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Somehow, our sweet boy is already half a year old today. I don't know which is more impressive--the fact that I've been able to keep him alive this long or that I've survived motherhood for six months hahah.
I think it was around this time where everyone said we'd settle into our new routine as parents and get used to our new normal. They were right--it's few and far between now where I feel completely panicked and overwhelmed like I did in those early newborn days. I know my son, and he isn't just this babbling, foreign creature anymore. I can tell what cries mean what, I'm able to decipher his moods better and pick up on all of his fun, ever-developing personality traits--I think that's my favorite part, so far. He is SO expressive, it cracks me up.
We've reached quite a few new milestones this month, including two(!) bottom teeth that came in quick succession, plus him being able to pretty much sit up on his own (although he still does have a few timberrrrr moments that catch him by surprise). We also started him on solids and he absolutely loves food, with the exception of split peas and spinach. He LOVES sweet potatoes. He still has not mastered the art of picking up food and putting it in his mouth aka baby led weaning. I've put a few puffs and bits of food on his high chair tray and he'll either smash it around with his hands or stare at it and then at me like, "soooo are you going to put this stuff in my mouth or?" I'm going to start weaning him off the breast completely, which is lightweight devastating because I know I will miss that special time with him. I bawled my eyes out after Joel and I talked about it, but honestly, I know it will be better for our family this way, in the long run. I'm really nervous about how its all going to play out because of his sudden and firm aversion to taking a bottle (STILL) but as so many others and our pediatrician alike have said, if he is hungry he WILL eat. I just feel pretty alone in this dilemma because I've yet to hear from anyone who has gone through this--if you're out there, let me know! I'd love to hear any tips or tricks you might have to get this guy to drink a bottle. I've tried every single kind of bottle brand, different nipple sizes/formulas, a sippy cup...the list goes on. He hates it all. Ugh.
Another thing he is still refusing is rolling over. He's only ever done it twice and absolutely despises tummy time. We still force him to do it every day of course, and I've heard about babies who skip rolling and go right to crawling so maybe that will be us? I know every baby is different but it's still pretty nerve-wracking as a FTM to feel like your kid isn't doing the same things as *everyone* else.
On a more positive note, he's still sleeping pretty good and has even started sleeping through the night! We've still got him in the sleepsuit because why ruin a good thing, amirite? If he's still not rolling over by next month (which is when you're supposed to stop using the suit) I'll just take it away anyway and put him in PJ's/a sleep sack.
I signed us up to try a Stroller Strides class in our area and I'm really excited to see how we like it. I like the fact that I can get a workout in, meet other moms and socialize Walker with other babes, all at once. I'm scheduled to attend next week so I'll keep you all posted on how it goes. Any other Fit4Mom members out there?


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Six Penguin Group (USA) Mass Market Titles from Some of Our Most Popular Authors Will Feature Read Humane™ Seals That Convey Our Support of the Cause
Read Humane editions are available at these participating retailers: Turn the Page (Nora Roberts' own bookstore!), AAFES, Albertson's LLC, Barnes & Noble, Inc., Brunner News, Dierbergs Markets, Duane Reade, Fred Meyer, Giant Carlisle, Haggens, HEB, HMSHost, Hy-Vee Supermarkets, MCCS (Marine Corps), NEXCOM, Pamida, QFC, Raley's, Schnucks Markets, Weis, Wegmans, and Winco.
Penguin Group (USA) is pleased to introduce Read Humane™. Penguin supports the fight against animal cruelty with a $25,000* donation to The Humane Society of the United States' Animal Rescue Team.
* Regardless of Sales
May is National Pet Month—and Penguin is pleased to offer six of our bestselling mass market titles to support our furry friends.
The Read Humane special editions feature a distinctive Read Humane seal on their covers, conveying our support of this compassionate cause. Participating authors include our Read Humane spokesperson, Nora Roberts, as well as Rebecca M. Hale, Alison Pace, Miranda James, Linda O. Johnston, and Sofie Kelly.
According to The Humane Society of the United States, its Animal Rescue Team rescues thousands of animals from puppy mills, animal fighting operations, hoarders, and other situations where animals suffer from life-threatening cruelty. They also provide expert animal rescue response at natural disasters.
Join us in the fight against animal cruelty by making your own tax-deductible donation today. To make a donation online, and to find out more about the work of The Humane Society of the United States, please visit: humanesociety.org.
How to support The Humane Society of the United States:
To make your own tax-deductible donation online to The Humane Society of the United States you can visit humanesociety.org
To donate by check or U.S. money order, make payable and mail to:
The Humane Society of the United States, 2100 L St., NW Washington, D.C. 20037
You can also call their toll-free number, 1-866-720-2676, during:
Monday thru Friday, 7am – 10pm CST (8am – 11pm EST)
Saturday and Sunday, 8am – 5pm CST (9am – 6pm EST)
**READ HUMANE is a trademark of Penguin Group (USA) Inc. This information came from an email and the Penguin website shown above.
6 Responses to "PENGUIN GROUP (USA) LAUNCHES READ HUMANE™ INITIATIVE IN HONOR OF NATIONAL PET MONTH"
Thank you for posting this! I'm going to have to check out all those books mentioned. I have The Search on my Nook I just haven't gotten to it yet. The others are new-to-me books. I've had 3 dogs in my life and all 3 have been shelter dogs. Personally, I think a shelter pet gives a little more love because I think they realize that they got a second chance at life. So again, thank you for posting about this 🙂
I am happy to say I have read 5 out of the 6 books noted above. The only one I haven't read is Pug Hill, so I will have to add that to my TBR list. Glad to see this type of support for our furry friends.
This is so wonderful. Going to be looking for these books.
Whoa, I've read three of these and want to read the rest. Thanks Lori for showing these and the great work the Humane Society does!
I love that collage of featured books!
Thanks for the post! I was out this weekend and picked up the first Sofie Kelly book so I could shop humanely and try out a new-to-me series!
Sorry, the comment form is closed at this time.

subset: commoncrawl


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Rachel's Personal Collection
Throughout the years on my spiritual journey, I've been inspired by art and design through my travels and have created a one-of-a-kind personal collection . Some of these were the prototypes from which I've created many beautiful duplications and others were created solely for my own amusement and have never been featured, seen or sold. A select few were featured on catwalks throughout the world on fashion runways and worn by celebrities sharing my spiritual path.
Now, for the first time ever, I'm opening my private vault allowing the public to purchase these magnificent jewelry pieces which I consider to be special works of personal art. Please email me at firstname.lastname@example.com for price inquiry and unique story and inspiration behind each piece's special Light within.
PLEASE NOTE: All pieces are sold AS-IS. No special engravings or modifications will be made.


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Reg. Price: $245.00
Detailed Description
The MiniFlex Model 16 is designed for banjo.
A single AAA battery located within the plastic service module powers the Model 16 series - which should be changed approximately every year.
The jack on the service module acts as the switch to turn the mic on and off, (on is when the plug is inserted into the jack).
Cables: For most applications a standard mono guitar cable will work fine. An XLR adapter is included with the Model 16 for situations where it is necessary to plug into an XLR input, (mic jack).
In some situations the MiniFlexMic will perform better when plugged into the mic jack, depending on the amplifier or PA system is designed.
Return to Products Page


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1.) Metalic Birkenstocks. (Heart eyed emoji) I recently bought my first pair of Birkenstocks, and the next pair I buy, I definitely want the straps in metalic gold. They look so fun, yet simple. They add a little bit of glitzy to grunge, and I have to get my feet in a pair of these metalic Birkenstocks. SOON! Or a next-Summer purchase maybe? I need to start focusing on a fall wardrobe here pretty soon. Visit the pin here.
2.) Couch & Coffee Table. I love this simple living room look. A simple, gray sofa with a wood plank table. It looks amazing, and the addition of color is what caught my eye. The colorful, patterned throw pillows and the table top books help pull this living room look together. I definitely am going to use this as a template for when I get my own place. Visit the pin here.
3.) Coffee Boba Tea. I have a little bit of a bubble tea addiction. Coffee bubble tea is my absolute favorite! I just bought some boba today off of Amazon, and I cannot wait to make a coffee boba tea, or a green milk tea boba tea. I am very excited! Just looking at the picture makes my mouth water for bubble tea. <3 Visit the pin here.
4.) Amber Fillerup Clark Hair Style. I actually spent several hours yesterday attempting this hair style. Amber makes the French fishtail braid look so easy! Instead of doing the French fishtail after the Dutch braid, I just did another Dutch braid, making it a double Dutch braid and then a messy bun. I did that hair style for a style post that I did yesterday. You can visit the post here, and visit the pin here.
5.) A Secluded Yurt in the Woods. I love staying in yurts! I went on a beach trip when I was in middle school, and we stayed in yurts. It was a blast because in a way, you are in a tent and a cabin together. I love that! I would love to stay in a yurt again, It would be awesome! Visit the pin here.
Hope you enjoy my favorite pins! Visit my pinterest profile by clicking on my pinterest widget on my side bar <---.


