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Agriya releases its first ever Online Classified Ads solution
Consumer-driven markets are evolving at a rapid pace, the swift nature of this business world has enabled trendsetters to thrive in the market, who make sure they bank on every opportunity to showcase their products. Agriya recognized the need of consumers who were more receptive to a full-fledged portal.
In our effort to assist the consumers to utilize this market to its maximum potential, we have designed a full-fledged, Completely intact Online Classified Ads solution.
Purpose of this launch
The days of the print media are long gone, and companies are fast adapting to the changes which have been caused by the digital media. The classifieds section of newspapers has become a thing of the past, the rise of specific commercial platforms have forced entrepreneurs to realign their business and marketing strategies. We at Agriya did our groundwork and devised an all-inclusive, highly cohesive Online Classified ad solution in order to assist the entrepreneurs. Formulated and designed by a team of industry experts, this online classified solution is a brilliant addition to our ever-growing range of products and solution list.
An intriguing design to entice users
We followed a user-centric approach to our base design, this was formulated by integrating a vivid, sensitive user interface. The colorful interface is fused with innovative plug-ins to offer a more pleasant, retro approach for the users. A dynamic dashboard is instilled with essential plug-ins which are designed specifically to assist the users.
A Multi-faceted solution for guaranteed returns
Users can incorporate videos and pictures to justify their product's credibility. Specific tools allow the users to crop the pictures correctly and fit it into the right frame. Multi-language compatibility ensures that users won't have a problem working on this solution even if they aren't native English speakers. With distinct in-built features, this solution equally caters to both the users and the admin needs. A revised revenue generation model has been integrated which will further boost your revenue generated through ads. Most of the ads will run parallel to the product listings, thereby providing revenue as well as serving a commercial purpose. Apart from that Users and admin can avail specific ad packages in order to help them generate more revenue for the product listings.
Business-centric approach for streamlined operations
Agriya's latest offering is an unambiguous coherent ad solution that offers utmost transparency when interacting with the customers. The admin 's dashboard is distinguished from the user's dashboard with more business-centric plug-ins imbibed in it. Machine generated analytics will help users and admins to get automated insights on the workflow and the revenue generated. Real-time notifications will help the users in getting instantaneous updates. Using automated insights admin can monitor, control the user's activity levels and regulate the traffic flow to the website. In order to facilitate smooth flow of funds, a flexible, highly secure payment gateway has been integrated. Wallet money option has also been included to make the payment process simpler.
Final thoughts
Labels: Agriya Readymade Solution Build Classified Ads Marketplace Classfieds Marketplace Solution Classified Ads Solution featured Online Classified Ads Solution Online Classifieds Marketplace


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Spent Thanksgiving at home with family > Friday-Saturday, 600 miles / 2 hockey games > Sunday, 260 miles / 1 hocky game > today, 300 miles / 1 hockey game.
Just to add to all this fun, late Friday evening Hugo accidentally dropped my car key fob down the Ottawa elevator shaft. Since the was no hope of recovery until Monday, the wife + son (aka: the Cinemascapist) teamed upto form a relay team to get the spare key fob to the Ottawa hotel, arriving at 3:30 Am Saturday.

subset: commoncrawl


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Hooray Dory! She found her forever home today.
My name is Dory and I am celebrating every day as if it's my birthday now that I'm getting spoiled rotten in my foster home. I'm new to this and still figuring out how to adjust, but so far I like napping on this big soft couch with blankets. I'm an easy going young lady who can't wait to find the furever family that will appreciate snuggling with a big girl like me. I love belly rubs and can't wait to share a bed with my new family!
Dory knows how to spend a cold January day
Freedom Ride
Squishy face Dory leaves the Indianapolis shelter.
Dory in her foster home
Dory's first walk
around the neighborhood.
Dory's leaving the shelter
and never coming back! Look at that heart shaped nose.
enjoys a good belly rub
went as the Good Witch for Halloween
Goofing off with my buddies!
At Wigglebutt Doghouse
I love Wiggle Butt Doggie Daycare!
I had dog food for breakfast, what did you have?
Being silly with her favorite play mates!
a big healthy girl
Dory wearing her muffler
Smooshy face
Dory the 3 lap dog
I can sleep anywhere
Action shot
At Wigglebutt Doghouse
Play date close up
Let's Play
At Wigglebutt Doghouse
I love to play
At Wigglebutt Doghouse


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On a typical commute to campus, I catch a bus headed south—the #2 express bus. I get off on 60th street, walk a couple blocks to the psychology building (located at 5848 S. University Avenue), head up to the 3rd floor and into my office, room 309.
In other words, when I go to work—or, for that matter, just about anywhere in Chicago—I navigate a world signposted with numbers. Numbers tell me which bus to take, what street I'm on, whether I'm on the right floor, which office is mine. What's interesting is that these are not numbers in the most familiar sense. These are numbers as names, a different and—as Alice might say—curiouser beast.
The most familiar sense of number—the one adults think of first, the one children learn early on—is the cardinal sense. This is the sense involved when we say that there are four people in a family, four pancakes in a stack, four chairs around a table, and so on. The cardinal sense, in other words, is what we're using whenever we say "how many" of something there are, and there are pretty good reasons to think this is the basic, primordial use of numbers. The phenomenon of numbers as names is sometimes called the nominal sense of number. It is undoubtedly a secondary case, but—in some pockets of the world—it is nonetheless staggeringly pervasive.
As soon as we recognize the nominal sense of numbers as distinct, questions flood in. For one: When did this practice start? Perhaps not so long ago, I would speculate. In many parts of the world (including parts of the United States), there were not even street names until recently, let alone numerical addresses for individual houses. This may seem unthinkable. But the practice of using numbers as names really only becomes useful when certain conditions are in place: there are many barely distinguishable versions of a thing—buses, houses, streets, districts, and so on—that nonetheless need to distinguished on a regular basis—by postal workers, commuters, bureaucrats, and the like. And the world was simply not full of barely distinguishable things, it seems, until industrialization and the rise of modern urban infrastructure. A related question is about how the practice of using numbers as names became so widespread. Did it spring up in many places independently as soon as conditions were ripe, or did it start in one place, catch on, and quickly overspread the globe?
1. These are just the more conspicuous 'numbers as names' I encounter in everyday life. Lurking in the background are many more: zip codes, GPS coordinates, vehicle numbers, area codes, congressional districts—the list goes on.
2. Heike Wiese—in an article titled 'The co-evolution of number concepts and counting words' (2007) that fired some of the ideas in this post—distinguishes three senses of number: cardinal, ordinal, and nominal. A bit of conceptual fuzziness enters in, I think, when we try to distinguish between the ordinal and the nominal sense. The canonical ordinal sense involves using numbers to identify position in a sequence, e.g. this is my fourth pancake. Here is where the fuzziness comes in: in many cases there is some ordinal motivation for a nominal use of number, but this motivation is opaque for most of the people who use the labels. I remember, for example, being surprised to learn that home addresses in the DC Metro area encode information about the number of city blocks from the Capitol building (more info here).
3. The phenomenon of numbers as names has a dark side—very dark, in fact—in the use of numbers as labels for prisoners.
4. Another question: what sense of numbers do people encounter most frequently in everyday life? I wouldn't be surprised if—for city-dwellers, at least—the nominal sense of numbers, despite being conceptually secondary, rivals the cardinal sense in sheer frequency.
5. A reckless hypothesis: the widespread use of numbers as names may present a stumbling block for children trying to learn the (more canonical) cardinal and ordinal senses of numbers. Imagine trying to learn the word 'dog' when many things beyond dogs—buses, highways, and buildings, for example—were also sometimes labeled 'dog.' Maddening!


