text:
14 Jan 2015
Message: "2015 – Your Choice!!"
Preacher Larry
As we begin 2015 we have an excellent opportunity to begin "anew," so to speak. Many people, when the new year begins, make resolutions to do something differently during the next year. What I propose is that we all examine ourselves and see if there aren't some parts of our daily life that need some changing. So tonight I want to look at some of the things that may cause us to "Drift Away" from God. Things that we "neglect" on purpose as well as unintentionally. Some of those things get in our way, and cause us to make bad choices, instead of good ones.
The Bible says in Heb 2:1 NKJV, "We must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away… How shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation?" Note the words "drift" and "neglect." Those words should set off alarm bells! Samson's decline was so gradual that he didn't even realize it was happening. Like flipping a switch, he'd gotten used to drawing on the power of God and overcoming every enemy and obstacle. But sin and self-indulgence became his undoing. When Delilah said, "The Philistines are upon you, Samson!'… he awoke from his sleep, and said, 'I will go out as before, at other times, and shake myself free!' But he did not know that the Lord had departed from him. Then the Philistines took him" (Jdg 16:20-21 NKJV). When you neglect God you begin to "drift away." Your prayers aren't as effective. You're no longer a godly influence on those around you. You slip back into old habit patterns. You refuse to forgive those who've offended you. You fail to make amends to those you've hurt. You start doing what's expedient and comfortable instead of what's right. You harbor attitudes of fear and resentment. You feed your old nature and neglect your new one. These are all signs that you need a spiritual check up. Ask God today to highlight those attitudes, activities, and relationships that need to be dealt with and start weeding them out. The good news is that when you're obedient to God's Word, and the Spirit's leading, you regain your spiritual vitality, and God can use you more effectively.
But, you see, it's under our power, not to "Drift Away" from the ways of the Lord. It's hard. It's a constant battle. But it's our choices that get us in trouble. When Daniel was taken prisoner to Babylon, he was quickly promoted to leadership in the king's palace. But as a Jew he refused to "defile himself with the royal food and wine." (Da 1:8 NIV) Could his choice have affected his career, or even cost him his life? Absolutely! But what we choose to do under pressure, results from one of two things:
(1) Clearly established convictions we live by.
(2) Fuzzy convictions we're willing to compromise for personal gain.
Hard times don't make you, they reveal you! In a periodical called, "Leadership Gold," John Maxwell writes: "After visiting twenty cities in seven days, it was good to be coming home! As the small private jet approached the runway, we were celebrating the success of the week. Then, in a moment, everything changed. The plane was hit by wind shear and dropped straight down to the runway, the wheels hitting out of balance. All conversation stopped and our eyes widened as we realized we were in danger. The pilot, without hesitation, pushed the throttle and launched the plane back into the air…We all realized that could have been it! We sat quietly as the plane circled the airfield, and a few minutes later we landed safely. As he got off the plane, John asked the captain, "When did you make the decision to put the plane back into the air?" He replied, "Fifteen years ago." He went on to explain how as a young pilot in training, he decided in advance what decision he would make for every possible air problem. His decision was made long before the crisis. So have a game plan in place, "before," the problem arises.
Choices—they're the determining factor in how your life turns out. When Solomon came to the throne as a young man, he prayed for wisdom to make the right choices in life. Legendary basketball coach John Wooden said, "There's a choice you have to make in everything you do. So keep in mind that in the end, the choice you make, makes you."
Some of us make life harder by making bad choices; others move through life more easily because they make good choices. The truth is, you don't always get what you want but you always live with the consequences of your choices. Observe:
(1) Your choices reveal who you really are. Theologian H. P. Liddon observed, "What we do on some great occasion will probably depend on what we already are; and what we are will be the result of previous years of self-discipline."
(2) The higher you rise, the more difficult your choices become. King Solomon could have had any woman he wanted. Sadly, he chose women who turned his heart away from God (See 1 Ki 11:4).
(3) Your choices change you for good or evil. Once you choose, you become a servant of that choice. It impacts your life, and often the lives of others. C S. Lewis said: "Every time you make a choice you are turning the central point of you, the part…that chooses, into something a little different from what it was before. And taking your life as a whole, with all your innumerable choices, you are slowly turning this central thing either into a heavenly creature or a hellish creature." So you must make your choices prayerfully and wisely.
Making choices is hard sometimes, but as a Christian it is even harder. The world wants you in there corner but God has your back. You could compare it to a "Combat Zone." Salvation enlists you into the service of Jesus, the King of Kings. His battles become your battles, and His strategies your strategies. There are no exemptions; you're "In for the duration." Satan has declared war on you, and it's "conquer or be conquered." He will attack you on three fronts. Let's look at each:
- The attack from the world. Ever feel like you don't "fit in"? You're not supposed to! "Don't you realize that friendship with the world makes you an enemy of God? I say it again: If you want to be a friend of the world, you make yourself an enemy of God" (Jas 4:4 NLT). The line has been drawn; there's no peaceful coexistence in this war.
What is "worldliness"? It's not being "in" the world, but being "like" it. It's not "mixing" with the world, but "blending" in with its self-centered values, its "relative" morality, and its attitudes toward God, His cause, His Word, and His people. The world's hunger for power, popularity, and self-promotion, contradicts the principles of Scripture. "Genuine religion in the sight of God [is]…refusing to let the world corrupt you" (Jas 1:27 NLT). Jesus told us to avoid becoming swept up in the world's obsession with material things, or its fear of not having enough to meet our needs (See Mt 6:25-34). You are called to be "salt" and "light" (See Mt 5:13-14). You are to be the influences not the influenced. When the world "can't," tell you apart from them, your light has gone out and your salt has lost its flavor.
- The second front you will be attacked on is "The attack from the flesh". Your most vulnerable point is your "flesh" which drives you to do your own thing. Its motto is "It's all about me!" From start to finish it "looks out for number one", always wanting to be "first in line". That's the genetic makeup of our flesh. And it can't be saved, sanctified, or spiritualized because "that which is born of the flesh is flesh" (Jn 3:6 NKJV) and nothing else. "The Spirit and your desires are enemies of each other. They are always fighting each other and keeping you from doing what you feel you should" (Gal 5:17 CEV). So how do you control your "flesh"?
(1) Make a choice. "Choose today whom you will serve" (Jos 24:15 GWT). During the American Civil War thousands of Yankee and Confederate soldiers were killed by "friendly fire." Why? Because they lacked uniforms that identified the side to which they belonged. Be clear about which side you're on, and let those around you know it.
(2) You control your flesh by "Cutting the supply lines to the flesh. In war time generals devote a lot of attention to blowing up bridges, highways, and railroads to deprive the enemy of the vital supplies they need to win. Your flesh can't control you if you cut off its supply line. "Don't let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires" (Ro 13:14 NLT).
(3) You control your flesh by Maintaining regular communication with base command. Even well-trained soldiers with the finest equipment and best officers can't win when they're cut off from base command. So stay in touch: "Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion" (Eph 6:18 NLT).
One Bible teacher writes: "Cell phones can be lifesavers.. .but the batteries have a limited lifespan and need to be recharged. One weary weekend I was as drained as my cell phone battery. I went through my evening routine, dutifully placing my cell phone in its 'recharging cradle.' Unfortunately, I neglected to plug the cradle into the wall. Next morning I woke refreshed—but my phone was no better than the night before. It was in the right place.. .but it wasn't connected to the power source! Sometimes the consequences of not 'plugging in' can be more severe…many people dutifully march to church every week, but leave as drained as when they came. They're in the right place, but they're not plugged in to the power of God.. .and without that it doesn't matter if you sit in a pew or on a barstool.. .You can study the Scriptures for hours on end, 'always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth' (2Ti 3:7 NAS); you can even do great things for God but lack power in your life. If I'd left my cell phone on the charger for days or weeks instead of overnight, it wouldn't have helped. Multiplication of effort isn't a substitute for true power.. .Guard against things that disconnect you from the power source.. .obviously sin will do that, but so will weariness. We can't remain connected if we're weighted down by busyness. We can spend so much time doing things for God that we neglect our relationship with Him." Jesus said in Jn 15:4 NLT, "You cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me." That means reading the Bible, praying, and resting in His presence.


text:
The division of property is a major element of a Massachusetts divorce case. Real estate oftentimes is the most significant piece of property to be dealt with during divorce proceedings. If real estate owned by the parties during the marriage is assigned to one of the spouses as part of a divorce settlement or decree, a quitclaim deed typically is the instrument used to transfer that property interest.
In Massachusetts, a quitclaim deed works to disclaim any interests a person might have in real estate. In other words, the person who signs a quitclaim deed in favor of another individual is conveying whatever interest she may or may not have in the property. In other words, if a Massachusetts divorce decree assigns the marital home to the wife, the husband signs a quitclaim deed disclaiming any interest in the property and conveying it to his spouse.
Unlike a warranty deed, a quitclaim deed under Massachusetts law does not guarantee that title to the real estate is free and clear of any liens or encumbrances. A quitclaim deed essentially passes an interest in real estate in what is best is described as an "as is" condition. Because the spouses mutually owned the real estate during the marriage, this type of instrument is appropriate. The theory is that both spouses equally are aware of any potential problems to the title.
A Massachusetts quitclaim deed is a very simple document. The deed contains blank spaces to insert the name of the spouse giving up an interest in the real estate in question and another space for the name of the spouse receiving full ownership of the property pursuant to a settlement decree or divorce decree. The legal description of the property is inserted. The quitclaim deed is signed by the person giving up her interest in front of a notary public.
Once the quitclaim deed is executed, Massachusetts law requires that the filing of the instrument with the registry of deeds in the county where the real estate is located. The transfer technically is not effective until the filing is made.
A quitclaim deed is not appropriate to conclude a real estate sales transaction in Massachusetts. Therefore, if a divorce settlement or decree directs the sale of marital real estate, a warranty deed is the proper instrument. A buyer will demand the guarantee of a clear title that is inherent in a warranty deed but not available with a Massachusetts quitclaim deed.
Photo Credits
- series object on white: isolated - Signature image by Aleksandr Ugorenkov from Fotolia.com

