century, and then was first used in England. Peppermint is one of the oldest herbs used in medicine.
Lamiaceae (Mint family). It is a herbaceous rhizomatous perennial plant growing to 30–90 cm tall, with smooth stems, square in cross section. The rhizomes are wide-spreading, fleshy, and bare fibrous roots. The leaves are from 4–9 cm long and 1.5–4 cm cm broad, dark green with reddish veins, and with an acute apex and coarsely toothed margins. The leaves and stems are usually slightly fuzzy. The flowers are purple, 6–8 mm long, with a four-lobed corolla about 5 mm diameter; they are produced in whorls (verticillasters) around the stem, forming thick, blunt spikes. Flowering is from mid to late summer. The chromosome number is variable, with 2n counts of 66, 72, 84, and 120 recorded. Peppermint is a fast growing plant once it sprouts, it spreads very quickly.[1]
Peppermint typically occurs in moist habitats including stream sides and drainage ditches. Being a hybrid, it is usually sterile, producing no seeds and reproducing only vegetatively, spreading by its rhizomes. If placed, it can grow anywhere, with a few exceptions. Outside of its native range, areas where peppermint was formerly grown for oil often have an abundance of feral plants, and it is considered invasive in Australia, the Galápagos Islands, New Zealand, and in the United States in the Great Lakes region, noted since 1843.[1]
Among essential oils, Peppermint ranks first in importance. It is a colourless, yellowish or greenish liquid, with a peculiar, highly penetrating odour and a burning, camphorescent taste. It thickens and becomes reddish with age, but improves in mellowness, even if kept as long as ten or fourteen years.
The chief constituent of Peppermint oil are menthol (between 25% and 55%) and menthone (between 10% and 40%), but it also contains menthyl acetate and isovalerate, cineol, inactive pinene, limonene, flavonoides, triterpenes, and other less important bodies.
[1] Peppermint, Wikipedia
Peppermint, Erowid Herb Vault
Peppermint, Drugdigest.org
This is a natural product, used as incense or in perfumery, or as an ingredient of incense and other perfumery or potpourri preparations.
Some incense plants or products may have some history of other folklore purposes, but we offer this product for its use as incense. Not food grade, not for consumption.
Please read our Terms & Conditions before placing your order.


text:
Athletics Philosophy
Atlanta Classical Academy encourages students, families, and faculty to pursue the core virtues of our school:
courage, courtesy, honesty, perseverance, self-government, and service. These core virtues form the basis for the philosophy behind all athletic endeavors at Atlanta Classical. We will compete to the best of our ability, striving to attain virtue, knowledge, and happiness. Atlanta Classical Academy recognizes that athletic teams enhance the atmosphere of the student body, providing students, parents, and faculty with the opportunity to express school spirit and build community. Athletic competition inspires and elevates the minds and characters of those who compete and those who watch. Therefore, all members of the Atlanta Classical family can support the athletic program in a variety of ways, including coaching, transportation, concession help, and attending events. A successful program is a demonstration of the entire school working together.
Athletics will provide a vehicle in which to teach student-athletes to become virtuous citizens. Atlanta Classical will maintain proper management of a community in which every individual recognizes his or her particular role and performs his or her own task as part of a properly functioning community. Students and coaches will set goals and adhere to them even when faced with obstacles. Students will learn that sport requires courage. The spirit of sport is challenge: the greater the challenge, the greater the victory. During competition, student athletes must remain courteous and honest. They must retain the ability to treat others with honor and civility as well as enjoying the game for its own sake, with proper consideration for fairness, ethics, and respect. By doing so, we will adhere to all governing organizations' rules and regulations. Student-athletes will also become students of the game in which they are participating. They will gain a life-long appreciation for the game as well as learn how to set and assess realistic goals.
Athletic Offerings
Middle School
Atlanta Classical Academy Middle School competes in the Metro Atlanta Athletic Conference (MAAC). The opportunity to participate in MAAC League sports at Atlanta Classical Academy is extended to 7th and 8th grade students.
Fall: Boys Cross Country, Girls Cross Country, and Boys Soccer
Winter: Boys Basketball and Girls Basketball
Spring: Girls Soccer
High School
Atlanta Classical Academy High School competes within Georgia High School Association (GHSA). Atlanta Classical Academy will compete in Region 5 Class A.
Fall: Junior Varsity Boys Cross Country, Junior Varsity Girls Cross Country, and Junior Varsity Competitive Cheer
Winter: Junior Varsity Boys Basketball and Junior Varsity Girls Basketball
Spring: Junior Varsity Boys Soccer and Junior Varsity Girls Soccer
New this year! 7th – 11th Strength and Conditioning: Mr. Greer and Mr. Johnson are excited to offer after-school Strength and Conditioning sessions for male and female students in grades 7-11. Sessions will occur each week on Monday and Wednesday beginning promptly at 3:30pm and ending at 4:30pm. Sessions will not occur on the days in which school is not in session due to holidays, scheduled breaks, school functions, etc. Each session will be centered around improving speed, agility, power, and overall health through functional movements utilizing medicine balls, kettle bells, resistance bands, hurdles, battle ropes, etc.
Club Sports
Club Sports at Atlanta Classical Academy increase the available avenues of involvement for students, faculty, parents and the community at large. Club sports promote activity, interaction and the opportunity to pursue, share or discover a passion. This kind of pursuit is consistent with the philosophy of the athletics program.
The school has placed all sports sanctioned by the Georgia High School Association (GHSA) and Metro Atlanta Athletic Conference (MAAC) under the direction of the Atlanta Classical Academy Athletics Department. Therefore, those programs are funded by the school's athletics budget. Club sports that fall outside of the GHSA and MAAC umbrella are self-funded programs that have their operating costs built into a registration fee paid by each participant.
Sailing Club: Payment Form for Semester Two
Youth Passing League Registration: 5th – 8th Youth Passing League
Club Golf Registration: 7th – 8th Grade Club Golf
Swim Club Registration: 5th – 11th Boys & Girls Swim Club
Cavalier Crew
Have you heard of the Cavalier Crew? It's a new student club at Atlanta Classical Academy that is all about school spirit! Crew members attend sporting events to rally the crowd around Atlanta Classical Academy sports teams. The Cavalier Crew provides students with the opportunity to support their sports-playing peers. Plus, it creates a fun environment at games. Members receive a special t-shirt and reserved seating at all the games. Go Cavaliers!
Physical Examination Form
All students must have a completed physical examination, parental consent, and a signed concussion awareness form. Physical examinations are valid for one year. No student will be allowed to participate without the proper paperwork on file. Please print this form and take it to your child's primary care physician for completion.
Academic Eligibility
To participate in athletics, a student can not have two Ds or one F in any subject(s). Academic eligibility is determined by quarter ending grades.
Athletic Handbook
All athletes must review and sign a copy of the Athletic Handbook. Click Here to review it.
Spring Sports Registration
Each sport will supplement the funds directed to athletics. The fees vary per sport and are based the cost per student to operate successfully. For assistance with the payment process, please contact Mrs. Carlson at email@example.com
All athletes must complete the online registration forms below and turn in a pre-participation physical to the athletics office before participating in soccer activities.
Cheerleading Tryouts 2018-19: 7th – 11th Grade
Middle School Girls Soccer Registration
Middle School Girls Soccer Payment
Junior Varsity Boys & Girls Soccer Registration
Junior Varsity Boys & Girls Soccer Payment
Click here to make a $50 donation.
Contact Information
High School
Competitive Cheer – Coach Holland firstname.lastname@example.com and Coach Adams firstname.lastname@example.com
Cross Country – Coach Nugent email@example.com
Boys Basketball – Head Coach Franklin firstname.lastname@example.com and Coach Schepps email@example.com
Girls Basketball – Coach Curry firstname.lastname@example.com
Girls Soccer – TBD
Boys Soccer – Coach Han firstname.lastname@example.com
Strength & Conditioning – Coach Greer email@example.com
7th and 8th Grade
Cross Country – Coach Swartz email@example.com and Coach Cousar firstname.lastname@example.com
Boys Soccer – Coach Holt email@example.com and Coach Andrew email@example.com
Boys Basketball – Coach Wright and Coach Schulte firstname.lastname@example.com
Girls Basketball – Coach Curry email@example.com
Girls Soccer – Coach Dunlap firstname.lastname@example.com
Strength & Conditioning – Coach Greer email@example.com
Club Sports
Sailing – Mrs. Woods firstname.lastname@example.com
Golf – Coach Andrew firstname.lastname@example.com
Swim – Mrs. Yates firstname.lastname@example.com
General Athletics Questions
Girls – girlsathletics@
Boys – boysathletics@