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Lil Reese Video: Black Women Abuse As a Twisted Form of Entertainment
5:59 AM | 1 comments | black boys, black community, black girls, black rappers, black woman abuse, black women, ignorant rap, kenya village, lil reese, sammi jace, woman only village
The video showing Lil Reese mercilessly beat on a black woman is a testament to the failure of black men to teach and instruct young black boys.
Guest Post by Sammi Jace
Follow this blogger on Twitter
Unfortunately, the dysfunctional nature of certain elements of the black community rears its ugly head again. In a video posted on YouTube a young rapper named Lil Reese is seen beating a young black woman whose home he apparently entered without permission.
Twitter Reactions
Even more disturbing than the video footage of him punching and stomping the young woman were the tweets that followed. Numerous young black males took to Twitter cheering him on, just as they did when the infamous uppercut video went viral.
I am concerned that this public abuse of black women is becoming a twisted form of entertainment for these black males. They take joy in watching defenseless black women get beaten on camera. If it goes unchecked it will become a trend.
To add to this steaming hot pile of dysfunction, a few ignorant and confused young black women on Twitter even thought that this young woman deserved to get beaten for "talking too much."
Where Are Black Men as Mentors?
This question has been asked numerous times. Overall, black men have simply failed black boys in many ways -- this can no longer be disputed. Older black men who should be IMMEDIATELY correcting and teaching these boys right from wrong are either 1) cheering this behavior on or 2) remain eerily quiet either out of fear or secret agreement with the actions.
Also, it's worth noting here that angry black males like Lil Reese are usually angry at their mothers. They tend to take out their angst on women who look like their mothers. Their fathers or other men usually treat their mothers with disrespect, so they come to learn that this type of behavior is acceptable.
Is The Kenya Village Example a Viable Solution?
Years ago I came across an article about a community of women in Kenya. The abuse and disrespect from their male counterparts became so extreme that these women broke off and created their own thriving community. The women have never been happier. The men suffered without the women present -- the women were the bread winners and kept the community alive.
Back then I thought this was an interesting and revolutionary but pretty EXTREME idea. But more and more as I witness the accepted, public abuse of black women in certain segments of the black community the more the idea sounds viable in certain cases.
If black males cannot at minimum properly respect and uphold black womanhood in certain areas of the United States, maybe it is time for black women who want more to think about starting self-sufficient communities where they can raise their daughters and young sons in peace and security until grown black men in those areas can get their act together. If this is the type of negative influence that is being spread among certain elements of black male culture -- total and utter disrespect and disgust with black womanhood -- then maybe it is time for a separation.
Regardless of your opinion in the matter, bottomline, black women and girls deserve a safe, supportive place to thrive.
Sammi Jace is a professional writer from New York who blogs as a hobby. She is a self-proclaimed "black hippie" and warrior for women's rights. Find her on Twitter.


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|My back yard.
Really not much to say Pic says it all.
Day 6 out of 7 with rain. Not a normal rain. Lots of all day rain.
How strange this weather is. Looking at the 10day once again there's rain called for in the next 5 days. So we are looking at about 10 days of rain out of maybe 12.
How is that even possible?
Slight chance of a break in rain for the ride in the morning. And I must do it or lose whats left of my sanity. Its been a long time since I saw the sun. And it affects me greatly.
All I can say is stay optimistic, sleep a lot, ride every little chance you get, even if its for 30 min.
We'll get thru this. Just lay low. It will get warmer and it will stop raining sometime.
I promise.
Lets see how things are after the weekend.
Do the best you can to have a good one.


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Contact Us
Problems? Suggestions? We'd love to hear from you! Complete the Contact Information form below and we will contact you as soon as possible. Be sure to tell us if you prefer to be contacted by e-mail or telephone. You may also place mail orders by mailing to cowboy Bookworm, PO Box 331779, Fort Worth, TX 76163. We accept checks, money order, Mastercard, Visa and Paypal.


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Frank Achtert, Managing Director
The objective of Solvency II—expected to take effect in 2012—is simple. The regulation seeks to protect policyholders and the global insurance system through adequate, risk-based capital (RBC) requirements. Carriers will have to demonstrate a 99.5 percent likelihood of solvency for the coming 12 months, based on the risks they hold in their portfolios. There are several ways for European (re)insurers to comply, and the latest Quantitative Impact Study Draft 4 (QIS Draft 4) explains the alternatives for demonstrating compliance. For some, Solvency II signals yet another cost of doing business, but beneath the surface, carriers may find opportunities to turn compliance into market risk management advantage.
Improved and targeted capital management can result in a faster recovery, particularly following a mega-catastrophe. However, success will be determined by a carrier's ability to identify and manage risk before disaster occurs. With Solvency II, risk-bearers have an incentive to refine risk management practices and ultimately make better use of their capital.
QIS 4 introduces a modified Solvency Capital Requirement (SCR) calculation for non-life catastrophe capital charges. The first two methods are based on a standard, portfolio-agnostic formula. Regional scenarios using the standard formula account for both natural and man-made catastrophes geographically. Or, carriers can take a line of business view of their portfolios via the standard formula. For both approaches under the standard formula, the outcome is basic compliance. While this is important, there is little opportunity for market differentiation, as the standard formula methods for determining the SCR must sacrifice nuance in order to be universally applicable.
But, as we all know, risk management is not prêt à porter.
The third approach to calculating the catastrophe SCR allows carriers to customize their capital needs based on the risks covered in their portfolios. Capital requirements thus would be based on actual catastrophe exposure rather than a basic approach intended to address the broader industry. Under the third method in QIS Draft 4, carriers can use personalized catastrophe model outputs (provided by third-party firms), as long as they are approved by the relevant supervisory authorities. Targeted compliance, in this fashion, can yield a competitive advantage given that the cat risk capital charge is often the main capital-absorbing item.
Since every portfolio is unique, risk management and Solvency II compliance efforts should vary from one firm to another. Using the third method for catastrophe SCR calculation, carriers can demonstrate how they have addressed Solvency II's 99.5 percent threshold as it relates directly to a specific set of risks. This has the twofold benefit of directly considering the factors that could threaten solvency while possibly freeing capital for use elsewhere.
The ability to implement carrier-specific catastrophe scenario outputs must be considered in the broader context of using approved proprietary economic capital models for compliance with future regulatory requirements. When deviating from the standard SCR formula, success will be derived substantially from model choice. The ability to generate economic scenarios based on a broad array of assumptions—from changes in interest rates to catastrophe loss implications—will be crucial. Guy Carpenter, for example, has invested heavily in its proprietary simulation platform, MetaRisk®, to account for underwriting, market, credit, and operational risk to ensure that model output drives informed decision-making.
Fundamentally, Solvency II is as much a capital management issue as it is a compliance concern, involving perhaps the most important strategic challenge that carriers face. Effective capital management translates to the potential for market leadership. Proprietary models enable carriers to comply with Solvency II more accurately and could free capital for investment elsewhere. As specific SCR rules begin to crystallize, modeling assumptions and capabilities will be refined to meet the evolving standard. When 2012 arrives, carriers can choose mere compliance or compliance-plus-competitive advantage. The results will be evident in market performance.
Guy Carpenter & Company, LLC provides this text for general information only. The information contained herein is based on sources we believe reliable, but we do not guarantee its accuracy, and it should be understood to be general insurance/reinsurance information only. Statements concerning, tax, accounting, legal or regulatory matters should be understood to be general observations based solely on our experience as reinsurance brokers and risk consultants, and may not be relied upon as tax, accounting, legal or regulatory advice which we are not authorized to provide. All such matters should be reviewed with your own qualified advisors in these areas.
Frank Achtert, Managing Director


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What bugs me about content out
Recently there's been much talk of "content out", the idea that web design should be inspired by the qualities of the text and images of a site. It's a healthy idea, but like any slogan, it is open to misinterpretation.
The web design industry has only recently afforded content its rightful status. We were wrong to relegate content to the role of a commodity – something we could pour into beautifully-crafted templates. In our rush to rectify this balance, we mustn't overcorrect and deprecate the role of truly creative design.
From an algorithmic perspective, the idea that style and substance are separate is appealing. It allows us to code markup and stylesheets independently, and fits the logical mindset shared by so many techies. But it's a falsehood. Style and substance are irretrievably linked. Like space and time, they are neither separable nor the same thing – there exists no hierarchy between them, no primacy. One informs the other. The other informs the one.
It's impossible to perceive content and presentation separately. The two combine to create something more valuable: meaning.
The same content, with very different meanings.
Some of the best-known examples of the content out design principle are blogs from today's leading digital lights. These sites feature expert typography, harmony and balance. They are undoubtedly beautiful. They also look terribly similar. Book design is the dominant aesthetic, meaning that the content does indeed shine. However, individuality surfaces only in esoteric flourishes. The people who have made these sites are diverse and bold, but these qualities often struggle to surface.
It's a mistake to let content drive design, just as it was to let design drive content. We mustn't let the pendulum swing too far. If we are to go beyond mere information and style to create meaning, the two must be partners, feeding from and influencing each other.
Until we see more diversity in the sites that espouse a content out approach, I worry the movement could be too simply characterised as one of minimalism – or worse, faddishness and elitism:
The idea that content can act as the interface is noble. But sometimes you need interface. The interactivity and responsiveness of the digital medium means it excels at interface. Text can often suffice, but it possesses limited affordances. It conveys information and gives instructions well, but it's poor at conferring mental models, creating subconscious emotions, establishing genre, and suggesting interaction capabilities: things crucial for brand-driven sites or functional applications.
Overly-literal interpretation of content out could create a web of homogeneity. A web that conveys little that a book could not, save for hyperlinks and videos. A web that fails to take full advantage of the digital medium. For all our talk of breaking free of the print design mentality, content out risks reducing the capabilities of the digital medium, in favour of fetishising the craft of print design. That would truly undermine the intent of the approach.