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The Windsor Jewish Community Centre hasn't had to pay property taxes since 1960 — but that special status shouldn't extend to more WJCC properties, says city administration.
Windsor's oldest property tax exemption shouldn't be extended, says administration
Windsor Jewish Community Centrehasn't had to pay property taxes in more than 50 years — but that special status shouldn't extend to more WJCC properties, says city administration.
"In fairness and consistency to all taxpayers, we have to deny that request," said Janice Guthrie of the city's treasury department. "That's our administrative recommendation to council."
The WJCC has been considering acquisition of a lot immediately north of its location at 1641 Ouellette Ave. The organization wants its unique exemption from property taxes to also apply to the new lot.
Guthrie said WJCC's property tax exemption is probably the oldest in the city. It was granted in 1960. The city acted in accordance with a private member's bill adopted by the provincial government — the Windsor Jewish Communal Projects Act of 1958.
"That is still a valid act," Guthrie said. "It's my understanding — and this pre-dates my existence — that back in the day, you could actually apply through the province (for property tax exemption)."
"That avenue is no longer available. I don't know exactly when it was discontinued, but the ability to do that has ceased."
Guthrie noted that the city has had to deny requests for similar exemptions from other faith-based groups.
She said such requests are beyond the parameters of the municipality, so administration's stock response has been to say no, or to direct the request to MPAC (the
Municipal Property Assessment Corporation).
The property that WJCC is interested in buying is 1617 Ouellette Ave, at the southwest corner with Hanna Street.
There's currently a doctor's office on the lot. If the WJCC buys the land, the small building would be demolished and the lot would be turned into a playground and greenspace for WJCC members.
The property's value has been assessed as $222,000. Yearly property taxes for the current owner are about $8,400.
City administration estimates the property taxes after demolition would be $4,769 under the commercial vacant land class, or $3,200 under the residential class.
According to Guthrie, the city would be giving up between $2,800 and $3,200 in yearly revenue if WJCC's property tax exemption extends to a new lot.
"Ultimately, whenever there's a waiver of property taxes for anyone, everyone else has to pick up the share," Guthrie pointed out.
But Ronna Warsh, president of the WJCC's board, said the WJCC is not a faith group and shouldn't be compared to faith groups. "We are a community organization. We are not a place of worship. Nobody prays at the Jewish Community Centre," she said.
Warsh pointed out there are other community centres in the city that do not pay property taxes.
She said the WJCC's interest in buying the lot is contingent on it being exempt from property taxes. She doesn't expect the board will vote to proceed with the purchase if the city denies the request.
"Our membership population at the community centre is shrinking. It would be very difficult for us to pay property taxes," Warsh said.
According to Warsh, the WJCC's plans for the property would "beautify the corner" and also rid the city of an asbestos-filled building.
Guthrie's report goes before council on Monday. Warsh said she'll be attending the meeting and speaking as a delegation.
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Anthony Verdoni's career has combined scholarly interests and a passion for wine and food. He enrolled in a Doctorate program at Tulane University, having received an A.B. in Curso Classico from Saint Peter's College in Jersey City, New Jersey, in 1964. When a Jesuit Classics professor suddenly became ill in 1967, Mr. Verdoni returned to St. Peter's College to become his substitute. He stayed for 20 years, teaching Classical Languages and Literature. His knowledge of antiquity and familiarity with Italy helped establish him as an acknowledged expert in Italian wines. His background as an instructor and coach in college aided him as a wine lecturer and author. Friends in the wine trade call him "The Wine Professor."
His wine business debut was in 1971, as a part-time sommelier in a restaurant. Subsequently, he purchased a wine shop, and went on to become a wine buyer for two department store chains, a sales representative, and a sales manager. Highlights include: General Wine Manager for the Jaydor Corporation, one of the nation's largest wine distributors; National Sales Manager of Southern Italian Wines for Heublein, under Philip DiBelardino; Vice President, National Sales Director for American BD Company; Vice President, Marketing Italian Wines for Winebow.
He has also worked closely and directly with many prominent Italian wineries. Brands which he has helped to develop in America include San Felice, Ceretto, Mastroberardino, Casal Thaulero, Librandi, Carpineto, D'Angelo, Regaleali, Umberto Cesari, Due Torri, Franco Cesari, Biondi-Santi, Vietti, Monteschiavo, and Villa Girardi.
Mr. Verdoni has enjoyed the challenge and satisfaction of launching new fine Italian wines in America. He has lectured and conducted tastings and seminars throughout the United States and Europe. He has written many articles and training manuals, and has co-authored The Sommelier Executive Council's Vintage Wine Book, now in its third printing. He has been a member of the Sommelier Society of America, the Caterina de Medici Society, and the Society of Wine Educators, as well as a board member of the Sommelier Institute of New Jersey. Mr. Verdoni has received awards and commendations from the American Wine Society, the Culinary Institute of America, and Johnson and Wales. The Italian Trade Commission has awarded Mr. Verdoni a lifetime achievement award in recognition of his work in popularizing Italian wines in the United States.
Mr. Verdoni consults for restaurants, importers, distributors, and wine shops throughout America and Europe. When not on the road, he conducts wine dinners, seminars, and restaurant training programs – and, as always, helps people discover the fine wines of Italy. He has co-authored a new book, 21, and appears in the TV series "Eat! Drink! Italy! with Vic Rallo."


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Why Book with Carolina One Vacation Rentals
Booking directly with Carolina One guarantee's that you will pay the lowest advertised rate available for your vacation rental.
We know there are lots of options out there when reserving your vacation home.
Online Travel Agencies (OTA's) like VRBO/Homeaway, Flipkey, Tripadvisor, AirBnB and Expedia now charge you a fee to book on their site. Fees from 4% to 19% are added to the cost of your reservation.
To book at the lowest possible rate and to take advantage of all available discounts and promotions call or reserve online today at www.carolinaonevacationrentals.com 843.580.0500.
Our staff of reservationists are local and knowledgeable professionals trained to provide you the highest in customer service. We look forward to having you stay with us soon.


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In any given Major League League line-up 6 to 7 hitters use the Top Hand Release Style of Hitting.
Here is why: Teaching Top Hand Release Style of Hitting
This photo below shows Detroit's Miguel Cabrera using the Top Hand Release style of hitting.
When hitting a baseball or softball it is very important to keep your hands inside the ball when swinging the bat. This will increase your bat speed, insure sweet spot contact and allow the hitter to hit the ball all over the field.. Obviously I have not seen every major league hitter hit. However a very educated guess, 99 % of major league hitters hit by keeping their hands inside the ball when swinging their bat. In below picture one of the greatest hitters of all time, Tony Gwynn demonstrates this technique. Notice the knob of the bat leads first, followed by his hands and the barrel of the bat last. The bat lags behind the Knob and hands to create whip in the swing. At contact the hands are between his body and the ball.Tony Gwynn won 8 major league batting titles, in 1994 he hit.394 and hit over 300 for 19 straight seasons. As explained in a previous blog he was a "Top Hand Release" hitter.
Sometimes in life it is best to leave things alone. Case in point, Juan Marichal pitched 15 seasons in the major leagues primarily for the San Francisco Giants. He won 243 games and lost 142 with a lifetime ERA of 2.89 On July 2, 1963 he pitched 16 scoreless inning against the Milwaukee Braves. Warren Spahn another great, pitched 15 plus innings in this game before Willie Mays homered to end the game in the bottom of the 16th inning. It is considered one of the greatest games pitched in the history of the major leagues. In 1983 Juan Marichal was inducted into the Hall of Fame. Warren Spahn was inducted to the Hall of Fame in 1973. Spahn won 363 games in his career, more than any major league left handed pitcher in history! Check out Marichal and Spahn in the these pictures - would you change their delivery? No Way. Would you teach this delivery to a young pitcher today? Probably Not. But let's be honest. Some players do it their way and do it extremely well. So sometimes as coaches we all just need to leave things alone.
This week's Special: Stream to your computer or smart phone: Down Broadway: Pitching & Catching Techniques For The Modern Player. 5 days for $ 4.99
Meryl Streep - "This was me on my way home from an audition for King Kong where I was told I was too "ugly" for the part.
This was a pivotal moment for me. This one rogue opinion could derail my dreams of
becoming an actress or force me to pull myself up by the boot straps and believe in myself. I took a deep breath and said
"I'm sorry you think I'm too ugly for your film but
you're just one opinion in a sea of thousands and I'm off to find a kinder tide." Today
Meryl Streep has 18 Academy Awards. Moral- Never ever give up on your dreams.
Only you know your true worth.
All of us in life have had and felt rejection. In the arts, sports, etc.
But as the saying
goes: Reach for the moon, if you happen not to get there you are still
amongst the stars.
My future begins every morning when I wake up.
- Miles Davis
This month's Special: Stream Mom, Can You Teach Me How To Hit? An instructional hitting video with 21 hitting drills and 20 aspects of hitting.
When throwing a baseball or softball, after the release of the ball your arm should follow through across your body. This will help prevent injury to your shoulder. Never leave your arm facing straight out after the release of the ball. If so, you are asking for shoulder problems. In below picture Babe Ruth shows proper follow through after the release of the ball.
This week's Special: Stream to your computer or smart phone Mom, Can You Teach Me How To Hit? A movie with hitting instruction about a single mom who meets former Chicago Cub Bobby Woods in New York City's Central Park . As the movie progresses the mother and her struggling son learn 21 aspects of hitting with multiple hitting drills. Have access to this Movie for 5 days for $ 1.29 You will not be disappointed.
When your bat makes contact with the ball your head should be facing down. Your nose should line up directly to the middle of the ball. This will give the hitter direct vision to the ball with both eyes. If you have aspirations to go to the "Show" (major leagues) you need to practice this technique.
In below picture former New York Yankee and current Seattle Mariners player Robinson Cano reveals this discipline - it does not get better than this!
If Robinson Cano stays healthy throughout his career he will someday be inducted into Baseball's Hall of Fame.


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I just enjoy zoning into Malchor's Leap and hearing this anguished "DWAYNA" across the zone. =3 Did you also work on the skill challenge up above the event location where the Sylvari is talking about Malchor?
If it's a skill challenge, odds are that Angel McCoy wrote it. However, most of the events in that map, especially the meta-events involving the temples, were done by Ty King and me. Malchor's story resonates deeply with me. It's obviously rooted in the Pygmalion and Galatea myth, with a horror twist. As a creator, it's not difficult to imagine how tortured you'd be if you eternally saw perfection you could never replicate. It's bad enough when the work you create falls short of how you imagine it. If your standard is perfection, nothing will ever be good enough. That anguished "Dwayna!" is the soul-cry of all dissatisfied creators.
So, uh…yeah. I'm glad you enjoy our pain.
On a hilarious note, I was calling Malchor the Sculptor "Malchior" on Twitter and had to be corrected. And even then I went back and checked my script, so certain was I about Malchior. Corrected by the community wiki. I knew this day would come.