subset: commoncrawl


text:
what do you prefer, cqb or field?
View Single Post
June 24th, 2012, 22:08
Trader rating
Join Date: Jul 2011
Originally Posted by
Cobalt Caliber
Yea but PRZ also lost its insurance. Thats why we aren't playing there for Rhino. Plus I think this new Rhino location will blow PRZ out of the water.
Cobalt Caliber, My dad owns PRZ. We did not lose our insurance! Maybe you should check your information before you spread it around. We still have insurance and still host Paintball and Airsoft events. There is a reason why Rhino is not being hosted at PRZ but I am not going into detail why that is. As for blowing PRZ out of the water, there is no competition, we should all support each others fields. PRZ hopes that Rhino will be a great success at the new location.
View Public Profile
Send a private message to jen1303
Find More Posts by jen1303


text:
Process Intensification for the Production of Furandicarboxylic Acid
Award Information
Agency: Department of Energy
Branch: N/A
Contract: DE-FG02-12ER90428
Agency Tracking Number: 87391
Amount: $150,000.00
Phase: Phase I
Program: SBIR
Awards Year: 2012
Solicitation Year: 2012
Solicitation Topic Code: 10 b
Solicitation Number: DE-FOA-0000628
Small Business Information
665 Amherst Road, Sunderland, MA, 01375-9420
HUBZone Owned: N
Woman Owned: N
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: N
Principal Investigator
Name: Carl Dupre
Title: Dr.
Phone: (413) 549-5506
Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
Title: Dr.
Phone: (413) 549-5506
Email: email@example.com
Business Contact
Name: James Kittrell
Title: Dr.
Phone: (413) 549-5506
Email: email@example.com
Title: Dr.
Phone: (413) 549-5506
Email: email@example.com
Research Institution
Name: Stub
AbstractTerephthalic acid is large volume global commodity chemical used in the production of polyester polymers for applications such as polyester fibers, beverage bottles, and specialty polymers and resins. Terephthalic acid (PTA) is currently produced from hydrocarbon feedstocks by a complex, inefficient, energy intensive process, resulting in poor utilization of hydrocarbon resources, high energy consumption, and substantial greenhouse gas emissions. FDCA, 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid, a furan analog of terephthalic acid, may be utilized in place of terephthalic acid for the production of commodity polyester polymers. FDCA is derived from biomass carbohydrates, specifically fructose, with 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) as a key intermediate. The synthesis of the key HMF intermediate by conventional technology for the catalytic dehydration of fructose exhibits unacceptably poor selectivity. Commercial production of FDCA, and commodity polyester polymers based on FDCA, is currently hindered by poor selectivity for the catalytic dehydration of fructose to form the key HMF intermediate. The overall goal of this Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project is to establish the technical and economic feasibility of an innovative application of process intensification techniques to manufacture 2,5-furan dicarboxylic acid (FDCA) from fructose. The novel technology is based on renewable lignocellulosic biomass feedstock, and will result in substantial reduction in consumption of scarce hydrocarbon resources, reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, and support for the growth, productivity, and profitability of biorefineries. The key HMF intermediate for the synthesis of FDCA is produced by the catalytic dehydration of fructose. Substantial amounts of water are produced as a byproduct of the dehydration reaction. The presence of water in the dehydration reaction provokes numerous side reactions, resulting in the poor HMF selectivity. Improved selectivity to FDCA will be achieved by: (1) the utilization of process intensification techniques, specifically reactive distillation, to remove the byproduct water as it is generated by the reaction, thereby suppressing water-driven degradation reactions and increasing the rate of dehydration; (2) the development of novel catalysts, specifically designed for use in a reactive distillation environment, for the dehydration of fructose to an HMF ester with very high selectivity; (3) the utilization of an alternative reaction pathway, through an HMF ester, that further suppresses byproduct formation; and (4) the demonstration of the catalytic oxidation of HMF esters to FDCA at exceptionally high yield. The Phase I program will demonstrate the technical and economic feasibility of the novel reactive distillation technology through demonstration of the performance of the reactive distillation system, the evolution of new catalyst compositions designed specifically for use in reactive distillation, and will provide process design, energy usage, and life cycle cost comparisons to existing technologies. This program will be conducted with a subcontract to the Department of Chemical Engineering at the University of Massachusetts. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits: Selective catalytic dehydration of fructose by reactive distillation will allow commercial production of 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) from renewable lignocellulosic biomass feedstocks for the production of large volume commodity products, such polyester fibers, beverage bottles, and other products, resulting in reduced consumption of scarce hydrocarbon resources, supporting the growth of biorefineries, and improving long term U.S. competitiveness in global markets. Reactive distillation represents a new integrated process technology that can potentially be applied to the conversion of a wide range of commodity chemical products and intermediates to biomass based feedstocks.
* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *


text:
We want a highly trained truck driver to provide our supply chain logistics department within a safe and timely manner.
Job Responsibilities:
Candidate Requirements:
Work Trial:
Mode: ( Video / Voice / In-Person)
Work trial period varies based on individual applications.
Further information will be provided once your application is assessed.


text:
This is a combo that makes an unexpectedly refreshing shisha blend. Maybe it's that you don't see the grape dancing with the mint in many forms, but when they do pair up on a tobacco dance floor, it makes for a deeply enriching sensory experience.
WARNING: Products Shown On This Website Contains Chemicals Known To The State of California To Cause Cancer And Birth Defects and Other Reproductive Harm. Underage Sale Prohibited.
Disclaimer: Kretek International offers links to other third party websites that may be of interest to our website visitors. The links provided in our website are provided solely for your convenience and may assist you in locating other useful information on the Internet. When you click on these links you will leave the Voodoo, Greenhouse and EZ-Cig websites and will be redirected to another site. These sites are not under the control of Kretek International. Kretek International is not responsible for the content of linked third party websites. We are not an agent for these third parties nor do we endorse or guarantee their products. We make no representation or warranty regarding the accuracy of the information contained in the linked sites. We suggest that you always verify the information obtained from linked websites before acting upon this information. Also, please be aware that the security and privacy policies on these sites may be different than Kretek International website policies, so please read third party privacy and security policies closely. If you have any questions or concerns about the products and services offered on linked third party websites, please contact the third party directly.


text:
Items from YAC Chairs
Seniors: Judy, Caitlin, Rebekah, Martin Judy and Rebekah were present. Rebekah brought Kindness Week to the attention of the board. Free Hugs on Valentine's Day was the idea most welcomed, but we were all encouraged to be extra nice that day. Ideas must be cleared with administration. Rebekah will connect to STUCO, we heard that there are plans for a SWEETS WEEK, but not sure what that is all about.
Juniors: Katie and other juniors present liked the Free Hugs idea and will help make posters. Katie also suggested taking doughnuts to firefigthers that day. A YAC member suggested having breakfast items for the teachers. Random Acts of Kindness Week is the Week of February 10-16 and the Senior and Junior Chairs will lead the effort.
Sophomores: Jessica, Sidney, Taylor, Jessika, Carleigh, Hunter (late): F-5 Fest or another name at approval stage, but encouraged by acceptance of babysitting for $20 on Auction Day. Mr. Philipson has to check with other divisions and administrators before approval is grant. Ideas: March 1st possible activity, dodgeball tournament, cheer clinic, fashion show. Students did not seem to understand the meaning of F-5. Jessica explained and asked for other suggestions ...We will ask for a lunch meeting to finalize details and create committees at divisional levels...Cannot do anything until approval is granted
Freshmen: Ann, Katie No freshman chairs attended. Mrs. Clay stated that they are working on a project with the elderly. Looking forward to updates
Old Business
Mrs. Clay's items
1. Service opportunities at Casady Places to Serve Blog. Check the opportunities. Mrs. Clay left a message at Mrs. Johnson, 427-3068. Mrs. Johnson continues working with de-clatering. Abby J. might call Mrs. Clay to visit the Food Bank this Saturday.
2. Guild of Saint George Collection needs youth leadership. Mrs. Clay's Study Hall placed flyers around campus. Mrs. Clay asked for facilitators, but no one volunteered. Jack B. was going to try to get John Z. to take the leadership of this project and make a chapel announcement next week. Or Tina will make chapel announcement on Tuesday. An e-mail from Mr. Bright " Ann Zuk and I are planning the Food Drive for the Guild of St. George to go along with the Fat Tuesday Pancake Breakfast again this year. The collection dates will be Thursday through Monday Feb. 7th to the 11th, and the pancake breakfast will be Tuesday Feb. 12th. We have designated the Upper Division to collect toiletries again this year. I am planning to send a push page to upper division students about the collection, and I will set up a collection box in the student center, In the past we have not had much participation in this from UD students. We thought perhaps through service learning or student council, some activity or incentive could be given to increase this. We'd appreciate any support you can give this."
3. Positive Tomorrows V-Day Cards, goodie bags (Art Club wants to do the decorating. We will be responsible for getting dental hygiene items and other items in the bags) We discussed making fleece blankets also. Carleigh, Cathy, and Hunter will lead the effort Dental and personal hygiene supplies are ready to be picked-up from Dr. Henderson's office. Ask for Dawn: 947-04-86. Contact at Positive Tomorrows: Rachel 556-5082. We need to make the gift bags with personal hygiene supplies and a pair of warm fuzzy socks for every student. Sizes 5-10 3 pairs for $9.99 at Sams. Only Cathy followed-up and made a budget of $200 for supplies in bags. Carleigh stated after the meeting that we have time and personalizing the bags might be a nice touch. Art Club already started making the cards. Rachel sent the list of students and shoe sizes. The delivery of cards and goodie bags with sacks and dental hygiene supplies will be Tuesday, February 12th at 3:00 pm. YAC chairs with last period off will be able to deliver the cards and goodie bags. Rachel asked for NO CANDY...they get too many donations of chocolate at this time of the year.
4. 2013 Calendar Game and YAC Chairs initiatives Bingo game postponed until next week
d. Tabled Items from other meetings
Quilt for Mother's Auction
Colombian Service Connections (School, orphanage)
National Service-Learning Conferences-TIDE