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Gourmet Odyssey
Wine tasting & tours
72 rue Dulong
Paris 75017
tel: 01 46 27 05 92
Email Gourmet Odyssey
Gourmet Odyssey allows its customers to discover gourmet products in an original manner, by taking part in the making of the product, alongside independent producers who are carefully selected by Gourmet Odyssey for their customers. Created by Mark Bootherstone, a lover of food, wine and travel, Gourmet Odyssey places the emphasis on participation and learning. The first product on offer is wine, through the adoption and rental of vines for one winemaking year. Rates are from €159, and various formulas are on offer.—Visit their website—
The Wine Experience
The idea behind Gourmet Odyssey is a simple one: enable people to discover producers, their work and their passion for the land and its bounty. By renting 6 to 36 vines, customers will be able to follow the journey of their grapes from the vine to the tank, and follow remotely the progress of their vines and their vintage through the newsletters and private customer portal. Gourmet Odyssey will provide regular news and pictures of the vineyard. Also included, depending on the chosen formula, are three days of participation and learning within the winemaking estate itself:
Discovery Experience Day
Designed to introduce them to the vineyard and the winemaker, customers will get to: visit the vineyard and their vines, tour the fermentation rooms and cellars. Learn about the region in general, the terroir, the grape varieties used, and the wines produced at the winery. Discover what steps will be taken to make their wine. Participate in some of the activities that need doing such as pruning, treating the vines, leaf removal, or working in the cellar.
Harvest Experience Day
Secateurs in one hand, a basket in the other, customers will set out amongst the vines to: harvest the grapes from their adopted vines, follow the grapes and help them on their way through the sorting table, destemmer and presser, and into the vats. Discover the work that has been done in the vineyard to cultivate the grapes ready for harvest. Learn about the process that turns the grape juice into alcohol, including tasting the wine at the different stages of fermentation.
Participate, learn, taste
Vinification Experience Day
The purpose of this day is to learn what happens to the wine as it matures between fermentation and being ready for bottling. Customers will learn the multitude of crucial decisions that the winemaker must take to influence the structure, aroma and flavour of the wine. Participate in tests to analyse the characteristics of the wine such as the pH levels, and the degrees of alcohol and acidity. And finally, receive a wine tasting lesson.
The Bonuses
Each customer will receive a stylish metal welcome pack containing a sommelier's apron, a DropStop, a personalised certificate, details of the Wine Experience chosen , and access to their private customer portal. Each customer will also be able to choose the name of their wine, personalise their wine labels, and will receive 6 to 36 bottles of personalised wine, one per adopted vine.


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On a day at the seaside last summer, David Wren watched a father and his son playing crazy golf in the sunshine. "They just looked so happy together. I turned to my partner and said: 'I want a kid.' He replied: 'Me too' and that was how we came to apply to adopt."
The same-sex couple contacted their county council and were invited to a group meeting in July. They attended a four-day preparation course in October and have just had the fourth of six home visits by a social worker. "Our adoption panel will be in March and we've been told if all goes well we should have a child within three months as there are over 25 youngsters waiting," says Wren (not his real name).
"The process has been gruelling and emotional at times, and the social workers have delved deep into our pasts. But they are only trying to make sure they get it right. It looks like it will take us a year in total to start a family. To me, that's awesome. I can't see how they could do it much quicker."
In fact, Wren and his partner have been lucky, as the national average wait is two years and seven months. This has prompted the government's adoption tsar, Martin Narey, to lambast some social workers for dragging their feet and being "anti-adoption". Local authorities with the longest waiting times have been named, while proposals have been announced to overhaul an assessment process described by children's minister Tim Loughton as "painfully slow, repetitive and ineffective".
Best interests
Now, the Association of Directors of Children's Services (ADCS) has hit back, defending "rigorous" checks on would-be adoptive parents, while conceding that the process could be speeded up. In a position statement it recommends initiatives including a review of the information collected, to ensure all questions are relevant, and the streamlining of adoption panels, so that they focus on selection rather than care planning.
Matt Dunkley, ADCS president, says: "The current process is cumbersome and does not leave room for social workers to use their judgment to make decisions in the best interests of children." However, while he acknowledges the variation in speed of adoptions between local authorities, Dunkley adds: "It is important that this complex area of work is not oversimplified through the use of crude performance measures or process‑driven inspection."
The ADCS points out that adoption is not right for every child and is rare in most countries except the UK and the US. Evidence suggests that children can do just as well in other forms of stable placements such as long-term fostering and "special guardianship" – a court order that gives a guardian legal parental responsibility for a child without removing responsibility altogether from the birth parents.
Ministers have expressed alarm over a fall in the total number of adoptions, but there has, in fact, been a rise of 27% over the past five years in all forms of what are called "permanence" orders, including adoption. Shortly before Christmas, Loughton announced the setting up of an expert panel, to include the ADCS, which will consider improvements to the process of recruiting and assessing adopters, the removal of "bureaucracy and over-prescription" and the provision of "set timescales for training and assessing" candidates.
One issue is excessive form-filling, with documents running to 140 pages. The form template was drawn up by the British Association for Adoption and Fostering, and its director of policy, research and development, John Simmonds, says the association, too, is focusing on streamlining. "But a lot of the detail is only there to comply with regulations set out in law," he adds. "The real issue is not the form, but the training and support of the social workers who use it. Too often they cut and paste a whole swath of unnecessary wording."
Another blockage point is in the courts. Towards the end of last year, the final report of the Family Justice Review recommended a new, six-month time limit in care cases. If the government accepted this limit, it would halve the length of time some children await a verdict on their future. But where a care order is made by a court, those children deemed suitable for adoption still face a further delay while social workers find them a family. Even with a shakeup of the system, the process is unlikely to take less than 12 months.
So what should happen to a child during this limbo stage? One option is to encourage fostering as a route to adoption. In the UK, just 20% of foster carers adopt, while in the US the proportion is 80%.
An idea that a few local authorities have been piloting is a scheme called "concurrent planning", which places children under the age of two with would-be adopters during care proceedings. This means that prospective adoptive parents can end up with a much younger child than they would with mainstream adoption. But they run the risk they may have to hand the child back to the birth parents.
Coram, the children's charity, says concurrent planning seems to be gaining favour after a drop in the number of referrals. Head of adoption Jeanne Kaniuk explains: "Whichever way the court decision goes, it's a win-win for the child because they have had stability. The foster parents bring them into our contact centre up to five times a week to spend time with their birth parents. We recruit people who are happy to put the child's interests first."
One such person is Jan Gainley (not her real name), who decided to adopt when she found she was unable to have children. She was 40 and single, and opted for concurrent planning as "a risk worth taking".
"I was approved within nine months, but then I waited a year before the right child came up," says Gainley. "I finally got a call to say a woman in prison was expecting a baby who was going to be fostered from birth, pending care proceedings." The mother had serious drug and alcohol problems, and had been using drugs for the first three months of pregnancy. Her baby was born prematurely and came to Gainley at five days old. "Part of my job as foster carer was to take her to see her birth mother in prison three times a week," she recalls.
"On the first visit, [the mother] only had eyes for the baby. She just wanted to kiss and cuddle her and it hit me that I hadn't done that. It was like a knife in the heart to see the bond between birth mother and baby. But over time there was a subtle shift. I bonded with the baby and it was me who knew how she liked to be held and have her bottle. By the end [the mother] was hardly looking at the baby and just wanted to chat. One day she said to the social worker: 'If she does go for adoption she will go to Jan, won't she?'"
The mother did not contest the child's adoption. Gainley says: "She is three now and she is such a happy little soul. Concurrent planning helped achieve that. When you are separating flesh and blood, it's got to be done in a humane way and that's what this is. I feel passionately that it should be more widely used."