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Freedom in the World
You are here
Home »
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Freedom in the World 2010
Bosnia and Herzegovina
2010 Scores
Partly Free
Freedom Rating (1 = best, 7 = worst)
Civil Liberties (1 = best, 7 = worst)
Political Rights (1 = best, 7 = worst)
Nationalist rhetoric began to rise in 2009 as Bosnia and Herzegovina prepared for the 2010 parliamentary and presidential elections. Political tensions were also fueled by obstructionism on the part of the Republika Srpska government and ongoing disagreement among leaders of the three main ethnic groups over the country's territorial and administrative structure. Attempts to institute meaningful constitutional reform yielded little success, apart from a confirmation of the final status of the Brcko district in March.
Formerly a constituent republic within socialist Yugoslavia, Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) is among the most ethnically diverse countries in the region. The bulk of the population consists of three ethnic groups: Bosniaks, who are mainly Muslim; Serbs, who are Orthodox Christian; and Croats, who identify with the Roman Catholic Church. As Yugoslavia began to disintegrate in the early 1990s, BiH was recognized as an independent state in April 1992. A 43-month-long civil war ensued, resulting in the deaths of tens of thousands of people and the forced resettlement of approximately half of BiH's population.
In November 1995, the Dayton Peace Accords brought an end to the war by creating a loosely knit state composed of the Bosniak-Croat "Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina" (the Federation) and the largely Serb "Republika Srpska." The final status of the Brcko district was decided in 1999 by a special arbitration council, which defined it as a self-governing administrative unit that is formally part of both the Federation and Republika Srpska. The political structure established by the Dayton treaty allowed for peace and power sharing, but it also resulted in a weak state that was unable to effectively implement major reforms.
The Dayton Accords gave the international community a decisive role in running postwar BiH, with significant authority granted to international civilian agencies such as the Office of the High Representative (OHR). Despite years of considerable efforts by the international community to aid the country's integration, most aspects of political, social, and economic life remained divided along ethnic lines. The October 2006 elections shifted power to arguably more moderate parties, but they took strong nationalist stances to appeal to their respective ethnic constituencies. The Alliance of Independent Social Democrats (SNSD) emerged as the winner in Republika Srpska, and the Party for BiH (SzBiH) won the most votes in the Federation. The Croat Democratic Union (HDZ) remained the most popular party among Bosnian Croats.
After lengthy postelection negotiations, a new coalition government—led by Nikola Spiric of the SNSD—was formed in February 2007. However, the coalition proved to be highly unstable, particularly due to a thorny working relationship between SNSD leader Milorad Dodik, who was determined to maintain Republika Srpska's autonomy, and SzBiH leader Haris Silajdzic, who sought to create a unitary BiH. Meanwhile, most Croat officials advocated further decentralization and the creation of a third constituent entity for Croat-majority areas.
Although Republika Srpska leaders raised the threat of secession after Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in early 2008, the BiH government made some progress on the centralization of police functions later in the year. In June, the European Union (EU) and BiH signed a Stabilization and Association Agreement, a key step toward EU membership.
Nationalist rhetoric among politicians and the ethnically divided media began to increase in 2009 as the country prepared for presidential and parliamentary elections scheduled for 2010. Dodik and the Bosnian Serb authorities continued to stress Republika Srpska's autonomy and assert its right to seek independence from BiH. The entity's parliament in June passed a resolution that would have prevented any future transfer of power to the central government, but the measure was annulled by the OHR. Meanwhile, internal divisions plagued the government of the Federation. In May, Federation prime minister Nedzad Brankovic of the mainly Bosniak Party of Democratic Action (SDA) submitted his resignation after Sulejman Tihic was reelected as the SDA leader. Tihic had accused Brankovic of presiding over an ineffective government.
In March 2009, Austrian diplomat Valentin Inzko was appointed as the new High Representative, replacing Miroslav Lajcak, who had resigned in January to become the foreign minister of Slovakia. Tensions between the OHR and the Bosnian Serb leadership continued, with the latter challenging several of Inzko's decisions and denying the OHR's authority to impose laws or fire officials. In December, Inzko accused Bosnian Serb leaders of violating the Dayton Peace Accords by undermining his authority.
While the country's rival factions were unable to agree during the year on reforms that would put the country's constitution in line with European requirements, the BiH parliament in March passed an amendment on the less controversial issue of Brcko's status, confirming the 1999 arbitration ruling. This marked the first time the constitution had been amended since Dayton Accords.
Political Rights and Civil Liberties:
The Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) is an electoral democracy. In general, voters can freely elect their representatives, although the OHR has the authority to remove elected officials if they are deemed to be obstructing the peace process. The government is led by a prime minister, and the role of head of state is performed by a three-member presidency composed of one Bosniak, one Serb, and one Croat. The Parliamentary Assembly is a bicameral body. The 15-seat upper house, the House of Peoples, consists of five members from each of the three main ethnic groups, elected by the Federation and Republika Srpska legislatures for four-year terms. The lower house, the House of Representatives, has 42 popularly elected members serving four-year terms, with 28 seats assigned to the Federation and 14 to Republika Srpska. The most important parties include the SNSD, the SDA, the SzBiH, the Serb Democratic Party (SDS), and the HDZ.
Corruption remains a serious problem. Political parties, the police, the health care system, the customs service, and the governments of the two entities are thought to be the most corrupt institutions in the country. In recent years, under international pressure, the BiH government has passed some legislation designed to combat corruption. However, enforcement of these laws has been weak, due in part to the lack of strong and independent anticorruption agencies. In February 2009, the State Investigation and Protection Agency (SIPA) issued a report charging Republika Srpska prime minister Milorad Dodik and 10 other government officials with fraud, corruption, and misuse of state finances in several public contracts. In response, Dodik challenged SIPA's authority and the constitutionality of its mandate, while refusing to cooperate with the investigation. BiH was ranked 99 out of 180 countries surveyed in Transparency International's 2009 Corruption Perceptions Index.
The constitution and the human rights annex to the Dayton Peace Accords provide for freedom of the press, although this right is not always respected in practice. A large number of independent broadcast and print media outlets operate, but they are plagued by a relatively low level of professionalism and a tendency to appeal to narrow ethnic audiences. State-owned companies sometimes withhold advertising from media outlets whose coverage is critical of the government. Instances of attacks against journalists continued in 2009. In March, an angry crowd attacked a television crew filming outside an Orthodox church in the southeastern town of Trebinje. The editor in chief of the news program 60 Minutes received death threats during the year for his coverage of alleged ties between government officials and organized crime. According to the Helsinki Committee for BiH, most attacks against journalists are ordered by politicians or religious leaders. Internet access in the country is unrestricted.
Citizens enjoy full freedom of religion, but only in areas where their particular group represents a majority. The 2004 Law on Religious Freedom grants religious communities a legal status akin to that of nongovernmental organizations (NGOs). Acts of vandalism against holy sites of all three major faiths—Islam, Orthodox Christianity, and Roman Catholicism—continue to occur. Religious symbols are often exploited for political purposes. In February 2009, a local magistrate in the Republika Srpska capital of Banja Luka ruled that the city authorities must pay $42 million to the local Muslim community for the destruction of mosques during the 1992–95 war; however, a Banja Luka district court overturned the decision in November.
While the authorities do not restrict academic freedom at institutions of higher education, academic appointments are subject to ethnic favoritism and politicization. Primary- and secondary-school curriculums are heavily politicized. Depending on their ethnicity, children use textbooks printed in Croatia, Serbia, or Sarajevo. In parts of the region of Herzegovina, students are divided by ethnicity, with separate classrooms, entrances, textbooks, and time shifts. The educational sector is among the most corrupt in BiH, with studies showing that bribery and inappropriate expenditures are pervasive.
The constitution provides for freedoms of assembly and association, and the various levels of government generally respect these rights in practice. Although there are no legal restrictions on the right of workers to form and join labor unions, discrimination against union members persists.
Despite evidence of growing independence, the judiciary remains influenced by nationalist political parties and faces pressure from the executive branch. In 2008 and 2009, the government of Republika Srpska instructed its ministries not to cooperate with state-level law enforcement agencies investigating allegations of corruption involving the entity's building contracts. The country has made some efforts to reduce its case backlog, but the total number of pending court cases continues to be high. The Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina—established in 2002 to handle organized crime, war crimes, corruption, and terrorism cases—employs about two dozen foreign judges and prosecutors whose mandate was to expire at the end of 2009. Despite heavy protests by the Republika Srpska government, the OHR in December renewed the mandate of the international judges and prosecutors handling war crimes for three years, while retaining those handling corruption, organized crime, and terrorism cases as advisers to the local staff.
Ethnic nationalism presents a major obstacle to the country's integration. Individuals face discrimination in employment, housing, and social services in regions that are not dominated by their own ethnic group. Under the constitution, only Bosniaks, Croats, and Serbs are able to run for the presidency or serve in the upper house ofparliament. In 2006, two would-be presidential candidates—one Jewish and the other Romany—brought a discrimination case to the European Court of Human Rights, which in December 2009 ruled that the constitution was indeed discriminatory and must be reformed.
The vast majority of property-restitution cases stemming from the war have been resolved. However, many people returned to their prewar homes only to sell their property and move back to areas where their ethnicity forms a majority. When returnees decide to stay in areas where their group constitutes a minority, they are often subject to discrimination and threats. The Brcko district is an exceptional case, having achieved a relatively high level of ethnic integration.
Women are legally entitled to full equality with men. However, they are underrepresented in politics and government and face discrimination in the workplace. The issue of sexual harassment is poorly understood, and improper behavior frequently goes unpunished. Political parties are required to include three women among the top ten names on their candidate lists. Women currently hold nine seats in the BiH House of Representatives and two in the House of Peoples. Domestic violence is a problem, and the police are still largely unresponsive to violent domestic disputes, particularly in rural areas. Women are trafficked domestically for the purpose of prostitution, and BiH is to a lesser extent a transit country for trafficking to other parts of Europe.