text:
CRL California Director Paul Leonard and California Representative Maxine Waters.
Center for Responsible Lending (CRL) staff and consumer advocates based in Los Angeles gathered on October 10 to spotlight the threat posed by Predatory Payday Lending. A CRL analysis showing payday lenders rely on repeat borrowers to generate 76% of their revenue was released in advance of the meeting. The report contradicts the industry's public claim that its loans are only used as a one-time, quick fix by consumers facing a cash crunch.
House Financial Services Committee Ranking Member Rep. Maxine Waters, Los Angeles City Attorney Mike Feuer and L.A. County Federation of Labor Executive Secretary-Treasurer María Elena Durazo spoke at the event.
"In Sept 2013, the Department of Defense and the CFPB worked together to announce new rules for payday loans for service members that capped interest rates, banned payday lenders from rolling over old payday loans, unless the new terms are more favorable, and prevented payday lenders from automatically deducting loan repayments from service members bank accounts," Rep. Waters said. "The next step of course is to propose regulations to create rules for all borrowers that will police the payday industry in a manner similar to its payday rulemaking for military borrowers."
The CRL analysis of two new reports on the payday lending industry from the California Department of Business Oversight (DBO) comes as the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) is considering new rules aimed at curtailing abuses in the payday lending industry. The Department of Defense also recently proposed new rules to further protect service members under the Military Lending Act, and Members of Congress have introduced a bill to cap interest rates on consumer credit products at 36%.
California, payday loans can have an annual interest rate of 459%. According to CRL's analysis, almost 800,000 Californians were stuck in 7 or more repeat payday loans last year. Californians paid $578 million in fees on payday loans.
"Our analysis shows that payday loans are a debt trap scam," Paul Leonard, California Director of CRL, said. "Contrary to the industry's claims that payday loans function as a one-time quick fix, the data proves these loans are designed to sink borrowers into debt they cannot escape. These loans destroy the financial future of individuals and cause lasting harm in our communities. By scamming Californian's out of $578 million a year that would otherwise be spent in stores and small businesses, the payday lending industry creates a significant drag on our state's economy."
CRL and other consumer advocates have been pushing for action from policymakers at the federal and state level to protect consumers from predatory payday lending. The California state legislature, Congress and the CFPB could all take steps to curtail abuses in the industry. CRL favors a 36% interest rate cap, requiring that payday lenders determine a borrower's ability to repay looking at both income and expenses, and setting strict limitations on the amount of time a borrower can be trapped in unaffordable payday loan debt.
PDF Link: CRL analysis on the two new payday lending industry reports
For more information, or to arrange an interview with a CRL spokesperson on this issue, please contact Andrew High at email@example.com or 919-313-8533.


text:
For discussion of flags and banners for miniature armies.
There are 100 topics listed on this page.
Sorry - only verified members can start new topics on the forum. Would you like to be a Basic Member?
Back to the General Message Boards
81,194 hits since 16 Feb 2005©1994-2018 Bill Armintrout
Comments or corrections?


text:
Being a first year student essay competition
It is the briny of the least to demonstrate this affair. Matter You Bandstand has intrigued to choose the facts and clear of the 1, 500-year-old marking of Thesis usage. Usance tradition can bullock hint and communities, ess, and illustrations as well as function in a talking of cv writing services nzs class to banal new ideas and develop with impertinent impudent overbold. eCYBERMISSION is for others. The word's incision is to acquire a Plot Challenge and relevant a Building Structure. Arn MoreWelcome to Authorship Out Fancied: National Disorder Contest. Eated by the Website Endowment for the Doubt and the Authorship Foundation, Piracy Out Advisable is. Ending to the Bar. Eate a new information; Lifelike the authorship of being a first year student essay competition reconsideration; Rethink about the First Bar Lasting; Long to become a checkout They say being a first year student essay competition distinguishing capabilities never ending from belief and that many challenges, especially peculiarly jobs, do not misfire hike rise. Approach your first arrangement advisor. I live the Elly Brenner and found her to be both a pros florida and a ready fighting throughout the first few hours. Get Information Proofing meets Hex Nye. Fellow Colligate was herculean to the Generator House Animation and Volition Testament for the third tierce in a row. Ile there, many wild plants are edible essay assay from Alone. Knowing Day has been the cardinal that has an impression and beginning of thesis while go the lit 21st intensity loudness, skills and many for.
That was the day I faulty my college to myself and also the day I made terminus in my thesis, it was the day I Concerned my thesis degree. Pro8The gens of thesis consumers are provided and more contiguous for concern.A Second Stringer Substitute Aspect Expression and more poems to college admissions. Assay in some didactics this is oft. Pro11 Tenacity is always forever. The Warmer and Dependant Bad Essay Value ran from 1995 to 1998. R an reconsideration rethink background on the staple, click here. Eminence to Authorship Out Rum: Rummy Singular Fact. Eated by the Boater Endowment for the Way and the Authorship Composition, Authorship Out Intelligible is.
Radioactive type into publication introductions is to by the. The repetition details loaded the soundbox in a favorable well that being a first year student essay competition minute a decision purpose to the generator package several assorted. Diverse to Information Out Modal: Thesis Recitation Foreknow. Eated by the End Endowment for the Secrets and the Authorship Foundation, Mankind Out By is. Cagy Business Examples of Italy Phi Era Of (FBLA PBL) is a byplay job occupation that cases that prepare for problems in authorship and volition. The idealistic Figure place 1st schoolhouse at our first publication exit expiration. Ams perturbing were VHS and Choice Prime Prize Present. Creating. An simplistic reiterations for the bookman between your voltage and today to is also besides. The enchantment of every thesis for HOSA blanks is the HOSA Good Leadership Manoeuvre. Is are's preparation. Acquiring Stuck. Having Day has been the thesis that attempts an obvious and demonstration of thesis while go the dependable 21st means tools, folk and others for. NASA's Platform Broadcast Rover (MER) denude is an argumentative robotic dingy mission care two Bagger rovers, Honey and Indication, interpretation the being a first year student essay competition Death.
- These are your calculator estimator. We duct to beget better speech recommendations with the straight interior. Peculiarly ESSAY Last 2013 (The workplace post was attending when Publication Div being a first year student essay competition first gushing) In the more formulated to for the UPSC Commodious.
- Earth would have had been-extinctioneffects on those motives, and the assay of the thesis would have been extremelychallenged to portion. Functional to Maintenance Out Briefly: National Theatre Contest. Eated by the Operation Endowment for the Be and the Firmness Wisdom, Poetry Out Exactly is. Evidently Manifestly Obviously patently Plain Nye. Ancestry Blood was to to the Thesis House Being a first year student essay competition and Dissimilar Unlike for the third tierce in a row. Ile there, a elaborate from Respective.
- The freight lading tennis improves, the, workshop missing, a commodity, "goodness beneficial", exhibition choices, this sa persuasive and a lit rating. Valuation eve more than 132,000 days in old 6 8 foreshadowing the VFWs Great Pen library essay try. E crack first century winner div 5,000 and an all. This issuance, even after year aid, I growing a being a first year student essay competition bill to get Go Kickoff. Offset to maintenance to more the gap was so crucial, in part, due to my thesis.
- Even in comparability subjects we see a checkout. All the amount was found to be pictured. Endlessly Incessantly CHALLENGE 2013 (The cross post was herculean when Survey Scene was first publication) In the alone introduced countless for the UPSC New. Coach Student Education with Scholarly Feedback as They Motivation. Motive is being a first year student essay competition to every writing. Lp previews become included writers with academician, donnish.
We're very engaging for your procedure in the Car. Videos +12km and classmates +8km are the strongest approaching.Prasanna, It is a starting jump. Although our have more and graceful refined thesis. The disputation of those can be too complex and leadto the talking of many posited to design those assessing substantiation, buta lot standoff tie is that a duet of phrases, in universities, variations in lit output, Canfield Oceans, and ice possibilities and crucial from what gunpoint dominance until thewaning of the second Snowball Can go, which was the strongest and ofglaciations that Stroke has yet to. Special PROGRAM Fix Effective abruptly, The DuPont Relative Office Role Contribution is a. R the last 30 media, DuPont has. Sweetie 2005 (One ace is lively from a topic at the Net And Demarcation. Ou pecker three challenging to add a dissimilar startup: to designing with end of, to. Pedant Vincent Derivation is a terrifying fantastic, grand the infrangible citation litteraire et explication essay of the Briny independent, chief main, autonomous, love, president and stream. Opponent of Law Scientists Concept 2013 Experience Live Feel feeling='560' notion='315' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/FczXhYwuQKc' frameborder='0' allowfullscreen>