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Carleen Designer Kelsy Parkhouse On People, Community and Fashion
From her days as a Pratt student to now building her emerging contemporary brand Carleen while part-time teaching, designer Kelsy Parkhouse is always "trying to do better". Though after meeting the amiable designer, we'd like to think this line of thinking extends to much more than fashion.
But if we're talking specifics, this is what Kelsy told us in response to our question regarding any of her upcoming design resolutions for the year ahead. (If you're really wondering, look out for the inclusion of domestically-manufactured fabrics, along with more of her love-letter to denim, color, and patchwork).
The creative is known for her careful attention to detail, fabrics, and penchant for vibrant palettes, all of which are contributing factors in shaping the aesthetic of her budding brand Carleen, who's name was inspired by a shared middle name with her maternal grandmother. Furthermore, people in general also play a huge factor in Kelsy's day to day. "The most important thing by far has just been to surround myself with good people," she explained in our interview, "I spend a lot of time working, it might as well be with people I like!"
Sure enough, we took an immediate liking to Kelsy and her dynamic workspace during our recent visit. We got a sense of what makes the designer creatively tick, and chatted with her about Carleen's growth, community and how she's learned to balance all that comes with being an emerging designer. Discover our interview with Kelsy below and head over to The Style Line to catch an exclusive second part of this story featuring more of her personal style.
Please introduce yourself!
I'm a born and raised Californian currently living and working in Brooklyn with my boyfriend Derrick and our dog, Poppy. My main side hustle while growing Carleen is teaching, which I also really enjoy.
What role do people and community play for Carleen as a brand?
Brand Assembly has been such a champion for Carleen and participating in their LA tradeshow has been really fun. I've found tradeshows to be such a good place to bond with other designers and forge new partnerships, and Hillary and her team are great at fostering an environment that supports us. That sense of community is really important when you're facing challenges; it makes a huge difference to be able to reach out to someone who has dealt with something similar and get their perspective!
Here at Brand Assembly we want to build a space that's accessible to the Garment District and more up and coming neighborhoods that are frequented by emerging and contemporary designers. With that in mind talk to us about Brooklyn.
I live and do most of my work in Brooklyn and I love everything about it- except the 35 minute commute into the Garment District! And out-of-town visitors think you're way off the beaten path. I assume that I'm just going to have to come to them and meet them in Manhattan. I try to be really efficient with my trips into the city and knock out a bunch of errands all in a row. A good strategy can make it all work, and a good book can make the mid-day subway rides pretty enjoyable.
We've interviewed many of our contemporary designers who contend that a lot of their time is also spent on tending to other aspects of their business (PR, social media, etc.) What are your thoughts on this and do you enjoy dipping your toes into other aspects of your brand?
That is absolutely true. I remember being a student, meeting working independent designers and having them say, "I spend 10% of my time designing" and at the time I thought that was so depressing and discouraging; but I've found that keeping a finger in every element of my business is actually one of my favorite parts of having my own line. I've learned to like the non-design parts of the business a lot. I like problem solving and seeing results!
You're pretty well-known for your attention to detail when it comes to materials - which is great! But we'd like to know: do you have any design resolutions for the upcoming season/2016?
I'm always trying to do better! One of my ongoing goals is to source more domestically-manufactured fabrics. All of my sewing is done in the U.S. but currently a lot of my fabrics are imported. I've been really into denim lately and that's a great place to start. There are still a few American denim mills and I'm looking forward to working with them even more.
Designers are up against a lot of critique, from editors, peers and even customers. But if you had to define your "best" piece what would it be and why? What advice do you have for the rest of the BA community of designers on how to work with feedback or criticism?
I prefer to think of a collections vs. individual items, and I always hope that my most recent collection is the best yet! That said, I still turn back to my first collection and some of the standout pieces from that season to help me stay true to what Carleen is. For Spring '16 that showed through in one of our custom prints, a watercolor rendering of a quilt pattern, and in a simple sleeveless shell made of reclaimed vintage quilt pieces. I rely on my sales rep, Emily, for in-process feedback. I really welcome feedback and criticism but you don't really present your work to the public until a collection is complete and then it usually feels like it's too late for changes.
At Brand Assembly we're really about making our work fun! Do you have any tips on doing this in your own endeavors? What's been fun for you lately?
The most important thing by far has just been to surround myself with good people. I spend a lot of time working, it might as well be with people I like! My showroom, my photographer, even most interns I hire are all people I enjoy being around. Outside of work I love a good flea market or a good meal and hanging out with my dog and my boyfriend around Brooklyn. I'm looking forward to beach weather and more outdoor bar time this summer!
Can you share any milestones that have happened for you or something that's made you fall in love with fashion again?
I don't think I've ever really fallen out of love with fashion, it's been important to me my whole life. Right now the milestones I have my eye on are all about sales, because that's what sustains the business and allows me to do what I love and have it reach a lot of people. I love hearing from my friends when a dress or pair of jeans I designed makes them feel amazing, and I want to make many people that I've never met feel that way too!
What do you assemble daily?
Denim, color, and patchwork are elements I return to again and again. And no matter how long I've lived in New York (over 10 years!) I'll always be from California, and that tends to shine through somehow.


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Doctors are about 15% less likely to refer a patient for a cancer screening in the afternoon than in the morning. more...
September 15 , 1935 : Germany adopted the swastika as the official Nazi symbol as the Nuremberg Laws took effect. more...
Learn something new every day
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Essentially, an exchange traded fund (ETF) is a financial instrument that tracks a given index and is traded just like a normal stock on a stock exchange. A copper ETF then tracks certain indices that are tied to the copper industry. For instance, one may find an index that replicates the performance of the copper mining industry. In turn, a copper ETF for this sector would track the performance of this particular index, and in so doing it would furnish results that are similar to the sector's. That is, if the copper mining industry is doing good, for example, then the copper ETF would provide good investment results, with the reverse being true if the industry was doing poorly.
Basically, a copper ETF is set up and managed by finance professionals who raise capital by selling shares to the public. This capital is in turn used to buy stocks from the companies that are tracked by the index in a proportional manner according to their weight. To illustrate, consider an index tracking three companies in the copper mining industry with the following names ABC, COPP and XYZ. Suppose, ABC has 50% weight in the index, COPP's weight is 35%, and XYZ has 15% in weight. Therefore, to create the copper ETF tracking the index, each $100 US Dollar (USD) in capital will be used to buy stocks from the said companies according their index weight — $50 USD will be allotted to stocks from ABC, $35 USD to COPP, and finally $15 USD to XYZ.
In the example above, an investor can take advantage of the performance of the three companies through one single share of the ETF. Moreover, copper ETFs are dedicated to the copper market, so they are created to take advantage of this market in many ways, on a global scale. For example, some ETFs are designed to track and reflect the copper price. Also, there are copper-backed ETFs that, as the name suggests, are backed by physical copper. The capital raised for these copper-backed ETFs is typically used to buy the metal and store it in vaults and/or actively trade it.
Furthermore, ETFs in general are easily accessible to any investor no matter the size of his or her financial resources. For this particular reason, they have become very popular to the average investor as he or she can gain access to this market without too much hassle. Particularly, a copper ETF, such as the one backed by the physical metal, is ideal for those investors who like to invest in copper but do not wish to deal with the physical storing of the metal since it can be burdensome.
One of our editors will review your suggestion and make changes if warranted. Note that depending on the number of suggestions we receive, this can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days. Thank you for helping to improve wiseGEEK!


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This has us thinking spring already!
We're SO confused.
Cannot control our excitement!
These are the perfect dishes to cook a romantic dinner in.
We've never seen anything more beautiful.
KitchenAid and Le Creuset both have the shade in stock.
We need this now!
It's worth the road trip.
We're obsessed, obsessed, obsessed with this new addition.
No less than 15 people inspect every pot before it's sold.