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Click arrow above for Training Video
Program At-A-Glance
This Certificate is a residential retreat program for frontline clinicians, clinical leaders, educators, home and family caregivers, healing arts professionals, volunteers, and anyone interested in exploring their own life and death.
CEUs & Program Requirements:
The Certificate offers 64 CEUs through Pfiedler Enterprises. In order to receive certificates, participants must complete all program requirements. Note: CEUs granted are Nursing CEUs - however most other professional licencing agencies accept them.
Program Dates and Locations:
- October 18th – 25th 2016
- Location: Kashi Ashram - Sebastian, FL
- http://www.kashi.org
Cost: $2695 (includes delicious vegetarian meals and dormatory lodging at Kashi Ashram - room upgrades available: complete your registration then contact Usha at 772-589-1403 ext. 100)
Read more: Benefits of Sacred Passage Guidance Training.
Application Process:
Applying is easy. Click here to open our on-line application, fill in the blanks and you're done. We'll be in touch with you shortly thereafter.
Registration Process:
Check back soon! We are finalizing our registration process.
Christine Crouch,RN,BSN
Kaiser Permanente Volunteer
Kaiser Sacramento Medical Center
2025 Morse Ave.
Sacramento, California 95825
"Icompleted three program trips to Boulder in 2013 and 2014 and found that it was worth every minute of my time and expense. My intention was to bring back my knowledge and experience to the hospital by adding to the nurse's project and spread it throughout the hospital.
The results from my participation in this cutting-edge program continues to manifest in my life and in my volunteering,in ways that I did not expect. I had an open mind and without an expected outcome. This allowed me to deeply experience the Conscious Dying principles,exercises, meditations, active listening, openly sharing in a safe environment, and deep learning from experienced leaders in the areas of dying/death, music, meditations, artistic expression, healing modalities in more expansive ways.The program allowed me to tap into areas of myself that I did not know I could do. I felt transformedand am making decisions that allow me to live more fully. I believe that when the health caregiver is transformed, patients and families are transformed.
I wish to see more health caregivers participate in the Conscious Dying Institute Programs as I see that it will result in their own transformation. I envision patients/families will make more informed decisions related to end-of-life care. I envision more patients will have Advanced Directives and participate in palliative care.They will understand the dying/death process and express their wishes. This will increase HCAP scores because they feel Kaiser supports them. It will also cost less for the patient and KP."
Sacred Passage Doula Retreat: Transformational Education & Renewal for Patients, Staff and Families
Thank you for your interest in our 6-day Residential Sacred Passage Doula certificate Retreat program!
The 2016 retreat will be held October 18th – 25th 2016 in beautiful Sebastian, FL.
This certificate course offers Caregivers the experience and transformation necessary to companion people through death as a rite of passage vs. a medical event. It supports the "Best Three Months of Life" online course with an 6-day onsite retreat for families, patients, caregivers and doulas-in-training.
Retreats are offered 2 times per year in different retreat settings. The retreat format expands the Conscious Dying Education experience with an intensive highly interactive, transformational program that attends to self-care and healing needs and the awakening of love and authentic presence of caregivers. The program's somatic, reflective activities give participants an embodied experience of empathy— of grief, loss, forgiveness, love, and how to be with intense emotional and spiritual states that can accompany families and patients facing death.
The program builds a caring healing community, teaches caregivers to work as teams, builds trust and safety which translates to patients and families. It establishes and deeper access to our authentic caring healing presence and ability to show up during the final 3 months to last days of life. Death doula skill building teaches caregivers to provide physical comfort, emotional and spiritual guidance; exemplify authentic presence; utilize authentic listening and authentic responding; read and respond to the energetic field of those they serve; offer appropriate comfort care healing modalities; and provide tenderness, wide open acceptance and loving response during the time of vulnerable life transitions. A Sacred Passage Guide can skillfully practice these qualities as an end of life companion for all people regardless of health status in any home or health care setting without the need for hospice or palliative care referral.
This course offers 64 CEUs. It is appropriate for frontline home and healthcare system caregivers and staff, for family, faith based or community organization members, and for nurses and life coach students, and finally, for anyone wanting to serve others facing end of life.
Read more: What is a Sacred Passage Guide?
We utilize media rich emotionally and spiritually evocative content from leaders-old and new, in care for the dying. The programs integrates evidence based, caring healing practices from the work of Dr. Jean Watson's Caring Science Theory, using the Unitary World View and 10 Caritas Process side by side with Conscious Dying Principles and Practices. The combination of a variety of teaching/learning styles effectively brings personal healing and transformation to caring professionals so that their personal healing experience informs their care for others.
This 6-day retreat prepares caregivers across all settings to be authentically present, communicate with vulnerability, honesty, and compassion and administer palliative based comfort care healing modalities to anyone, regardless of health status, by focusing on improving care at end of life.
What Makes us Unique
- Media Rich/Healing Intensive/Expert Presenter Learning Environment - multiple levels of learning and interaction at all times
- Use of multi-media materials from the work of Elizabeth Kubler-ross, Dr. Jean Watson, Frank Osteski, Graceful Passages, etc.
- Film, movies, Ted talks
- Expert presenters and facilitators, innovators in end of life education, emotional intelligence, veterans, and more.
About Our Approach
Our program participants discover their true desires for living and dying, develop "Best of Life" visions and care plans in 5 Domains of Life, and receive and learn to administer caring healing modalities to all involved at end of life.
Conscious Dying Institute Mission and Intention
Conscious Dying Institute is an end of life education and healthcare training organization that increases the innate healing presence of frontline caregivers, develops confidence to have end of life conversations, and prepares them to offer comforting healing care to patients in Hospices, Senior Communities, Home and Health Care systems.
Caregivers trained in Conscious Dying Education reconnect to their true purpose and power as caring healing agents preparing them to respond to human frailty and vulnerability, to the basic needs of compassion, listening, honesty, holding, openness, kindness, comfort, patience, healing and love.
To offer care guided by love and presence is to create a caring healing culture of death and dying, one lead by caregivers who understand the transformational potential inherent in the dying process; Caregivers who reach and go beyond "do no harm", beyond patient satisfaction, quality patient care, and best financial responsibility (the triple aim) toward the evolution of human consciousness; Caregivers who restore death to its sacred place in the beauty mystery and celebration of life.
Our goal is to increase the number of people receiving palliative comforting, healing care by training frontline caregivers to talk about and fulfill the end of life wishes of patients and families in all home and health care settings.
Our mission is to restore death to its sacred place in the beauty, mystery and celebration of life, to create a caring healing end of life culture for nurses, staff patients and families in all health care settings, eradicating life diminishing treatment choices and futile care practices driven by fear of death. Outcomes: The program effectively shifts caregiver and patient experience from:
- Curative care to healing care
- Physical exhaustion to vitality
- Challenging topics into confident, compassionately supported conversations
- Unexpressed wishes to beauty-filled visions and Best Life Care plans
- Unexpressed feelings into life satisfaction and completion
Who Benefits?
- Supportive coursework for yoga students, teachers and teacher trainings
- Continuing education for caregivers, therapists, and nurses, hospice volunteers
- Community Organizations, and Faith Based groups
- Senior Community and Long Term Care leaders and staff
Certificate Guidelines and Pre-requisites:
- Complete the Application Process for acceptance into the program
- Attendance at the retreat
- Complete all pre and post assignments
- If you do not meet the above requirements you are welcome to participate without Certificate
- To receive CEU's you must complete the program evaluations and attend all session


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Paint Creek Race Results : Low Water but Big Fun
The first ever race on Johnstown PA's Paint Creek saw a field of 14 creek boaters ready to fly down the relatively short but steep race course section of the river. Water was on the low side, however a bright sunny warm spring day, and ample water to navigate the rapids of the race course made for high spirits and good times and lines.
Racers were given two runs with winners crowned for both the fastest lap of two and the fastest combined times. Race began in an eddy above Big falls rapid dropping about 40 vertical feet in the first 50 yards of the course. Paddlers then had to navigate some shallow run out until the found the deep water to lead them into Big Sluice.
Once through Big Sluice,paddlers then had a large pool of swirly water to navigate as they enter the lead in to Mamas' Crack. . They would round the bend and then have to boof a 2 foot ledge into some funny water above the nasty undercut and seive that give Mama's Crack it's name.
After Mama's Crack it was about a 1/4 mile of class 3 boogie water ending with a healthy 5 foot boof at Road Hole Rapid , where paddlers had to paddle across a strong eddyline to hit the beach on the river left backside of the eddy where a banner courtesy of Sponsor Stonyboater Paddle Wax marked the finish line.
After the first lap what made the race even more interesting was that paddlers had to hike out of the creek and back up to the start approximately 1/2 mile for their next lap.
Once the race was over the top 3 finishers in the combined and fastest lap categories were treated to Hand Carved Hei Matau necklaces courtesy of race sponsor Soulful Bones and artist/owner Greg Lipps. All participants were then called out by bib number to pick from the great assortment of Schwagg as provided by the generous sponsors of World Kayak.
The results are as follows:
Listed are all races in order from #1-14 based on combined scores. Only the Fastest lap time for the top 3 is listed here. All stats will be available on the official score page once we adjust the format for our new series.
Racer / Bib # / Combined Time / Fastest Lap
1. Bobby Miller / #5 / 6min20sec / 3min09sec
2. Eli Loiben / #10 / 6min41sec / 3min17sec Tied for 2nd fastest Lap
3. Brad Romano / #2 / 6min43sec / 3min17sec Tied for 2nd fastest Lap
4. Seth Chapelle / #1 / 6min45sec / NA 1st Place and only C1 way to hang with the two bladers Seth !
5. Jeff Blood / #6 / 6min49sec / NA
6. Bill Warble / #4 / 7min09sec / NA
7. Sean Chapelle / #8 / 7min13sec / NA
8. Jason O'Neil / #48 / 7min31sec / NA
9. Seth Burdette / #7 / 7min33sec / NA
10. Jason Rigby / #9 / 7min35sec / NA
11. Matt Sloan / #45 / 7min36sec / 3min21sec 3rd Place Fastest Lap
12. Mike Cook / #3 / 8min28sec / NA
13. Adam Rettig / #47 / 8min47sec / NA
14. Steve Kroser / #46 / 9min19sec / NA 1st Place and only Hand Paddler Good Job Steve!
More pics and video will be available soon. !
Special Thanks to Coal Tubin and owner Chad Gontkovic for providing safety and support along with Eric Koontz of Benscreek Canoe Club. Also thanks to Ian Smith from Surf Sup Adventures for helping out with timing and starting the racers. And last but not least to Shannon Arlauckas and Josh Fetters for handling the finish line.
Next event the TOP YOUGH RACE , April 7, 2012 : SEE YOU ON THE RIVER – Cheers, Jay