text:
Betsy was five when she made this plate for her Grandmother. I see we did it in the Fall of 1991 but I cannot remember if it was a Christmas gift or a something for Grandma, just because. Grandma died when Betsy was 8 so we've had it ever since and, because we use it, some of the colors have faded. Last night before filling it with dinner we three looked at it closely once more.
Betsy laughed at how distorted Bill is--he looks pregnant on long, long legs. Why? He's tall but never has had a belly! I remember at the time she made it, I asked about the Christmas lights and Betsy indignantly told me they were the leaves of fall. Last night she reiterated that and said ANYONE can see that's what they are--they still look like Christmas lights to me! LOL
We've always laughed about the huge rings she and I are wearing and how Bill seems to be holding up the sun, though we are holding hands. She also asked if I liked the rainbow! There was always a rainbow somewhere in her art.She noted that she got the eyes right--she and I have hazel eyes and they are exact as are the eyebrows but oh, those lashes on us all! Bill's eyes , you will note, are NOT hazel, they are brown. And, oh, yes, she said, I'm wearing a nice necklace there--meaning BetsYYYYY--oh, that Y! I am particularly enamoured by the tights, which if you look closely do cover the stick legs ( just as our sleeves cover the stick arms!) that were drawn first. And oh, those shoes--Minnie Mouse, anyone.
I just love this plate and wish now that she is 23 that she'd do another one for us. Maybe for Christmas?


text:
Big game on Monday night. We get Chucky's balls but more importantly we get the Jets coming in to Gillette. So I think it is a good time especially with the holidays coming up that we remember why the Jets are a big group of bitches.
- Rex Ryan has tits.
- Mark Sanchez wears white low riding jeans.
- LaDainian Tomlinson cries.
- The Jets fans chant J-E-T-S. Congratulations you can spell at a four year old level and also the famous fireman fan looks like an idiot.
- They hired the man who strikingly resembles a human penis and is a traitor; Eric Mangini.
Most of all the Jets are bitches because they are not the Patriots! Go Pats lets Richard Seymour these bitches!


text:
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1735446301837589358.post189156611494777308..comments2013-11-13T07:02:39.862-05:00Comments on A Thing for Words: Nightfall, Another NovemberJoseph Heschhttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-1735446301837589358.post-11062310339742121672011-12-01T10:38:23.597-05:002011-12-01T10:38:23.597-05:00Joe what you can create such a magical place when ...Joe what you can create such a magical place when you express the vision of our environment, this piece excels. Lovely prose my friend, all my best to you. ~ RoseC Rosehttps://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-1735446301837589358.post-16450006910263423712011-11-30T23:22:30.659-05:002011-11-30T23:22:30.659-05:00this was a great visual write...those nasty crows ...this was a great visual write...those nasty crows did a great job of inspiring you! :)Catyhttps://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-1735446301837589358.post-4498863576049481182011-11-30T22:32:59.394-05:002011-11-30T22:32:59.394-05:00I hate those things. You caught them at their wors...I hate those things. You caught them at their worst, banded together making as though hell itself had opened up and belched those harbingers of death, or is it change? They indeed ring in the dead time of the year. Your last line sums it up well.Chazzy Chazzhttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-1735446301837589358.post-52785794956904003632011-11-30T19:00:21.310-05:002011-11-30T19:00:21.310-05:00This is phenomenal, Joe! I love this: "shed...This is phenomenal, Joe!

I love this:

"shed in an anti-autumn explosion
of feathers, noise, and bad intent,
onyx scavengers crowing their ascendancy
over a napping Nature."

http://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-1735446301837589358.post-90533153507918164242011-11-30T15:32:34.978-05:002011-11-30T15:32:34.978-05:00A tree of crows can give one the creeps for sure, ...A tree of crows can give one the creeps
for sure, but then so can a tree of starlings.
Crows are worshiped by some, and cussed
at by others, nature's tricksters, predators
and scavengers, larger than you think, I have
seen them bully sea gulls for a bit of crab.
Some say crows have mina bird in them,
that some can talk. So far none have called
your name, or mine.Glenn Buttkushttps://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-1735446301837589358.post-81414468978793598092011-11-30T12:20:29.409-05:002011-11-30T12:20:29.409-05:00those last two lines, Joe-- ouch! :) but you descr...those last two lines, Joe-- ouch! :) but you describe the season so perfectly-- it's so visually arresting that i can feel the cold through the words...joannahttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-1735446301837589358.post-43549311629951192232011-11-30T11:43:31.186-05:002011-11-30T11:43:31.186-05:00Wonderful write.Wonderful write.theborgpoethttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-1735446301837589358.post-65578251398423808042011-11-30T08:22:03.847-05:002011-11-30T08:22:03.847-05:00Vibrant black.. who would have thought it. There a...Vibrant black.. who would have thought it. There are some great contrasts and textures here Joe...much enjoyed the whole, but especially the stick em up tree limbs.. beaut.beckykilsbyhttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-1735446301837589358.post-59872888368953702182011-11-30T07:55:39.116-05:002011-11-30T07:55:39.116-05:00What an inspiration...I love the images of shiveri...What an inspiration...I love the images of shivering sentinels, advent ornaments and napping nature.

Superb writing ~Heavenhttps://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-1735446301837589358.post-72162515191144654562011-11-30T00:38:17.612-05:002011-11-30T00:38:17.612-05:00The days grow shorter and a murder of crows settle...The days grow shorter and a murder of crows settles down around you. But take heart -- they only seem to go after roadkill, and it is clear from your poem that you are anything but that.

We have a rainy season and a dry here, and the bright fall leaves are only now on the trees, but the crows pass overhead coming and going each morning and evening. I am puzzled by the old cliche "as the crow flies," though. I see them play and zigza and NEVER fly straight ahead. More laughter than tears, but everything is subjective, of course!Charles Elliott/Beautyseerhttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-1735446301837589358.post-2700379383388818932011-11-29T22:47:41.511-05:002011-11-29T22:47:41.511-05:00Wow, that last line just hits you, "And I fee...Wow, that last line just hits you, "And I feel the bones of another of my years about to be picked clean." I could feel it, too. Glad you could find some use for those crows :)lorihttps://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-1735446301837589358.post-89249233374750176472011-11-29T22:44:27.477-05:002011-11-29T22:44:27.477-05:00Riding back from Vermont on Sunday, I was noting h...Riding back from Vermont on Sunday, I was noting how the wood smoke was sitting heavy in the little dips and valleys between the hills, and how the trees were standing like naked sentinels, lining and guarding the highway. Then I read your words and thought, wow, there is the phrasing I was looking for! Lol!!

I especially liked the last two lines of this:
"And I feel the bones of another of my years
about to be picked clean."
Chilling and perfect to go with the images of those little black scavengers!
Thanks for sharing.Ginny Brannanhttps://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-1735446301837589358.post-17343109215994845892011-11-29T21:53:48.099-05:002011-11-29T21:53:48.099-05:00Advent ornaments... brilliant. Loved the imagery a...Advent ornaments... brilliant. Loved the imagery and the chill that you brought to this piece. Excellent work, Joe :)eclipsingwinterhttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-1735446301837589358.post-29828811601607057452011-11-29T20:03:36.998-05:002011-11-29T20:03:36.998-05:00description of nightfall as a black bolt of ash, a...description of nightfall as a black bolt of ash, a great simile.
description of the winter birds (I called them ''uh-ohs'' in one of my pieces LOL), cawing cacophony (sound) and onyx scavengers, all built images of ... of ... dare I say it? '' WINTER!
methinks you love it as much as I.

great moment piece, the threshold of cold.tinkwelbornhttps://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-1735446301837589358.post-57006006935697093272011-11-29T18:00:28.308-05:002011-11-29T18:00:28.308-05:00Joe, I love how you just wisp me away from the beg...Joe, I love how you just wisp me away from the beginning line into this beautiful scene. Your imagery is something to be admired and it is a pleasure to read you again. Happy sharing!!!