text:
House of art
This Renaissance building located in Dominikánská Street has belonged to The Brno House of Arts since 1958. Gallery G99 and art cafe Trojka can also be found in this complex.
The house of lords of Kunstat is one of the two renaissance buildings still in tact, located in the center of Brno. The origins of these buildings is dated to the first half of the fourteenth century when the first stand-alone townhouses were built. The core of this complex is a building belonging to a Herald of Kunstat, after whom the whole complex still is named today.
In 1358 the second house was added by Petr of Kunstat, which was followed by a thorough reconstruction into a renoissance palace in 1585-1599 by Jan of Pernstejn.
It was sold to the city Brno in 1708 and was used as a market place throughout the 18-th century.
In the 19-th century its primary use was in the field of local town administration untill the bombardment in 1944. Later, in 1955, it was reconstructed by architect Mojmir Kyselka to a cultural center of town Brno.
From 1958 untill today it is in use of Brno House of Arts and the last reconstruction was done in 1990-2002 by arch. Jaroslav Cerny
Translated from http://mojebrno.wz.cz/inka--brno-dalsi-zajimavosti-dum-panu-z-kunstatu.html
Brno is Czech's second largest city. It's a place full of peaceful country folk who drink more wine than Bohemians, their Czech friends to the west. Brno hasn't been trampled by many tourists, so it has quite a different character than the capital city, especially from the eyes of a visitor.


text:
KPF has unveiled plans for a 168m-tall tower on the south London site previously earmarked for Make's doomed 42-storey Bondway skyscraper
The original proposal for a 149m-high 'zig-zag-shaped' tower next to Vauxhall transport interchange was thrown out at public inquiry in early 2011 (AJ 14.02.11).
The 60,400m2 scheme for new owners McLaren Property and Citygrove will house 450 flats, 3,700m2 of offices and 1,000m² of shops.
The New Bondway tower features 'three distinct elements': a 50-storey private residential tower; a 23-storey residential block on the southern part of the site; and a four storey horizontal office element linking the two buildings and intersecting the main tower.
According to the developers 'this balanced composition creates impressive views from every aspect of the development, delivering light and public realm at ground level and offers exciting opportunities for incorporating significant areas of amenity space for users of the building'.
KPF landed the £350million project following a competition this summer, beating the likes of SOM. The designs were revealed at a public exhibition in Vauxhall last Thursday (21 November).
John Gatley, managing director of construction company McLaren Property said: 'The Bondway site is the last key development site in the Vauxhall tall buildings cluster and offers us an opportunity to deliver a world class building combining high quality residential and office space.'
A planning application is expected to be submitted early next year (2014). Subject to planning work is expected to start on site in early 2015 and complete during 2018.
The architect's view - John Bushell of KPF
'Our design is a fresh approach and distinctive building for the emerging urban village at Vauxhall. Each part of the brief finds its natural place in the composition of articulated elements. An expansive roof garden for residents lies over large office floor plates; which are themselves lifted high above the ground by one of the building's various residential components. The mixed-use building has a significant affordable housing provision on site.
'The composition creates a route through the middle of the site, while retail units grant access at every frontage. We hope the project will be the catalyst for development in its immediate context, helping to integrate new and existing communities and reflect the client and team's passion and energy to create a successful mixed-use place.'
Previous story (AJ 14.02.11)
Make's Bondway tower vetoed at inquiry
Make's 42-storey Bondway skyscraper in Vauxhall, south London, has been rejected following a public inquiry
Communities secretary Eric Pickles followed the planning inspectorate's advice that the proposed tower's site was inappropriate for a tall building.
The project went to inquiry after Lambeth Council's planning committee rejected the 149m-tall scheme next to Vauxhall transport interchange on the grounds of 'height, bulk and mass' and the lack of green space provided.
The 149 metre-tall 'zig-zag-shaped' tower had been recommended for approval by planning officers.
In justifying the veto, the secretary of state said the scheme lacked open space and had an 'overbearing' impact on the area.
Retired town planner and local resident David Boardman thought it was unlikely the developer Vauxhall Bondway would ask Make to rework its designs for the tower.
He said: '[Unless the developer] can fill it with offices, or find a decent chunk of new open space at Vauxhall to mitigate the deficiency and improve the public realm [there is not a chance it could be approved] - and this would apply to a redesigned tower on the same site as well.'
A spokesperson for Make said: 'We are naturally disappointed, but cannot comment further to add at this stage.'
KPF reveals replacement for Make's Bondway tower
Readers' comments (1)
Have your say
You must sign in to make a comment
Please remember that the submission of any material is governed by our Terms and Conditions and by submitting material you confirm your agreement to these Terms and Conditions.
Links may be included in your comments but HTML is not permitted.


text:
The ability of a manager or consultant to influence others is very strongly influenced by how the person is perceived. Very few business situations involve communication between people who know each other well; more often the building blocks of a relationship are based on perceptions. This is where personal branding becomes critically important.
The concept of personal branding was first introduced in the 1980 book: "Positioning: The Battle for your Mind", by Al Ries and Jack Trout, since then, the idea that has been gaining momentum. The basic concept is that we, as individuals, have an opportunity to create a brand identity for ourselves that can have a significant impact on the way people see us. Fortunately, we have the ability to adjust our brand to influence how we want people to perceive us and consequently influence the way they interpret our communication.
For long term effect, it is important your brand is authentic. Whilst within reasonable, and ethical, limits you can make a big impact on what the brand is, it is important to stay 'real'. It is nearly impossible to maintain a brand that is not authentic, and in losing credibility, you destroy trust and relationships.
The key to branding is the impression we make on the people we work with while we are with them and after we have moved on. Every interaction we have with a person has an impact on how they perceive us. This means that each time we connect with another person we have an opportunity to establish, build and maintain our own personal brand, or conversely damage it.
Once established, our personal brand becomes part of the encoding and decoding process and influences every message we send. If the people you work with perceive you as someone they can trust and rely on, then they'll be more likely to believe your message even when the news is bad.
To develop a credible brand you first need to work out what you want to do for the rest of your life, setting goals, writing down a mission, vision and personal brand statement (what you do and who you serve), and then create a development plan.
Some aspects to consider include:
- Wardrobe: Your personal style is tangible and is extremely important, select clothing that best represents you.
- LinkedIn and Facebook profiles: people will look at both. LinkedIn allows you to establish your brand through professional credentials and a professional network, Facebook adds another more social dimension but be careful! Tools like Facebook can be a double-edged sword, you never really know who is looking at your collection of photographs. These tools are powerful, but without care, they can easily have a negative impact on our individual brands.
- Work performance: Last but most important. Looking good is of no value unless you have a solid track record. However, the key element is effective relationship building and communication within the work.
These are just a few ideas, if you want to develop a personal brand there are heaps or resources available on the internet. But without a brand, many of your communications will simply be noise that is ignored by your intended recipient.


