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|Rediff India Abroad Home | All the sections
Bullish on Bihar: Go East, young man!
October 31, 2003
As someone who believes in economic cycles, I have become a believer in Bihar. If only for the negative thought that Bihar couldn't possibly get any worse. The news from the state is depressing indeed: caste wars, young men kidnapped and forcibly wed because of unreasonably high dowry demands, the clowning of Laloo Prasad Yadav (this generation's answer to the late lamented Raj Narain), highway robbery, you name it.
So much so that 'Bihari' has come to be seen in some circles as an insult. I was told by an acquaintance of the situation, he, a Malayali, experienced in college days in Bangalore. The Hindi folks would refer to him, without malice, as a 'Madrasi,' which irritated him. He just loved being reduced to a stereotype, especially when he had absolutely nothing to do with Madras. Then he hit upon an ingenious solution: he began referring to Northerners as 'Biharis.' They would get very upset, and would attempt to tell him they were... whatever else, but not Biharis.
My friend would feign ignorance, and launch into this whole speech: "I know in the North there are Punjabis and Biharis. You are not Punjabis, because you don't have turbans and beards. Therefore you must be Biharis, no?" He would beam, clearly proud of his watertight logic. Obviously, he never 'got it' about non Punjabi non Biharis. He must have made his point though, for they stopped calling him 'Madrasi.'
But what struck me is the disgust and disdain most people have for Bihar. This, I think, is unfair and disregards the illustrious history of the state. For after all, the very name 'Bihar' comes from the Buddha vihara; and Bihar, with Magadha and Pataliputra, was the very center of the glittering Buddhist civilisation of 2,000�years ago.
The great university of Nalanda was there, too. So clearly, this land was one of the most civilised in the world for a thousand years, till roughly 1200 CE. And I personally see no reason why it cannot revive itself and reclaim its lost glory.
After the drying up of the Saraswati following an earthquake circa 1900 BCE, the people of the Indus Saraswati civilisation seem to have migrated eastwards to the Gangetic plain and re-established their culture there in the land around the Ganga and the Brahmaputra.
There must have been sufficient water, for this is perhaps the biggest requirement for agrarian civilisations: the ability to produce an agricultural surplus which can then be used for other activities like architecture, art, literature, trade, and, alas, warfare. See my old columnThe River Sutra.
Furthermore, then as now, Bihar had a treasure trove of metals and minerals that would have been exploitable and tradable.
So what has happened to Bihar since the heyday of the Mauryas and Guptas? Cyclical decline for sure. Further, it was the ill effects of colonisation and brutalisation. For, when Alauddin Khilji sacked Nalanda circa 1200 CE, beheading every one of the Buddhist monks he found, and burning the great library to the ground, it had the effect of erasing civilisation there: it was one of the greatest cultural crimes ever committed. The poignant story,The Last Lesson at Nalanda, (The Indian Express, September 18, 2003) captures this perfectly.
The European colonists were not so bad at rapine either. They destroyed the forests, cutting down much of the old growth; they turned much of the coal and iron belt into dangerous, inhuman mines where men's lives were worth nothing; they took over and destroyed the waterways that had guarded the populace against El Nino droughts and resulting famines for hundreds of years. Now some of these canals are being rebuilt painfully, bringing the elixir of life back. See the article This Diwali, heart of darkness is bright and shining (The Indian Express, October 25, 2003.)
With their culture and civilisation lost, their very survival dependent on the vagaries of monsoons, Biharis essentially reverted to an uncivilised existence. Nothing has happened for a couple of centuries to improve matters.
Nothing in particular is happening now, either. But it is in the nature of things that there will be ups and downs. As a contrarian, and because it appears as though Bihar has reached its nadir and couldn't possibly decline any further, I predict that Bihar can only go up. And that trajectory may be very quick.
In case you think casteism in Bihar is its biggest challenge, I present you with Exhibit A: Kerala. A hundred years ago, Swami Vivekananda was so appalled by Kerala's rigid and unbelievably cruel caste system that he called it a lunatic asylum. Today it is by any measure the most egalitarian part of India. If Kerala can do it, why can't Bihar?
Similarly, if you don't believe things can change overnight, consider Exhibit B: Calcutta and West Bengal. This dowager of a city, once upon a time elegant even under the colonial heel, and a center of industrial prowess, has been converted in a very short period of fifty years into a disaster area where there are no jobs or even hope.
The lush Bengali countryside, once the engine of the Indian economy, producing at least 12 per cent of the world's entire industrial output (yes, far more than California does now!) has been ravaged by twin scourges: the colonists and the Old Left.
On the other hand, let us look at my beloved South in terms of the economic boom. As a contrarian, I will go against the grain. Without in any way putting it down, I think there is overexposure and excessive hype about the South, for example in The Telegraph of October 27, 2003: Software South Steals March Over 'Sick' States.
Yes, the South is on the ascendant. Some of this can be attributed to good management. Chandrababu Naidu is a marketing wizard, who also has a great deal of substance and sincerity. S M Krishna is doing much better than his dull, inept predecessors. J Jayalalithaa has curbed her tendencies for excess, and her second incarnation is doing amazingly well for Tamil Nadu. A K Antony in Kerala is doing a terrific job despite backbiting and intrigue from fellow Congressman K Karunakaran.
But let's look at the downsides as well. In Andhra Pradesh, development is essentially confined to Hyderabad and Secunderabad. I have to admit they have done a masterful job there. When I went there recently after many years, I was simply astonished that a grimy medieval city had been transformed so much in such a short time.
And it is true that good governance has brought dividends to some parts of the state. But in the vast hinterland, especially Telengana and the drought prone interior, things still need to improve a lot. The plight of Andhra farmers who commit mass suicide now and then, and the fact that the barbaric Maoists still have some support in rural areas, both underline the long haul ahead. While e-governance has improved things, and there is a refreshing can do attitude, life is still grim for rural people.
In Karnataka, once again development seems to be confined to the Bangalore region and to some extent Mysore and Mangalore; in general, southern regions of the state. The vast, arid, interior northern parts of the state have not gained anything from the infotech boom. The real Deccan plateau of giant boulders and reddish laterite is still plodding along in the 19th century while Bangalore has zoomed into the 21st.
While Bangalore is still extremely pleasant -- it is by far my favourite city in India -- and it has become quite cosmopolitan and globalised, there is also increasing pollution, stress, and crime. Old timers tell me that the weather has become much harsher, rush hour is choking the roads, and life has become unpleasantly fast.
Tamil Nadu has done an exceptional job in attracting automobile majors to the outskirts of Chennai; and Madurai, Tiruchirappalli and especially Coimbatore are all thriving. Despite its dependably atrocious weather, Chennai has become a more appealing city with better restaurants and shopping.
But then there is Salem district where large numbers of female babies have been murdered because of poverty. Arid coastal districts, such as Tirunelveli, have not shared in the rising fortunes of Chennai. The lack of water is a major problem all over Tamil Nadu, as demonstrated by persistent acrimony over the meager flow in the Kaveri.
And finally there is Kerala. It has squandered its many assets in infighting and political extremism; Kerala is a money order economy. Behind the misleading facade, there is economic deprivation. When the Gulf boom ends, as it inevitably will shortly, Kerala will be hard pressed to survive on nothing more than its good looks and charm: can tourism and ayurveda and backwaters sustain 30 million avid consumers?
I hasten to reiterate that I say this about the South as an avid Southerner. It is good that the South is getting good marketing, but I wish to point out that it is not as though Bihar is so completely behind the curve that they can never catch up. No need to give up.
If I were a young and adventurous person, I would head out to the badlands of Bihar, figure out the corridors where growth is most likely to happen, and invest there. But being older and less brave, I merely advise others to do so. In the medium term, meaning in the next 20 years, Bihar will be a success story.
For Diwali, belatedly, here is a song for all exiles, voluntary and otherwise. Vikram Seth's wonderful poem has always affected me powerfully.
For me, though, it's not the Raag Malwa, it is the half heard melody of a rough rustic voice singing a capella a Bhakti hymn from Manikkavachakar (as in G Aravindan's masterpiece Chidambaram).
It is looking out my window in Kerala and seeing a host of dragonflies silhouetted against the deep green of coconut leaves and the lighter green of tamarind and neem, and remembering the souls waiting to be reborn buzzing about as dragonflies on the rock out at sea in M Mukundan's On the banks of the Mayyazhi River.
Rest then, disquieted heart!
Thanks to this web site where I found the poem:
DIWALI --- Vikram Seth
Three years of neurotic
Home. These walls, this sky
These streets, these voices...yet
Five? Six? generations ago
And two generations later
English! Six-armed god,
English: beloved language
The Moghuls fought and ruled
The land assumed their love.
How could an Englishman say
Macaulay the prophet of learning
And Kalidas, Shankaracharya,
The undigested Hobbes,
O happy breed of Babus,
And I twist along
And as we title our memoirs
And we import songs
And as, over gin at the Club,
I know that the whole world
Huddled in towns, while around:
"The landlord's hirelings broke
When I am old? No-one
That sun that, were there water,
Yet would these parched wraiths still
This may as well be my home.
This could well be my home;
Its phases: the winter wheat-
The first smell of the Rains
What if my tongue is warped?
And when an alap of Marwa
It holds me-till the strain
"But freedom?" the notes would sing...
Give your soul leave to feel
"The world is a bridge. Pass over it,