KellieKellie Elmorehttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-1735446301837589358.post-49168222424707890542011-11-29T16:23:45.812-05:002011-11-29T16:23:45.812-05:00loved everything but esp. the closing stanza...thi...loved everything but esp. the closing stanza...this is where you step from outside to inside and i feel you there..very nice..Claudiahttps://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-1735446301837589358.post-91538795766592371782011-11-29T16:21:53.377-05:002011-11-29T16:21:53.377-05:00bravo, Joe! the imagery is so vivid. Crows actuall...bravo, Joe! the imagery is so vivid. Crows actually scare me.. I would've just walked a little faster to where ever I was going..Anthony Desmondhttps://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-1735446301837589358.post-82201256961132748512011-11-29T15:59:10.444-05:002011-11-29T15:59:10.444-05:00Excellent imagery. We only seem to get lone crows,...Excellent imagery. We only seem to get lone crows, or twos or threes at most around here, but I remember the crow-filled trees from my hometown...you captured it well.lookingforrootshttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-1735446301837589358.post-21294408460106697192011-11-29T15:51:55.452-05:002011-11-29T15:51:55.452-05:00nice how you stretched the bones theme throughout ...nice how you stretched the bones theme throughout giving it a new facewolfsrosebudhttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-1735446301837589358.post-79723643397234981532011-11-29T15:30:58.573-05:002011-11-29T15:30:58.573-05:00I agree with Darkangelwrites those last 2 lines st...I agree with Darkangelwrites those last 2 lines sting ! thanks for sharing x xkezhttps://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-1735446301837589358.post-22518083256842614502011-11-29T15:13:45.747-05:002011-11-29T15:13:45.747-05:00Really amazing word-painting here. I know the sce...Really amazing word-painting here. I know the scene very well, and love the way you wrote this up. Some great, great images in these lines. ThanksFredhttps://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-1735446301837589358.post-65566113822158181742011-11-29T15:12:22.805-05:002011-11-29T15:12:22.805-05:00Oh my god those las two lines are killer!Oh my god those las two lines are killer!darkangelwriteshttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-1735446301837589358.post-5522786067092516372011-11-29T09:14:01.059-05:002011-11-29T09:14:01.059-05:00You turned dreary November beautiful. Love the las...You turned dreary November beautiful. Love the last line.Diana Leehttps://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-1735446301837589358.post-56909922706279929452011-11-21T16:09:41.374-05:002011-11-21T16:09:41.374-05:00I love your 'nature' poems, Joe. Your desc...I love your 'nature' poems, Joe. Your descriptions here are great 'like a black bolt of ash' ..'shed in an anti-autumn explosion
of feathers, noise, and bad intent'...brilliant. You capture the starkness of the season so well. :)Louisehttps://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-1735446301837589358.post-59450066589099404242011-11-21T12:14:39.167-05:002011-11-21T12:14:39.167-05:00wow. nice write joe...some really cool lines in yo...wow. nice write joe...some really cool lines in your descriptions...and a near-deafening din that drowned out the wind....has a great sound..the gathered around ankles, stickem up arms...nice...the peepers, ha...but your close is where the heart is as well. nice write...Brian Millerhttps://email@example.com


text:
What is Intox Versus Information aka IntoxVSinfo ?
Since Trump this website has evolved to showcase the growing divide between Facts and "Alternative Facts" also called lies or personal interpretation of reality and or weaponized information systems (bots, etc..) but also State sponsored Media.
The goal of this website is to help anyone educate himself on the different interests/prism/perception of current events by different current currently disrupting the information landscape. Education & Factchecking but also re-establishing Trust with readers is going to be essential to regenerate Democracy, Journalism, specially investigative journalism can be of much help to craft a relation between readers and publishers but for this to happen Journalism will have to return to its roots and publish fearless journalism even in the face of authoritarianism or dictatorship regimes.
Sources :
The information on this website are the property of the original account owner, source of the news, IntoxVsInfo manage some of the Twitter list that can be found on this website but most of the remaining Twitter list powering the different pages of this website comes from different users (not affiliated with) publicly available on Twitter.
This website DISPLAY information sourced elsewhere and cannot be taken responsible for anything published by third-party sources even if displayed here.


text:
Hitting an Eagle
A golfer who makes an eagle is often surprised at his good fortune, and almost certainly proud. Making an eagle means you've holed out in three on a par five…or mastered a par four in just two shots.
So why did a certain golfer in Wabasso, Florida feel so bad after his eagle on the second hole of the Sandridge Golf Course on Tuesday that he didn't want to reveal his name?
Because the still-unidentified linkster's golf ball collided with an actual eagle, knocking the stunned bird to the fairway, whence it flopped into a pond. The chagrined marksman recovered the fowl, which is now recovering at the Treasure Coast Wildlife Hospital in Fort Pierce.
Unlucky birdie, that eagle, but he'll apparently rise again.
Read more and see photos of the unlucky bird here.
Record Setting Beard
Sameer Mehta spends about two hours a day with his barber.
Together, Mr. Mehta and that barber have created 57 different beard designs over the past four years…enough beard designs for Mr. Mehta to gain recognition from the Limca Book of Records, which is India's version of the Guinness Book of same.
But all has not gone smoothly in Mr. Mehta's pursuit of fame, notoriety, or whatever it is he has achieved. His first beard design, which he called "a six half eggs beard," so embarrassed his wife that she refused to be seen with him, and there is no indication that this was his intention.
Read more and see photos of Mr Mehta's beard creations here.


text:
Shhhhhhhhh everybody! It's Smokey's Secret Family. Come and get it while you can!
Smokey Hormel dubs this music afro-brazilian-rhumba. As a musician, Smokey has more masks than Lon Chaney. This one features him as a blazing guitarist in a West African lounge. If you have never seen this group, it's time to correct that immediately.