text:
Four Strategies:Appreciating YourselfGetting Comfortable With Your BodyGetting Comfortable With NudityAcclimating Yourself With Responses and Public NudityQuestions
Nudity is frequently regarded as an a humiliating or uncomfortable event normally because of the stigma surrounding nudity and the cultural influences that frame the perception of nudity. Yet for many, nudity actually is quite freeing. Signs of this is observable through nudist colonies and nude beaches, yet to get to this stage — the free-minded nudist stage — you need to get comfortable in your own skin.
Valuing Yourself
Picture titled Have Fun Being Nude Measure 11
Develop a self love routine. Establish a routine that can help you feel good about yourself. This can be anything — doing your hair, nails , or wearing something that compliments your body. [1]
These endeavors usually do not have to be body associated. They only need to be endeavors that assist you to feel better about yourself. Any job that makes you appreciate yourself is valuable. Any endeavors that are grooming will likely be useful.
Wearing clothes that make you feel good helps to improve your self-assurance. In the event you do not feel good in your clothes, then it'll be hard to feel good without them.
Do the routine regularly. To be able to build self-assurance, replicate your routine at least one time per week to establish time or a regular day that you simply dote on yourself.
In the event you prefer your routine go swimming or to really have a walk in the park, do it. Go everywhere that makes you feel comfortable assured and/or.
Picture titled Have Fun Being Naked Step 22
Eat healthful foods. Nothing can make you dote on yourself like eating nicely and appreciate your body. Eating nicely makes you remember to feed your body "great fuel" so that it functions properly and appears great. [2]
It is tough to appreciate your body if you're thinking about the additional donuts if you're counting all of the wasted calories that you've taken in, or you ate. It will make you feel guilty or insecure, which is counter to the confidence you will have to have pleasure naked.
Don't feel guilty about what you eat. If you're going to eat it, do not squander time counting all of the calories or thinking about it over and over again. This also is a self-confidence buster.
Eat foods that are healthy as a reminder to appreciate the skin you are in. The food itself is a reminder that your body deserves to be fed and treated well.
You don't have to overdo it in case you're already on a proper diet or meal plan. Take an evening snack once every other day in the event you feel just like you are stressed over eating too healthy. Although you want to be healthful, recall there's something is called, "being too healthy."
Picture titled Have Fun Being Naked Step 33
Compliment yourself. Instead of putting yourself down constantly, compliment yourself. The assurance to possess pleasure nude begins with not judging your body or putting yourself down. [3]
With the procedure for complimenting yourself comes the responsibility of not doing particular things such as criticizing yourself. Point out everything and do not stand in front of the mirror you do not like.
Point out a couple things about yourself that you enjoy. Write them down if needed. Use these qualities to counter the negative judgements that you could make about your body and yourself. For example, if you think something negative about yourself, counter it with one of the opinions that are positive that you've already identified. So, counter "I despise my arms" with "I 've great legs." [4]
Becoming Comfortable With Your Body
Image titled Have Fun Being Nude Step 41
Transfer your body. Any type of physical exercise whether it is running, yoga or dancing helps to build body self-confidence.
Pick an activity that you just love. Kickball, walking, karate, swimming and dancing, for instance, all are actions that can enable you to begin to relate with moving your body having pleasure.
Physical activity sculpts and forms the body. Whichever activity you select serves of double function of enjoyment and body sculpting.
Exercise or physical activity slowly helps you feel more assured about your own body, which is helpful when you're naked. The point isn't to slim down but to gain self-confidence through movement of the body. [5]
If you would like to do a regular or an extreme work out stay hydrated. In case you are dehydrate, you will be tired the rest of the day and also be out of breath as well for the people who have asthma.
Image titled Have Fun Being Nude Measure 5
Pamper your body. Get a massage or facial. Homage is paid by the action of pampering yourself to your body. It enables you to value your body and adore it, making it easier to integrate several of the last measures such as eating and moving the body. [6]
Pampering yourself could be as simple as taking a long bath instead of a shower.
We continue publishing stories shared by our female subscribers – young naturist girls who make it to the nude beach for the first time
Check it
Add flower petals or some sea salt to the water.
Dressing activities like shaving, combing the hair, and rubbing lotion on the body all are elements of pampering and self-appreciation. These tasks build an appreciation for the body which are independent from stuff adornments like jewelry, shoes and clothes.
Picture titled Have Fun Being Naked Measure 63
Get nude at home. If you are comfortable being nude at home it is easier to be nude around others and have fun doing it. Becoming comfortable at home with your own nudity is vital to being cozy nude out on earth.
Stand in front of the mirror naked — not to criticize — but to appreciate. This also lets you get comfortable seeing yourself naked. If you are not comfortable looking at yourself naked, then you'll be uncomfortable when others are looking at you naked.
Do an activity throughout the house nude. Water the plants. Dance. Read a novel. Style your hair shirtless. It doesn't matter what the task is as long you get comfortable doing it naked.
If you are not comfortable going totally naked merely yet, wear lingerie and build up. Lots of different kinds are available, so your bound to find one that'll make you feel hot and confident.[7]
Begin to incorporate into other daily tasks even if you're out of the house. For instance, try not wearing panties, or go braless.
Picture titled Have Fun Being http://videonudism.com/nudism/beach-in-swingers.php doing things nude that you'd usually do with clothing on. Daily jobs such as making phone calls nude won't look so weird after a while. Plus, you will get a thrill out of your little secret.
Image titled Have Fun Being Nude Measure 85
Make a sandwich nude. Now you can combine the two, although food and nudity don't usually go together. Be cautious about cooking nude however. Wear an apron to safeguard yourself.
Picture titled Have Fun Being Nude Step 96
View TV nude. Select your favorite chair or your favorite place on the sofa. Bring your clothes away. Turn on the television if it is not already on and have a seat… naked.
Image titled Have Fun Being Naked Measure 107
Walk around the house naked. As to be sure you are not observable from outside, close the blinds or curtains. Most jurisdictions have laws for indecent exposure crimes
Picture titled Have Fun Being Naked Measure 118
Sleep nude. Something new, tries if you ordinarily. Get http://peenudist.com off. It might feel odd at first, but stick with it. Soon you might enjoy the dearth of separation between the sheets and your skin.
Becoming Comfortable With Nudity
You can begin adopting nudity in public scenarios, once you're comfortable with your own nudity.
Image titled Have Fun Being Naked Measure 122
Go to a Turkish, Finnish or Korean health spa. Most Korean spas have gender-specific nude places, which means you're free to go nude within the confines of regions that are specified. In the male area, men are free to go nude, and it is the same in the place that is female. [8]
Within these regions there are bathing places, saunas and dressing areas. So, you can get accustomed to being nude in the company of others.
If you are still not completely comfortable, utilize a little towel to partially cover yourself. Generally uniforms are available to wear as well.
If that makes you feel more comfortable, come with a friend so you have somebody to talk to. Many people may prefer to start with just strangers.
Give yourself something to do. Bathe yourself or groom yourself while at the hot tub, and you will not be totally focused on your nakedness.
Additionally, while you're there, try to get a massage also. It'll help sooth your nakedness, and it will additionally sooth your back!
Bare massages, for instance, are a style of acclimating yourself to being naked around others. Generally, the parts that are not being massaged are covered up with a towel, which means you will have some sense of being covered.
Picture titled Have Fun Being Naked Step 153
Sunbathe not clothed. Do it on the roof of your building, on your deck or at the neighborhood pool so long as it is permitted.
Picture titled Have Fun Being Nude Step 134
Get nude in front of a supportive man. Should you are in possession of a significant other or have a supportive friend or relative, get naked around them if the other person is comfortable by it.
If you are comfortable around your significant other, then you will be more comfortable during sex or other types of intercourse.
Being nude around a man that is supportive also enables you to gain confidence and set aside any fears. No one is going to gawk at you, point or laugh, which is some people's greatest fears.
Naked massages, for instance, are a way of acclimating yourself to being naked around others. Normally, the parts which are not being massaged are covered up with a towel, and that means you'll have some sense of being covered.
Acclimating Yourself With Public Nudity
Image titled Have Fun Being Naked Step 161
Go skinny dipping with a close friend or partner that is supporting. The water will somewhat cloud your naked body, which allows you to slowly get used to being nude and having fun while you do it.
To be more comfortable in the event you are still not sure about showing off your skin, wear a bikini that was extremely small, one that's also nude or clear coloured.
Image titled Have Fun Being Naked Step 172
Go to a nude beach. Since everyone should be naked, you will likely feel more comfortable in your birthday suit too. Nude beaches give you an opportunity to walk around in front of strangers nude, swim nude and play beach volleyball or frisbee nude. Where else can you do that?
Picture titled Have Fun Being Nude Measure 183
Do naked yoga. Usually, the classes are gender-segregated and are made to help everyone feel more comfortable being nude no matter size or the shape. [9]
Image titled Have Fun Being Naked Step 194
Run nude. Some cities offer nude groups that are running similar to Denmark's Roskilde Festival, where about 30 runners run around the festival grounds nude. [10]
Picture titled Have Fun Being Naked Measure 205
Join community or a nudist group. You will most likely need to do more of it more often if you truly like being naked. In this group, you will locate a group of supportive people who share in your joy of having fun naked. [11]


text:
|Rogenna's Garden
Monday, June 10, 2013
City Girls Guide to Gardening
8 comments:
- Kristina Mathews said...
I can grow basil and mint. So far the deer haven't eaten them, but I do sometimes find bugs in my salad spinner.
I think I'll have apricots this summer, too. It seems to be an every other year kind of thing.
I just finished your novella, One Night In Reno. I loved it, but was sorry it was only a novella. I could have kept reading, even though the bath had gone cold.
- June 10, 2013 at 7:24 AM
- Mary Preston said...
I have no luck with growing vegetables. I've tried seeds and seedlings. I think the birds get to my plants. My Mother can grow anything & everything.
- June 10, 2013 at 9:04 AM
- Rogenna Brewer said...
We have rabbits to worry about so my husband bought some chicken wire. I'm trying to convince him to make something I can open and close, instead of having to work over it.
Thank you for the lovely compliment on Garrett's and Jenny's story. Yes, they were wonderful characters to work with and deserved a bigger book. Short story writing is hard :)
- June 10, 2013 at 1:59 PM
- Rogenna Brewer said...
Hi Mary,
My mother-in-law is like that. Just her strawberry patch is twice the size of my little garden.
My own mother moved into an apartment with a shared garden so she's having fun this year as well.
- June 10, 2013 at 2:01 PM
- Pamela Hearon said...
I'm a flower gardener, and I have herbs. My forays unto vegetable gardening have never worked out very well. We put out ten heirloom tomato plants last year and harvested only four tomatoes. Not enough sun in our very shady yard. One time years ago, I planted six hills of yellow squash. I had enough to eat, freeze, share with friends, and still feed a small army :-)
- June 10, 2013 at 2:39 PM
- Rogenna Brewer said...
Hi Pam;
Your tomato story sounds like my $60 tomato. I balk at the high prices in the supermarket, yet think nothing of investing $15-$20 in a plant that usually dies or gives me a couple small tomatoes :)
Last year I planted Zucchini, which is supposed be easy to grow and never did. I'm trying cucumbers this year. Maybe I should give yellow squash a go.
I definitely have a new appreciation for farmers.
- June 10, 2013 at 11:44 PM
- Mary Brady said...
Wishing you the best of the best of luck with your garden! I got started so late this year, I planted mostly plants and very few seeds. Right now it looks great. Of course, the plants have only been in the ground for 5 days. Fingers crossed for all of us who planted.
- June 11, 2013 at 12:34 AM
- penney said...
My youngest daughter and I plant flower seeds all the time she loves to see them grow. We have a small patio porch I have some pots there with flowers. I would grow veggies but they get pick by people around here so we hardly don't get any. They never take the flowers! I must amit a couple of snails got my green peppers last year! we do love growing things
- June 16, 2013 at 3:47 PM