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Please see below, for your use and promotion in your parishes, websites and on social media, a pdf A5 designed version of Marriage is Important – Reflect before you change it, which was published during the Spring 2015 General Meeting of the Irish Episcopal Conference.
The statement will also be made available in this format in the Irish and Polish languages.
PDF version: 'Marriage is Important – Reflect before you change it'
Catholic Communications Office
Irish Catholic Bishops' Conference, Columba Centre, Maynooth, Co Kildare
Tel: 00 353 1 5053000
Fax: 00 353 1 6016413
Email: email@example.com
Website: www.catholicbishops.ie

subset: commoncrawl


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Wednesday, October 19, 2016
WB Oscar Alleyne To Speak at Lodge Vitruvian in Indianapolis 10/25
Lodge Vitruvian 767 is Indiana's only "European Concept" lodge, featuring limited membership, brief meetings, formal dress, fine feasts, and the celebration of Masonic learning.
The final stated meeting of the lodge for 2016 will be next Tuesday, October 25th, opening at 7:00 PM in the Temple of Broad Ripple Lodge 643, at 1716 Broad Ripple Avenue, on the north side of Indianapolis, IN.
Our traditional Festive Board will follow at Capri Ristorante, located at 2602 Ruth Drive in Indianapolis (just off Keystone Avenue, between 71st and 75th Streets). Attendees are responsible for the cost of their meals.
Our guest speaker for the evening will be Dr. Elquemedo Oscar Alleyne who will discuss the topic of Clandestine Freemasonry, and relate his own experiences as a former member of a clandestine lodge. Since his early introduction to the fraternity, he has since gone on to serve twice as Master of Wappingers Lodge 671 under the Grand Lodge of New York F&AM. He is a Director of The Masonic Society, a well respected and widely published researcher and author, and an extraordinarily active and enthusiastic Mason - on top of an incredible professional career in public health management.
At Vitruvian we believe in formal dress for our members. While it is the internal and not the external parts of Man that Masonry regards, dressing in tuxedo and white gloves is actually a great leveler in a lodge - who can then say who is the banker, the bricklayer, the Ph.D. professor or the plumber? Visitors are requested to wear tuxedo or business attire.
Unfortunately, the mundane business of grand lodge requirements will lengthen this meeting slightly, as our elections must be held that evening. However, it is always our best intention to dispense with our actual meetings in under an hour, so we will accomplish this as quickly as possible in order to get to Capri in a timely fashion.
Reservations are not required, but would be deeply appreciated. Please visit the event page HERE.
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As a photographer, you are bound to a frame, 3 x 2. Painters can change canvas size, poets can decide to not do rhymes, and singers can switch from rock to country. Photographers are bound to their frame. Learning to lay with this rule is an incredible opportunity for creativity. Another difference between painters and photographers, is that the former choose what they paint while the later must compose with what is given to them.
Here's how.
Frame dynamics
I call this one creating movement within the static frame, looking for diagonals, fleeting lines. There is intention in this picture of Washington, the angle and the strong lines exploding out of the frame, pointing towards the future.
Frame shapes
Vertical and horizontal, for sure. But also panoramic and, why not, square! In this picture, I liked the duck and the flower in the background but cropped it on the left was part of another duck that crept into the frame when I pressed the shutter.
Find the image hidden inside a section of your image. When I took this picture, of the guitar on my photo walk with Zanna, I did not crop enough. Take a look at how cropping it in Lightroom makes a difference.
Filling the frame
You may want to leave the frame empty (see Placement, next) but please, ensure that your subject is obvious within the frame, not lost in space. These cyclists at the Montreal Grand Prix are clearly the subject.
Sure, the rule of third comes to mind, but what about negative space, or choosing to purposely place the subject way off center as in this Roman "solider" taken overhead from the Coliseum in Roma.
Horizon placement
Think of what you want to show and how much you want to show of a given landscape. Here, my intent was the storm above the Tampa bay. You need not see lots of water to figure it out; this is why I decided to lower the horizon.
Frame within a frame
A classic which, if not overdone, works every time. Here, from under the arches, a picture of the Sienna Duomo in Italy.


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How Auctions Work
by Chad Shahan
I remember feeling a little bit intimidated the first time I attended a live auction. I couldn't understand what the auctioneer was saying. There was no catalog, whatever sold next they just picked out of the pile, it was unorganized and hard to follow. We strive to make our auctions; well-organized, fun and entertaining. Auctions are a great way to buy and sell all kinds of merchandise. Also, a much better option than garage or estate sales where proximity to the location might limit your attendance of buyers. As professional auctioneers, we have an obligation to sellers, to bring them the most money we can for their merchandise. The best prices, sometimes record prices are achieved through the competitive auction process. It only takes two bidders that want the same item to drive the price past what an estate sale might bring.
The Auction Process…
It starts weeks ahead of time, with a call from someone needing to sell their merchandise. Merchandise can include: Real Estate, Personal Property, Vehicles, Motorcycles, Household & Homestead, Storage, Vintage & Antique Collectables, Business Inventory, Commercial Equipment, Farm Equipment, Recreational Vehicles, Heavy Equipment and occasionally Firearms. We accept quality consignments of these things. Yep! Auction Service receives a small commission based upon the final sold price.
Each item is labeled, photographed and inventoried using auction software. Depending upon the size of the estate consignment, Yep! Auction Service will either; add the merchandise to an upcoming auction or schedule an onsite live auction at the location where the items are currently stored.
We notify our newsletter subscribers, social media platforms, including market to the local and surrounding areas. The information sent out includes; Date/Time of Auction, Location of Auction, Date/Time of Inspection & Pickup, Terms of Auction, Gallery of the items(lots).
The Auction Inspection...
This is a time scheduled before the auction that allows buyers to come and inspect/preview the merchandise. The reason for this is because everything is sold As-Is Where-Is. This means that there are no guarantees to the accuracy of description, authenticity or condition of the items being sold. Unlike Ebay, you get to come out and inspect the items condition, no surprises. This preview is also a great time to register as a bidder for the auction. You will need to sign the auction terms agreement; please have Identification ready to receive a bid card at this time. Keep the bid card; you need it to bid in the Live Auction.
The Live Auction...
The items/lots are sold to the highest bidder one at a time and in a predefined order. The inventory system that we use makes the whole auction process faster; we can sell about 100 items an hour. The first item is presented; the items description and lot # are read aloud. The auctioneer asks for an opening-bid amount and then works down until someone opens the bidding. Example: "Who would start the bidding at $100,50, 25, 10, 5?….5 is bid, now 10?, 10 is bid, now 15?" In this example $5 started the bidding and the increment stayed at $5. The auctioneer will ask for the next bid amount in increments. However, increments can be other amounts like: $2.50, $5, $10, $25, $100, etc. Bidders raise their bid card to bid. Put your bid card up only when you want to bid and when you are the high bidder so that your bid card # may be read by the auctioneer. The auctioneer says, "sold out", "amount","bidder #", the clerk logs this information and moves onto the next item.
Timed Online Auctions...
This auction has a designated time that bidding begins and a time that the first lot begins to close. The time between can be days or weeks leading up to the auction closing, but most of the bidding happens within the last five minutes. Bids that are cast within the last minute of an auction item closing usually extend the auction by a pre-specified amount of time. This insurers fair bidding, best prices achieved and convenience for bidders.
Things To Remember...
It's okay to ask if you are the high bidder; sometimes it gets confusing.
The items you were high bidder on will need to be paid for before they are released to you. You may pick up merchandise after it is paid for unless it interferes with the auction. Credit Card, Cash, Pre-Authorized Checks, Pre-Authorized Wire Transfer are acceptable payment methods. It is the buyers responsibility to read the Terms of Auction for every Auction, as the terms do change.
We offer catalogs for bidder's convenience. They can take a break and come back and join the action when the next item that they are interested in bidding on comes up, because everything is sold in the order on the catalog.
A good auctioneer is entertaining, efficient, easy to understand and includes everybody in the sale.
There is usually a buyer's fee called a "premium" added to the auction sale price and applicable sales tax. Yep! Auction service makes no guarantee of the accuracy of merchandise descriptions, you are responsible for inspecting all merchandise before sale.
Thanks For Exploring Yep! Auction Service.
Call or email if we can help at:
Chad and Allison Shahan


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If you take your recycling to large communal bins, over the next few months, you may notice new, more secure locks appearing on the recycling bins that you use.
Why do we need locks on recycling bins?
Most residents are very careful to ensure that the right things go into the right bins. Unfortunately though, some bins still do get items put into them that can't be recycled in Lewisham- black bin bags being one of the biggest culprits!
The new locks will prevent the whole lid from being opened, making the dumping of non recycling items like filled black sacks, much more difficult. Lids will remain the same, most of them with slots which can be lifted so that acceptable recyclable items such as cartons & tins (rinsed of any food), empty aerosols, clothing, glass and folded card and paper can be placed through.
If you live on an estate and use communal recycling facilities, you should get a leaflet through your door soon to tell you more about this. There is also a competition which you can enter to win a shopping voucher- so keep an eye out for it on your door mat!
If you need any more information about what you can place into your recycling bin, please visit our website www.lewisham.gov.uk/recycling . If you want to know more about the bin locks, please email email@example.com or firstname.lastname@example.com


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Briefing: Create a corporative space, stylish and enjoyable for intelligent persons. The aim of Vintage and Cofee for Music is offer their clients a place to disconnect a moment, enjoying a world full of experiences and new tastes.
Solution: The interior of Vintage and Cofee for Music shows that a corporative space is not always even to a space without hallmark and alike a cold franchise. Through vivid colors combined with noble materials and industrials, an enjoyable and relaxed atmosphere is created to disconnect a moment from busy life. The use of the trademark for everything exanched in the space creates an added value for the brand.
Interior design