text:
Eurovet has given a "carte blanche" to Matthieu Pinet, founder of the online gallery-boutique The Shape of the Season, to create this alternative space and curate a bold, avant-garde product selection from both the best known names and those under the radar. Using his expert eye and years of experience in ready-to-wear, Mr Pinet will present an original and eclectic vision of the industry that's in sync with today's fashion-focused consumer.
EXPOSED's minimalist and sophisticated format will present 40 lingerie, corsetry, loungewear, accessories and beauty brands. This new approach to showcasing and mixing products will bring an unseen interpretation of style and a new concept of modernity to the fashion world. Like a laboratory, EXPOSED will investigate and reveal tomorrow's trends- this will be achieved through a setting designed to inspire those who enter. Throughout the year communication campaigns will target the press, influencers, and general public.
EXPOSED also launched its Shopping Discovery website that will redirect visitors with one click to the retail sites of the brand names that will be present at the next Salon International de la Lingerie.
In January, EXPOSED has entrusted the the swiss artist Monique Baumann with its campaign artwork.
For more info please visit: www.exposedparis.com


text:
Overseas Exhibitors
All in service for overseas companies exhibiting in UK
We have recently launched an all-in-one service for overseas companies, exhibiting within the UK. We been consulting with UK Trade & Investment, which is a UK government department which is specialises in assisting UK companies to work closely with overseas companies.
Eliminate expensive transportation costs
Many overseas exhibitors spend large amounts of money transporting their exhibition strands to the UK. These transportation costs can run into many thousands of pounds, and combined with using an overseas contractor can double the cost of exhibiting in UK.
Use Zoom Display as your UK contractor
We offer a cost effective solution for overseas companies looking to exhibit in UK. Our service is a one stop solution which includes hire of an exhibition stand designed to your specifications, full install and breakdown service, in-house graphic design (if required), and full ancillary services such as electric, sales literature, furniture and flooring.
Contact us to see how much you can save
We can put together a full proposal for your exhibition stand requirements, including 3d drawings and a quotation. We would need to know which event your attending and the size/details of the space you have booked at your exhibition. We can then put together a detailed proposal which will make substantial savings compared with using a non UK based contractor.
Our Dedicated Offices
Our specialist design & production facility is located in Stockport, Cheshire. We have invested heavily in quality production equipment since 2001, and these facilities enable us to deliver orders promptly and within tight deadlines, without compromising on quality. We have a sales team who cover the whole of the UK with staff based in Stockport and our administrative office near Chelmsford in Essex.
Our Products
- Banner Stands
- Popup Display Stands
- Outdoor Display Systems
- Modular Exhibition Stands
- Podiums, Towers and Literature Holders
Why choose Zoom Display?
- We care about your projects and deadlines
- Range of quality, guaranteed products
- Experienced exhibition consultants will manage your project, from order to delivery
- Latest printing technology
- Ethically sourced hardware
- Stringent quality control procedures
- Professional design team
- Stock of core products for fast turnaround
- Assembly and printing based entirely in the UK


text:
The Outputs of Opamps are low impedance but still
have limits they cannot drive more than a few mA
of Current into the Load. If low ohmic value loads
are to be applied use external transistors as
amplifiers. If inputs Vn-Vp are floating Outputs
may be random or Oscillating, it is good to have a
bias network of 10M resistors to a potential even
zero or COM this enables Vout when input floats.


text:
[ deutsch | français | italiano ]
debian.ch is the official representation of the Debian project in Switzerland and in the Principality of Liechtenstein. It is a non-profit association under Swiss law (Articles of Association).
You can reach debian.ch by:
Bank details:
People interested in local activities and information around Debian meet on the email@example.com mailing list.
There is a monthly Debian meetup in Zurich, currently every first Tuesday in the month. Please see Local Groups: Switzerland in the Debian Wiki for uptodate details. The LUGS maintains a calendar including an iCal feed and an e-mail reminder.
On behalf of the Debian Project, we produce and sell select Debian merchandise. All profits go to the Debian Project without deductions.
Please note that due to our limited resources, debian.ch does not provide support for Debian GNU/Linux. Please see the Debian web site for ways to get support (both commercial and free).


text:
Since childhood, people watch movies about familyItalian mafia gang stylish gangsters who do not live by the rules, and their fascinating life. Many want to try to play the role of these bandits, feel the atmosphere of the last century, when crime flourished, and everything was allowed. Redemption-style gangsters - an original way to hold the event, which will help the participants of the process to feel the mood of those years, to feel like a real gangster.
To organize interesting gangster redemptionbride, her friends have to work hard in preparation. Of great importance is the unique spelling of foreclosure scenario, inventing contests, tests, games, intended for future spouse, learning of the text and conduct rehearsals. Also, her friends will need to take care not only about the competitive props, but also the design style of the room: because the interior is very important in creating atmosphere.
Girlfriend with the financial possibilities, likeversion of the invitation leading professional toastmaster, which will charge the guests present positive and groom with the witness make sweat during ransom bandits.
Details for redemption
Props plays an important role in carrying out foreclosuresbandits bride. Some of the things with the girlfriend witness can prepare yourself (for example, draw posters), and some will have to buy in the store. Examples of necessary props for the bride price bandits:
- Clothing criminals of the last century is ideal for retro wedding. This will allow the participants of the celebration not only change clothes to buy. Here are ideas for female and male images:
- Female style. 20s were a time of change, the girls changed their curvy dresses with a corset on a suitable carrying case. Bandidas girl should adorn gloves, shoes neutral color, a bandage on his head or hat-veil. As for the hair, suit or cold waves collected beam. Please add a stylish image get feathers, rhinestones, garter on the leg, long mouthpieces of cigarettes. Makeup suit vibrant - pale glowing skin, deep-dark lips, accentuated eyes.
- Men's style. Bandit of the last century - is the embodiment of style. A neat, perfectly ironed suit neutral gray, blue, polished leather shoes, vest, hat fine. Sometimes gangster suit could be implemented using a fabric with fine vertical stripe. To add the image of a man fat cigar - a mandatory attribute bandit 20s.
- Pistols. Underworld does not allow the bandits to go without weapons, so the guns - one of the main parts of the image to the bride price. Girls suit stylish small revolvers, men will look good with Tommy Hahn submachine gun.
- Alcohol. In times of prosperity of American mobsters had adopted prohibition, banning alcoholic beverages. On the territory of the venue should be tea sets, filled with whiskey.
- Darts, tablets with inscriptions. This set will need to buy out the competition, where the groom is to get a dart at a dart station which corresponds to it because marriage.
- Lego . It refers to the fun competition redemption.
- Two water-filled pots, tea spoons, glasses, a sieve. For the redemption of the competition, where the betrothed will be using these funds to pour water from one cup to another.
- A glass with a little water. Future spouse will have to prove that he has considerable resources, coins and fill the glass to the water flowed.
- Poster drawn alphabet. Girls would point to the letter, as a witness to praise the virtues of Don Groom.
- Frozen keys. To access Teschin house, narrowing will have to find a way to break the ice and get the keys.
Examples of actors at the bride's redemption in gangster-style:
- Don Groom and his faithful entourage - witness with friends.
- Doña wife's mother, together with bridesmaids.
- Doña Bride - coveted prey for the hero of the occasion.
- The photographer, who will remove the original photos and videos of the process.
Making room
Interior - one of the easiest waysatmospheric transmission. The style mobsters foreclosure premises includes unusual props: old phones, card tables, poker chips, cards, and other elements of the 20s decor. The room itself should remind the illegal casinos. Ideal to complement the space with good music, which will create the right mood - a great jazz, Broadway work, foxtrot, tango melodies.
If finances allow, the organizers may withdraw already equipped premise, which is aimed at carrying out activities of the spirit 20-ies.
Scenario ransom style bandits
The future husband together with the witness and his entourageHe pulls up to the house of his beloved, which begins ransom bandits bride. They were waiting for the bridegroom bridesmaids, dressed according to the style of Chicago 20s. The girls immediately notice the groom, one of them says:
-See A minute, Don (Groom name) ownpersona! What do we owe this honor? If you and your father made a new truce plan that meets your needs only, if you please turn around and go their separate ways, we have already passed. So why come?
The groom answers, that is going to take away the bride. Another friend said:
- Our girl? That's funny! How do you think you're going to make it?
-Weather, Mary ... We have not listened to all the conditions. After all, surely this superbly dressed bride wants us something to offer in return?
Bridesmaids hint to buy, the future husband gives them gifts: alcohol, candy, money.
Not bad ... We love donations, but the bride love most, so before you pick up the baby from us, you will have to pass several tests. They will prove that you are worthy of it. Or not prove.
Bandidas mysteriously smiles.
-Tell Us about yourself-ka. All that we know - it's your noble origin and those successful cases that led you to the West Coast. That it was not so simple, we will limit you in time.
The witness takes out a match from a box.
-So Far the fire is burning, tell me about yourself. We are all curious to know what is really a contender for the love of a beautiful bride.
The groom is tested ransom bandits, talking about himself.
-How Interesting ... It seems that you're good. But now we want to know the opinion of you from your friends. Well, the witness, tell me everything you know about the groom. Imagine that you are under oath, so tell the truth!
The witness also passes the test.
Congratulations, groom, your friends love youso as much as you love yourself. So you deserve, at least, my respect, if not the bride. But let's go further. My sources have reported to me that you are a good shot which alone is worth the story in the port ... But I want to see this myself. You know, bandits often taken the glory in any six-boy.
Nod witness indicates darts, hanging on the wall.
-Take A weapon (the girl holds the futurespouse darts). You have three attempts to show us the reason why you call the bride to marry the love, not the whim of your daddy, look forward to a truce. To do this, you need to get into the center of the target. If we will not get another truth.
Each zone darts is the causes: the godfather forced clan advised, out of love.
Well well, shoot, you have three attempts.
The future husband is involved in this competition ransom bandits bride. If it misses three times pays the money.
Yes, you are accurate. It's nice to watch it with my own eyes, I trust that you will be good to protect the bride.
The witness picked up a box and dumped on a table or floor, covered with a carpet, a lot detalek Lego. He speaks:
-Our Bride accustomed to luxury living: expensive cars, haute cuisine restaurants. An important condition is that you need to perform to get it - show us where the bride will live. They say: a sweet paradise and in a tent, but I disagree with that. With these detalek you have to build a home that will be your refuge, only to do so will have the time for. So to be: allow your good friends to help with the construction.
When the groom to cope with the test ransom bandits, moves to the next, if not, the witness said:
-Vizhu, Construction was delayed. I recommend you to buy a little more of my time without a roof over his head, our beauty will not sleep.
The groom and his entourage completes repurchase competition. Moderator:
-It Is good that you are not afraid to work with his hands. As it happened: a profession in which we are involved, may result in unexpected consequences, it is necessary to change the range of activities. Now I ask you to show your creativity. Look here.
The witness points to a table where there are two semicircular bowl (one water), screen, glasses and spoons.
-I Need to know if you have the necessaryingenuity to solve even the most unexpected problems. Brute force might defeat the enemy, but to agree on a good percentage for the supply of smuggled whiskey can not - will have to show intellectual abilities. Think how quickly pour the water from one bowl to another with the help of these items (meaning: glasses, spoons, a sieve).
The future husband passes foreclosure test leads he says:
-You Bad happened, but I haveanother water test for you. Our bride is easy to spend money, she used to indulge in anything. But if your finances will be enough to provide all of its whims? Now we check: a third of the glass filled with water.
Bridesmaids pulls out a glass.
-Kladi Money inside. If you have enough funds to keep the water out of the glass fracture, I believe: the bride will not live in poverty.
The culprit celebration with the witness held ransom test.
-Well, You have enough money, the groom, accuracyalso has, at the level of ingenuity, and love our bride. However: like any girl, she wants to not only love, but also its expression. Now we'll see how well you handle it.
Bridesmaids indicates the alphabet, hanging on the wall, takes a pointer:
I'll be showing you a letter, which you have to quickly come up with a compliment beloved. Linger - you pay. Three times allow the witness to help you.
The future husband and a witness involved in foreclosure competition after leading says:
Yes, little will be left without the good things. Okay! I think we have seen a lot, right, girls?
Other member-leading nod.
-Zhenih, You got to the door, behind which you expect the bride. I and all my clan bless your marriage. You're the last task.
Bridesmaids brings a frozen block of ice in the key.
-I Hope your love heat will melt the key, and he opened the door that separates the lovers. Good luck!
Leading go, groom and witness to find ways to break the key, open the door, the future spouses meet the ransom bandits bride ends.
Video process
Watch the exciting video, which clearly shows the bride ransom gangster-style:
Bride price in the original gangster style -presentation that will be remembered for a long time to all participants. To create a unique event, the bridesmaids should be carefully prepared, to take into account all the details, pay attention to details.