text: Belize Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Cave Tour ATM Cave Tour Taking a journey into the Mayan underworld at Actun Tunichil Muknal, or the "Cave of the Stone Sepulchre", will be one of the most enlightening, epic, and unique experiences of your life. Leave the world of the living behind as you venture into the heart of the ATM Cave with your licensed guide. Recently deemed the #1 Sacred Cave destination in the world by National Geographic, the ATM cave is not only beautiful geologically, with its crystalline stalactites and stalagmites, but also historically, as is a natural museum of ancient Mayan artifacts, as well as a sacred burial place. This is the final resting place of the "Crystal Maiden", an ancient Mayan ceremonial victim, as well as the remains of 13 other sacrificed men, women, and children. MayaWalk guides have led government officials, National Geographic teams, the Discovery Channel, The British High Commission, and US Embassy officials into the ATM Cave. This sacrificial site is accessed by approximately an hour drive from our office in San Ignacio. Here we enter the Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve and park our vehicles at the ranger post. From this point on we are on foot, hiking through the jungle for approximately 45 minutes to the entrance of the cave. The hike includes three stream crossings. To access the cave, we swim across a small spring-fed pool with the assistance of a rope and wade into knee-high water into the dark underworld of the cave that allows us access to the extensive underground maze of tunnels, passageways and chambers, climaxing in the ceremonial chamber housing stoneware, ceramics and the famed crystallized skeleton of the "Crystal Maiden". We spend approximately 3 hours in the cave under the instruction of our experienced guides. Leave your cameras behind and experience the power of ancient spirits with your mind, body, and soul. This is not only a physical adventure, but a journey into the spiritual realm. We enter back into the jungle world and hike to our vehicles, where we relax and enjoy a homemade picnic lunch, with water and soft drinks, before driving back to San Ignacio. INTENSITY: Moderate (involves some easy swimming and life jackets are provided for non-swimmers, who will also be escorted by our highly trained guides) MINIMUM HEIGHT: 40 in. DURATION: 8 Hours (approx.) WHAT TO BRING/WEAR: Hiking shoes/trainers (will get wet, toes must be protected) socks (mandatory for preservation reasons) extra set of dry clothing, extra sandals/flip flops small backpack Bring reusable water bottles liter of water bug spray snacks swim wear with shorts (Please note cameras are not allowed & only the guide will carry a dry bag into the cave). Maya Walk Tours recommends bringing reusable cups and bottles when coming in, to ensure responsible travel and consideration for our beautiful country's environment. So bring your coffee loving cups for some coffee in the morning of your tours. MIN. # OF PERSONS: 1 PRICE: US $95/per persons Book this Disclaimer: Not recommended for participants with heart complaints or other serious medical conditions Not recommended for pregnant women A moderate amount of walking is involved Due to uneven surfaces, this tour is not recommended for those with walking disabilities or using a wheelchair Not recommended for participants with back problems. Government of Belize has banned all Electronics from the cave Not recommended for participants with heart complaints or other serious medical conditions ie. recent surgeries, etc. Click here to see more pictures from Ben Kim Esoteric Vision Caving ATM Cave Tour Crystal Cave Tour Cave Tubing Tour Barton Creek Cave Tour Mayan Ruins Caracol Ruins & Rio on Pools & Rio Frio Cave Tour Guatemala Tikal Ruins Tour Xunantunich Horseback Riding Tour Cahal Pech Birdwatching Tour Horseback Riding Organic Farm Horseback Riding Tour Xunantunich Horseback Riding Tour Birding & Sightseeing Inland Blue Hole Birdwatching Tour Cahal Pech Birdwatching Tour Belize Zoo & Monkey Bay Wildlife Sanctuary Birding Tour Black Rock and Macal River Area Birding Tour Caves Branch & Blue Hole Birding Tour Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary Birding Tour El Pilar Maya Forest Birding Tour Laguna Aguacate & Spanish Lookout Area Birding Tour Mountain Pine Ridge and Bald Hills Birding Tour Pooks Hill & Actun Tunichil Muknal Birding Tour Canoeing Barton Creek Canoeing Tour Hiking & Wildlife Mountain Pine Ridge & Rio On Pools & Rio Frio Cave Belize Zoo Tour Zip Lining Zip Lining Tour Belize Cultural History Maya & Mennonite Cultural Village Tour Cacao Farm & Chocolate Making Tour


text:
Author Nathan Goodman provides fiction ghostwriting services to clients who would like a novel written for them.
Original Content
All novels are written by Nathan Goodman and not subcontracted out to another author, unless specifically stated.
Writing Quality
If you would like to get an idea of the quality of writing, please see the reader reviews on my published works. That should give you a good idea. After completion of a manuscript, all my published novels are professionally edited by someone skilled in the craft. I do not claim to be an expert in the area of editing. And to tell you the truth, Stephen King, Lee Child, and John Grisham wouldn't dream of allowing one of their novels to be published without a professional editor. Likewise, the finished, ghostwritten manuscript I hand you at the end of our project will also require a professional editor. I can arrange the services of an editor if you so choose.
Note from the Author
I try to read up on industry news, follow publishing trends, and track articles published by editors and agents. But I won't try to sell you on my relationships with publishing houses or the writing community. I won't make any promises that you will sell your manuscript. My role as your ghostwriter is to be the author because good writing, and not PR, is the name of the game.
I choose which projects make sense for me and which don't. If I turn down your offer to hire me as a ghostwriter, please don't take it to mean that your project is not worthwhile. I don't accept ghostwriting projects without speaking with you on the phone. If you desire to work under a non-disclosure agreement (NDA), I will be happy to review it.
Contact the Author
There are limitations, so please contact the author for rates & availability, and to discuss your ghostwriting project.


text:
Please check price before downloading. Prices are subject to change and are not guaranteed by eReader Obsession.
(Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means if you click on one of the product links, I'll receive a small commission.)
Jane's ghostly appearance is a bad omen to the doomed Confederate soldiers at Fort Pulaski. In a chilling twist, the charitable heart of a handsome lieutenant and arrogance of a Union general compel her to cross hostile enemy lines and seek shelter with strangers. In a story of good and evil, murder, intrigue and the supernatural, she must survive in another century. One hundred fifty years from everything she knows and loves, Jane cannot escape the grim truth her existence in the past alters the future and puts lives in danger.
Vanished on her twenty-fourth birthday without a trace! Medical student Bryce McKenzie and Jane Peterson have shared a unique bond since childhood. But when exactly did she capture his heart? Refusing to accept Jane's death, Bryce vows never to give up on the girl he loves. With the help of Sophie Downing, the only witness to Jane's freak disappearance, he searches for the key to unlock an impossible mystery.
The Lincoln Penny * The Lover's Eye * The Celtic Key: Empathy, humanity and love tangled and interwoven across time. A many-layered drama far above standard time fiction.
Thanks to the love and support of friends and a renewed commitment to her faith Elizabeth Reynolds has moved past the hurt and anger of her parents death.
Her job as concierge at Hotel Lago, a boutique hotel in downtown Orlando is challenging and fills her need to be successful but one thing is missing. She loves the historic homes in the downtown area but fears she will never be able to afford one.
When a once in a lifetime opportunity to renovate a broken down home comes along she snaps it up. Sparks and clashes with her handsome, but deeply troubled contractor, Jeffrey Robbins threaten to slow the renovation but they fade as Orlando becomes the target of three summer storms, hurricanes Charlie, Frances and Jeanne.
In the aftermath of the storms what be the fate of Lizzie's home and heart?
Besides, it didn't really mean anything. It was only a kiss after all.
But then things started to change. They grew up. They parted ways and went to different high schools. And other girls and boys—well, just one particular boy—came into the picture, throwing their lives upside down.
Told from the alternating points of view of Katie and Chris, this love story between two best friends will tug at your heartstrings and leave you thinking how the simplest things can mean so much.
Editorial Reviews:
"The simplest things can mean so much." A universal but often forgotten truth—and a great way to sum up what Ines Bautista-Yao's latest offering is all about. At its core, it's a simple love story about a pair of best friends, but it's infused with so much warmth, honesty, and charm that you'll be glad you took a break from melodrama and sicktopia for now. Another truth: nobody does heartfelt, wholesome fiction quite as well as Ines does. —Marla Miniano, Editor in Chief, Candy Magazine
"It felt so genuine that I wanted to jump right into the story and talk to Chris and Katie. I saw echoes of myself in both of them, and that made me both love them and want to shake some sense into them." —Lia London, author and founder of Clean Indie Reads
"From the first page of this book I loved it. I couldn't put it down and read half of it in one sitting. This book is very well written. You can feel tension building at just the right times and when it all comes crashing down you are crying right along with the characters. This book had a simple plot that draws you in and doesn't let you go until you have made two new best friends in Chris and Katie." —Emma Poulloura, book blogger
Richard Jensen has the looks, the money and the career—now all he needs is the perfect wife. He's convinced Katrina's the one; he just needs to make it happen.
Terry Winters doesn't mind the whispers going on in town—after all, he moved to Willows for his horses, and they don't listen to rumours.
As Katrina grows fond of Willows, she finds herself caught in a battle between substance and form, learning that having it all isn't the same as getting it right.
But is it just the town she's enamoured with?
A Chance to Get it Right is the second instalment in the Copperhead Creek Australian Romance series, and while this is a stand-alone story with respect to the main characters, some of the characters from the first book, A Chance to Come True, make appearances as life continues in the rural town of Willows.
Author Biography:
indie author S M Spencer grew up reading the romantic suspense works of incredible authors such as Daphne du Maurier and Mary Stewart. Their books stirred in her a passion that would last a lifetime—to write stories that would stay with readers long after they'd finished the books.
Although S M Spencer grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area she now lives in Australia and writes clean romance, mystery and fantasy books from the home that she shares with her husband, horses, cats and dogs—oh, and the mob of kangaroos that sometimes shares the paddock with the horses.
When amateur sleuth Clarissa Hayes and her trusty Saint Bernard, Paw, enter a dog show, they expect to find dogs, blue ribbons, and trophies. Not dead bodies.
Clarissa's boyfriend is tracking a suspect in the death of a dog fancier. It's up to Clarissa and Paw to provide him cover as they compete in the show.
But the competition turns deadly when another dog owner is murdered. Are the deaths connected? Clarissa and Paw must sniff out the clues to solve the crime before the killer collars them.
Will Best in Show become Best in Death?
Discounted (0.99-2.99)
First: 'Whatever it Takes'. While studying in London, Australian-born Lisa falls in love with fellow trainee teacher Liam. Can their fledgling relationship withstand the strain of Lisa's return to Sydney, which throws her into the path of her former lover?
Second: 'Sisters and Rivals'. After struggling to deal with a string of broken relationships caused by the flirtations (and more) of her sister Tessa, Linda hopes that, with Tessa now engaged, she is secure in the love of her boyfriend Harry. Will Tessa once again use her insidious charms to lure Harry away from her plainer sister?
Lucky for everyone in Poppy County, no one has asked until a mystery man arrives in town with a story bigger than Granny Lola's wild imagination and the know-how to stir up trouble for the Rae family.
With long-held secrets to keep, a grandmother who may or may not be alive and a penchant for chaos, Missy must forge a plan to stop the handsome stranger before he lets the proverbial cat out of the bag and unleashes a world of trouble on the unsuspecting town and its inhabitants.
Find out what happens when a reluctant witch, a meddling witch hunter, and a ghostly grandmother fight for what's right only to discover that sometimes it takes a whole lot of wrong to make things right again.
Melvin Lai inherited the last thing he ever wanted from his favorite uncle: a cocker spaniel. Now he's on the verge of losing his home to the unruly puppy and, much to his surprise, his heart when he meets Dr. Chu, Sparkle's vet.
Vivian Chu loves caring for her furry friends, so she can't fathom how anyone could think poorly of her new patient, especially his owner. To her, first impressions are everything, and the one Melvin left has her feeling disheartened and bruised—literally.
He longs to make her his Valentine; she can't wait to escape him. It's going to take a miracle for Melvin to win Vivian's heart, but nothing's impossible when four-legged conspirators are involved.