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Fair warning to readers, I'm going to break my normal restriction on length for this first post because I have a story that is important for our Party to hear again. Throughout history, communities have created identities and passed on understanding through stories. This isn't the full story, but it contains important truths that need to be retold because they have been forgotten by many in our Party.
Seven years ago this week, I was praying about whether I should leave my job on the Hill to help start the first Democratic consulting firm focused on faith outreach. A few weeks earlier, John Kerry's former faith director, Mara Vanderslice, had approached me about joining her in this new venture, and it was time for both of us to decide if we were going to take a leap of faith together.
To set the stage, Democrats were reeling from the Kerry loss and stung by the fact that in 2004, being a weekly church attendence was just as good an indicator someone would vote for Bush as being a registered Republican. Democratic leaders saw a problem at the same time as a new crop of Democratic candidates were emerging who had a strong and authentic faith that truly shaped who they were. They wanted to talk about their faith and wanted to engage their fellow believers. The catch was that Democrats didn't have much of a clue how to go about doing it in a campaign context. Whether by blind luck or Providence, Mara and I launched Common Good Strategies in that moment when Democrats were seeking to reengage with average voters and get back to articulating the values that define who we are as Democrats.
Mara and I had a lot of ideas but two core founding principles. First, we knew this work would not succeed unless it was done authentically and from a place of religious humility. There was not a one-size-fits-all approach to what we did. We committed early that we would only work for candidates who had an authentic desire to engage the faith community. And when we talked about faith, it was in the context of how faith informed our values rather than trying to tell people what God wanted or how Christians should vote.
And second, we believed it was possible to align what was right with what worked politically. We rejected the notion that faith in politics required some sort of Faustian bargain, which meant we also rejected the idea that the only way to win was to sell out. We recognized the need to respect the rules and limitations of politics, but we believed that not only was it possible to align what was right with what worked politically but that doing so was the most effective way to bring about lasting and meaningful change.
And so with those stars to guide us and a lot of enthusiasm, I left my job on the Hill working for a mentor in Democratic faith and politics, Rep. David Price, and joined Mara in the trenches of Democratic communications and outreach work. As I said, we hit the historical sweet spot and before we knew it, we were in senior positions on five Senate and Governor's races, consulting for the Democratic Senate Campaign Committee, and working for three state parties and a number of House candidates.
It was an incredible, scary, wonderful experience…and we learned a lot. We developed the "listening meeting" model for pastor engagement, which was pretty radical at the time. Rather than bringing politicians in to talk at congregations and pastors, we asked pastors to host small roundtable meetings where we and our candidates asked them questions and mostly listened to what the pastors had to say. It created a completely different dynamic and opened new doors that would have been impossible under the more traditional bi-directional townhall or short (and in my view, inappropriate) address by the candidate to a congregation during worship.
The listening meetings were a huge success. In 2006, we met with over 300 pastors and priests in small group (less than 10-people) listening meetings. We lost count of the number of pastors who said they and their congregations were always hearing from Republicans but this was the first time a Democrat had ever reached out to them. We created massive pastor and lay-leader networks from scratch in OH, MI, PA, KS, and NC. And we developed trusting and real relationships–with perhaps the best example being when a group of white, pro-life, traditional marriage pastors agreed to draft the preamble to the Michigan Democratic Party platform, which is still in use today.
In Pennsylvania, our lists enabled us to send a mailing to every Catholic priest in the state less than 24-hours after Catholic parish parking lots were fliered by Republicans during Mass. In response to our letter asking that priests ensure worship wasn't used by anonymous groups to bear false witness in pursuit of political power, most priests made an announcement the following Sunday (two days before the election) condemning the fliers and those behind them. A number of priests even went as far to share Bob Casey's faith and values brochure with their congregation the Sunday before the election to ensure their parishioners got to hear from both sides.
As successful as the outreach programs were in '06, the reason these programs worked so well was that our campaigns did not view faith as a constituent group. Our work was integrated into the communication and macro-strategy aspects of the campaigns as well.Our candidates ran ads on Christian radio specifically tailored to connect with those audiences. They spoke at faith gatherings and Christian colleges. They included faith media in their press releases. And in all of that, the candidates and campaigns became much more comfortable and adept at articulating their values. They sounded the same when they spoke to faith audiences and the general public. And what they said resonated with both religious and secular voters because our candidates weren't citing chapter and verse but clearly articulating their values.
So often Democrats focus on WHAT we'll do and WHAT policies we support. Our candidates spent most of their time talking about WHY they supported those policies and WHY they were running. And voters care much more about the WHY than the WHAT.
At the same time we were working on the campaign side, there was a huge growth of progressive faith non-profits and other efforts, like FaithfulDemocrats.com (which launched in 2006), that all played a key role in helping change the national discourse and till the soil that allowed the Democratic faith outreach to flourish.
The results of all of these new strategies and converging efforts were pretty amazing. When the votes were counted after the '06 election, the candidates we'd worked with did a whopping 20 points better with white protestants than Democrats on average, and in a year where Democrats made major national gains with Catholics (in large part because of the national attention many of our Catholic candidates received), our candidates still did 7 points better with Catholics than the average Democrat.
And that got people's attention! The state programs we'd started in '06 were expanded, and both the Clinton and Obama campaigns made faith and values a central part of their strategy, dedicating resources and senior staff to these programs. In '08, Common Good Strategies was subsumed by the Eleison Group, which soon became the lead consultant for the DCCC's "Red to Blue" program, working with over 30 Democratic candidates running in Republican districts. Again, Democrats achieved huge success. Obama made major gains with Catholics and evangelicals, and states that implemented robust faith outreach and messaging programs saw even greater pick-ups.
If this was a fairy tale, I'd stop there with a "And they all lived happily ever after." But history is different from stories in that it continues. Key characters move on into other stories, and new ones are added. Challenges change. And even the best intentioned efforts and people will make mistakes at some point. This story is no different. For various reasons, Democrats stopped doing the things on campaigns that had worked so well for them and put them in power. Most of the faith programs were shuttered, and investments in communication, staff, and political outreach disappeared in '09-'10.
The result is that we now find ourselves in much of the same place we did in 2005. We face major challenges and deficits in how voters view Democrats when it comes to faith. The majority don't even believe our President is a Christian. The good news is that the reason has much less with what Democrats have done, and definitely isn't a result of what we believe, and is mostly a result of what we haven't done: we've stopped engaging with and communicating to America's faithful.
But perhaps the best news is that unlike 2005, we know what works and have a number of resources we did not then. We have lists of tens of millions of evangelical and Catholic voters in swing states. We have lists of all the Christian radio stations, relationships with key faith leaders, and an underfunded but much more robust progressive faith non-profit sector. We have a wealth of experience and very good people in small faith desks at the DNC and Obama campaign.
The night after Kerry's loss, I wrote a memo that I turned into my first post on FaithfulDemocrats.com. For better or worse, it is a message that Democrats need to relearn. We have to actively engage faith and values voters if we're going to win back the governing majorities we need to move this country forward. To do so, we should not seek to be the Religious Left or fear that engaging in this work will require us to twist faith in the same way the other side often does. Democrats are the Party of the Second Great Commandment. Our policies are about love of neighbor. But if we want to get credit for those policies and win the trust of voters to enact them, we can't be seen as being against the First and greatest commandment: Loving God.
Those were the words I used when I was part of the original launch of FaithfulDemocrats in '06, and they are good ones to use as FaithfulDemocrats starts this new phase of its existence with Patheos. I never could have imagined all the great things ahead when we started this work six years ago, and I can't wait to see what's next as we start again now.


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Mr. Freeze Plagues BATMAN: ARKHAM ORIGINS in Launch Trailer for DLC Out Today
Cold, Cold Heart Batman: Arkham Origins DLCCredit: WBIE
Mr. Freeze finally comes to Batman: Arkham Origins today with the new DLC "Cold, Cold Heart." The DLC launches on PSN and Xbox Live for PS3 and Xbox 360 and Steam for PC, and is free to fans who already purchased the Season Pass, $9.99 for ala carte buyers.
"Cold, Cold Heart" takes players through Wayne Manor (fighting as Bruce Wayne), and to the new location of GothCorp with new enemies, new gadgets, and of course Mr. Freeze. Check out the launch trailer below, and download it today!
Twitter activity Tweets by @Newsarama


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It wouldn't be 2013 without ASUS having a few new and great tablets on their way to the market. Last year they launched the Transformer Pad TF300, Transformer Pad Infinity TF700, Nexus 7, and the Padfone 2. All of which sold very well, even though the Padfone 2 never made it to the US. We've already seen a ton of leaks of a $99 ASUS tablet that might be making an appearance in Las Vegas next week, there's now a new leak showing off a 10-inch Tegra 3 tablet with Android 4.1.
You may remember that the Nexus 7 was also listed as the ME370T and their new budget friendly rumored and leaked tablet is the ME172V currently. And now today, we have a brand new model. the ME301T. It is packing some great looking specs for a 10-inch tablet, even though the Tegra 3 is about to be out-of-date when NVIDIA announces the Tegra 4 chip, which will probably be announced at CES or Mobile World Congress. According to the image below the ME301T sports these specs:
- 10-inch 1280×800 HD Display
- 16GB of storage
- 1GB of RAM
- Quad-core Tegra 3 processor
- Android 4.1 – Jelly Bean
So it definitely isn't a refresh of the Nexus 7, since it's not running the latest version of Android. But it's still packing some rather nice specs. Although it is a bit surprising that it's running just 1GB of RAM, when most of the newer devices are coming out with 2GB of RAM, even the new Nexus 4 and Nexus 10 from LG and Samsung respectively. The ME301T is rumored to arrive on February 10 in White, Blue and Fuchsia color options, so I'd definitely expect ASUS to announce it during CES if they plan to have it available in early February.
The leak above shows the device being priced at €308 which works out to be around $499, which ASUS of all people should know that's to much for a tablet. It needs to be in the $200-300 price range with these kind of specs, they are almost identical to the Nexus 7 except for the screen size. Anyway, I'd expect to see this device in Las Vegas next week, and it should work out to be a nice looking device. ASUS has always done well in the tablet market, and I'd expect nothing less from them in 2013.
Who's looking forward to the ME301T? Let us know in the comments what you think.