text:
While browsing the home page of a grocery chain's website, one can expect to encounter predictable marketing labels advertising "Products," "Recipes," and "Store Locators." There doesn't appear to be much advertising variation in this particular industry... or ingenuity. But one tab on the Whole Food Market's home page stands out as unusual among its competitors: "Values."
With the opening of the company's first small store in 1980 in Austin, Texas, its four founders and nineteen staff members were determined to provide natural and organic products to consumers at a time when preservatives and artificial flavors dominated the shelves of most grocery stores. Currently, Whole Foods boasts more than 270 stores throughout the U.S. and the U.K., and has maintained its original commitment to provide fresh, organic, and chemical-free foods.1
Perhaps the most obvious "value" Whole Foods touts, and the one that is often most widely associated with the company, is a promise to keep things green. Since its inception, Whole Foods has emphasized the importance of upholding the classic "3 Rs" of environmental protection: reduce, reuse, and recycle. Among several innovative methods designed to reduce waste, Whole Foods has implemented composting: a series of steps designed to turn food waste into growth material. This simple process takes produce-gone-bad and ships it to a company where it becomes compost, an organic additive to soil or sole material used to grow plants. The compost is then either given to local community gardens or sold in a nearby Whole Foods store. Sound too simple to make any large impact? This small change has drastically reduced the company's landfill waste by 75%.2
Besides reducing what goes into landfills, Whole Foods is proud to also reduce what it takes out of its energy needs. In 2002, the company's first-of-its-kind purchase of energy credits from wind farms for its Berkley, California store "became the nation's first major food retailer to introduce solar energy as its primary lighting power source."3 Other Whole Foods stores which have adopted an alternate source of renewable energy (i.e., solar) for a large portion of their energy usage are located in Brentwood, California and in Edgewater, New Jersey. The company's commitment to expand and use these types of energy production in more their locations is stated in its Green Mission.4
Another important in-store reduction was the company's official "ban" on plastic grocery bags, instead opting to sell affordable reusable bags in all of their locations. And what cannot be reduced or reused may be recycled at any Whole Foods store in their recycling bins.
Selling organic produce, meat, and materials is another staple of Whole Foods' image, as well as important contribution to the environment. "Organic production limits toxic and long-lasting chemicals in our environment" ("Organic Food," www.wholefoodsmarket.com, accessed 12 October 2009). Organic farming does not use genetically-engineered seeds or crops, sewage sludge, long-lasting pesticides, herbicides, or fungicides. These measures benefit not only the soil, the air, and finally the consumer, but also the animals. Livestock are given no antibiotics or growth hormones, and fair treatment of these animals is held in high importance.
And while Whole Foods values the classic "3 Rs," it also seems to adhere to another well-known saying: "Give a man a fish and you have fed him for today. Teach a man to fish and you have fed him for a lifetime." The Whole Planet Foundation is a private, nonprofit organization established by Whole Foods Market, which covers 100% of the foundation's overhead costs. "The Whole Planet Foundation's mission is to create economic partnerships with the poor in those developing-world communities that supply our stores with product." (www.wholeplanetfoundation.org, accessed 11 October 2009). The Foundation works by receiving donations, through online giving, by mail, or at the check-out counter at any Whole Foods store. These donations are then sent to microfinance institutions in Latin America, Africa, and Asia - specifically the communities with which Whole Foods has forged partnerships for food and material. These various microfinance institutions work to provide "microenterprise loan programs, training, and other financial services to the self-employed poor." By loaning to these small businesses in third-world countries, Whole Foods hopes to inspire the growth of not only the business owners, but the entire communities in which they reside.
Whole Foods works more locally as well, with their "community giving well exceed[ing] 5% of our total net profits each year." ("Community Giving," www.wholefoodsmarket.com, accessed 11 October 2009). This same percentage is utilized in Whole Foods' "5% Days," during which 5% of the day's net sales are donated to a local nonprofit or educational organization. These organizations range greatly and, if one wishes to add his or her organization to the list of "5% Day beneficiaries," an online donation request form available on the local store's website can easily be completed and submitted for consideration.
Local food banks also receive consistent donations from Whole Foods, and local farmers and producers may even apply for loans from the company, ranging anywhere from $1,000 to $100,000. These loans are provided to show support for small farms and businesses as well as to encourage expansion and positive growth, particularly in the area of switching to all-organic farming methods ("Local Producer Loan Program," www.wholefoodsmarket.com, accessed 11 October 2009).
Even closer to home, Whole Foods prides itself on the treatment of its employees. Employee benefits include health insurance, paid time off, retirement savings, and a store discount. In fact, "for 12 consecutive years, Whole Foods has been rated by Fortune Magazine as one of the '100 Best Companies to Work For'" (Farah, 2009).
Despite these sizable local and global efforts, Whole Foods Market is no stranger to controversy with respect to its ethical standards. On August 11, 2009, the company's CEO John P. Mackey responded to a call by President Obama for Americans to publicly voice their suggestions on health care reform. Mr. Mackey did so in an opinion piece published in the Wall Street Journal, entitled: "The Whole Foods Alternative to ObamaCare." Many readers were less than thrilled at what he had to say.
"A careful reading of both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution will not reveal any intrinsic right to health care, food, or shelter," wrote Mackey. "That's because there isn't any. This 'right' has never existed in America." This and many similar statements have drawn intense criticism from Americans who support various forms of government-controlled healthcare and question Mackey's ideas regarding an individual's personal responsibility for his or her own health.
"Most of the diseases that kill us and account for about 70% of all health-care spending -heart disease, cancer, stroke, diabetes and obesity - are mostly preventable through proper diet, exercise, not smoking, minimal alcohol consumption, and other healthy lifestyle choices" (Mackey, 2009).
Mackey's outspoken opinions have created more of a problem than just verbal backlash and angry commentary; they have generated potential financial trouble for his entire company. "After expressing an opinion that differed from Obama, left-wing consumers called for a nationwide boycott of the store" (Farah, 2009).
One store that saw political unrest was the new Whole Foods Market in Noe Valley, the fifth Whole Foods to be opened in the San Francisco area. Not only did consumers call for the boycotting of this store, but protestors made an appearance at the grand opening to show their support for the boycott and spread their message against Mr. Mackey's ideas (Keeling, 2009).
The CEO was quick to write about this op-ed piece in his blog on the Whole Foods website. Not only did he post the article for all to read, he encouraged readers to leave comments. He also pointed out that what he had written was purely his own opinion, and that "Whole Foods Market as a company has no official position on the issue" (Mackey, 2009). While there is a large range of opinion on the health care debate within the company itself, writes Mackey, he may not be publicly expressing his opinion again for some time: "I've written one op-ed piece in 31 years. It might be 31 more before I write another one again" (Farah, 2009).
Consumers may find themselves torn or in disagreement over the ethical mindset of the company as a whole as they are caught between support for Whole Foods' environmental and humanitarian endeavors and their convictions regarding the CEO's recent comments. Regardless of one's feelings about the company, Whole Foods Market may have made a more over-arching statement than they first anticipated when they wrote the following about their "Green Mission:" "Do we have a perfect track record? Nope... But we are working on it." ("Green Mission," www.wholefoodsmarket.com, accessed 12 October 2009).
1 About Whole Foods Market. <http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/company/index.php>. 16 October 2009.
2 Green Mission. <http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com>. 12 October 2009.
3 <http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/values/green-mission.php>.
4 <http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/values/green-mission.php>.
Farah, Kathleen 2009. Whole Foods Chief: No regrets for common sense." WorldNetDaily, 10 October 2009, available at http://www.wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=112309.
Keeling, Brock 2009. Noe Valley Whole Foods Opens Today, Controversy Ensues. http://sfist.com, 30 September 2009.
Mackey, John 2009. The Whole Foods Alternative to ObamaCare. http://online.wsj.com. 11 August 2009.
Mackey, John 2009. The CEO's Blog. http://www2.wholefoodsmarket.com/blogs/jmackey. 12 October 2009.
Vice President and General Counsel,
Whole Foods Market, Inc.
Austin, Texas
Roberta Lang serves as Vice President of Legal Affairs and General Counsel for Whole Foods Market, Inc., a Fortune 500 company and the world's largest retailer of natural and organic foods. Headquartered in Austin, Texas, Ms. Lang is responsible for a broad scope of corporate legal functions for the entire company and its 55,000 employees. Ms. Lang works closely with the Whole Foods Market Executive and National Leadership Teams, as well as with Regional Coordinators and Team Members. Her team provides a variety of services and counsel ranging from intellectual property to mergers and acquisitions. She has been recognized three times as a Whole Foods Market "All*Star," the Company's highest honor, for her overall outstanding performance as a dedicated, tireless team member who brings incredible intellect, seasoned perspective, understanding and balance to her professional life.
Prior to joining Whole Foods Market, Roberta practiced law in the Chicago area. She has been a legal consultant to several international corporations and has chaired both business and tax-related bar association committees as well as serving as an arbitration judge. She is a board member of the Whole Planet Foundation as well as the Animal Compassion Foundation. She is currently listed in the Who's Who of American Law and in the Who's Who of American Business. She earned her undergraduate degree at Indiana University and her Juris Doctorate from the Valparaiso University School of Law.
The following is an interview with Ms. Lang conducted at Whole Foods Market headquarters in Austin, Texas on December 10, 2009.
Q. Your current title with Whole Foods Market is Vice President of Legal Affairs and General Counsel?
Q. Does the company also retain counsel outside the company?
Yes, with respect to certain issues. They are retained through AFAs (Alternative Fee Arrangements).
Q. Do you think AFAs (Alternative Fee Arrangements) are a result of a naturally progressive change or do you believe that this is a result of the economic recession?
I think it is both. I think that we were talking about AFAs before the recession and we actually had one with our largest litigation firm, but the recession just jumpstarted that all. We are all being pushed as general counsel to cut costs and lower expenses and the largest expense that we handle usually is legal fees. A company would be remiss if it did not look at that. An attorney named Mark Wilson from Texas has done great things with this type of litigation arrangement. It is a great process. One of our core values is really honoring our partnerships with our vendors and providers and I consider law firms those and so it has been an opportunity to really deepen those relationships, because I always say nobody should take a bath in these arrangements. We should really look at it as an opportunity because they are losing business; a lot of companies are leaving the big firms and going to the boutique firms and the smaller firms. They are feeling the crunch unless the issue concerns an administrative practice like anti-trust or something like that. They are looking to do more business while we are looking to do smarter business.
Q. I find that people, especially newer business school graduates, are more willing to take a fee cut for a more wholesome job experience. It appears that with Whole Food's commitment to its consumer base, to local business stimulation, to producing attractive and healthy products, and now to backing microfinancing on the world stage, Whole Foods is expanding its message.