text:
How to Decide Between Batt Insulation and Loose-Fill Insulation
When it comes to deciding between batt insulation and loose-fill insulation, it's important to keep in mind what you intend to insulate and what kind of insulation method you want to use. Both batt insulation and loose-fill insulation work very well — you just need to decide which one you prefer.
Loose-fill insulation: Made out of small chunks of fibers, this insulation type is also known as "blown" insulation because it's installed with a giant blower hose. Loose-fill insulation is also available in bags for filling gaps.
When loose-fill insulation settles and compacts, you should vacuum out the old and start fresh.
Batt insulation: Made out of insulating fibers that are woven together to create a continuous blanket of material with a moisture barrier (either paper or foil) that is glued to one side. Batt insulation is available in 16 and 24 inch wide rolls (or 8 foot strips) to fit between the framing in ceilings and walls.
Foil-backed batt insulation has a tendency to promote condensation that can result in mildew growth. You'll probably be happier with a paper barrier.
No matter which type of insulation you choose, safety is a factor. Insulation can contain fiberglass, fire retardants, insect repellants, and other stuff you don't want in you or on you. Whenever you work with any type of insulation, be sure to protect yourself by wearing long sleeves and pants, full goggles, gloves, and a respirator.
Taking a cold shower after working with insulation helps remove tiny fibers that make their way to your skin. Don't take a hot shower. Doing so opens the pores of your skin and allows the pesky fibers more opportunity to make you uncomfortable.


text:
AOA YSIP Group
The Australian Orthopaedic Association has recently established a Youth Sports Injury Prevention Group to explore, raise awareness and encourage the funding of a National Youth Sports Injury Prevention Program.
The Members of the AOA YSIP Group are:
A/Prof Christopher Vertullo (Chair) Orthopaedic Surgeon, AOA Member and Secretary Australian Knee Society
Dr David Martin Orthopaedic Surgeon, AOA Treasurer, Sports Med SA
A/Prof Justin Roe Orthopaedic Surgeon – Sydney NSW, AOA Member
Professor David Lloyd Director and Professor, Musculoskeletal Research Program - Griffith Health Institute Qld
Professor David Hunter Florence and Cope Chair of Rheumatology, Professor of Medicine – University of Sydney
Nello Marino Chief Executive Officer – Sports Medicine Australia
Dr Alex Donaldson Fellow, Australian Centre for Research into Injury in Sport and its Prevention (ACRISP), Federation Uni
Dr Hugh Seward Sports and Exercise Physician. CEO AFL Doctos Association


text:
|Great Grey Owl
This owl was profiled two nights previously on the Windsor news, so we weren't surprised that a crowd had gathered by the time we arrived at about 10:15 a.m. Perhaps 50 observers stood by while the owl perched not far away on a branch above a creek. This was bird #269 for my Provincial year list, and my final new bird for the year.
To make things extra-worthwhile for Hannah, we stopped by Pelee Wings Nature Store and purchased the Swarovision EL binoculars that she has had her eye on. Well thank you, husband of the year!
|Swarovski 10x42mm EL SwaroVision Binoculars


text:
Valley cannabis exec recovers from big burn.
Story Jonah Raskin
Photos Steven Krause
Last October, just days after a raging fire destroyed much of his bumper crop in Sonoma Valley, Erich Pearson told a reporter: "We're in fight and rebuild mode." Soon afterward, he explained, "We got water to some of our plants and salvaged part of our garden." But he wasn't able to save eight structures on the property that he leases in Glen Ellen, and that's at the heart of his sustainable marijuana enterprise. By the time he and staff members woke and rolled out of bed, the fire was too far advanced to contain it. But Pearson and his crew managed to wage a successful battle against flames on nearby Trinity Road. "We saved properties and rescued horses and cats that belonged to neighbors," he says. "Several places had the potential to re-ignite, and we prevented that from happening."
Would he rather fight a fire or be a bureaucrat behind a desk in Sacramento?
"We're good at both," he says with a laugh. "But I'd rather fight a fire. Fire is predictable."
Putting out fires, helping neighbors and salvaging crops have been a big part of Pearson's life since 1998, when he arrived in California from Indiana and began to cultivate, harvest, transport and sell marijuana. There isn't a corner of the industry he doesn't know from personal experience, and, in a room of financial wizards, he can hold his own on topics such as business models, profit margins and breakeven points. The CEO at SPARC—by almost anyone's standards a large medicinal cannabis operation—Pearson is the eternal optimist, though he allows that the legalization of adult use is yet another form of Prohibition.
"Overregulation by the government will mean a continuation of the black market, at least for some," he says. "Unfortunately, regulators don't understand the industry." Pearson and entrepreneurs like him created a whole world without their help. Now, to stay in business, they've got to live with rules and regulations that became law on January 1. Pearson and his compliance team—all 12 of them—have spent hundreds of hours and well over $100,000 in the past 15 months to get ready for the adult, as opposed to the medical, use of cannabis. When California voters approved Proposition 64 in 2016, that opened the doors for marijuana to become a legal crop, taxed, regulated and tightly controlled by state and local authorities. In fact, no agricultural commodity in California has more red tape around it than cannabis.
If Pearson feels confident about the ability of SPARC to survive and thrive in the new intensely competitive world of legalized cannabis, he's also troubled about the fate of the larger cannabis community to which he has long belonged and that's now coming to an end.
"Money is definitely changing the landscape," Pearson said. "In the future, there won't be thousands of small growers as there have been ever since the 1980s. They'll be driven out of business."
Indeed, from now on, the cannabis industry will be divided between those, like Pearson and SPARC, who follow the rules and pay taxes, and those diehards who continue to operate on the black market and risk losing everything. The line that has divided the legitimate from the illegal will become clearer than ever before, ambiguity will end and wiggle room will disappear.
As criminal-defense and business lawyer Omar Figueroa explains, "No more raids on growers from the Sonoma County Sheriff's Department. No more trials and no more jail time for the guilty. Those who don't follow the rules for cultivation will run afoul of the Permit & Resource Management Department (PRMD) and be subject to harsh fines—$10,000 a day per offense—and forfeiture of property."
It won't happen all at once, Figueroa said. Local and state authorities want to persuade farmers who have been operating on the black market to play by the rules of the game. They don't want to frighten farmers right away with fines and forfeitures. As one longtime Sonoma Valley cultivator put it, "The bureaucrats hope that the love of money will be stronger than the fear of coming out of the shadows where growers have concealed their crops and their cash."
As Pearson knows, there are fortunes to be made, even with taxes and the high cost of meeting the local and state regulations that cover almost every conceivable aspect of the business.
"The best indoor marijuana sells now for about $2,800 a pound," Pearson explains. "At our dispensaries in Sebastopol, Santa Rosa and San Francisco we break a pound down and sell it for $65 for 1/8 of an ounce. That adds up to $7,800 a pound; a profit margin of 65 percent."
Pearson's confidence is based on his cannabis crop, that's grown biodynamically, without harmful pesticides and herbicides, and no mites and no molds. In accord with state requirements, all the plants and all the flowers will be tracked and traced from seeds to store shelves. And the information will be computerized.
Operators bigger than SPARC say they expect to lose money until competition intensifies and the little growers are driven out of business. Pearson is confident he can thrive even when that happens. The Sonoma wine industry, which accommodates big, medium and small producers, suggests he's right in his assumption.
"We'll be well branded in the new market," he says. "Our cannabis products, including the Marigold Brand, are already carried in dispensaries that we don't own and operate ourselves."
Indeed, while Pearson has one eye on healthy soils, he has another on health-conscious cannabis consumers.
His Marigold website proclaims, "All of our flowers are sun-grown avoiding synthetic and chemical products, fostering harmony with the California ecology. This is cultivation with a conscience."
Sadly, another part of his cultivation agenda went up in smoke when the wildfires scorched test plots he had set up under the guidance of biodynamic wine guru Mike Benziger to measure how soil properties impact chemical properties of the plants, in hopes of determining how terroir affects cannabis quality.
Pearson says he will revisit the terroir project later in the year with Benziger, but for now it is a casualty of the fires.
While Pearson is transparent about almost every aspect of his business, he doesn't advertise the name or even the location of the financial institutions with which he conducts business. (Federal banking rules forbid the deposit of cannabis dollars. Banks that skirt the rules and take cash from growers, risk legal action from Washington, D.C.)
"We have long, close relationships with our bankers," Pearson says. "They're comfortable with us and we're comfortable with them. They don't want more business than they already have."
As 2017 drew to a close, he was running as fast as he could to finalize the necessary permits and licenses so that SPARC would be ready for adult use of cannabis in January 2018. The whole process, plus the fire and its aftermath, kept him, for the most part, away from crowds and speaking engagements. Still, in December he appeared on a panel at the Emerald Cup in Santa Rosa, the world's largest cannabis confab.
"That was fun," he says. "We hung out with European friends and talked with breeders. I also followed Sonoma (city) politics. The recent moratorium is what one might expect. But I think the City Council will come around."
Late last year, the Sonoma City Council voted unanimously to kick the cannabis can down the road again, delaying for a third time a decision on whether or not to consider allowing dispensaries, or recreational sales, in the city. The delay came in part because city staff failed to bring forth a draft ordinance with options for the council to review. From comments made by Council woman Amy Harrington, and others, City Hall watchers believe a council majority is likely to at least allow a medicinal dispensary next year.
And if council members want more facts and figures, or an entertaining story, Pearson has both.
"Recently I was stopped for a minor traffic infraction," he explains. "When the officer wanted to know what kind of work I did, I told him. 'Gee,' the officer said. 'I'm retiring from the force. Maybe I can apply for a job.'"
In the brave new cannabis industry, ex-cops and ex-outlaws might find themselves on the same side of the fence, harvesting crops together.
Jonah Raskin is the author of Marijuanaland: Dispatches from an American War, which is published in English and in French.
He shares story credit for the feature film