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When creating a blog you must know upfront that it will take you about an hour to setup when you know all the steps. I do them faster if I have the content and images that I want to include. The beauty of blogs is that you can update them online, as long as you have internet connection. No need for expensive web design software.
You need a visual sitemap to effectively plan ahead. With a visual sitemap, you will see exactly how your structure is developing. You can then have a clear understanding of how to proceed, what to correct or improve, and what areas are best serving your site. A clear overview of the project will prove to be invaluable.


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Tel Aviv
Ramat Hachayal
21B Habrzel St., 5th floor
Tel.: +972 3-726-4483
Have a question for our team? Whether you're interested in working with us, need an expert opinion — or just want to find out more about what we do, we'd love to hear from you.
Select one of iProspect's seasoned leaders or other key members of the team who will be happy to contribute to your event to firstname.lastname@example.com.


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The Constitution of the Association provides for the formation of the District Units in the state. Six district units are already formed in KOTTAYAM , KOZHIKODE ,
The Membership of Keta is open to all traders dealing with electrical goods in Kerala, subject to Byelaws & relevant rules and regulations. We welcome all electrical traders to become members of our
Read More »


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Roundabout Theatre Company, in association with Universal Stage Productions, has announced the first-ever Broadway production of HOLIDAY INN, THE NEW IRVING BERLIN MUSICAL. With music and lyrics by Irving Berlin, Gordon Greenberg and Chad Hodge's new book is inspired by the Academy Award-winning film, Holiday Inn.
The new Irving Berlin Musical will begin preview performances on September 1, 2016, and open officially on October 13, 2016, on Broadway at Studio 54 (254 West 54th Street). This will be a limited engagement.
The new musical features over 20 classic songs from the Irving Berlin catalogue including "Steppin' Out With My Baby," "Shaking the Blues Away," "Easter Parade," "Cheek to Cheek" and "Heat Wave."
HOLIDAY INN, THE NEW IRVING BERLIN MUSICAL tells the story of Jim, who leaves the bright lights of show business behind to settle down on his farmhouse in Connecticut. He quickly discovers life isn't the same without a bit of song and dance. Jim's luck takes a spectacular turn when he meets Linda, a spirited schoolteacher with talent to spare. Together they turn the farmhouse into a fabulous inn with dazzling performances to celebrate each holiday, from Thanksgiving to the Fourth of July. But when Jim's best friend Ted tries to lure Linda away to be his new dance partner in Hollywood, will Jim be able to salvage his latest chance at love?
Roundabout Theatre Company - HOLIDAY INN


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The Mason Highway Department has a dumpster that residents can use to dispose of the trash they collect during road cleanup. Large items and tires should be left beside the dumpster.
The Highway Department is located on Depot Road, and the dumpster is near the gas pump.
Thank you to the volunteers who join the effort to clean up our roads.