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These Are the Best Domains name generator tools for Online Marketers in 2018
Whether you are starting a personal blog or a professional business website, if there is one thing that connects the two then it is the importance of the domain name. Choosing the perfect one can be difficult and a lot of the time the one you want can be already taken by someone else which automatically sends you straight back to the drawing board. If you don't want to deal with something like that then a great option is using a domains name generator tool, and luckily for you there are actually a ton of different ones out there. In today's article we are going to talk to you a bit about some of our favorite generators out there, so make sure you keep reading until the end.
Bust a Name
If you are looking for a tool that can make things really easy, then this is a great choice because this generator has a bunch of different filtering tools that can help you find the best domain name that will meet any specific needs that you may have. To use this generator all you have to do is filter some keywords and then choose whether you want the domain name to start or end with the keywords. You can proceed by filtering how natural you want the domain to look and the generator will even let you choose how many characters you want in the name. Another really useful search filter is the one where you can filter by extensions like .com, .org, .net and so on. This is also a great option for when you don't have a specific keyword in mind and in that case you can just press the "Make a Random Domain" button for ideas.
Domain Puzzler
If you are someone that doesn't really have a lot of experience and you want a domains name generator that is simple to use, but still have a lot of different options, then this is a great one for you. The "easy" version of this tool will allow you to insert the ideal keywords that you want to associate to your domain name, to search for different ideas and even to choose the domain extension that you are after, and we always recommend a .com one if you can manage to find one. However, something that makes this generator stand out from the rest is that instead of just being able to add in one or two keywords, you can add numerous of them and the tool will combine them into a bunch of different variations for you. If you can't choose immediately, then you can add them to your favorites list just so you know exactly what you were looking at.
This is a newer generator, but none the less it is one that is incredibly attractive and has a very simple design that makes it a great tool to use. This really powerful tool will only show you domains that are available for purchase and the results that you will get start with the over 15 of the most top-level domain extensions that are available. Another great thing about this generator is the fact that you can explore a whole list of domain names that are completely new and original and available for you. If after all of that you are still undecided then you will also have the freedom to pick from a list of rhyming suggestions and different keywords that may have a much better potential for your website.
Now that you have seen some of our favorite domains name generator tools, we hope that you will be able to find one that suits your needs perfectly. Make sure you take a good look at the suggestions above and see what they can offer you because we are sure that any one of them will give you the domain name that you are looking for.
If you have questions at all, please don't hesitate to contact us. We are here to help!Nonetheless we have a last tip for you, if none of the above convinced you, you can always check at Shopify's name generator tool, all you need to do is to visit Shopify.com/domains


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Last time I explained about different types, how to's, and the effects of Korean mask packs. The title of the video is "All about Korean facial mask pack," if you didn't see it yet please check it out! As I promised last time, I will introduce you to mask sheets that is loved and used a lot in Korea.
Let me explain once again about mask sheets. Mask sheets are extremely easy to use, affordable, and in such a short amount of tim you can see same results as going to a skin care clinic! That's why everyone really prefers mask sheets and is so popular. Sheet masks have various types for all skin types and so all skin conditions; anti-aging, moisturizing, troubled skin, whitening, and the list goes on and on. Depending on your skin type or the condition of your skin that day, you can choose a perfect fit and take care of your skin with a mask sheet!
Let me repeat how you use a mask sheet because many people asked questions on how to use them. You don't have to rinse after you use a mask sheet. First after cleansing your face, put on toner. Then, put on the mask sheet and put it on your face for about 15-20minutes and rest. After, take off the sheet and dab in the remaining essence on your face and let it soak in. Put on cream or moisturizer afterwards and you are done! Isn't that so simple?
Did you guys hear of the 1 Day 1 Sheet mask syndrome? In Korea, using a mask sheet every single night is a trend! It might be annoying but since mask sheet are so simple to use, if you try this you will be able to see your skin condition improve drastically. Also, since the mask sheets are so affordable compare to expensive skin care treatments, everyone is trying the 1 Day 1 Sheet mask! This is why I wanted to share about mask sheets with you today. Are you guys ready to choose the perfect mask sheet for your skin condition? Let's start!
1st, let me introduce you to mask sheets for moisturizing and nourishment
1.[LOVIEN] Free One More Box ! – Pure Hydrogel Mask Pack
This pack is excellent for the elasticity of your skin! It's 100% essence so it soaked deep into your skin. You can feel how fast it moisturizes your skin and it's so cool to feel that the thickness of the pack actually becomes thin as it soaks into your skin. The how to is very simple, take out th mask and make sure that you figure out which one goes on the top and bottom of the face. Take off the film and put it on your face. For the top piece, focus on centering it on your eyes and with the bottom piece, focus on centering it on your lips. If you want to care for the skin around your eyes or your laugh line, I want to suggest that you try the apple zone mask which is has the same ingredients as the hydrogel mask.
2.[ELISHACOY] Honey & Royal Jelly Mask Sheet
It's a highly enriched mask that has the same ingredient of one whole bottle of honey essence in it. Honey is one of my favorite beauty ingredients these days and I've been falling in love with it! I've been trying every product that has high amount of honey in it. This mask sheet also has sweet honey and royal jelly in it to give you smooth skin. It's great for moisturizing and also nourishing. The material of the sheet is Pulp, compare to other materials, it sticks on better and it's very soft.
3.[SKIN FACTORY] Aqua Skinin Ampoule Mask
It has Seawater, Sweet Almond Oil, and Sodium Hyaluronate(an ingredient excellent for moisturizing and also forms a protective layer for your skin). It has 30ml of highly enriched essence in it also. With the Cellulose silk sheet mask which clings better to your skin and can also retain more ampoule solution than the common felt-type sheet masks.
2nd, introducing sheet masks for troubled skin or pore care!
1.[ENCA] Acne Control Mask (Acne Care)
This mask has taken out any artificial scent and color to make sure to avoid any ingredients that can stimulate your skin. It's a natural 100% cotton mask sheet. It calms troubled skin and also gives rich moisture to your skin so that also helps to exfoliate. It's safe for sensitive skin types also because it has large amounts of natural plant ingredient in it which helps prevent you from breaking out. When you start breaking out like crazy all over because you are stressed out or it's the time before and after your period, this is the perfect mask to use!
2. [ELISHACOY] Houttuynia Cordata & Chestnut Husk Mask Sheet
The ingredient Tannin is in the mask which is a great pore care ingredient! It also controls excess sebum on your face so it helps your skin from getting oily or too shiny. I want to recommend it for people with oily skin. It is made of natural Pulp sheet so it's very silky and it sticks on to your skin well.
3rd, sheet masks for whitening and brightening.
1.[ROJUKISS] Pure Vita C Dual Mask (Whitening)
Vitamin is not only great for whitening but also for the elasticity of our skin. One of the reasons why I really appreciate this mask is because it has divided the vitamin C separately so you don't have to worry about the oxidation of Vitamin C. Right before you use it, you can mix it all together to be able to use it when it's fresh! Vitamin C tends to make your skin tingle or sting a little but this is a safe reaction so please don't worry!
2.[ELISHACOY]Natural Pearl Mask Sheet
This mask will give you clean and clear skin like a pearl! It actually has ingredient of a pearl in it to help with the elasticity also. The sheet's material is the pulp kind so it's very silky and will cling on to your skin better. Highly enriched essence is in this one simple mask sheet.
3.[SKIN FACTORY] Vega Vitaplex Ampoule Mask
The main ingredient of this mask sheet is mixed Vitamins of Panthenol, Ascorbyl glucoside, Green ea seed oil. The ingredients are excellent for nourishing your skin and brightening. With Cellulose mask sheet, it will stick on to your skin well and that will boost the effect of the mask sheet. This mask is also okay for sensitive skin, it's Paraben free.
4.[SKIN FACTORY] I2.P.L White Mela-X Ampoule Mask
What is 12.P.L? It means intense perfect light to take care of your dull skin with blemishes and freckles. With Mulberry Root extract, it gives you a bright tone. It also has Allantoin which is another excellent ingredient for whitening. This is also a cellulose sheet which clings on to your skin better and it's Paraben free.
4th, let me introduce mask sheets for sensitive skin types
1.[KLAIRS] Rich Moist Soothing Mask
This is one of my favorite mask sheets because I have sensitive skin. This mask doesn't stimulate your skin at all and it's doesn't itch or hurt not even a bit. It's also 100% cotton sheet so you don't have to worry about it irritating your skin. Re-purchase rate is 89% which means if you have tried it, you have fallen in love with it! Compare to the amazing effect, it's less than a dollar, it's so affordable! That's why I'vebeen doing the 1 Day 1 Sheet with this mask pack for the last 2 weeks! Currently at Wishtrend, if you buy 10 packs they will give you 3 more! It has the amount of half a bottle of essence in it so it will give life and moisture to your dull, dry, sensitive skin. It soaks into your skin well and is one of the other reasons I like it is that it is not sticky. After you try it, you'll be able to feel your skin moistured.
2.[PAPA RECIPE] Bombee Honey Mask Pack
Natural Propolis extracts and Honey extracts are the key ingredients for this mask. I've been falling in love with Honey so I carefully try and test many products that has honey in it. This mask gives rich moisture and nourishments to your skin and helps it to last that way for a long time. The sheet is made of natural pulp material, so it's recommended for people with sensitive skin. The sheet also comes down a little bit more to your chin, so you can also care for your chin.
3.[ELISHACOY] Aloe & Lavender Mask Sheet
Aloe Vera and extracts of Lavender which are an excellent ingredient for people with sensitive skin is in the mask to sooth your rough skin. It's great for moisturizing also.
5th, mask sheets to calm your skin that has been irritated by heat or environmental factors.
1.[SKIN FACTORY] Daily UV Care Ampoule Mask
This mask is to calm skin that has become sensitive due to the sun ray or environmental factors. It has Cucumber, Aloe, Chamomile ingredients to calm the skin. It also has Caviar and Honey extracts to give nourishments make your skin healthy. It will only take 20 minutes to give your skin the care that it needs. Especially, recommended when your skin becomes really red or sunburned during the summer time.
2.[SKIN FACTORY] Solution A-Plus Ampoule Mask
What is P.D.T? It means the perspiration to calm your irritated skin. It has Chamomile extract which is great for calming your skin. It also has Caster Oil which is an excellent ingredient for moisturizing. It is an ampoule mask that balances your oil and moisture balance. With its' Cellulose sheet material it will cling on to your skin tightly.
6th, for anti-aging, wrinkle care, and elasticity of your skin.
1. [SKQIN] Lifting Dual Sissi Mask (Gold Sissi)
This is such a cool mask! The mask sheet has parts where you can hang it on your ears so that it can care for your whole face and neck line. It's also great for double chins and lifting. The sheet is made of strong and high quality material so that it gives you a tight pull for the elasticity of your chin line. Amongst Korean costumers, it is said if you continuously use it, it will give you a V-lined face shape. Adenosine, an ingredient to rejuvenate your rough skin and wrinkles, is in this mask.
2.[ELISHACOY] Snail Hydrogel Mask
70% of highly enriched snail extract is in it which is great for moisture and anti-aging. It strengthens the protective layer of your skin to protect your skin. It's a Hydrogel mask and it's in the gel type to stick really well to your skin. It has large amounts of highly-enriched essence filled with nourishments.
3.[ELISHACOY] Caviar & Gold Mask Sheet
With high quality recipe of Caviar and Gold, this mask will give your skin energy of abundant nourishment! It's excellent for moisture care and it will keep it in that condition for a long time. The material is Pulp which will be very silky and soft to cling onto your skin tightly. There is soft essence in it which will not irritate your skin.
4.[ELISHACOY] Syn-Ake Velvet Mask
Similar structure of the ingredient as a snake's poison is in this product. That's kind of scary right? But we need to know that this ingredient will give elasticity and nourishments to our skin! This mask sheet also has essence that has plant extracts in it to make it naturally soak well into your skin and after you use it, your skin will feel really life and fresh. It is made of pulp sheet so it the sheet will be soft and will stick to your skin well.
5.[SKIN FACTORY] E.G.F Moisture Tox Ampoule Mask
This is a mask sheet that has completed all the Dermatologist testing. It's 30ml and it's a Paraben free ampoule mask. What does E.G.F mean? It is the ingredient that has won a Nobel Medicinal Price. This ingredient is also used at Hospitals to treat people. It has large amounts of this ingredient which is excellent for wrinkle care!
6.[SKIN FACTORY] Vega Collagen Ampoule Mask
What is Collagen? It's extracted from Seawater to give your skin the shine, elasticity, and also moisture that it longs for. This mask sheet has ingredients that will make your skin soft and moistured. It has Hydrolyzed Collagen in it to strengthen the layer of your skin. It also has extracts of Phellinus linteus(a type of mushroom, often used for teas also) in it to give your skin elasticity.
This is not the end! I have another tip that I have so you can use your mask sheets to 200%! While you have your mask sheet on, with the essence left over from the mask, use it on your neck or elbow and massage. After you are done using the mask sheet, you can also use the left overs for your feet or any parts of the body you want to moisture!
So, how did you guys enjoy that? As I introduced to you today, there are various types of mask sheets that were carefully selected for you guys. I hope that you can find that perfect one for you and I want to suggest that you try out the 1 day 1 mask sheet! Please leave me comments if you have any questions and always feel free to make suggestions also! Thanks for readying my Wishtrenders!