text:
Lassen Chair, Jupiter
Item no.: 48204-1
The Lassen Chair by Flemming Lassen, Magnus Sangild and Marianne Viktor was launched in 2018 as an ode to Flemming Lassen's uncompromising approach and special feel for detail, aesthetics, quality and form. The upholstered seat and back is placed on a geometric frame in powder-coated black metal and the dining chair embraces one's body, letting you sit comfortably for hours on end. Choose a dark gray textile upholstery from Kvadrat, a blue-gray Jupiter textile from Danish Art Weaving, black or khaki-colored leather from Sørensen Leather or from previously collection's more colorful tones.
Product: Lassen Chair
Design: 2018 Flemming Lassen, Magnus Sangild & Marianne Viktor 2018
Height: 88 cm
Width: 58 cm
Seat height: 46.5 cm
Material: Textile or leather
Flemming Lassen
Magnus Sangild
Marianne Viktor


text: Ken Moraff of the US EPA Reveals the Mystic River Report Card for 2010.During the 15th annual Mystic River Herring Run and Paddle on Sunday, May 15th, the US EPA announced the annual Mystic River Report Card. The Mystic River Watershed received a grade of "D-" for water quality conditions for the calendar year 2010. The grade is based on bacterial contamination, and the monitoring data is collected by MyRWA's trained water quality monitors as part of the Baseline Monitoring Program. This grade indicates that water quality met swimming standards only 28 percent of the time, while boating standards were met 70 percent of the time.


text:
I love the detail in the text on this one, and I especially love knowing my Savior personally! If you haven't met Him yet and you'd like to, e-mail me and I would be delighted to help you meet Him! He's waiting for you with arms wide open and a heart made of love! He made this entire creation just so you'd have somewhere to exist while you had the choice to love Him back! We were made to love Him!
Since the detail is so cool, I hated shrinking it enough for the button and loosing that detail...so...maybe you would like the full sized version too! Enjoy!
I made this text years ago with an action I got from Al Ward at ActionFX. His freebie actions were the first I found when I was first learning and they helped immensely! He is an expert in PS to be sure and has written books than can help you learn. Check him out!
These are some of my autumn kits available for purchase very affordably. Click images to see details and Buy It Now buttons.If you download, please leave me a comment at the bottom of this post as I have disabled 4shared comments. This helps me to know what you like for the future and please support this blog by shopping my PayPal store. God bless you!
Download here for a limited time, then available in my store. If you can't find it, e-mail me. Check out my TERMS OF USE here.
The password is jesuschristislord.


text:
The 'Jyotish' category of Samachar Jagat web portal; it offers various news pieces related to all astrological content in Hindi. This news category generates news like Aaj Ka Rashifal, Today Horoscope, Rashifal 2018 and Today Rashifal in Hindi language. This category also offers various astrological topics as followed; Vastu tips, palm reading, astrological measures, money generating astro methods, fengshui.
Copyright @ 2019 Samachar Jagat, Jaipur. All Right Reserved.


text:
Pinnacle Entertainment (NASDAQ:PNK) has reached an agreement in principle with the Bureau of Competition of the Federal Trade Commission that would allow the company to complete its proposed acquisition of Ameristar Casinos (UNKNOWN:ASCA.DL), Pinnacle announced today.
Late last month, the FTC issued an administrative complaint saying Pinnacle's proposed $2.8 billion acquisition of competing casino operator Ameristar would violate antitrust law. According to the FTC's announcement at the time of its challenge, an administrative complaint is issued "when it has 'reason to believe' that the law has been or is being violated."
Pinnacle and Ameristar have casinos which directly compete in the St. Louis area and the Lake Charles, La., area. The FTC alleged consumers in those areas would be affected by higher prices and lower quality with the lack of competition.
Pinnacle says that on June 13, FTC Chief Administrative Law Judge D. Michael Chappell granted Pinnacle's and Ameristar's unopposed motion to extend the deadline to respond to the administrative complaint by 30 days. Pinnacle said it intends to sell Ameristar's casino hotel development project in Lake Charles, and Pinnacle's Lumiere Place Casino, HoteLumiere, and the Four Seasons Hotel in St. Louis, subject to gaming regulatory approvals.
The merger would still be subject to the negotiation of a consent order and the approvals of the full FTC and the gaming regulators in the affected locales.


text:
I've become a Christmas decor addict.
I'm surprised I haven't switched my shower curtain over to one with ornaments all over it by now. It's gotten that bad.
But I wouldn't change it for a second. This time of the year owns my soul's happiness.
I showed you a couple of my DIY Decorations last week but this week I'm showing you the rest.
This is one of my favorite corners of the apartment.
I found this amazeballs frame on the side of the street while pushing the little man around on one of our many walks. I debated for a solid two seconds on whether or not I should claim it as my own before I picked it up and plopped it right over the stroller to carry it home.
The REAL wreath decked out in white lights hung in the middle of it makes me so happy.
I took about eleventy thousand pictures of it lit up before I said a few wtf's out loud and gave up.
I have no idea how all of you fancy photographers take pictures of Christmas lights.
That shit is harder than trying to open a brand new jar of bread and butter pickles.
As much as the wreath makes my insides wriggle in excitement, my Fair Isle printed flannel sheets give it quite the run for its money.
There is absolutely nothing better than sliding into a freshly made holiday bed at the end of a long day.
Glittery lime green bows hang on the curtain holder-backer do-hickeys.
Might need to vacuum the curtains come January but for now they remain content.
Garland and pine cones and shiny red balls oh my.
P.S. that bland black Target lampshade needs some help.
And when are they going to start making flat screens more visually appealing?
Balls, balls, balls. They're everywhere.
Even in some square glass vases on the sill below these ones.
Gold candles in silver sticks. I am such a rebel.
I also promise that lotion works better when you put it in a sweet little pump like this one.
Plastic Jergens bottles just aren't as cute.
Our girled-out to the max tiny tipping over fake Christmas tree.
(How's that for adjectives?)
Because as I told you on Monday - real trees will cost you more than my left kidney is worth.
So little and fake it is.
I thought you might want a close up of my cones and balls.
My dresser gets pretty sad when I take them away from her after Christmas.
What a slorestitute.
Happy humpday everyone!
I hope your halls are as delightfully decked as mine.


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How We Do It:
We begin with a no obligation phone consultation to discuss your organizing project. The next step is an initial visit for complimentary 30 minute on-site assessment to determine your needs and expectations. This offers an opportunity to decide if we are a good fit to work together. If we are in agreement, I will develop a plan and we will schedule our organizing sessions. All of our work is kept confidential, following NAPO's Code of Ethics.
What We Do:
- Eliminate Clutter
- Residential Organizing
- Kitchens/Baths
- Home Offices
- Bedrooms/Closets
- Dens/Playrooms
- Attics/Basements
- Workshops/Garages
- Downsizing
- Space Planning
- Move Management
- Packing and Unpacking
Fees are assessed on an hourly basis for on-site organizing, research and shopping. Organizing sessions are a minimum of 3 hours. There is a 24 hour cancellation notice, otherwise you will be charged the full rate. Payment is expected at the end of the session.