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The legislative process at both the federal and state levels has grown exceedingly complex since the framers of our Constitution created the Legislative Branch and much of the processes are unique to each house of Congress and each state. While the primary function of the legislative branch is to make the laws that govern the country, the legislative process itself is rife with rules, formalities, and traditions that have evolved throughout our country's history.
This summary provides the nuts and bolts of the legislative process at the federal level. A more detailed description is available in Thomas: How Our Laws Are Made. For information about the processes at the state level, see the state legislative resources section below.
Sources of Legislation
Proposed drafts of bills originate from a variety of sources, but one of the most common sources is from a member of Congress him or herself. The idea may have come from an election campaign promise or after taking office and becoming aware of the need to amend or repeal an existing law, or enact a new statute.
Constituents, either individuals or citizen groups, are also afforded the right to petition and transmit their proposals to their elected member—a right guaranteed by the First Amendment to the Constitution.
State legislatures may also "memorialize" Congress to enact specified federal laws by passing resolutions to be transmitted to the House and Senate. A member may then introduce the proposal as the State drafted it, or may revise it.
"Executive communication" has increasingly become a prominent source of legislative proposals. A member of the President's Cabinet, the head of an agency, or the President may write a letter to the Speaker of the House of Representatives or the President of the Senate transmitting a draft proposed bill. The communication is then referred to the standing committee or committees with jurisdiction over the subject matter in the proposal. One of the most important and regular executive communications is the annual message from the President transmitting the proposed budget to Congress. This proposal serves as the basis of the several appropriation bills that are drafted by the House Appropriations Committee.
In some cases, a draft bill is the result of a lengthy study by a commission or committee designated by the President or member of the Cabinet. The Administrative Procedure Act is an example of a statute resulting from such a study. Congressional committees also sometimes draft bills after studies and hearings on topics.
If you or your organization has an idea for legislation, contact the offices of your House and Senate representatives and talk to staff assigned to that issue area to see if the Member would be willing to champion your proposal. Relevant committees may also be interested in your ideas. Consider meeting with committee staff (in theHouse or Senate) or individual committee members. If interested, individual member's staff or committee staff will work with you and the Office of Legislative Counsel in either the House or the Senate to draft legislation. See lobbying tips for more information about meeting with congressional members.
Forms of Congressional Action
Congressional Action is initiated by the introduction of a proposal as either a bill, a joint resolution, a concurrent resolution, or a simple resolution. The most common form used in both houses is the bill.
A bill is used for most legislation and may originate in either the House or the Senate, except for bills raising revenue, which must originate in the House. By tradition, general appropriation bills also originate in the House. Bills are tracked by number preceded by either "H.R." (for "House of Representatives") or "S" (for "Senate") depending on its origination. A "companion bill" is a bill introduced in one house of Congress that is similar or identical to a bill introduced in the other house.
A bill that has been agreed to in identical form by both houses becomes law after:
- Presidential approval; or
- failure by the President to return it with objections to the house in which it originated within 10 days while Congress is in session; or
- a presidential veto is overridden by a two-thirds vote in each house.
A bill does not become law without the President's signature if Congress adjourns during the 10-day period the President has to sign a bill. This is known as a "pocket veto."
Joint Resolutions
Joint resolutions may originate in either house. There is little practical difference between a bill and a joint resolution and the two forms are often used interchangeably. One difference in form is that a joint resolution may include a preamble preceding the resolving clause. Statutes that have been initiated as bill have later been amended by a joint resolution and vice versa.
Joint resolutions become law in the same manner as bills, with the exception of proposed amendments to the Constitution. When a joint resolution amending the Constitution is approved by two-thirds of both houses it is not presented to the President for approval. Instead, it is sent to the several states where ratification by the legislatures of three-fourths of the states (within the period of time prescribed in the joint resolution) is necessary for the amendment to become part of the Constitution.
A joint resolution originating in the House of Representatives is designated "H.J. Res." followed by a number and a joint resolution originating in the Senate is designated "S.J. Res." followed by its number.
Concurrent Resolutions
A matter affecting the operations of both houses is usually initiated by a concurrent resolution. Concurrent and simple resolutions normally are not legislative in character and are not "presented" to the President for approval. Instead they are used to express facts, principles, opinions, and purposes of the two houses. The term "concurrent" does not indicate simultaneous introduction in both houses.
A concurrent resolution originating in the House of Representatives is designated "H. Con. Res." followed by a number and a Senate concurrent resolution is designated "S. Con. Res." with a number.
Simple Resolutions
A matter concerning the rules, the operation, or the opinion of either house alone is initiated by a simple resolution. A resolution affecting the House of Representatives is designated "H. Res." followed by its number, while a Senate resolution is designated "S. Res." together with its number. Simple resolutions are considered only by the body in which they were introduced.
The Legislative Process
Introduction and Referral
In the House, any member may introduce a bill at any time the House is in session by placing it in the "hopper," a wooden box located on the side of the rostrum in the House Chamber. No permission is required. The Member introducing the bill is known as the primary sponsor and there may be an unlimited number of Members that cosponsor a bill.
In the Senate, a Senator usually introduces a bill or resolution by presenting it to one of the clerks at the Presiding Officer's desk. A Senator may also use a more formal procedure by standing and introducing the bill or resolution from the floor.
After a measure is introduced it is referred to the appropriate committee. If there is more than one committee with jurisdiction over the issue, it may be referred to multiple committees (see a list of committees in the House and Senate). Each committee's jurisdiction is divided into certain subject matters under the rules of each house and all measures affecting a particular area of the law are referred to the committee with jurisdiction over that particular subject matter.
Consideration by Committee
Perhaps the most important phase of the legislative process is the action by committees. Committees provide the most intensive consideration to a proposed measure and are the primary forum where the public is given an opportunity to be heard.
One of the first actions taken by a committee is to seek the input of the relevant departments and agencies about a bill. Frequently, the bill is also submitted to the General Accounting Office with a request for an official report of views on the necessity or desirability of enacting the bill into law. Reports of the departments and agencies in the executive branch are submitted first to the Office of Management and Budget to determine whether they are consistent with the program of the President.
If the bill is of sufficient importance, the committee may hold a public hearing (link to series) to allow committee members to hear witnesses with various viewpoints on the issue. After hearings are complete, the bill is considered in a session knows as the "mark-up." Members study the measure in detail, amendments may be offered and the committee members vote to accept or reject the changes. Mark-up can take place at the subcommittee level, the full committee level, or both. At the subcommittee level, the committee may vote to report the bill favorably to the full committee, with or without amendment, unfavorably, or without recommendation. The subcommittee may also suggest that the committee "table" the measure or postpone action indefinitely. If the committee votes to report a bill, a Committee Report is written. This report describes the purpose and scope of the measure and the reasons for recommended approval.
The Senate and the House Web sites post the daily schedule of committee meetings and hearings. Hearings for both houses are also posted on Congress.org.
Floor Consideration
Appropriation Riders
Substantive environmental law is often made, and more often attempted, by attaching new environmental restrictions or, more often, eliminating environmental protections, through amendments to appropriation bills. These riders sometimes give agencies discretion to ignore environmental and natural resource statutes, while denying the public the ability to challenge the actions through administrative and judicial channels. An example of a rider is the 1996 salvage timber rider.
Consideration of a measure by the full House or Senate can be a simple or very complex operation. In general, a measure is ready for consideration by the full chamber after it has been reported (reviewed and moved forward) by a committee.
In the House, consideration of a measure may be governed by a "rule." A rule is itself a simple resolution, which must be passed by the House that sets out the particulars of debate for a specific bill—how much time will be allowed for debate, whether amendments can be offered, and other matters.
In the Senate there is unlimited debate and an unlimited opportunity to offer amendments (or riders), relevant or not, to the measure under consideration. The only way for the Senate to terminate extended debate is by unanimous consent, compromise, or pure exhaustion. A cloture is the only procedure by which the Senate can vote to place a time limit on consideration of a bill, but only by a vote of three-fifths of the full Senate. Under normal circumstances, a simple majority of Senators must be present to vote on a measure.
After all debate is concluded and amendments decided upon, the House and Senate vote on final passage. In some cases, a vote to "recommit" the bill to committee is requested. This is usually an effort by opponents to change or table the measure. If the attempt to recommit fails, a vote on final passage is ordered.
Resolving Differences
A bill cannot become law until it has been approved in identical form by both houses of Congress. Once the Senate amends and agrees to a bill that the House has already passed or the House amends and passes a Senate bill, the two houses may begin to resolve their legislative differences by way of a conference committee or through an exchange of amendments between the houses.
If the Senate changes the language of a measure, it must return the measure to the House for concurrence or additional changes. This back-and-forth negotiation may occur on the House floor, with the House accepting or rejecting Senate amendments or complete Senate text. Often a conference committee will be appointed with both House and Senate members to resolve differences. This group will resolve the differences in committee and report the identical measure back to both bodies for a vote. Conference committees also issue reports outlining the final version of the bill.
Final Step
After a measure has been passed in identical form by both the House and Senate, it is considered "enrolled." It is sent to the President who may sign the measure into law, veto it and return it to Congress, let it become law without signature (if the President does not return a bill with objections within 10 days it becomes law), or at the end of a session pocket-veto the measure.
If you are planning to meet with your state or federal legislative member, consider the following tips.
Thanks to Sara Tucker, Director of Government Relations, Trout Unlimited.
1. Before the Meeting
- Do your homework on the office you will be visiting. Know what committees and subcommittees the representative is on and any other important roles they play. (Are they the Chair? The Ranking Member?) This could be important information as to how much influence they have over an issue.
- Familiarize yourself with their voting history on the issue in question, issues of importance to their constituents, who their primary financial contributors are, matters of personal interest, and other hot issues currently on their plate.
- Find out if there is anything you can thank them for (even if it is unrelated). Saying "thank you" is a good way to start out on the right foot.
- Identify who will be the key spokespeople for your group and make a plan for who will cover which issues. Make sure that everyone has a role and has something to say.
- Organize an agenda with the most important points first in case that is all you have time to talk about.
- Determine your "ask"— what is it you want the representative or staff member to do?
- Prepare succinct, informative handouts to leave behind.
2. At the Meeting
- Thank the person for his or her time. Congressional staff are generally over worked and under thanked.
- Introduce group members and organizations.
- If you are a constituent of the member with whom you are visiting, be sure to mention that. Members are especially interested in what their constituents think. Also explain why the issue is important to you personally, or important to the Member's state or district.
- Gather any intelligence on timing or status of the legislation you are interested in. (Where is the bill in the process? When will there likely be a vote? Will there be hearings?)
- Stay on message.
- Be professional but assertive.
- Ask for something and get a commitment— either on a vote or another desired action.
- Tell staff you will get back to them when you cannot answer a question.
- Try to allow them half of the talking time.
- Be prepared to be a resource. They may have questions for you about other related issues.
- Leave relevant materials and thank them again for their time.
- Let them know you will be in touch again as the issue in question unfolds or votes are held.
3. After the Meeting
- Write down notes to help you remember important points from the meeting.
- Respond to any questions you were unable to answer during the meeting.
- Send a thank you note and any other relevant information.
- Follow up again once a vote approaches or the issue moves forward.
For other tips on communicating with your elected officials, see the Colorado Environmental Coalition.
Additional Resources
National Legislative Resources
U.S. House of Representatives
Official web site of the House of Representatives. Includes links for Committees, Members, the Congressional Schedule, and background on the legislative process.
U.S. Senate
Official web site of the Senate. Includes links for Committees, Senators, the Committee Hearing Schedule, and background on the workings of the Senate.
Legislative information from the Library of Congress, including the ability to search for legislation in the current Congress, committee reports, the Congressional Record, and a wealth of other information and resources.
Thomas "How Our Laws Are Made"
A complete description of the legislative process.
United States Code (U.S.C.)
The U.S. Code, searchable by keyword and a table of popular names of acts that have been signed into law.
The Score
Minute by minute updates on what is happening on the floors of Congress.
Library of Congress
Links to Members, Committees, and independent entities like the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) and Office of Technology Assessment (OTA).
GPO Access
Congressional Record, Congressional Bills, Committee Reports and Hearing Transcripts, and other Federal Government information.
Congressional Research Service Reports
Nonpartisan reports related to the Environment, prepared by the Congressional Research Service in response to requests by Members of Congress. Online compiled by the National Library for the Environment.
GAO Reports
Reports by the General Accounting Office, usually requested by Congress, evaluating the implementation of laws or regulations. Reports are searchable by subject, date, title.
Legislation tracker, legislative process, congressional profile, directory and more.
American Forests
Appropriations Quick Guide, Legislation tracker The Policy Newsletter and Legislation Tracker is published and distributed via email every Monday. Focused on federal forest policy, this publication includes recent news, information on recent and upcoming hearings, and information on legislation introduced during the 110th Congress. Email to be added to the mailing list. Please write "subscribe – policy newsletter" in the subject line.
Information about Members of Congress and Candidates for Elected Offices
Project Vote Smart
Includes biographical data on representatives and candidates, campaign finances, issue positions, voting records, interest group ratings, legislation status, and issue links. Find your federal and state representatives by entering your zip code.
Open Secrets.org
A nonpartisan guide to money's influence on U.S. elections and public policy. Includes contribution reports by geographic area and interest groups, personal financial disclosures, and news and analysis.
State Legislative Resources
State statutes
Links to full text of state statutes, constitutions and other legislative resources
National Conference of State Legislatures
A bipartisan organization that serves the legislators and staffs of all 50 states, commonwealths and territories. NCSL provides research, technical assistance and opportunities for policymakers to exchange ideas on the most pressing state issues.
Alaska State Legislature
Website of the Alaska State Legislative body.
Arizona State Legislature
Website of the Arizona State legislative body.
California State Legislature
Website of the California State legislative body.
Colorado General Assembly
Website of the Colorado State legislative body.
Montana Legislature
Website of the Montana State legislative body.
New Mexico Legislature
Website of the New Mexico State legislative body.
Nevada Legislature
Website of the Nevada State legislative body.
Oregon State Legislature
Web site of the Oregon State legislative body.
Washington State Legislature
Web site of the Washington State legislative body.
Wyoming State Legislature
Web site of the Wyoming State legislative body.