text:
Moby continues his collaboration with Blend.io to include The Last Day, taken from Innocents and featuring vocals by Skylar Grey.
The tracks is available exclusively on Blend in Ableton Live and Pro Tools formats, ready for remixing.
The Last Day – Ableton Live by Moby
The Last Day – Pro Tools by Moby
"When people try to control content in the digital world, there's something about that that seems kind of depressing to me," read a quote by the artist in an article on CDM. "The most interesting results happen when there is no control. I love the democratic anarchy of the online world." moby


text:
"As large as the monster Sandy is, the church is larger and more powerful in its preparations, its spirit and its capacity to be here for years to come," said the Rev. Tom Hazelwood, UMCOR Assistant General Secretary for U.S. Disaster Response.
Gifts for hurricane response can be made any Sunday.
And, locally at Mission Central, we have 5500 "flood buckets" (clean-up supplies). Let us know of any need for help.


text:
Rare Rutherglen Topaque
Rare by name and rare by nature. This wine is truly spectacular, expressing generations of flavour with the oldest material coming from fourth generation Jack Stanton in the 1970s.
Style Our richest and most complete Topaque ClassificationRare: The pinnacle of the style with breathtaking depth and complexity Alcohol 18.5% Cellaring This wine has already been matured in barrels and no further ageing in the bottle is required Food Match Try it with premium quality chocolate or simply on its own to appreciate the full depth and range of flavours Size 375ml
Delicious treacle in colour with aromas of intense coffee bean and malt extract. There is a fresh and luscious mouthfeel with concentrated dried fruits, butterscotch and a long, balanced lively finish.Rare Rutherglen Topaque (564 KB)
Only the best vintages are carefully aged in our modified solera system to further enhance these parcels and then blended to create this complete and exquisite wine.
Price $145.00 $145.00 375ml Bottle


text:
This can be the preferred recommendations As i truly avoided:
"Don't spend with "anyone" for a clientele. A lot of people simply may not be truly worth the cash. inch
Yes, As i when avoided the following. Air cleaner will add, As i has been simply commencing for a Fitness expert. As i vital profit. Together with these have been shoppers able to pay for people a whole lot of the idea.
Nevertheless there would be a single person get hold of which As i didn't stay with primary assembly the woman's. Although I might ended up aware with choosing everyone with As i don't enjoy, As i has been just considering the cash.
Not surprisingly, precisely how poor may well a single person end up,
Properly, without a doubt… it was eventually that most detrimental selection As i available.
When two months, As i has been sentimentally exhausted. Essentially simply consequently AN INDIVIDUAL clientele. Together with pick precisely what the following suggested, Yes, As i sacrificed just about all willingness. As i have been hating exercise most people.
At the least I did so until such time as people along with the lovely women lastly parted options… (Which has been pursued by slightly celebratory move… )
That means, although As i produced greater expense for the forseeable future by removing the woman's with for a clientele, As i struggled eventually. Since I saw it virtually no willingness to obtain available together with get even more shoppers.
Nevertheless just denied the woman's before it starts, I might get nevertheless ended up tremendous excited to travel and find even more most people.
Nevertheless, this is slightly session for your needs. Ensure you "screen" most people in advance of choosing these with since shoppers. Tend not to spend with "anyone" as a result of profit. Down the road, you will be better off of JUST working together with most people you love working together with.
Together with, without a doubt, even though you will be simply commencing trading together with "need" instant profit, these suggestions nevertheless pertains.
Which means that in that case, how can you get most people inside your enterprise which you may really get pleasure from employing,
Very simple:
For a start, people make our minds up to get started working at e-mail marketing. Then you definately generate ones inbox checklist. In that case, people inbox ones checklist on a daily basis in the 7 days. Virtually no conditions.
Which means that this is measure number 1.
Measure phone number a few is usually the following:
As soon as you generate for a inbox checklist, people really ought to be one self considering how people generate. You'll want ones own completely unique identity. Together with, without a doubt, you have got to be described as a little bit polarizing.
How come,
Since this will continue gone the individuals who'll end up headache shoppers. In contrast it's going to GET people shoppers which you may really really enjoy working together with.


text:
Nowhere to Hide: 2018 Global Barometer Compares Portfolios from 7 Regions
In sharp contrast with 2017 when performance was uniformly positive across all regions, global markets suffered broadly negative returns in 2018. In fact, just 2% of the moderate portfolios reviewed by the Natixis Portfolio Research & Consulting Group had positive returns for the year. Equity holdings were the primary performance driver, contributing to about two-thirds of portfolio losses on average (Figure 1). Performance results were also affected by currency exchange rates. Notice the difference in returns between the MSCI USA Index in euros (EUR) and in dollars (USD).
FIGURE 1 – What a difference a year makes – Stock market returns, in local currency, 2018 vs. 2017
Which region had the best returns in 2018?
Unfortunately, even diversifying into fixed income and alternatives offered little relief in 2018, as those asset classes also suffered losses or muted performance at best. Overall portfolio risk also rose substantially during the year from remarkably low levels in 2017 – not surprising given the marked increase in equity market volatility. Even so, this increase only brings volatility back to 2016 levels. So while it may not feel like it, the 2017 period of calm was the anomaly, not 2018.
FIGURE 2 – Moderate risk peer group average performance by region – in portfolio base currency (1/1/18–12/31/18)
Source: Natixis Portfolio Research & Consulting Group, VDOS. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.
There is also a huge disparity in the way investors in different regions allocate to different asset classes to construct moderate risk model portfolios. Advisors in the UK and US are the most bullish on equities, with weights in portfolios over 50%, whereas Italians allocate closer to 20%. On the other hand, Italian and Latin American advisors allocate around 40% to fixed income, while in the UK and France it is below 20%.
Figure 2 shows the comparative performance of the moderate portfolios by region, in relation to their overall risk, as measured by standard deviation. Italian portfolios were the strongest performers in 2018, with the lowest risk levels and least negative returns. This can largely be attributed to their low allocation to equities and high allocation to fixed income, as shown in Figure 3. In a year like 2018, lower overall risk improved competitive returns.
FIGURE 3 – Average allocations across moderate risk portfolios by region (number of portfolios analyzed)
Source: Natixis Portfolio Research & Consulting Group, VDOS. Asset classes are based on Morningstar categories. Real assets represents the sum of commodities, property and miscellaneous.
Where in the world?
While allocation preferences vary considerably across the globe, home country bias is fairly pronounced: Advisors prefer investing in stocks tied most closely to their local economy. But they also understand the benefits of diversifying more globally. For US investors, overweighting US equities in 2018 was a benefit, as US equity held up relatively well during the year. However, US portfolios' second largest allocation was to global equities (excluding US), which did much worse, losing 14% for the year in US dollars. Taken together, US investors suffered the most from falling equity markets in 2018.
To learn more about how allocation decisions affected portfolio risk and return levels, read the full 2018 Global Portfolio Barometer.
All investing involves risk, including the risk of loss.
The provision of this material and/or reference to specific securities, sectors, or markets within this material does not constitute investment advice, or a recommendation or an offer to buy or to sell any security, or an offer of any regulated financial activity. Investors should consider the investment objectives, risks and expenses of any investment carefully before investing. The views and opinions expressed above may change based on market and other conditions. There can be no assurance that developments will transpire as forecasted.
The index information contained herein is derived from third parties and is provided on an "as is" basis. The user of this information assumes the entire risk of use of this information. Each of the third party entities involved in compiling, computing or creating index information disclaims all warranties (including, without limitation, any warranties of originality, accuracy, completeness, timeliness, non-infringement, merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose) with respect to such information.
Alternative investments involve unique risks that may be different from those associated with traditional investments, including illiquidity and the potential for amplified losses or gains. Investors should fully understand the risks associated with any investment prior to investing.
Fixed income securities may carry one or more of the following risks: credit, interest rate (as interest rates rise bond prices usually fall), inflation and liquidity. Below investment grade fixed income securities may be subject to greater risks (including the risk of default) than other fixed income securities.
Standard deviation is a statistical measure of market volatility and risk.
All figures, unless otherwise stated, are derived from detailed analysis conducted by the Portfolio Research & Consulting Group of 421 moderate risk model portfolios received in the last six months of 2018 across seven different locations worldwide: France, Germany, Italy, Latin America (including US-Offshore), Spain, the UK and the USA. Peer group allocations shown are the averages calculated across all the models in the sample for each region. The performance data covers 1 Jan through 31 Dec 2018 unless otherwise stated. Except for Spain, the Moderate Model Portfolios data is based on model portfolios that have been analyzed by the Portfolio Research & Consulting Group and have been designated as moderate risk by investment professionals. The Portfolio Research & Consulting Group collects portfolio data and aggregates it in accordance with the peer group portfolio category that is assigned to an individual portfolio by the investment professionals. The categorization of individual portfolios is not determined by the Portfolio Research & Consulting Group, as its role is solely as an aggregator of the pre-categorized portfolios.
Data for Spain is derived from VDOS data. Our sample includes all moderate risk allocation portfolios having fund weights 70%–100% of total assets, with these weights rebalanced to 100%. Statistics based on weight, returns and return contributions are derived from holdings of portfolios extant in Q3 2018 (the latest data available) and simulated over the period 1 Jan through 31 Dec 2018.
Please note that risk attributes of portfolios will change over time due to movements in the capital markets. Portfolio allocations provided to Natixis are static in nature, and subsequent changes in an investment professional's portfolio allocations may not be reflected in the current data.
Natixis Portfolio Clarity® is a registered trademark of Natixis Advisors, L.P. in the United States.