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GOLDEN OAK AT WALT DISNEY WORLD® RESORT HOME FOR SALE - This elegant Spanish haven remains loyal to its European influence yet offers all the comforts of modern luxury living. Sunlit spaces, soaring ceilings and a gracious flow make the home perfect for gatherings. The outdoor living area is a restorative retreat with its water features and grand fireplace. Professional-grade kitchen and private owner's suite further accentuate the home's sophistication. Golden Oak at Walt Disney World® Resort is a residential resort community where families can live in the embrace of luxury, privacy and the magic of Disney. This gated community features distinctive neighborhoods of magnificent homes, expansive natural preserves and inviting amenitiesâincluding access to Golden Oak's private clubhouse, Summerhouse, with superb food offerings served in a casually elegant dining room, courtyards, pool area, fitness facilities, and family room. In addition, residents have access to Club Life, Your Special Connection to the Magic, including access to the Golden Oak Member Services team, park transportation, signature club events, theme park experiences, Extra Magic Hours and much, much, more. Also at Golden Oak is Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort, which hosts an 18-hole Tranquilo Golf Course, full-service spa, meeting facilities, and superlative restaurants.
St Cloud
Champions Gate
Lake Nona


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Mills Park Hotel
The first of two Blacks in Yellow Springs walking tours will be held on Saturday, July 23rd, leaving at 1:00 pm from the Mills Park Hotel (Xenia Ave. and Limestone). Tickets ($5) may be purchased in advance at:
The tour is a collaboration between The 365 Project and Yellow Springs Heritage, and is a youth development initiative with Yellow Springs High School and McKinney Middle School students serving as the tour guides. The tour is expected to last approximately 90 minutes, and will end at the Mills Park Hotel. The second tour, (following the same route) will be held on Saturday, August 20th.


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I far prefer my self-directed RRSP but for reasons to boring to explain, I contribute a bit each month via a financial planner towards a couple mutual funds. Last week I had my first annual meeting. I wanted to know 2 things:
1. How much money did I make?
2. What specifically am I invested in?
In answer to #1, my planner said, "this portfolio grew by 10%" in the last year.
Ok, but how much did my investment grow? By 10%, said the f.planner, pointing out the market value of my portfolio.
"How much of that market value is just my own monthly contributions?" I asked, insisting that we find out the total of my contributions.
Get this: The market value was LESS than my total contributions made over the year! So much for the nice chart showing 10% growth. Turns out I actually lost money this year. (in contrast, my own stock picks have averaged over 15%).
Second, I wanted to know what I held. I have funds managed by Inhance, one of the socially responsible investment firms. I have a Balanced fund (part bonds, part equities) and a Global Leaders Fund.
"Well, they're wrap funds," said the financial planner, implying, End of Story.
fyi – wrap funds = funds that hold other funds inside.
"But I want to know, what do I hold?" I insisted again. So we did the legwork and I found out the major companies I hold – no real surprises, but at least I knew. The financial planner told me out of 2200 clients, I am the only one who ever asked him what companies are in my mutual funds.
Gentle readers: do you know what companies are in your mutual funds? Does it matter to you? Why, or why not? Also: do you feel comfortable having detailed discussions with your financial planner? Do you feel like you get complete, understandable responses to your questions?