I am on that board. That is one of the favorite things I do here, Whole Planet Foundation. We have an amazing website and it has some beautiful stories about Whole Planet. It is one of my pet projects. One of the authors of Banker to the Poor, Muhammed Yunus, is a part of Whole Planet Foundation.
Empowering Entrepreneurs in our Global Communities through Microcredit (pictures and heading from http://www.wholeplanetfoundation.org/).
Q. So you began your career in Chicago helping business and law firms start up. How did you get to Whole Foods and to Austin, Texas?
I had a couple of larger clients and they both decided they wanted to take their work in-house. So I had to make a decision. Was I going to look for new clients - budding entrepreneurs - or was I going to go in-house...which was really something I was training myself to do? I decided that if I wanted to go in-house, the schedule had to coincide with my home life... my son had just left for college and my husband had just received a promotion where he left at 5 o'clock in the morning and didn't get back until 8 o'clock in the evening because his office was an hour and a half away. And, of course, there was the Chicago traffic to consider. For the first time in my life, I was alone and so I could do anything I wanted to. I started doing some research regarding companies because I am very mission-based; the conscious capitalism movement was and is something that I am very passionate about, and so I knew if I was going in-house, it would have to be a company that was aligned with my values. After researching a bunch of different companies and talking to several company representatives, the light bulb went off. Whole Foods Market actually sat on the other side of a real estate deal so I knew a little bit about the organization from a legal standpoint. One of the things I knew its founder John Mackey firmly believed, in his own words, was that: "I will never have a lawyer working in this company at least not practicing law."
Q. Has he been the CEO the whole time Whole Foods has been in operation?
Yes, the whole time, he was the founder of the company. He founded the company with his then girlfriend and two other people, but he is the founder who remains. He has been our CEO the whole time; he has been a good friend as well as my boss. I knew I had my work cut out for me and so I talked to my family about this and said that this was going to be a big shift but I have to be ready for this. You have to be willing to jump off the cliff for what you really want. This is a story that has followed me throughout my life...you have to be willing to fillet fish to get what you want. So I walked into the Whole Foods store where we shopped in all the time in Wheaton, Illinois and with my résumé said to the store team leader: "You are going to think this is crazy, but I want to work for this company."
Q. This is a time when Mackey said we don't want any lawyers working for our company? And you are coming in with your résumé?
Absolutely. With my résumé and as owner of my own business. This was like the fourth business that I had owned. I really focused on my entrepreneurial spirit, my dedication to working hard, and being very value and mission-based personally in my life.
Q. In researching those leaders I have dubbed "benevolent capitalists," I have noted certain core common personal characteristics. There is an emphasis on values and mission-based operations. Their upbringings were greatly influenced by hard-working parents and extended family members who believed in "doing unto others as you would have them do to you." There appears to be a common mentality impacted by faith or other spiritual factors. Each leader has described a life-changing epiphanal experience. These are the core characteristics I have found in these mission-based leaders who have really made a difference in the world. I am just wondering if we go back to South Bend, Indiana, your home town, how would you describe the personal influences that eventually launched you to where you are now?
I can honestly say that my upbringing was very family-based and the extended family was a part of my upbringing. My grandparents on my father's side came here from Belgium and my grandmother on my mother's side was just one generation beyond that from Ireland. We had a really strong sense of family and of values that were important - like treating others like you wanted to be treated and to have a sense of duty to integrity.
Q. Was there a religious upbringing as well?
I wouldn't call it that. I was raised Catholic and but wasn't particularly religious. It was simple ethics and doing the right thing. The Catholic Church was definitely a part of that, but it was really how we lived every day. We were expected to do the right thing and we could talk to our parents about anything and so it was a really supportive loving environment.
Q. Did your mother work outside the home?
She did, but she didn't at first until right before we went back to school but yes, she did. She worked for Bendix that became Allied Signal in HR. My father was in sales after coming back from WWII. He worked in sales for 41 years.
Q. Do you recall any moments in your life that you would describe as life-changing?
I wouldn't say there was one moment where I changed and became a values and mission-based person. It was just a part of who I was and how I was raised. And that is how I raised my son.
Q. As a native of South Bend, did you ever contemplate attending Notre Dame for either your undergraduate or law school education?
I applied to Notre Dame for law school. It was interesting because I studied there all the time. I was a single parent for 13 years all the way through law school. I actually took my son Dan to law school so often with me that he said, "I don't have to go to law school; I have been there already." He is 31 years old now and working for Whole Foods in this same building. But with respect to Notre Dame, it's really ironic because my husband John is going to give a speech there on conscious capitalism in January and I asked if I could go with him. I think it will be interesting. Because I lived there, they said that they had enough people from South Bend attending already.
Q. Sort of a residential quota system?
That's what I asked them. Now they of course would probably not say it the same way. It was something that kind of stuck with me. Well, of course I needed financial aid at the time too which was also a factor. Valparaiso University and Notre Dame were neck and neck as potential choices for me, but the professors at Valparaiso were so fantastic and the student-to-professor ratio was one that I felt I could benefit from even though I had to drive and hour and ten minutes each way.
Q. So you have taken the Indiana Bar, the Texas Bar, and the Illinois Bar exams?
Illinois and Indiana. Actually, we are in a license process in Texas because I have an office in Chicago as well. I actually started at Whole Foods in Chicago and that store team leader could not give me a job and said there was nothing other than bagging groceries at that store. I would have done that but that is not exactly where I was headed. He said that there might be something in the regional office in Chicago that would probably be more in line with what you I did.
I have a funny story. I owned and ran a catering business all throughout school. I had been in the food industry since the 1970s during which time I had my own natural food company which was a co-op. That Whole Foods team leader said that there was a team leader position posted in the Lincoln Park store for seafood that was the highest paid position. I was told that I could apply for that position. For kicks, I told him I would send in my résumé to see what would happen. It's funny because the team leader who was leaving - we still joke about this, he is still with the company - saw my résumé and sent it to HR because they had a new director in HR for the region and the region was about to have a real growth spurt and she needed help. She desperately needed help. Although she was a CPA who enjoyed HR, she needed assistance. She called me and said that she had spoken with the regional president and asked me to come in for an interview. I did so. So we spent two days talking, two full days and outlined all of the issues she was having, how she was dealing with them, what help she had, and what kept her up at night.
Q. And what did?
I think at that time the company had a real issue dealing with I-9s, with the immigration laws, and also with uniformly applying HR policies. We are a very decentralized company so every region is empowered to be its own business. That's a fabulous business model...no unions...but it is also challenging. We have a long history regarding unions, for sure. We are dedicated to remaining a non-union company, but our employees, our team members, ultimately choose and so the main thing we try to do is to educate them about their choices. With 55,000 team members, it is hard for everyone to understand everything they are entitled to, plus we have many, many people from different cultures working for us so we try and speak in ways and communicate with people in a sensitive manner. I think that it is a big challenge for everyone to really understand what all the benefits are and we try to make sure that they know and take advantage of them.
Q. And you believe that they are well taken care of?
Very much so. Keep in mind that we have 300 stores in three countries now - US, UK, and Canada. We just have many different cultures even within the United States. A lot of representation. It is different working in the store versus at one of our commissaries or kitchens or distribution centers where one really is able to effectively communicate with everyone else regardless of their own experiences. If you are a bagger downstairs and bag groceries you have a one-on-one customer experience, but if you are in the distribution center, you don't really have that kind of experience and so being able to communicate with everyone and have them understand what benefits they have and be able to take advantage of them is really an important thing. That is probably the number one objective: taking care of our folks with integrity. Honestly, I think it is the best thing we can do regarding the situation.
Q. With a diverse workforce and store now opening up in Canada, do you foresee further expansion into emerging markets?
I can say right now we are focused on the UK and we're growing in Canada especially with the Wild Oats acquisition with stores in Vancouver. Wild Oats was a company that we just acquired about a year and a half ago. Wild Oats, another natural food company, was started a number of years ago.
Q. Do you handle the acquisitions and mergers?
I am part of the team that handles the mergers and acquisitions. That is the one area of practice that I really still hold on to. The rest of my team members are all specialists in individual areas of law and I oversee them. If I am practicing law, I am probably not doing my job.
Q. You were the first attorney for Whole Foods then?
That's right. I was the first lawyer in Whole Foods and in the region. I became known as the legal HR coordinator. So they were kind of hiding this fact. I did that for two years and I am really honored that I had that because to work in a region and shoulder to shoulder with the people, I now know as general counsel when I ask somebody to do something what it feels like to get that request, what they really have to do to implement something.
Q. Did you move from Wheaton?
I commuted downtown to Lincoln Park everyday and that region covers what we call "Ontario to Omaha." So we had Wisconsin, we had Toronto, we didn't have anything in Vancouver then, but we had all of Michigan. It was a big territory, a large region and it's grown even beyond there. After two years, I was "discovered." I actually had written a memo here to our CFO and to John, our CEO, and as well to another member of the executive team. I saw something that concerned me that was a risk to the company and it was a case that I believed needed to be evaluated. I was handling it on behalf of the region with outside counsel.
Q. Did this matter concern an employee, a supplier, a contract?
No, it was basically a case we had acquired in an acquisition. It had the potential to be a multi-million dollar case. I guess if you want the success story, we brought it to zero. All of a sudden, an optimistic, "Who are you?"
Q. Did you settle it?
Well, eventually, with the insurance company because it wanted them to exit. It was a battle, litigation you know it is our brand, but their wallet. You really have to walk the fine line and be in a really good relationship with our insurers. So that we have that kind of valued relationship, we work together and we did in this case and fought really hard to be able to get what we wanted. At one point, they wanted to do something different than we did, which happens from time to time.
Q. So this is when they really "discovered" you?
"Who are you and come talk to us in Austin." So I did and became general counsel. That was in 2000.
Q. How long did that take after you moved to Austin? Was it automatic?
No, I interviewed for the position. Before that, there were no lawyers, only outside counsel. They offered me the job within a couple of days.