text: We were approached by Peter Granville of Broadsword Security Services, one of our clients in the security industry, and he asked whether we could find a new professional security engineer to join his firm. This is a highly specialist role and our client wanted an engineer with considerable experience in this industry. Broadsword Security Services have been protecting people and property throughout Oxfordshire and the surrounding counties since 1985. They supply, install and maintain intruder burglar alarms, fire alarms, CCTV, automated gates, and access control systems. Calum's team met with Peter at their premises to discuss the requirements of the role and also, as Peter's business has grown and they have moved to bigger offices, to soak up the atmosphere and culture of his successful business so he can better sell the benefits of moving there to potential candidates. As we maintain our databases of key professionals in many sectors, Calum immediately knew a few people who might be interested if the right role became available - but only where that would further their career and personal aspirations. One of our headhunted individuals was ready to consider a move and we are delighted to announce that after a few discussions and interviews, Kevin Woodward started his new role at Broadsword in January 2017. Although, occasionally, unhappy former candidates of ours do approach us to look for a new position, we would never actively headhunt an individual that we had previously placed into a client site ourselves - we believe that would be unethical. "I honestly didn't think they would be able to find and select such a specialist role so quickly," says Peter Granville, MD of Broadsword Security Services, "but I should have had more faith! After dealing with Jackie over many years, she and her team never fail to impress!" Kevin comments: "I had been considering a move for a couple of months before Calum contacted me but I wanted to make the right decision. Calum, in his very patient and friendly way, gave me the confidence to consider Broadsword especially with all of the opportunities to move my career forward." Are you looking to attract talented individuals who will help grow your business? Call us for a chat on 01793 762026 or email Jackie and her team at: email@example.com. CommentsCurrently there are no comments. Be the first to post one!


text:
Whats to say
Complete and utter failure on the entire offense
Whats to say
Complete and utter failure on the entire offense
shut up baphat! you lost to a 3rd string qb
i seen a stat: 3-26 on third down the last two weeks. hopefully the offense starts learning the scheme soon because i don't think that's very good.
i can honestly say this may be the worst offense in the entire history of the nfl
The only thing worse then watching tonight's game, is gonna be losing to Denver twice this year...
Just stop yourself baph...
We get it... We suck...
But so do you... Soooo...?
What exactly are YOU doing here?
The saddest thing is that Keenum was a far better QB for Denver than Joe Flacco. Not saying Id like keenum back but goodness would anyone had imagined it could get any worse.
Oh and the Broncos didnt need any help from the officials wrecking the game. Surprisingly the officials actually called a good game.
Last edited by Sam_Z; 10-17-2019 at 08:39 PM.
hey baps why don't we all get together to have a we suck party...
we can drown some beers talk about who sucks more & what the future holds & perhaps even discuss if phyllis will make it to 10 kids?
The PI called against CHJ, and the missed PI call in the 3rd where the KC defender hooked, and turned...
That's crap officiating.. Nothing but...
In the grand scheme of things did it make much of a difference? I don't think so... But it is what it is...
One was, and didn't get called.
One wasn't, and got called...
Hexking figure it out already..
We suck, and can't get out our own way.. Don't need tunnel vision refs adding fuel to the fire..
Vic Fangio just tossed Rich Scangarello under the bus by saying, we cant even pick up a yard against that defense.
He did not say any names but we all know what he meant and who it was directed at!
These guys just cant score even if they did have a good play caller. Joe Flacco is washed up and has been for years and I cant help but laugh every time I remember Elway saying hes in his prime.
Its all nonsense anymore, we just got beat by Matt Moore, a guy who coaching a high school team when training camp started.
This is as much of a humiliating loss as I can remember as a Denver Broncos fan.
Poster Elway said in general discussions earlier
It's this kind of product they put on the field that stops me spending money on any merchandise.
I won't pay until there's better play. As a fan they have my full support, but not my wallet.
I feel the same because that is the only type of statement we can make!
Last edited by Sam_Z; 10-17-2019 at 08:54 PM.


text:
Video Market Commentary: October 29, 2014
On Wednesday, October 29, Michael sat down to talk about Fed day. He said that in the afternoon release of the Fed's minutes, people should "not be looking for major changes," but possibly some alterations to the language they use. Michael also discussed the market rebound we've seen, the high margins we're experiencing and what to expect ahead of next week's elections.


text:
You've no doubt seen several videos of the ALS ice bucket challenge. This is a simple act of pouring cold water on your head with a challenge for others to do likewise and donating money for ALS research and awareness. Countless videos have popped up over this last year of celebrities, family and friends all participating in the awareness of ALS.
This month is the Universal Human Rights month. Now is certainly the best time to make a difference!
ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis), is a very irksome disease that disables the movement of muscles and in due time can lead to paralysis. The ALS Association spends most of its donations towards research and consistently watching each funded project from start to finish. Barbara Newhouse, ALS Association President, mentions that despite the dire need for a cure, they must also be monitoring where their money goes and get as much research done as possible.
Over 100 million dollars in donations have been received from the ice bucket challenge alone for the ALS Association. This is certainly very helpful in the research of ALS, and in time, will help to find the cure. So far the association has been developing a future possibility: a gene that can slow down the spreading of ALS. Although we hope for more, this is some promising news.
The ice bucket challenge is still a great way to raise money, it might not be the best idea during this winter season. Yet, there is another way you can make a difference.
If you have a vehicle you want to sell or are simply not using right now; consider a vehicle donations to the ALS Association. Make your contribution for this Human Rights month and get a nice tax deduction in return. Your car is just as good as donating cash and could go towards the consistent research and the hope that an antidote for this troublesome disease can be discovered.