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Fundraiser Matthew Barzun is White House choice for London
When Matthew Barzun, the businessman who played a critical role in delivering President Obama's second election win, becomes the next US Ambassador to the Court of St James's, he may go down in history as the ambassador with the best-stocked cocktail cabinet that London has ever seen.
Mr Barzun will come with truly impeccable credentials as far as the diplomatic community is concerned: his wife, Brooke, is the heiress of one of the world's biggest drinks companies, the Brown-Forman Corporation, purveyors of Jack Daniel's, Southern Comfort, Finlandia Vodka and Woodford Reserve bourbon.
A source with knowledge of the White House selection process told The Times: "We are at the end of the process and the President has made his decision. It is Matthew Barzun."


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Have you ever gone through the produce section and wondered to yourself "What do they do with the produce that doesn't get sold or goes bad?" Probably more often than not, it is simply thrown out. While it does seem like a waste of food, at least it's all biodegradable, right? Fortunately, most supermarkets reduce food waste as much as possible with "Sell By," "Best By," and "Expiration" dates.
Food that doesn't get sold before the "Sell By" date may get sent to another department in the store where it can be turned into part of a ready made meal, as long as it is before the "Best By" date. If food begins to rot, it's reached "Expiration" and is tossed. One Sainsbury's supermarket in the United Kingdom took things one step further when it comes to expired food. The store has partnered with Biffa, a waste management company to turn food waste into power. Sainsbury's takes its food waste from all of their stores in the UK and brings them to Biffa in Staffordshire to be converted into biogas, which is burned to power the Sainsbury's store in Cannock.
Paul Crewe, Sainsbury's head of sustainability explained that "Sainsbury's sends absolutely no waste to landfill . . . ," and the company is really committed to living up to that in every way. Because of this partnership with Biffa, the Cannock store can fully disconnect from the national electricity grid and power itself fully on the chain's waste. To take it another step further still, because of their commitment not to send waste to landfills, food that is unsold but still suitable for consumption is donated to charitable organizations. If it's unsuitable for human consumption, some foods are turned into animal feed for safari parks. Anything beyond that, like rotted food, is sent to Biffa to be processed into biogas through anaerobic digestion.
Anaerobic digestion is a process by which bacteria consume organic matter in a tank devoid of oxygen. The bacteria expels the biogas, primarily methane, which is a greenhouse gas worse than carbon dioxide. However, when methane is burned, the carbon dioxide released is carbon neutral because it is part of the natural carbon cycle. The natural carbon cycle consists of leaves converting CO2 to oxygen, which is inhaled by humans and animals, and exhaled as CO2, or when any living thing dies, plant and animal alike, it decays as carbon emissions to be recycled into oxygen by plants. Thus, Sainsbury's store is able to provide itself with cheap electricity while not only eliminating waste products, but waste emissions as well.


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Maggie Stiefvater recently wrote a post on her blog where she compared a rough draft version of one of her novels to the published version, mostly, I think, to illustrate to new writers just what we mean when we talk about editing and revisions. The post was so popular that she asked some other authors, including me, to do the same. After all, every author has a somewhat different process, and she thought it could be even more helpful to new writers to have some other perspectives.
In her original post, Maggie said, "I do a lot of my plotting and brainstorming in my head before I ever sit down to the computer, so, unlike some of my writer friends, you don't see my thought process evolving on the paper as much as you might suspect."
Er, yes… I'm one of those other writer friends. I do very little plotting and brainstorming in my head. For me, writing a rough draft is more like improvisation. At least some of that is likely due to my background as a musician and actor. My first drafts are a hot mess and I like them that way. They change a lot from first to final draft.
Just how much? I took the first few pages of the original rough draft of Chapter 1 of Misfit, and I market it up and commented on it. If you'd like to compare it to the final, you can see those same pages in the free sample on Amazon, iTunes or Barnes & Noble
One thing to keep in mind, this draft was written about five years ago, while my first novel, Struts & Frets was still out on submission. So in addition to everything else, there is a huge time gap here, and time has a way of allowing a writer to see their work a bit more objectively. So when I came back to it for revisions, I was fairly savage with it, even for me.
- The first and most obvious thing is that the title changed from "halfBREED" to "Misfit". This happened with my first book as well, which was changed from "Grope For Luna" to "Struts & Frets". Sales and marketing people weigh in on this, and it's up to the author and editor to come up with something that everybody likes. In both cases, I was very happy with the change, but I've heard of some authors who weren't.
- The next most obvious thing is that the opening is totally different. In the finished book, the scene written here in which Jael is lying in bed listening to a thunder storm takes place about halfway through Chapter 3. While writing this scene was a great way to allow me the author to begin exploring Jael and the tone of her story, squelching around in a moody storm sequence was a fairly uninteresting way for the reader to begin a book. Not that the real opening is full of explosions and mayhem or anything, but as quiet as it is, there is a lot of info packed into it about Jael, about her friendship with Britt, and her relationship with her father.
- Two words into the first paragraph, and there's another big difference. Jael's plot line was originally written in past tense. Eventually I changed it to present tense, partly to differentiate it from the past tense plot line of her parents, and partly to give it a bit more of an immediate noir feel, something that Seattle (where the book is set) has always had for me. This is a choice some readers have complained about. Some people just flat out don't like present tense for whatever reason. Possibly just because they aren't used to it. Other people don't like the sudden switch from one tense to the other between a few of the chapters. It creates a slight cognitive dissonance that is entirely intentional, and I don't regret my choice in the slightest.
- Er, yeah. While the scene this paragraph describes remained, once it was moved to Chapter 3, the tone was radically different, so I basically just tossed this whole thing and rewrote from scratch.
- Four paragraphs of getting ready for school? Really? While once again it was helpful for me to write it, as I was still getting to know Jael, it's not something that would interest a reader very much. Plus, between showering, etc, there was a lot of up and down the steps. The most important thing here is to draw attention to her unruly hair, so I just swapped out three whole paragraphs for a quick check in the hallway mirror on her way to the kitchen for breakfast.
- An obvious "Show, don't tell" moment. No need to tell a reader how she responds to priests and authority in a Catholic school setting when I'm about to show her actually responding to priests and authority in a Catholic school setting.
- In this original draft, Jael knew nothing of her parentage or what she was for the first several chapters. Probably the most important contribution my editor made to this book was to ask me, "What if Jael knew what she was from the beginning of the book?" Asking that question changed my thinking on a fundamental level. It changed everything about the way Jael viewed the world and her place in it. Instead of a victim of circumstances she didn't understand, Jael was a brave girl with a terrible secret. Such a more interesting choice, in my opinion. I read these paragraphs now and I am sickened by the tone of it. Jael 2.0 would have kicked this Jael's ass.
- I didn't decide on what the school should be named until a later draft. St. Mary's is where I attended Elementary school and has always occupied a soft spot in my heard, so I just used it as the placeholder until I could think of something more thematically appropriate to the story. I eventually settled on Our Lady of Mercy.
- This was starting to feel like it was "a day like any other day" blah. So I put a terse, forbidding note from her father on the table. Not only did it hint of the conflict to come, but it set the tone for her relationship with her father.
- More whiny victim, Why are we poor? and Why must we move all the time? stuff that became unnecessary in later drafts. Heavily rewritten.
- The fact that it took this long to get to some actual dialogue is totally not cool. Although despite the drastic changes to this first chapter, some sections of dialogue like this one made it through almost completely intact. Dialogue comes more easily to me, most likely because of my background in theater, and usually doesn't need to be rewritten as heavily as the rest.
- I felt that this line was a bit too blatant. Especially in the later draft when she knows she's a demon. She wouldn't be that candid with him. Cut.
- This original introduction of Rob was fairly short because at the time I didn't realize what a large role he would play in her story. In later drafts, this dialogue expanded a lot, including a lot more details about Jael's past, how much Rob knew, with hints that there was a lot she was hiding.
- Originally, Rob's nickname for Jael was "Twinkie" instead of "Betty". This was actually changed much later during copy edits. Apparently the usage of "Twinkie" that I was familiar with, referring to a girl skater, was region specific to where I lived. Also, there was a more well known usage for the term "Twinkie" or "Twink", but it referred to a specific stereotype for a gay man. My editor and I agreed that association might confuse some people, so I suggested "Betty", a term which I'd also heard as a teen. The copyeditor agreed that was much more of a common usage when referring to skater girls.
- Jael is pretty unfriendly with Rob in this original dialogue. I knew it was because she had a huge crush on him and didn't know how to handle that. But it just came off as snotty. Once I expanded the dialogue later, I was able to soften it up and make it a lot more friendly.
- It felt odd to bring in Ms. Speilman suddenly like that when she was clearly the presence of authority in the room and someone that both Rob and Jael would be keenly aware of. So I expanded this description and moved it to the top of the section when Jael first enters the class room. Plus, she actually a lot more important to the story that she first appears.