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Thursday, March 17, 2011
The Perfect Hardboiled Egg
7 comments:
You're a genius. What's your method for a soft-boiled egg?ReplyDelete
I wouldn't dare contradict you. My method is pretty much the same, without the rolling around step. . . definitely trying that next time--- thanks!!!ReplyDelete
I'll let you know as soon as I live somewhere where the eggs don't terrify me, and where I have access to a toaster. It's been too long since I made one.ReplyDelete
THANK YOU FOR THIS. I did it this afternoon for my kids' lunch and it worked great. I loved the part where the water made it easy to peel AND cooled the egg down enough so I didn't burn my fingers while doing so.ReplyDelete
- Christa KeeleMarch 19, 2011 at 12:55 PM
Your nails look really nice in the pictures. Can you do a post on how to not have bendy nails? Thanks!ReplyDelete
You're a champ at shucking eggs. You managed to de-shell the egg into one strip.. i would have ended up with pieces all over the counter and one in my eye..lolReplyDelete
I don't think i'll ever accomplish peeling a hardboiled egg into one strip like you've done. I hard boiled some eggs yesterday and ended up taking chunks off the egg as I was peeling.ReplyDelete


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i am in the in-between.
the kind of place that is part here and part there. part pound out screams against the wall. part laying against the silent, still, hot desert sand. part backbend. part forward fold. part temple dance. part starvation. part infatuation. part illimination. part desperation. part devotion to what has been and also to what doesn't even exist yet.
it's all totally intense and exhausting. like i am a visitor in my own body. or that my body is just a visitor around my soul. it's a serious shedding of everything i have known or defined myself as this past decade. and also a reclaimation of it all, because i am still who i am. just more and less of her, i guess.
and i have no language to explain it. so please bare with me. which sounds like a big phony cop-out for someone who is suppose to be a writer, but right now writing is like pulling teeth, or worse, it's like pulling eyelids or worse it's like bamboo shoot up the finger nails. and even though it is a remedy it is also pure poison, i hate it more than i love it at this moment so i have been staying clear. the only thing i can do is breathe and hope it's over soon or else breathe and try to enjoy this ride {which i flounder between both}. i have had this thick scab somewhere in me, that is partially fallen off, but under it is skin that isn't raw, and fresh- there is yet another layer to shed. and either i pick it all and damn it to hell and do this whole painful thing all over again, or i sit here and let it do it's thing {i am not wise but i am wise enough to know chose the later}.
this came as a surprise, this transition. how did it fucking happen so fast? mostly because i was not practicing paying the best of attention to where i was. if i was i would have seen this slowly coming for the past 3 years. instead, i was distracting myself with work and drama and people with drama and festering wounds and trying to play care taker and people pleaser. i distracted myself with things that were just barely real, but real enough that i could throw myself into them. i was avoiding being in nature, like really being in it, because nature is real. it's the most real thing i know. i avoided laying on the floor for hours and watching my kids in a way of not-doing and not-talking because when i did that i learned in deep ways and i didn't want to see the truth they were growing and fast. i avoided being truly creative because i was scared of not liking what i was going to see come out, that it would be too telling or too strong or too bold or too ugly. i stopped writing, like really writing, because quite literally i have no language for right now and all the words i use to know have no relevance anymore, have no meaning.
i didn't pay attention to what was happening so it came like a punch in the gut, and when i felt it i was already in the ring of fire part.
* * *
i am not the full moon, ripe and fertile ready to be Mother anymore. i am also not the dark moon, ready to teach and give wisdom yet. i am in between and it's fucking uncomfortable as hell. i don't know who this person, if she has anything to do with me, the one i really don't want to let go of. for the first time in my entire life i am not happy with change. change used to be exciting and new and for some reason this change feels like i am entering an unknown that i have no interest in experiencing.
and so i leaned into that sadness and i said to it: listen, fine, but just to let you know that eventually we have to figure this out. so give me that ache until i no longer need it. and then show me the medicine to help me cross over to what is next.
* * *
a couple weeks ago when i was sitting on my bed and looking out my window into my backyard and wondering how i was ever going to get the nerve to dig into this dirt because i have have been highly unmotivated in this transition. ignoring the pen, the paper, the paints, the food, and worst of all the massive tilled plot of land in my backyard that is going to feed my family for the next season. i could see where i wanted the tulsi and i could see where the greens should be rooted down. i knew right where the corn needed to reach up against the fence. i saw exactly where the purple of motherwort would spike up like badass. but i just could not move my feet in the direction of planting seeds and giving the kind of love and devotion to let them grow. here i am, in spring, and not wanting to plant, not wanting to know the beauty that wants to push up from underneath it all.
and then i noticed what already was growing in my yard, what had been planted 20 years before. i noticed because the flowers on the tree had just bloomed and it was now covered in white blossoms, a cloak of white silk petals everywhere. and i thought to myself, 'damn girl, you are one fine tree. a fine looking tree.'
and then like it always happens i listened to something and that something said it was time get up and go out there and take some flowers. because that was the medicine. that was my medicine. it was the medicine i was ready to become.
i won't go into the long story i have been telling myself about apple trees and snakes and eve, it's very much my version and it's personal, but it's about reclamation, transformation, adoration and a big huge shedding of skin. about being gentle and opening to harmony while letting go of old ideas and systems that are rigid and unforgiving and uncreative and the opposite of sensual. it's actually entirely sensual, the kind of sensuality that a good birth requires.
i picked some and crafted with them and made a medicine for myself, a tool to help me through this transformation, transition, transmutation. or at least this part of it. and i think it's working on cellular level. and it tastes really good too. my soul skin has shed a few more layers this last week, and it's revealing something new, red, raw, and tender to touch, it's revealing something i don't quite know but recognize like i recognize the depth in my daughter's eyes. i guess this is all i can ask for, to be in this and feel. to be in gratitude to Feel, and in the feeling is the only way to know where to go.
to make a shed potion or any other kind you may need:
find some apple blossoms {or other blossoms that call you to them, make sure of course they are non-toxic}
take only what you need. but before you do, give. give a prayer, a song, a hair, a dance, a nod, a note.
put the blossom in a jar.
pour a lot of honey over them. and then a little more.
then add some whiskey. and even some more.
cap it up and shake.
let it sit with some snakeskin for a month. or a special gem. or a letter you write.
enjoy daily.
and also. i got a tattoo.


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• Choose heavy-duty plastic or sturdy anodized aluminum for your tags.
• Different sizes of tags ensure you find the most appropriate one for your purpose.
• You can order our stock engraved tags or customize one at no extra charge.
• We also offer steel stamp kits with engraved letters and numbers to mark initials, codes, phrases and more.
• Need help with your order? We're available over a quick chat, email, or call.


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Our Union of over 2000 churches is supported by staff in thirteen regional associations and three specialist teams based in Didcot, Oxfordshire. Our six Baptist Colleges prepare men and women for ministry and offer ongoing development and training.
Home Mission Grants are given to support a variety of ministries in and through Baptist churches and chaplains across the country. It also enables all our churches and ministers to be supported and helped through the work of the Regional Associations and the specialist teams in Didcot.
Safeguarding for the protection of adults and children from harm, abuse or neglect. Every church should adopt safeguarding policy statements for children, young people, and adults at risk. We help churches maintain safe environments for all, with processes to follow should something go wrong, and support for everyone involved.
Our Resources Library has a wealth of guideline leaflets and information to help you and your church on a range of topics. You can also find a range of booklets, cards and our Baptists Together magazine available to buy from the Online Shop.
Not all of the groups using the church may be organised and run by church members and buildings are often hired by others (Scouts, Guides, nurseries, dance classes etc). If you do have outside hirers who are using your building and who work with children or young people, it is good practice to require them to have a safeguarding children policy and accompanying procedures in place, based on the Home Office recommendations 'Safe from Harm'.
You should include a clause to cover this in any official hiring agreement that you may use. As evidence of this you would be entitled to request to see a copy of the safeguarding policy and procedures document. It is not your responsibility to ensure that the safeguarding policy is being properly implemented. This responsibility lies with the group themselves and their trustees. However if it came to light that a group using your premises were not following appropriate safeguarding procedures and that children or young people were being placed at risk, the church should seriously consider terminating the rental agreement.
Some groups using church premises may need to be registered with OFSTED. If this is the case you should request to see their OFSTED registration certificate.
'One-off' private hirers (for example, children's parties) would not be expected to have a safeguarding policy, but they would still need to show due care and attention. For general information on letting arrangements refer to the Baptist Union Corporation guideline document PC10 - Hiring of Church Premises.


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Hi from Northern Indiana
I was shocked tonight...I was surfing the Internet and I came across two pieces of my fabric that I am using in my Scrappy Quilt along with a Deep Purple Fabric that goes with these colors so I am seriously thinking about getting a piece of Dark Purple Fabric and use it for the backing of my Scrappy Quilt. I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw the same exact fabric as two of my pieces of fabric that I'm using in my Scrappy Quilt.
I was so happy to see that too.


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Faculty spotlight on real estate's Mariya Letdin
Dr. Letdin shares insights on real estate and tells her story in a new "Behind the Bricks," video that brands the college's real estate program.
Title: Assistant Professor of Real Estate
Education: Ph.D., Finance and Real Estate, Baruch College/City University of New York; MBA and B.S., Finance, DePaul University
Industry experience: Worked in the commercial real estate industry, including Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities (CMBS) lending at JP Morgan; loan origination, underwriting and asset management at Tremont Capital in Chicago; and debt placement for HFF in New York City.
Areas of expertise: Commercial and residential mortgages, real estate investment trusts
These areas interest me because: The relationship between a real estate owner, the lender and the underlying property valuation creates frictions that impact a substantial component of both personal and institutional wealth, as we witnessed in the last financial crisis. Understanding the causes, drivers and deterrents of these frictions is of great interest to me.
The practical implications of my research: Commercial mortgage research has direct implications for investment decisions, while residential mortgage and real estate investment trust (REIT) studies help individual investors manage and optimize their exposure to real estate as an asset.
Most recently published: "Under the Lender's Looking Glass" Journal of Real Estate Finance and Economics (2016)
Why students should consider a career in real estate: Working in real estate offers an opportunity to shape the future of how our surroundings, i.e. land and buildings, are used. The real estate industry is broad and offers opportunities to succeed to people with a variety of talents and interests – entrepreneurship, quantitative skills, creativity, public policy, wealth management, to name a few. I personally found the chance to make a visible difference in our physical environment to be very rewarding.
I appreciate COB alumni involvement because: We are so fortunate to have a number of extraordinarily accomplished and caring alumni. The FSU Real Estate Center benefits greatly from alumni input, and nothing brings more value to our classroom than visits from graduates who share their stories.
Private giving to the college is important because: It allows us to compete with other excellent programs, remain cutting edge in our technology, data and resources, and continue to attract top talent.