text:
You are hereHome › Arts & Culture › Chicago: Home to the Puerto Rican Cuatro ›
Chicago: Home to the Puerto Rican Cuatro
I vividly remember how I became interested in learning how to play the Puerto Rican cuatro. I was 7 years old and watching a Saturday variety TV show on Puerto Rico's Telemundo channel with my family. It was the kind of show where people played games to win prizes. Although it was fun to watch adults competing for home appliances such as blenders and trendy microwaves, what I enjoyed from this TV show was the live music performances. The musical guests were usually the popular salsa or merengue orchestras that visited the show to promote their most recent musical hits.
The guest on one particular episode captivated my 7-year old attention by performing the Puerto Rican cuatro. The TV appearance of the iconic cuatrista Maso Rivera was definitely a "one man show."
Maso Rivera
Maso Rivera started his performance by playing his regular size cuatro. Then he proceeded to play cuatros of all sizes and shapes that he pulled out of a wooden box. When Maso was concluding his musical segment, plucking a baseball bat with strings (and a Roberto Clemente autograph!) I was already telling my mom that I wanted to play a cuatro. (A similar performance to the one described can be watched here.)
That was the beginning of a musical journey that, more than being about becoming a professional cuatrista, has been about meeting amazing cuatro players, learning from them and trying to understand the magic of a cuatro performance.
In 2003, while studying at the University of Puerto Rico, a friend asked me to join a small group of musicians who were accompanying a Puerto Rican folkloric dance troupe that had an invitation to perform in Hawaii. I immediately accepted and, with the other musicians, began to sell chocolates in order to raise money for the plane tickets to Hawaii.
The experience in Hawaii was an eye-opener. While studying cuatro in Puerto Rico, I perceived the tradition to be limited only to the island. The cuatro pioneers that I knew of were established on the island and the nationalist sentiment surrounding the instrument was nurtured by the cuatro players that I got to see playing. Cuatro players tended to reaffirm the Puerto Rican nature of the instrument and its uniqueness. In Hawaii, we played at the United Puerto Rican Association, and there I discovered the cuatro's rich and extended history away from the island. When I heard my fellow cuatristas in Hawaii playing the cuatro in a fashion that I never heard before, a performance that involved fast, improvised solos in the also new to me kachi kachi genre, I noticed that they were preserving a style of cuatro performance that they probably learned by oral tradition. I realized that Puerto Ricans on the island were somewhat disconnected from Puerto Rican musical expressions that were in constant change and evolution beyond the island limits.
In Hawaii I met superbly talented cuatro players. I also made a lasting friendship with Hawaiian-Puerto Rican cuatro player Mike Balles and his familia of musicians, and ultimately I discovered ethnomusicology as a field of study.
For the past few years I have been researching the ways in which cuatro players are shaping and preserving the "cuatro tradition" in the United States. The fact that Puerto Ricans living in the U.S outnumber those on the island presents new challenges to the consideration of migrants as carriers of traditions to different places. Migration has expanded the traditionally adopted ethnomusicological frame of reference of studying music in its cultural context and in a specific geographic location. This shift in emphasis poses new questions about the survival of elements of traditions in new contexts, the ability of music to retain its identity away from the culture from which it sprang and the construction of what is "traditional." Essentially, "folk music depends on a community to shape it and give it voice."[i] Just like Puerto Ricans, the communities of cuatro players may be dispersed but national ties are still dominant in cuatro performance.There are some institutions in the United States that have been dedicated to the advancement of cuatro performance and to the education of a new generation of cuatro players.[ii] Each year cuatristas, aficionados and cuatro music fans attend the Cuatro Festival in Chicago. The Chicago Cuatro Festival, this year officially renamed as the National Cuatro Festival, has become the emblematic event that brings together renowned cuatristas as well as Chicago's own cuatro talent. I recently had the chance to interview Carlos Hernandez, director at the Puerto Rican Arts Alliance, to learn more about the festival and its history.
Noraliz Ruiz: When did the cuatro festival begin?
Carlos Hernandez: It began in 1998 at the Roberto Clemente Community Academy High School located in what was once the heart of the Puerto Rican community.
NR: Has the Puerto Rican Arts Alliance (PRAA) been the festival's organizer since its beginning?
CH: Since the beginning, PRAA has been the organizer of the Cuatro Festival. However, there were many community volunteers in its early years that played a key role in launching this effort. Originally the festival served as one of PRAA's principal programming efforts to promote Puerto Rican culture. The idea of the festival was brought to PRAA by a group called the Chicago Cuatro Orchestra whose focus was to create a Puerto Rican Cuatro Orchestra that could perform at such an event and have PRAA establish a yearlong cuatro educational music program that could feed into those efforts. Many years have gone by and PRAA now continues to teach youth and children how to play the cuatro, guitar and violin. We have also created an ensemble of our own called Taller PRAA and have partnered with many other music groups.
The Chicago Cuatro Orchestra
NR: What does the cuatro mean to the Puerto Rican community in Chicago?
CH: Prior to PRAA National Cuatro Festival efforts, cuatro simply meant folk music to the Puerto Rican community in Chicago. Today, the meaning of cuatro has expanded beyond Puerto Rican folk music that is typically played during the Christmas holidays. PRAA has been a catalyst for cuatro music to be appreciated more profoundly by younger generations of Puerto Rican and non-Puerto Rican children. Our interest has always and continues to be one of offering a music forum that allows cuatristas to expose Puerto Rico's national instrument to our community and other Latinos and non Latinos. We have played a major role in the United States to revolutionize what cuatro means for everyone beyond our traditional borders.
NR: Can you expand on the types of community and educational services of PRAA in Chicago? Are cuatro lessons part of your educational program?
CH: PRAA provides a number of arts and music educational programs. Among them are The Taíno Project, Studio Arts and Exhibition Program, The Three Kings Festival and our Latin Music Project program. It is through our Latin Music Project that we offer annually cuatro lessons to 300 Chicago Public School students and our community. All of our programs are free and open to the public.
Click on the photo for additional images
NR: Can you share the names of some acclaimed cuatristas that have performed at the festival's stage?
CH: You name them and we have probably covered them all. Cuatristas that have honored us with a performance throughout the years include, but not limited to, Edwin Colón Zayas, Prodigio Claudio, Alvin Medina, Pedro Guzmán, Quique Domenech, Juradito, Luis Sanz, Yomo Toro, Christian Nieves, Modesto Nieves, Maribel Delgado and Emma Colón Zayas.
NR: What's the main attraction of the festival? Do you always present cuatro players from the U.S? Is the festival also a platform for emerging cuatro talent?
CH: Yes, both. The National Cuatro Festival (NCF) is an opportunity for the public to go hear some of the best cuatro music from Puerto Rico and the United States. The main attraction of the festival is the high caliber music production that goes into executing a first class concert that has a mix of other cultural programmed elements that are intentionally part of the event. For example, this year we are dedicating the NCF to the Borinqueneers. Other years we have featured community leaders who have dedicated their life to an issue and/or activity that has advanced the Puerto Rican community. All of the advance planning that goes into producing an NCF leads to really rallying a Puerto Rican community that rarely has an opportunity to take part in a monumental professional setting that raises their cultural pride profoundly.
NR: Why did the festival's name change to National Cuatro Festival? Is PRAA presenting a new vision under this name?
CH: This year, after a successful 15th Anniversary celebration in 2013, the festival is undergoing an update with a new logo, new name and expanded mission and audience. The addition of "National" to the festival title reflects the festival's growth since 1998 into a truly one-of-a-kind event. The Cuatro Festival is truly unique drawing audiences from New York, Miami, Puerto Rico and locations across the country. It is our belief here at PRAA that the name change is more in synch with the organization's past, present and future trajectory.
NR: What should the audience expect from this year's edition?
CH: On Saturday, November 8 at 7pm the audience should expect another pleasant surprise of great cuatro music produced by PRAA. Our talent includes Edwin Colón Zayas, Gabriel Muñoz, Los Cantores de Bayamón and Chicago Cuatro Orchestra. All of this and much more will make this an amazing unforgettable evening to enjoy in a first class Chicago downtown theater venue located in Chicago. For more information about the festival please visit us at praachicago.org/.
NR: How does the festival connect cuatristas from Puerto Rico and the United States?
CH: The festival brings cuatristas from Puerto Rico and the U.S. in a unique forum that is rarely done annually in any of our nation's concert theater. We provide cuatristas the opportunity to expose their new works to an audience that appreciate their talents. Connecting the cuatrista to this audience is another magical component of the NCF.
NR: Could you share with us some of the accomplishments of the cuatro festival and in which ways it has contributed to the community of Puerto Ricans in Chicago?
CH: The NCF has really been a long journey for community. It continues to evolve as we look for new talents and production creativity. PRAA started with very little resources and continues to look for its audience to support this unique music program. PRAA estimates that since 1998 over 100,000 people has been exposed directly to our NCF. NCF has successfully expressed the Puerto Rican culture through its high quality artistic vocal and instrumental talents. We have raised the bar for others to follow us and understand that our community deserves first class theater concert hall experiences and nothing less. Our NCF has truly been a "game changer" and it is this legacy that we hope that others will aspire to build from and continue to raise awareness of the beauty of the Chicago's Puerto Rican community and beyond!
The city of Chicago has become the headquarters for the stateside community of cuatristas. It is admirable to see that it is also serving as a main stage for young cuatristas from the United States to showcase their talent. New Jersey based cuatrista, Jose Gabriel Muñoz, in the bill for this year's edition said: "I feel absolutely humbled to even be considered for such an event as the prestigious National Cuatro Festival in Chicago. I know there are plenty of other cuatristas that are probably more worthy, musically disciplined, and prepared than I am. So it is truly an honor for me to partake of this wonderful cause and program. It means the world to me at this point in my musical career. As a musician, you train for so many years dreaming of an opportunity like this and now that it has presented itself I can appreciate it for what it's worth. Which is practically a priceless opportunity!"
Gabriel's favorite cuatro player is the veteran Edwin Colón Zayas. About sharing the stage with Edwin, Gabriel asserted: "I have mentioned in the past that Edwin Colón Zayas has revolutionized the Puerto Rican cuatro as we know it several times over. He is by far my all-time favorite cuatrista and a major inspiration. I was in disbelief when asked to open for Edwin. A musician of his caliber can be intimidating. But I am truly excited to share a stage with one of the greatest cuatristas of our generation."
I opened this essay by sharing how I was attracted to the cuatro to emphasize the lasting impression that a cuatro performance I watched as a kid had in my life. I am certain that other young folks will get inspired by the virtuosity of our professional cuatristas. I also told my story as a Puerto Rican who grew up on the island not knowing about the contributions and innovations of cuatristas in the U.S. It is fulfilling to see collaborations between island based and mainland-based cuatro players in the preservation of the cultural elements we have defined as ours. I hope that the efforts of the National Cuatro Festival will motivate cultural organizations in Puerto Rico to also connect the Puerto Rican musical talent that is based and evolving in the United States.
[i] Philip Vilas Bohlman, The Study of Folk Music in the Modern World (Bloomington: Indiana University Press, 1988), x.
[ii] It is important to mention the monumental work that the Puerto Rican Cuatro Project has done for the documentation, education and preservation of cuatro performance practice in the United States and in Puerto Rico. Their work is not only the most comprehensive research on the cuatro, but it has helped to define the trends in cuatro performance.
© Center for Puerto Rican Studies. Published on 5 November 2014.
Receive Centro Voices in your email
Subscribe to our bi-monthly mail newsletter and stay informed with the recent news!
Click here to subscribe
Week's Most Popular
Most Popular - Arts & Culture
Monthly archive
- September 2014 (14)
- October 2014 (7)
- November 2014 (11)
- December 2014 (17)
- January 2015 (24)
- February 2015 (9)
- March 2015 (8)
- April 2015 (77)
- May 2015 (10)
- June 2015 (9)
- July 2015 (4)
- August 2015 (8)
- September 2015 (9)
- October 2015 (17)
- November 2015 (9)
- December 2015 (10)
- January 2016 (9)
- February 2016 (13)
- March 2016 (12)
- April 2016 (12)
- May 2016 (9)
- June 2016 (7)
- September 2016 (5)
- October 2016 (5)


text: In case you haven't heard, the 2016 Strawberry Bay Marina & Lodge Tagged Fishing Tournament sponsored by Sportsman's Warehouse is underway and runs until October 31st. Yellow tags are instant prize winners and red tags are guaranteed a grand prize. This year's grand prizes include a Crest pontoon boat, $2,000 Sportsman's Warehouse gift card, Traeger grill package, cash and more! Catch a tagged fish and bring it to the Marina to redeem your prize. Many thanks to our prize sponsors: Sportsman's Warehouse, Crest, Fast Track Power Sports, Traeger Grils, Mountainland One Stop, Camp Chef, Sport Ear, and Rhone Apparel.


text:
Raise a ticket
Having a issues with your online endeavours that seem to be annoying? Just raise a ticket.
Find helpful information that can help you quickly resolve an online challenge/problem..
Request Wi-Fi Access
For your Wireless internet access subscription and other internet related issues, click here.
Other Possibilities ...
Thinking all round the clock to ensure your online endeavours are smoothened and fun also.


text: Oct 05 2018 Kansas City Open House and Interviews Piedmont Airlines will be holding four interview sessions for Ramp Agent positions (Part-Time) in Kansas City for the following dates: Wednesday, October 10, 2018 Thursday, October 11, 2018 Wednesday, October 17, 2018 Tuesday, October 23, 2018 All sessions will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the Ambassador Building, located at 12200 N Ambassador Dr. Kansas City, MO 64163. Requested attire for interviews is business casual. Our minimum requirements for employment are as follows: Be at least 18 years of age and have authorization to work in the United States Have a high school diploma or equivalent (GED) Be able to work all shifts (as we have a seniority-based system for selecting work schedules) Able to work outdoors in all weather conditions Ability to lift up to seventy (70) pounds Have a valid driver's license with minimal driving infractions A professional, well-groomed, appearance (any tattoos should be covered) Starting pay for this position is $10.50/hr. Benefit package includes paid training, holiday pay, 401(k), vacation, family travel on the American Airlines network and available medical and dental coverage. Piedmont is a M/F Disabled and Vet EEO/AA Employer