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This is a sponsored post as part of a partnership with ALDI. However, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Every week it's the same thing. I try to find a way to cut our grocery bill but I rarely get it under $100/wk. Mostly because I am really really bad at couponing (just not in my genes!) or I forget my "rewards" cards or both. Add that to the fact that I have recently switched over to buying as much organic, GMO free items as possible, and well, it adds up. It's been pretty tough to get my family what I think is the best and save money, well, that is, until now.
Last week, I got a chance to go on a Behind The Scenes store tour at a recently opened ALDI store to kick off ALDI coming to Southern California.
The tour gave us a quick yet in-depth look at not just how budget friendly ALDI store products are, but also of the quality of them. Trust me when say, we have many reasons to celebrate ALDI coming to Southern California, here are just a few of them.
ALDI Premium Brands
More than 90 percent of the groceries sold are under ALDI premium exclusive brands – regularly tested in the ALDI Test Kitchen to make sure the quality and taste is just as good, if not better, than the national brands. I brought home some items to compare and have my family taste. Let me tell you something, we all LOVED the ALDI store brand of most of the items I got…and we aren't usually into store brands. My husband is pretty hooked on the cereal and coffee products and my daughter loves the snacks and juices I brought home. Your family will fall in love, trust me!
Unbelievable Prices
At ALDI, shoppers don't pay for hidden costs because ALDI chooses to save shoppers money rather than have non-essential grocery store services like in-store banking, pharmacies and check cashing. This means ALDI customers only pay for freshness and quality, all while keeping their grocery carts full and their wallets even fuller. Plus, because they carry more than 90% of private ALDI branded foods, they pass their cost savings to you, the shopper.
ALDI Double Guarantee
Trying new things at ALDI is risk-free because of the ALDI Double Guarantee. If for any reason a customer doesn't like an ALDI exclusive brand food, they'll give them their money back and replace the product. This really put my mind at ease because I have a pretty picky kid. Usually, I don't branch out for fear of wasting money on something she won't eat, and I am definitely not about wasting money. With ALDI Double Guarantee, I feel good about trying new things and not wasting a penny in the process in case my picky eater doesn't like it (hasn't been a problem yet!).
Organic and Locally Grown Produce
ALDI offers organic products like bananas, tomatoes, avocados, apples and salad mixes, and its SimplyNature line has milk, almond butter and salsa, just to name a few. ALDI organic products have an easy-to-spot "organic" seal on the packaging. Plus, ALDI carries a wide variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, including organic and locally grown produce. Customers will find the freshest available produce at the lowest possible prices every time they walk into any ALDI store. California shoppers can look forward to an even wider variety of fresh produce at our stores thanks to the year-round growing climate and the availability of fresh fruits and vegetables in the region.
Gluten Free Selection
ALDI offers a variety of gluten-free foods, which have become increasingly important to customers in the past few years. The ALDI liveGfree line includes everything from baking staples and mixes to breads, crackers, chewy bars, cookies, cereals, pastas, frozen foods and more. I got to try some of the liveGfree cookies and, oh mah gawwwwd. They were absolutely DELICIOUS. I bought a few to snack on and I don't even shop gluten free.
ALDI Finds
ALDI Finds are products that are only in stores for a limited time. Product variety depends on the season, and there's usually a theme for the week's Finds. ALDI advertises these specials in its weekly ads and online so shoppers can plan ahead. The week of the tour, we saw items like Kraft Olive Oil Mayonnaise, pet beds, chocolates and more. Definitely a good mix of all kinds of items.
One of the cool things we found out during the tour is that the average ALDI store size is under 12,000 sq. ft. with wide lanes, and easy check out. Because prices are so low at ALDI stores, they do not offer or take coupons, nor do they have rewards clubs, making checkout lanes easier to breeze through.
I know what you're thinking- there is no way this can be real. Well, don't take my word for it, check it out yourself by keeping in touch with ALDI via the ALDI website, ALDI Blog, ALDI Facebook, ALDI Pinterest, ALDI Twitter, and the ALDI Instagram pages.
One lucky winner will win a $25 ALDI gift card, courtesy of ALDI. Just enter on the form below. Ends 4/23 at 9pm PST. Void where prohibited. Please note that the gift card is only valid in California.


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February 15-16, 2020
The Winthrop Snowshoe Softball tournament is a popular annual winter-time event sponsored by the Winthrop Chamber of Commerce and Three Fingered Jack's Saloon. Now in its third decade, this tournament is held every February on the three-day President's Day weekend.
On President's weekend, up to eight out-of-town and local coed snowshoe softball teams converge on Winthrop's ball field for a weekend of good sport, great fun and an out of the ordinary event – one which is enjoyed by participants and spectators alike.
As the name implies, snowshoe softball is an actual softball tournament played in the snow with the participants strapped into snowshoes. The teams must be comprised of equal numbers of men and women. To enable the participants and the spectators to keep track of the action, all of the balls are florescent yellow.
The softballs are not the only things colorful. Some teams don costumes in addition to their snowshoes, making Winthrop Snowshoe Softball much, much more than just another softball competition. This is downright hilarious and entertaining for all ages!
Imagine the tournament participants leaping for a fly-ball, fielding a grounder, tagging a runner or sliding into home plate in the snow, in costumes and wearing snowshoes!


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"The results of this study should change the way we treat patients with Alzheimer's disease. Cholinesterase inhibitors are approved for use in mild to moderate dementia, while memantine has been approved for advanced dementia. But it looks like there is an advantage in prescribing both drugs (Aricept and Namenda) as initial treatment."--John Growdon, MD
Alzheimer's Reading Room
After reading a research study indicating that the combination of Aricept and Namenda might help slow the rate of decline in Alzheimer's patients, I immediately scheduled an appointment with our doctor to discuss this information.
Our doctor was familiar with the research, and he agree to put my mother on Namenda in a combination with Aricept.
It is my belief that the combination of Aricept and Namenda helped slow the progression of Alzheimer's in my mother. We were fortunate, and my mother did not suffer any side effects as the result of the addition of Namenda in her drug regimen.
If you try this combination therapy you have to be patient and wait about 4-6 weeks before decided whether or not you are seeing the benefits.
Information extracted from the journal article, my notes, and various outside sources.
"Finding something that could actually modify the course of the disease is the Holy Grail of Alzheimer's treatment, but we really don't know if that is happening or what the mechanism behind these effects might be," Alireza Atri explained.
"What we can say now is that providers should help patients understand that the benefits of these drugs are long term and may not be apparent in the first months of treatment. Even if a patient's symptoms get worse, that doesn't mean the drug isn't working, since the decline probably would have been much greater without therapy."
Researchers at the Massachusetts General Hospital Memory Disorders Unit report in the journal Alzheimer Disease and Associated Disorders that combining two types of Alzheimer's drugs works better than giving none or one of the drugs alone to slow cognitive and functional decline.
The study found that people who took the combination of cholinesterase inhibitors (Aricept, Razadyne, or Exelon) and Memantine, showed a significantly slower rate of cognitve decline than those who took only a cholinesterase inhibitor or no drug.
Those in earlier stages of Alzheimer's disease are typically treated with cholinesterase inhibitors like Aricept, Razadyne, or Exelon.
Those suffering from later stage Alzheimer's disease are usually treated with Namenda (Memantine).
Led by Dr. Alireza Atri, the researchers analyzed the records of 382 patients who were treated at the Boston clinic from 1990 to 2005.
The earliest group of 144 patients did not receive any medication, the second group got a cholinesterase inhibitor approved by the Food and Drug Administration in the mid-1990s, and the third group took that drug plus memantine, a drug approved in 2003 that helps patients think more clearly.
The patients were followed for an average of two and a half years, and given tests to measure both their cognitive abilities and their capacity to carry out the activities of daily living.
People who took the combination of drugs showed a significantly smaller rate of decline than those who were taking only a cholinesterase inhibitor or no drug.
Memantine was not studied alone because by the time it was available, cholinesterase inhibitors were widely used. The researchers accounted for differences among the groups, such as how early in the disease they were diagnosed and whether they had other illnesses, but the differences in how they scored on tests of cognition and function still held true.
Previous clinical trials have compared the drugs with placebos in short studies of safety and effectiveness, but the MGH group says theirs is the first to look longer-term at patients in a real-world clinical setting. Their study was funded by the National Institute on Aging and theMassachusetts Alzehimer's Disease Research Center.
Note to readers and subscribers: The primary purpose of this article is to inform you of our experience, and decision concerning the treatment of my mother's Alzheimer's. I am not advocating any specific treatment here. Any treatments, or decisions on treatments, should be made in consultation with a qualified doctor and neurologist.
Related Articles
What is the Difference Between Alzheimer's and Dementia
How to Test Your Memory for Alzheimer's and dementia
Problems with Balance, Walking, Falling Can Be an Early Sign of Dementia
How Do Alzheimer's Patients Die?
10 Things a Person Living with Dementia Would Tell You If They Could
Communicating in Alzheimer's World
Related Topics
What to do when dementia patient gets agitated
How to talk and communicate with dementia patients effectively
Publisher Alzheimer's Reading Room
Author Bob DeMarco
August, 2009
Title: Does the Combination of Aricept and Namenda Slow the Rate of Decline in Alzheimer's Patients
Original content Alzheimer's Reading Room
Alzheimer's is a type of dementia that typically causes problems with memory, thinking and behavior.
Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia.
Alzheimer's disease affects memory, thinking, concentration, and judgment; and, ultimately impedes a person's ability to perform normal daily activities.


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Young Irishman has a record fine from Australian Department of Immigration
The Australian Immigration official are searching for a young Irish Citizen who has overstayed his Australian visa accruing a 20 000 Euro of deportation bills in the process. Ross O'Sullivan (28), from Cork, had lived in Perth, in Western Australia, for five years before being detained by Australian immigration authorities. Currently he is facing a battle with the Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship, which demands payments from him because of services that were offered to Mr. O'Sullivan as he overstayed his visa. In addition to that the authorities warn him that he may not be allowed to enter Australian for at least three years. Ross O'Sullivan was a bricklayer who moved to work in Australian during 2007 when the construction industry in Ireland collapsed due to the global economic crisis. In an interview with the newspaper Irish Echo he said that he is unsure what to do from now on. "I had $1,300 (€900) and I said I voluntarily want to leave and book flights. But they said it doesn't work like that," he said.
"They said I have to have three escorts travel back with me to Ireland. The escorts' flights, accommodation and food all comes back on me. I wanted to leave voluntarily, on my own money, but they said no."
O'Sullivan was detained in February this year when his visa problems were discovered by the Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship. The Immigration Detention Center at Perth was established in 1981 in order to deal with the increasing number of foreigners who breach their visa requirements
Visa First is an international immigration consulting company. We can help you to apply for your visa fast and hassle-free today


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Featured collection
Our Mission
Contact me!
Dream Lily Designs mission is to provide accessories for all of your child's special moments.
Why? As a busy mom of 3 girls myself, I know it is challenging to have the right accessories for special occasions - family photos, the first day of school, family vacations, etc. I want to be your sole provider and creator of unique accessories that fit your lifestyle and your budget!
I am passionate about creating high quality products that are as affordable as they are adorable - and to make your life easier so you can enjoy more of your child's special moments!