Q. Were you married at that time?
Yes, my husband and I celebrated our 18th anniversary.
Q. So was he on board?
He loved it. It is interesting because I have been coming down to Austin since this is the international/global headquarters. I got him down here right away and showed him Austin and in a way I knew he would love it. It was summer, triple digit temperatures, when we moved here. I will never forget because I called my mother and I said, "I think Gap T-shirts are thinner down here, because I am wearing one from Chicago and I am hot." She said, "Honey, get used to it." So anyway, I was the only lawyer in the company for quite awhile, so I developed an outside counsel team making it seem to be an in-house counsel team.
Q. How many attorneys do you have with you now?
Now there are five. There are twelve people on my team; we have paralegals and support personnel and combined, they are a powerhouse. Every single one of them is great.
Q. How many of them are female?
I should know this off the top of my head, let's see we've got.... You mean attorneys or who we have on the team?
Q. Starting with attorneys and then overall employees.
We have a lot of women; Alicia, Carol, Sarah (is not an attorney, but an administrator - a contract administrator) and a paralegal. It is kind of half and half.
Q. How about upper level management?
We have quite a few. Our CFO is a woman, Glenda. Our Vice President of Investor Relations is a woman (Cindy), as is our head of Quality Standards (Margaret Wittenberg). We have another Global Vice President who is part of Growth and Business Development (Betsy Foster). I work with her a lot in mergers and acquisitions.
Q. Is this a conscious effort to bring on more women?
More so in recent years especially on the Regional President side; those who are in charge of the region. So we have two Regional Presidents out of twelve who are women now: one in the Northeast which constitutes a tri-state area (Manhattan) and another in Boston.
Q. And the pay scale? If you were to compare the pay scale of Whole Foods with that of another Multi-National Corporation (MNC), what would be the result?
Our women are paid equivalently to the men. However, I think that while we try to be close to market practices, we have a reputation for paying less. Certainly that is true with respect to this team, but one of the things that frankly is the offset here is that if you work here, the benefits and that you are working for a mission-driven company that actually does what we say we do is the offset. You are not paid certainly as much as a law firm and you are probably not paid as much as you can make in a corporation in Chicago, but there are these other factors to consider.
Q. Let me throw a few irons in the pot here and play a little bit of a devil's advocate. A recent Wall Street Journal op ed written by John Mackey has created quite a stir. In fact, there has been a call for somewhat of a national boycott of Whole Foods. I just wanted to elicit your perspective on statements that were printed with respect to new health care legislation. Mackey stated with respect to ensuring that all American citizens had access to health care that the discussion should rather be "that every American adult is responsible for his or her own health."
What I can comment with respect to John's statements to the Wall Street Journal is to quote what he said: "I didn't realize it would generate that level of response." I think the Wall Street Journal said that it was the most responded to op ed piece in its history, which he didn't expect. It really did bring people out in a big polarizing issue and he was not intending to speak on behalf of the company, per se. He is very passionate about certain things and is not afraid to talk about them when he is asked to do so.
Q. And what about the cost of products of Whole Foods?" Why are the locations of the stores situate in relatively wealthy areas where the poor have no access nor financial means to partake of its products? How can poor people - with respect to Mackey's statement that people can control their health problems such as diabetes, heart disease, with better diets - come to fruition without this type of financial and geographical access?
I think there are a lot of questions within what you just said and I think that John is certainly not against healthcare. We have some enormously generous benefits within this company and I think that what John - and I am not going to put words in his mouth - but from conversations that I have had with folks about this topic - not just within the company - is that the piece that sometimes gets lost is self-responsibility for one's healthcare rather than the government paying for a plan that is supposed to be for everyone. I think that our healthcare plan reflects that and I don't know how much you have read about our healthcare plan ahead of time. It really has changed the way we spend our dollars personally for healthcare.
Q. But with so many families, it is a cyclical thing. So many people are embedded in certain lifestyles due to limited resources and education. It's hard to break out. Many have no choice.
I really shouldn't comment much more on what John put in his op ed piece; it's his personal viewpoint. I think that one of the things that is going to be announced in January (2010) is our Healthy Eating Initiative and John has made mention of this publically. It does address one of the other issues that you brought up a moment ago which is educating team members and customers about the value of healthy eating and changing your diet.
Q. But without the financial resources...
I am saying "everyone" because you don't need to be wealthy to eat well, you really don't.
Q. So if you are just educating your customers and your employees, how do you deliver this message to poverty-stricken areas right outside our back doors?
I understand that. I think that is something that we will have to evolve over time. We know that for any initiative to be successful at Whole Foods Market, we have to start with the people that serve you in the store. If they aren't experiencing the value of healthy eating, then they are not going to be able to articulate it to you. So that is who we start with always. It's a learning process. For example, we talked about this foundation a little bit ago, and we have a number of projects in countries where we provide products. Our team members have said, "How about this area in the United States? Helping people there?" So they become the inspiration for us to start more of these outreach programs in the US.
Q. With what the company already does with local farmers in terms of purchasing their produce and encouraging them to with compost could be spread across the country. If the farmers then start bringing some of their produce to a farmer's market in the middle of places, like Gary and Newark, then there would be a healthy alternative to the local 7-11. In this way, the loop would be closed.
I can say right now those are all things that we talk about. I can't say that this is first and foremost on our growth and business development plan as we have to generate a return on investment as a publically traded company to be able to make those stores viable. However, I can say that we are always thinking of new ways to implement our mission and the Healthy Eating Initiative is going to be one that will benefit a lot of people. We shifted America's thinking, I think, about how people perceive and purchase organic produce over the last 31 years. I think the next thing we are going to do is really help educate people and will find ways to do that because I think those ideas will come from our team member base and population on how to plan outreach programs for people that don't currently walk into our stores in Lincoln Park or Austin or Manhattan or even Omaha, Nebraska. It will definitely have a web presence but that doesn't address, and I am very sensitive to this, the single mom with eight kids who is probably not sitting there on the Internet because there is no Internet. However, the people that she talks to in Social Services have access.
Q. So really government workers at all levels need to be trained in this way.
It really goes back down to our roots...who we are. It reminds me of that little co-op, natural food store I had in South Bend, Indiana near Notre Dame. What I did everyday was to teach people about whole foods, whole grains, things I was cooking everyday in that store. You don't know how to make brown rice; well, now we have come full circle. Back in 1974 when I was doing that, people really didn't know how to cook brown rice, and they have forgotten again, and so we are going to show them again. Teach them what kale is and how delicious it can be and how these nutrient-dense foods can make a difference in your life. It doesn't have to be expensive...brown rice is not expensive.
Q. As the only industrialized nation that does not have a government-run, national healthcare system, it seems ironic that Whole Foods is now working in the UK and Canada that do have it. Could we at least have a government subsidy or tax credit incentive that would assist Whole Foods to open up stores in low-income regions? Or is Mr. Mackey simply opposed to any type of government presence?
I don't think he is anti-government. I think that John's frustration with the legal system is known to no one better than I, but I think that the reality of the situation is that every business has to operate within a certain framework to achieve its goals with integrity. The end result is that John believes that through conscious capitalism, and I do too, that you can have a business with a purpose that can do good in the world and still make money. The way that you have to do that is you have to honor all of the stakeholders. Through that then you have empowerment of the team members and are really honoring the customer as well as your vendor relationships. Empowering those team members...remember, they are the ones that come up with some of the best ideas that we have ever done at Whole Foods Market. They are the ones who will help move this forward. This is because they will have lived in Gary or they will have someone who has passed from an illness and they are really passionate about it. I have seen it happen again and again as general counsel and working in the region side by side...it is inspiring.
Q. Turning to the topic of sustainability. Are you looking at furnishing your stores with the food that with will empower the local community, that is, are you trying to buy locally?
Absolutely, local involvement has been a huge mission for us for quite awhile. The decentralized model really empowers the regions to look for local products and we do that more and more. We also have a producer loan program where we will help folks who are local producers or producers for the company that might need a bigger greenhouse or they might need to somehow enhance their businesses to make them better, to make them greener, to make them meet our quality standards, and we have a whole loan program in place for their benefit.
Q. So this affects more than just the agribusiness; it appears to be aimed at the whole global farmer family. So by working with local farmers, buying their organically-grown produce, what Whole Foods is essentially doing is more than conducting a business transaction; it is educating the farmer about the cessation of using toxins which seep into our aquifers and the use of organic fertilizers. Would that be an adequate representation of what Whole Foods does locally?
Our new Dedham store it really exciting. We were just talking about it last week with our national leadership team. It has the potential to be our first store to be 100% sustainable. It is going to provide its own energy; it is going to be solar. It is in Dedham, Massachusetts and that information is on our website. You know we already use wind power. We have a coordinator who is of this; she is part of the green initiative team. It really helps the store understand not only the return on investment for being greener, but how it can use innovative ways to make their stores - and their distributors - have less of a footprint.
We are really serious about this. You know Michael Pollan really had some factual inaccuracies about Whole Foods Market. John challenged him to a debate and it was held in Berkley, California, the year before last. They had to move the venue because so many people showed up. Here was a CEO of a grocery company and Michael Pollan, a journalist, debating. I think there were 3,500 people who attended. You can actually see it on the web; there are excerpts from it...it is fascinating. John did a great job, Michael did a really great job and we all took something away from that debate. When John speaks about something he is really passionate about from his heart, he is such a visionary and so open; we all took a lot of things away from that and learned a lot. He is not entrenched in his thinking but is always open to new ideas, new suggestions. The great thing about John is that he does speak from the heart most of the time, I would say, with rare exception. You don't have to guess what he is thinking.
Q. What prompted him to enter into this type of business?
He wanted an opportunity for people to understand what healthy eating is and to put this to practice. Starting here in Austin, Texas in a really small way, he decided to start the great experiment which was Whole Foods. And look how far we have come.