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Air Jordan 1 Retro High "Flight Guy" | Release Info
Jordan pays tribute to a moment in history. Famed sports photographer, Chuck Kuhn, shot Michael Jordan in a remote Oregon airstrip. On that day in 1985, MJ wore his favorite colors: royal blue and black. The rest is history.
Jordan Brand releases another cult favorite the Black/ Royal Blue Air Jordan 1 Retros.
Sure to sell out within seconds. Make sure you're ready this weekend.
Release Date:
Air Jordan 1 Retro High "Royal"
Royal Blue/ Black
April 1st, 2017
In an effort to assist in the ongoing water crisis in Flint, RISE has teamed with the Foundation for Flint to raise money for the Flint Child Health and Development Fund.
All donations raised via this campaign will go directly to the fund and aid children of Flint. Through this online raffle, 24 pairs of the Men's Air Jordan 1 Retro High "Royal" will be made available for purchase on Saturday, April 1st, 2017.
Support FLINT!


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This lady is taking the slow train to completion. I'm hoping as my skills develop so will my speed, at the moment I wait painstakingly at every step to see if it has worked or not. It is a lovely process though and I am happy with the way things are working.
The almond trees are in full blossom now, I pass them on my way to and from the toilet - a low hummmmm of many busy bees!!


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Growing Pains: DUBAI/
by Ashiq Rahiman
My father, Mohammed Abdul Rahiman Nalakath Karukathil, is an aviation engineer and has spent more time working at a single company than I've been alive. In October 1982, he moved to a relatively quiet city and began working at a fledgling airline company. Today, Emirates Airline is counted among the best airlines in the world, and I often use the growth of the company as a metaphor while explaining the growth of Dubai. Recently, Emirates featured Jennifer Aniston in a rather corny commercial that captures the essence of traveling in luxury. My personal sentiments aside, this strange fact conveniently serves as a metaphor for the current state of affairs in Dubai.
Most people who live and work in Dubai (and in the United Arab Emirates) are citizens of other countries. There are more Indian citizens here than people of any other nationality. Therefore, most schools are affiliated with and teach from foreign syllabuses, and there are more Indian schools than any other kind of school. I attended one of the most expensive Indian schools and grew up interacting with kids whose parents grew up in several different states in India. Unlike most of them, however, I was raised in a suburban house and in an oddly diverse neighborhood. My neighbors spanned the globe in terms of national origin. Consequently, I grew up at the rare intersection of many of Dubai's most visible and influential populations.
In 2007, I left home for colder winters. On August 15, as India brought in its 60th Independence Day, I quietly celebrated some small interruption of my own. I began life as an international student in the United States, too many miles away from everything I'd known. One of the first changes I felt moved to make came during my very first week of college i.e. I began to claim Dubai as my hometown.
To the untrained eye, Indians may all look the same. However, once you've spent enough time in the field, it's not hard to spot an Indian anywhere in the diaspora and successfully guess where in India their roots may be. In Dubai, if it's mutually understood that all parties in a conversation are Indian, people will name their native state in India when answering the question "where are you from?" I imagine most other expatriates also do something similar within their respective national groups. So, my response to that question is either "India" or "Kerala". In the United States, I started saying "Dubai" instead.
In my first few years of college, I wasn't hesitant to tell anyone I was from Dubai. Most folks I met didn't know where it was; and I had fun exploring different ways of explaining what it was like growing up in a place where I'm no longer welcome unless I've secured a job offer or a tourist visa in advance. Nearly ten years later, far more people are aware of where Dubai is. For many reasons, Dubai has entered the purview of the general US American public in a significant way. It comes as no surprise that just a little more international recognition has made conversations about home less than enjoyable for me.
Many people who live in other countries sincerely believe that everyone in the United States is happy, handsome and wealthy. People everywhere have begun to believe that about Dubai, but that false notion is driven by something insidious. There is a widespread belief that Dubai's dangerously rapid industrialization wouldn't have occurred without an expendable migrant labor force, comprised almost exclusively by young men from the Indian Subcontinent. This belief has been updated to include underpaid and otherwise mistreated women who care for the children of the rich. These women tend to be from the same region, but also hail from countries such as the Philippines, Indonesia and Ethiopia. You may encounter this belief in a Human Rights Watch report, a BBC article, or even a Vice documentary. Edward Said would call it Orientalist; I call it lazy.
This seems to be the only topic some people want to explore when I begrudgingly divulge that I grew up in Dubai. These people also seem convinced that they are somehow more enlightened; perhaps it is an attempt to come across educated. At any rate, I made a decision years ago that unless someone approaches me with respect and some fundamental understanding of human history, I would not discuss politics with them. Lately, I've been forced to extend the same policy to people who ask me about Dubai.
I'm not thrilled that I have no legal rights in the city I know best, the place where I was born and brought up; but I also understand that citizenship is not a guaranteed birthright in most other countries. We do struggle with archaic immigration and labor regulations; but I also understand that most cities that have undergone a comparable level of expansion have also had to work through the same issues. To pretend or presume that literally every other metropolis hasn't had a more or less identical story is ridiculous; and to imply that capitalism under Arab rule is more wicked than capitalism under White supremacy is even more ridiculous.
Life as an immigrant in the United States has helped me reconcile some of the realities of my life in the United Arab Emirates as an expatriate. Dubai is my city. My father was fixing airplanes before Emirates Airline had hangars. He found a way to brave countless hours in the blazing sun (40° C/105° F) so he could give his children an upbringing better than his own. He did that with no complaint. My mother was learning conversational English from watching Bold and the Beautiful. She found a way to adapt through my intersectional childhood, even when multicultural settings brought nastiness, anxiety and unpleasant experiences. She did that with no help. My parents will be returning to a house in India soon; and they've earned the right for me to tell my city's story as it should be told.
Dubai and I grew up together. Just as I'd tell a new friend about an old friend, I'd be happy to show someone around the city; but if you refuse to see Dubai through a more sophisticated lens, then I'll just drop you off at the expensive restaurants and all the other tourist traps you've seen on Instagram. If you seek an authentic experience, every meal we have will be under $10 and you will have the time of your life.


text: Pontiac Correctional Officer William E. McCasling was helping staff break up a fight between two inmates near the prison chapel Nov. 10, 1967 when he was hit in the face and struck his head as he fell on the concrete floor. The ruckus started about 2:15 p.m. when inmates were leaving the chapel where a movie had been shown. As one inmate was led to segregation, the other went on a rampage and injured at least three other staff before he was subdued. McCasling was pronounced dead at the prison hospital at 3:05 p.m. He had been employed at the facility for just over five months and was survived by his wife and three children who were living in southern Missouri.


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Director James Gray has quietly been creating an impressive body of work for the last two decades, but his latest movie is his magnum opus.
Since 1994's "Little Odessa," Gray has told intimate tales often about hardworking people in unique situations. There was ex-con Leo Handler (Mark Wahlberg) in the corrupt world of the Queens rail yard in "The Yards" (2000), and Ewa Cybulska (Marion Cotillard), forced into a life of burlesque dancing in "The Immigrant" (2013).
But in "The Lost City of Z," Gray ups his game and tells an epic story that explores big dreams and the sacrifices that come with them.
If the title of the movie (out in limited release April 14 — it'll go nationwide April 21 and be available on Amazon later this year) sounds familiar, that's because it's based on the popular 2009 nonfiction book " The Lost City of Z: A Tale of Deadly Obsession in the Amazon" by David Grann.
In it, Grann recounts the life of Percy Fawcett, a British explorer who in 1925 went into the Amazon jungle with his son to find an ancient lost city he believed existed and never returned.
The legend of the city that Fawcett named Z is well-known in the expedition community. As many as 100 people have died or disappeared searching for Fawcett or the city he was obsessed with.
Gray has taken Grann's book, which also recounts the author's quest to find Z, and brings Fawcett and his journey to life with such rich detail, you'll feel the sweat of the jungle. That's partly because of the stunning photography by Oscar-nominated cinematographer Darius Khondji and the talents of production designer Jean-Vincent Puzos.
Charlie Hunnam ("Sons of Anarchy") plays Fawcett as a man who's driven to make a name for his family in an era when class and legacy are everything and finds stardom as an explorer. Robert Pattinson is at his side as Henry Costin, a soft-spoken but equally driven aide-de-camp.
Both give incredible performances. It's the best one yet for Pattinson. His brooding stare is perfect for a character who must toil in the horrific conditions of the Amazon — at one point half his face is infected by a bug bite.
Hunnam, meanwhile, is an incredible talent who thanks to some lousy movies has been largely missed by a wider audience. Here he gives a tour-de-force performance that proves his capabilities as a leading man. He carries this movie on his back with an intensity that is a joy to watch. He's sensitive and kind in some instances, ferocious in others.
The movie is close to two and a half hours, but it requires every second. To properly tell the story of Fawcett's journey — and make you fully understand his obsession with Z — we need to chronicle most of his adult life: being a cartographer in Brazil in the 1900s, going on one of his first expeditions to find Z, fighting in World War I, and going on his fatal final quest to find the lost city with his son, Jack (played by the new Spider-Man, Tom Holland).
The lengthy running time is also needed to delve into Fawcett's home life with his wife, Nina (Sienna Miller), and growing family. In another movie, this part would be omitted or stripped to brief moments, but Gray details Nina's struggles as she deals with Fawcett going off to explore and leaving her to care for their children. Still, she champions him, even at one point pleading to go with him.
If there's a movie so far this year you need to see on the big screen, it's this one. Its rich story, performances, and lush visuals should be taken in at the theater, where you can fully immerse yourself.
Then go see it again. I plan to.