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Click on an alumni listing from Jersey Shore, PA to find more information about the person.
The listing of alumni from Jersey Shore, PA includes graduates from 3 schools. To filter results, select a Jersey Shore, PA high school using the links to the right. The Jersey Shore alumni list on this page come from a variety of sources. Clicking one of your friends will give you locations that you can get back in touch with the fellow graduate. To view alumni that graduated in Jersey Shore around your class year, enter your graduation year in the search box at the top of the page. You may also be able to find friends close to your home town. We also have listings for graduates from Lockhaven, PA, Loganton, PA, or Williamsport, PA.
Approximately 300 of residents in Jersey Shore (7%) are the normal age for attending high school (15-19). Also, around 100 Jersey Shore residents (2%) are the average age for high school seniors (18-19). Population stats are from the United States Census Bureau.
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701 Cemetery St
Jersey Shore, PA 17740
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Jersey Shore, PA 17740
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Dr. Dooner was born in Wisconsin but spent much of his life, including his high school years, in Ireland. He graduated with distinction from the University of Rochester in New York, earning a bachelor's degree in neuroscience at one of the nation's top-tier research universities. Returning to Ireland, he received his medical degree from the Royal College of Surgeons in 1991. Completing a retina research fellowship at the prestigious Wilmer Eye Institute at Johns Hopkins, Dr. Dooner later completed his ophthalmology residency and retina fellowship at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Finally settling in Austin, he joined Austin Retina Associates in 1998.
Dr. Dooner specializes in managing all diseases of the retina, vitreous and macula, including macular holes, retinal detachment, diabetic retinopathy, ocular trauma and macular degeneration. He has also been the Principal Investigator for nationally recognized clinical research trials seeking newer and more effective surgical and pharmacological treatments for vitreoretinal pathologies.
In addition to his community service contributions in Austin through educational seminars and lectures, Dr. Dooner is dedicated to the advancement of vitreoretinal care in developing countries. He lectured at the opening of the first retinal institute in Shanghai, China, and has lectured and performed surgery in Zimbabwe.
Dr. Dooner is board certified in ophthalmology and is a past president of the Austin Ophthalmological Society. He is a member of the American Society of Retina Specialists, Texas Ophthalmology Association, American Academy of Ophthalmology, Texas Medical Association, and the American Medical Association. Outside of work, Dr. Dooner enjoys spending time with his wife, Leslie, a doctor of veterinary medicine, and their son


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Subjects: Better Schools Plan; Laura Fraser-Hardy; Joe Hockey's comments on interest rates; Abetz avoiding IR debate
BILL SHORTEN: It's great to be here at Brisbane Adventist College following the Prime Minister's visit, one of many visits he's made to this school over the last ten years. It's great to be here also with Laura Fraser-Hardy, Labor's candidate for Bonner in the upcoming election. People may be interested to know that at this school, because of Labor's Better Schools Plan and the agreement we've struck with the Independent Schools Council of Australia, Brisbane Adventist College, with children from a whole range of backgrounds, is on track to receive an extra $2.6 million over the next six years.
What this means is that if the Queensland Government was able to have reached an agreement with us by yesterday - which they weren't - there would have been even more money for the kids at this school.
This school has been the beneficiary of the Building the Education Revolution with brand new classrooms which have made the learning experiences of the kids at this school so much better.
And to complete the trifecta of good news from the extra money for the school buildings; so the kids have good resources and places to learn in, from the extra money that the Commonwealth is providing this independent school, respecting the choice of parents to choose to send their children to non-government schools.
The third leg of this trifecta of good news is that yesterday the government announced an extra $450 million across Australia for Out of Hours School Childcare. Or to put in terms of this school and school children in Queensland, up to 89,000 children will benefit across the next four years in Queensland to see extra resources so their parents aren't caught up in the rush hour of getting to work and from work and picking up kids.
It means that the children at the Better Schools out of hours school program here will have more organised quality activities; team sport, music lessons, homework clubs. It also means that communities can bid for extra places where there is high need such as in the suburbs around this school. So this is good news.
This demonstrates Labor's credentials on education and it also demonstrates that the Coalition, who on Thursday of last week were saying that our plan for schools was no good, who on Friday said they were maybe having second thoughts, on Saturday a conservative or a Liberal government in Victoria, having had a look at the Coalition's plan for education - where Tony Abbott says you can have Commonwealth taxpayer money with no strings attached – the Liberal Government in Victoria - the same party as
Tony Abbott, when they've got an offer from Tony Abbott allegedly promising all the money with no strings – signed up to Labor's Better Schools Plan with strings attached because even Liberal governments at the State level know that when it comes to education the only people you can trust is Federal Labor. Not the Coalition who for the last three years have talked down the Commonwealth's role in supporting better schools and better outcomes for school students in Australia. Happy to take questions.
REPORTER: Mr Shorten, the Coalition by the last minute signing up to I guess the shape of Labor's Gonski reform, the Better Schools Plan, has essentially politically neutralised what was one of Labor's major selling points going into the election. How costly do
you think that will be? I don't think voters care whether or not they did it at the last minute or not, do they?
BILL SHORTEN: What is interesting is that for three years, the Coalition has trash talked, has rubbished Labor's Better Schools program. For three years.
As recently as Thursday, the Shadow Opposition Spokesperson was saying 'it's a con', it's 'con-ski not Gonski'. Yet on Friday it's as if they've had the memory of a political goldfish, and they've pretended that what's happened before, 24 hours before, never happened and now they apparently favour education.
The real test for parents in Australia, the 3.6 million children who go to schools in Australia, the real test for their parents is this: If on Thursday the Opposition say they're going one way, if on Friday the Opposition say they're going the other way, and if on Saturday a Liberal government in Victoria offer for schools, having heard what Kevin Rudd has on offer for schools, a Liberal Premier in Victoria signs up to Labor's package. If the Liberal Premier of Victoria genuinely believed that the Liberal offer on education was the equal of Labor's offer, why would he sign 24 hours before an election? And indeed, on Sunday afternoon, in the shadow of the election being called, some of the most hard-line critics of our education reforms, the LNP Government, have this miraculous conversion- which was really just a financial hoax because they weren't offering any extra money.
They too were desperately knocking on the door saying, listen, I know we don't actually want to offer more money, but having seen what Tony Abbott was offering education even the LNP in Queensland, the hard-line Government here more famous for cutting things like hospitals and schools than spending money- even they put up their hand. They haven't been to class. They haven't backed it in. They haven't done the homework. They said teacher, we would like to be with Labor, not our own mob. So when they, when people say has Tony Abbott changed his spots on education, even his own state political parties say yeah, we hear what Tony Abbott says, but can we do a deal with Labor- because Labor are the only fair dinkum party on education in Australia.
REPORTER: Mr Shorten, if the Economics Statement's figures are right, unemployment will go up by about half a point [inaudible]. Can you give us an idea on where those jobs will be lost from, and can you give us an idea with- obviously, the economy at the centre, where jobs might be created in the next term?
BILL SHORTEN: Australia has done relatively well compared with the rest of the world when it comes to creating jobs. When you look at unemployment rates throughout the whole world, through North America, through Europe, Australia's unemployment rate has consistently been lower. Now that doesn't mean there hasn't been a softening in the employment market. That doesn't mean there's not some industries really feeling the strain such as manufacturing. We've had a high dollar to battle with. We have had the Global Financial Crisis, which the Opposition conveniently airbrushes from history. But, nonetheless, if you look at the unemployment rates in the Eurozone, they are regularly north of ten percent. Even in North America, they are a couple of percentage points higher than Australia. So the jobs which will get created I believe in the next six months and nine months and twelve months and beyond are in services.
70 to 80 in every 100 Australians work in a service industry now- that trend will continue. We'll see jobs created in health services. We'll see jobs created in education services. I think we'll also see as the 14 economies, 15 economies in Asia continue to grow, we will see more jobs created which have a tie up with Asian economic growth. The thing to remember about the last five years, and indeed the next five, and ten, and fifteen years, is the fastest growing job sectors in Australia require a postgraduate qualification. That is why what we're doing in the schools is a down payment- it's laying the foundations for Australia's future economic competitiveness in the world. No country every dumbed its way to greatness. No country can depend upon not having a better education system and depend on the status quo. That is why again I express my disappointment with the LNP Government here, because they've said to me "Bill, we don't want to put any more money- we think that throwing money at a problem doesn't solve it."
What I say to Campbell Newman and his Minister for Education is if you think the status quo is acceptable for kids in Brisbane and throughout Queensland, have a look at the rest of the world. The rest of the world is not backing away from investing in education. So the jobs of the future- in answer to your question- health, and in services, there's still very, there's still quite a lot of strength in construction over the next twelve to twenty four months. There'll be jobs created through Labor's infrastructure projects. But the best that we guarantee our kids have a job, is to make sure that our kids, these fantastic kids that you saw here today, get the best education possible, so when they become adults they can find jobs. And as new jobs get created and old jobs close, they can move between the old and the new opportunities.
REPORTER: What impact would an interest rate cut today have on the economic outlook?
BILL SHORTEN: Well I heard Mr Hockey- well, the Opposition- just as they're all at sea on education, they don't know whether they're Arthur or Martha-I've been surprised at the so-called alternative Treasurer of Australia bagging the idea of interest rate cuts and saying that's all bad news. Now, I recognise in Australia that we have monetary policy. It's one of the economic tools we have to stabilise the performance of the Australian economy. The Reserve Bank is independent of the Government. I'm amazed- I'm amazed- that people who want to be serious economic leaders of Australia are out there trying to browbeat the Reserve Bank and say that if you reduce rates, somehow that's bad. On the contrary, what I believe is that for mortgage holders- they'll view a cut as good news.
The reason why monetary policy goes up or goes down is to tighten the supply of credit in the market. The reason why the Reserve Bank would lower interest rates is to make credit more available so that business can feel they can invest more. It is just part of the natural economic cycle. So the fact that we have an independent Bank is good news, not bad news .The fact that we have a cash rate of 2.75% means we have got 275 basis points of [inaudible] room in our economy which allow the regulators to be able to adjust the economy based on the information they're getting. And, you know, if there is an interest rate cut this afternoon, people have to remember this is the reduction in the mortgage rate payments that Joe Hockey didn't want people to have.
REPORTER: But Mr Shorten, it's not all good news when the cash rate goes down to 2.75%, it also indicates, as does other data, that retail sales are flat, that unemployment is-
BILL SHORTEN: No, that's why I said it's one of- you're right, James. What I said is that monetary policy is one of the tools Governments have to set the economic direction. I recognise that if you want to stimulate investment, you make credit easier to get. So, you're right. You're right on Economics 101. What amazes me is that you've got the Opposition, shambling about like a bunch of economic wombles, who just say whatever comes into their brain- they say in the next thirty seconds, and what I think is really important here is I'm not going to tell millions of people who have mortgages that somehow it's bad news if they have to pay less on their mortgage repayments. That's all- because I live in the real world.
REPORTER: Joe Hockey's warning was about that it wouldn't be a good sign for the economy. Isn't that right to point out? He's not saying whether the RBA should or shouldn't , it's about whether it bodes well for the economy more generally.
BILL SHORTEN: Joe Hockey can't have it both ways. Does he think that interest rates going up is good? Now, in Hockeyworld, the interest rates go down, well, he says that's bad. If the interest rates were going up he'd say that's bad. To quote our Leader, "fair suck of the sauce bottle". What would make Joe Hockey happy? I think what'd make the Liberal Party central bunker somewhere with the red lights flashing as Joe Hockey's off on another rampage around interest rates is probably the Opposition saying Hockey contributions to economics going down would be better news for the Liberal election push than Hockey statements going up.
REPORTER: Can an interest rate going down though- can than not bode poorly for the economy but be good for homeowners? That's possible at the same time, isn't it?
BILL SHORTEN: Oh, I'd only have to refer you to what I said to James Massola of the AFR in terms of monetary policy- monetary policy is a tool, it's just an objective tool. It's opening up the credit taps to encourage the role of investment, and when the economy is overheated, then you lower interest rates. My point is not your question, and you know, the points you make, which are valid. My point is that Joe Hockey, alternative Treasurer of Australia, what, 31 days [inaudible]. The guy we'd send to represent us in the economic Olympics, the G20, and this guy's not sure where the start line, the finish line is or anything else about economics. We all know that he's made a mistake. Because you can't tell millions of people having mortgages that somehow a reduction in interest rates- I mean, is Joe Hockey saying that John Howard was wrong when he said it was good that interest rates were falling? Joe Hockey's just got to pick one line of attack, and stick to it. But that's the problem with the Opposition. One day they're against education, the next day they're for it, even though their state brothers and sisters don't believe them. Is Joe for or against interest rate increases, or decreases? If you can work that out, well, you're probably doing better than me and the Australian electorate.
REPORTER: Minister, do you believe that the Herald Sun is biased against the Labor Government, and it's coverage is biased in Melbourne?
BILL SHORTEN: Everyone's entitled to their opinion. We have a free press. What I know is that in Victoria- if you're a Victorian parent sending your kids to a Victorian school, Labor's the only brand with any credibility. You can't just turn up on the day of the election not having done your educational policy homework, and expect a good mark from the parents of Victoria.
REPORTER: Sorry, that wasn't my question, my question was do you-
BILL SHORTEN: Oh, I'm not fussed. What I'm saying is that at the end of the day people are going to express their views for whatever reasons they have. What I know is that on election day, who do you trust on education, who do you trust on workplace relations, who do you trust to lift superannuation, who do you trust to be on your side if you've got a mortgage- not Joe Hockey.
Sorry, there was one more question.
REPORTER: Will you debate Eric Abetz on workplace relations at some point during the campaign?
BILL SHORTEN: Listen-
REPORTER: Have you asked him for a debate?
BILL SHORTEN: The Coalition- if they're trying to put Joe Hockey's anti-mortgage holders comments down a deep hole, they've got Eric Abetz down that deep hole, in hiding. We want the Liberals to come out of witness protection on workplace relations. Again, they're running this line like they are in education that they're Labor lite on workplace relations. My answer to that is one, if you're really Labor lite, vote for the real product. And my second observation is we know that when Senator Abetz is offered the chance to debate me on national television he's got a….I had a line I can't say. He's got a reason not to do it. He's got to do the washing, you know, I don't know what it is. We know that the Liberal Party do not want to talk about workplace relations. They don't want to talk about their plans to undermine the workplace relations system. But, Senator Abetz, if you can hear this wherever they've got you in witness protection, happy to debate you, and I think Australia would be the better for hearing competing views.
Have a lovely day, thank you.
Communications Unit: T 03 8625 5111 www.alp.org.au
Authorised by G. Wright, Australian Labor, 5/9 Sydney Avenue, Barton, ACT, 2600


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Who's this girl?
Shalana, that's me ...pronounced Shu-la-nuh. (I just knew you were scratching your head over that one.) I'm a small town girl in heart & values. In my professional journey of 15+ years in the publishing industry, I've lived several places across the United States from Little Rock to Kansas City to Milwaukee. Along the way, I earned both a B.F.A. in graphic design and an M.Ed. in Instructional Technology. Once again, I'm living the rural life in my home town of Ava, Missouri. I am a mommy, wife, entrepreneur, published author, and hopeless arts & crafts addict.
Most recently I have been a freelance contributing craft & DIY editor for Taste of Home and Country Woman magazines in 2017 and wrote a kid's felt craft how-to book for Capstone Publishing published in January 2018. I also write/design guided bible study and prayer journals for 123 Journal It, my own little self-publishing business. If you'd like all the nitty gritty details of my career, browse around my portfolio & resume pages :)


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Sponsored by Voiceovers Ltd.
VOX Awards 2015, sponsored by Voiceovers Ltd.
We created and operate Voiceovers.co.uk.
We created Voiceovers.co.uk back in 1998 and amongst other things, it's our aim to feature the best UK voices who are available for commercial producers.Find a Voice.
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We arrange voiceover recordings and sessions.
A number of companies and clients use us for casting and arranging their corporate and online voiceover recordings.
Recognising creative excellence in UK Commercial Radio Production.
Award Winners 2015
- Best Use Of Humour - Engine 7
with "Stamps Electrical". Produced and Written by Howard Young. Voiced by Marc Silk.
- Best Use Of Music - UKRD's Pirate FM
with "Bull Pit Smokehouse". Produced by Tom Ellis, written by Neil Griffiths & Tim Hickman. Voiced by Randall Lee Rose. Music by Jon Sweet (SWOT Music).
- Best Male Voiceover Performance - Taff Girdlestone
took the award with "Samaritans". An Engine 7 production. Produced by Howard Young, Written by Cheryl Cutsforth. Voiced by Emma Clarke and Taff Girdlestone.
- Best Female Voiceover Performance - Clara Lane
was crowned 2015 winner with "Spar". A SoundHouse production, produced and written by Tara West, voiced by Clara Lane.
- Best Public Sector Commercial - Blaxland
won the Best Public Sector Commercial award with "Transport For London". Produced by Simon Blaxland, written by Chris Ross-Kellam, Voiced by Martha Cope & Emma Hignett.
- Best Radio Commercial (Retail/Service)- UKRD's Pirate FM
won the Best Radio Commercial award with "Culdrose Air Day". Produced by Langley Gerrard, written by Neil Griffiths, voiced by Jon Strickland and Langley Gerrard


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News Article
Superstar quarterback scores billionaire backing for new celebrity app
Seattle Seahawks' top quarterback, Russell Wilson, has scored billionaire investments for his new app, TraceMe.
The app, which gives superfans exclusive insights into celebrities' private lives, is an immersive, interactive, content-filled experience aiming to drive up engagement from fans and rival influencer big wigs Facebook and Instagram.
Wilson has won £9million in funding for the app, which is currently in Beta, from billionaire backers Jeff bazos, Alibaba founder Joe Tsai and YouTube co-founder Chad Hurley.
Joining the billionaires is Seattle-based firm Madrona Venture Group, and Mike Mahan and Kenny Dichter, founders of Wheels Up.
Wilson will be the first celebrity to use the app, hosting his own podcasts from behind-the-scenes training to personal views.
With the app, Wilson hopes to fill a gap in the market for exclusive content tailored specifically to fans.


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Webelos Adventure and Elective Awards
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Webelos, which stands for "We'll Be Loyal
Scouts", are divided into 2 dens based on grade level or age. They work on achievements that enhance their scouting skills and prepare them for Boy Scouts. Fourth graders, or 10 year olds, are in the Webelos I den.


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Hello, world. My name is Maria Haanpää ("tietoukka"), and this is my experimental newslog, founded in April 2009.
I'm a biologist by education (M.Sc.), and a blogger by necessity. There's not enough environmental journalism (or science journalism) in my country, you see. That's why I had to start looking for information closer to its sources. I run this blog in order to keep up with the ongoing climate change, and to assist others in finding information and taking action.
I also write about these issues in Finnish in Tietoukan blogi.
Tietoukka Monitor is a work in progress. In
2009 2010 2011 02012 02013 02014, I'll be adding more links to useful resources.
You can contact me via various social media, if you wish to show your support or to do something else constructive. To those who already have, I say "thank you" :-)
Watching The Finnish…
News from Finland, about Finland, in English: Please see this page.
Weekly climate change links
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