text: Do you want to see what happens when someone with gobs of talent, creativity and patience has all the time in the world? A stop-motion genius created a nearly 8-minute long Final Fantasy fight sequence between Cloud and Sephiroth. You don't need to be a fan of the RPG franchise to appreciate the painstaking effort that went into making this masterpiece. Perhaps even more important than the quality of the animation and the effects, is the fact that it's just plain entertaining to watch. Oh and before some fan boy points it out, yes we know Sephiroth is supposed to be left-handed. Let it go, man. Let it go. [via GamesRadar]


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Wemoto is a small streetwear label based in Mainz Germany. They are famous for their pretty unique fashion developed more or less out of the usual skateboard style. For some pieces of their "Collection 2017" we shot this film "Memory House" in one day and one night. The main objective was pointing out contrasts between light and dark, day and night and playing a lot with light, illusion and unique locations. Mainz was a great shooting location with the right vibe for this project.
Client: WEMOTO
Our Job: Idea and full production
Location: Mainz, Germany


text: Sectarian violence is taking a terrible toll on Iraq's religious and cultural heritage [EPA] Rassi also said the intimidation and murder of archaeologists since the 2003 US-led invasion has impeded the country's research into, and preservation of, millennary culture. He said: "There aren't archaeologists remaining in Iraq because most of them have been killed and the others have fled from the violence. Our situation is getting critical in Iraq. Archaeologists and artists are being targeted by militias and insurgents." Bitter legacy In May 2003, the UN Security Council passed resolution 1483 which stressed "the need for respect for the archaeological, historical, cultural, and religious heritage of Iraq, and for the continued protection of archaeological, historical, cultural, and religious sites, museums, libraries, and monuments". But Lamia Al-Gailani-Werr, an Iraqi archaeologist and member of the Iraqi State Board of Antiquities and former adviser to the Iraqi Reconstruction and Development Council, says the looting and destruction of Iraq's sites has continued despite international awareness. Your Views "Let the people of Iraq vote if they want the US to stay or leave" Bob Kaye, Bohemia, US Send us your views"The destruction of Iraq's heritage is leaving a bitter legacy for future generations," she told Al Jazeera previously. Meanwhile, Baghdad authorities are facing growing challenges as they pursue artefacts smugglers or provide protection to endangered sites. Iraq's ministry of culture says its employees are unable to continue their research or visit existing sites and excavations due to security risks. Mariam Muhammad, a senior official at the ministry, said: "We are seeing the history of Iraq being lost and because of violence we cannot move to afford protection. Professionals in the area are being killed on [a] daily basis and our employees are afraid to leave their homes." Haythem Abdel-Lattef, 56, an archaeologist who was working at the Babylon heritage sites south of Baghdad in 2006, chose to leave Iraq seven months ago after one of his sons was kidnapped. He said: "I received telephone calls which threatened me, saying that if I didn't flee Iraq within one week, they were going to kill my sons and wife. I packed and after two days I arrived in Jordan where I'm facing difficult financial conditions as I had to leave everything behind in Baghdad." After arriving in Jordan, he said he received word that two of his colleagues who had been excavating new sites near Babylon were killed. Artists, singers targeted The culture ministry's Muhammad said that in addition to the threat to Iraq's archaeological resources, many of Iraq's leading authors, artists and singers have been persecuted and killed - victims of the country's sectarian violence. In February 2007, the Iraqi Artist's Association said 75 singers had been killed between March 2003 and December 2006. The association also said 80 per cent of the country's singers had fled the country. But those that braved the bullets and continued to perform have often paid the price. In November, Youssef Jabry, 20, was beheaded for singing Western songs at parties and wedding receptions while popular comedian Walid Hassan, who often mocked post-invasion politics, was shot to death as he drove through Baghdad. In December, Muttashar Al-Soudani, Iraqi soap opera icon, was gunned down by unknown assailants as he collected his pension in Baghdad. In January, Wissam Abdallah, 25, an up-and-coming actor, was killed by unknown fighters. Betraying Islam Abdallah's mother, Salua Abdel-Kader, 48, told Al Jazeera her son was killed because he was "seen as a sinner" by Islamic factions which have gained power in post-war Iraq. He said: "I lost my son who was an actor because he was performing at the theatre and for this reason considered a betrayer of Islam." His murder and the pursuit of other actors and singers have sowed fear among the performing arts community in and around Baghdad. Abdel-Kader said: "Our lives have been inside the walls of our houses. The maximum entertainment that you can find today is going to your neighbour for a [cup of] tea and nowadays, even this diversion sometimes isn't possible because of the spread sectarian violence. "We cannot visit museums, theatres or libraries because art in Iraq today has been considered a sin by extremists." Graveyard for artists Since May 2007, three Baghdad artists were killed, including Khalil al-Zahawi, renowned Islamic calligrapher. A senior member of the Calligraphy and Arabesque Art Department at the Nineveh Institute of Fine Arts told Al Jazeera that he believed conditions in Iraq have made it a graveyard for artists and innovation. Speaking on the condition of anonymity because he has been threatened with death, he said Islamic extremism has forced many of his colleagues to either flee Iraq or go undercover. "Only Islamic art is permissible because the new Islamic groups like al-Qaeda feel there is no importance to us. Those of us who paint portraits, for example, are seen as sinners," he said in a small unfurnished apartment in Damascus. "Those that cannot leave Iraq because of financial constraints find themselves going hungry - hungry and fearful that the next bullet or sword is destined for them." Assassinations One such Iraqi artist was condemned to death by Islamist groups for belonging to "a Zionist organisation". Maher Harbi, a Christian artist in northern Iraq, managed to survive two successive assassination attempts before fleeing to Syria. He had been a member of an association of Shia, Sunni, Christian and secular artists who met once every week to discuss holding ateliers and exhibits. But Mohammed Alban, a photographer for al-Sharqiya satellite channel, wasn't so lucky. His assassination led to the dissolution of the Mosul chapter of the artists'association in late 2006. Muhammad Khalid Lattif, actor and member of the Iraqi Artists Association who survived an assassination attempt, said: "Even if we work, how can we put in practice or expose our projects to Iraqis? There aren't places [to exhibit] because everywhere is under security and as soon as we reach to wherever the place is, we are going to be killed. "We will cry all together for this sad reality threatening our culture." SOURCE: Al Jazeera


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Monday, September 8, 2008
September 10th Is The Day...
15 comments:
- Michelle said...
YAY!!!! I am SOOO excited for you guys!! If you need ANY help at all, you know how to reach me!! =) Good luck in this SUPER adventure!!
- 9:07 PM, September 08, 2008
- Carl and Steph said...
Yea for new houses!!! OOh, can I be your first guest??? haha j/k
- 9:12 PM, September 08, 2008
- Katy said...
Wow... that is so great. Seriously, I will have amazing house envy for the next year... or longer. Maybe we will stay with you over Christmas! :) You are right, it does have charm. I love the plants and yard. Good pic, I look forward to MANY more pictures.
Love ya
- 9:12 PM, September 08, 2008
- Katy said...
Tyler likes it too!
- 9:12 PM, September 08, 2008
- Lindsay Quinney said...
Yay!!! David and i were just wondering last night when you guys would be moving in. We are so excited for you guys!!
- 10:38 PM, September 08, 2008
- Nicole said...
Finally!! I am so excited for you guys! I am pretty skilled in the painting department if you need any help. And if Aaron put in his thought he would say "I'll be out of town when you are moving" but you know that if he is actually home he would love to help you. I can't wait to see the inside!
- 7:39 AM, September 09, 2008
- Amber said...
Horray for houses! Let us know if you need help moving, wer're pretty good at it! And let us know if you need with anything else too!
- 7:50 AM, September 09, 2008
- Katy said...
Congratulations! Im so excited for you! It looks so cute! You will have so much fun making it your own! You bette rhave a house warming and invite me! :)
- 11:05 AM, September 09, 2008
- Sarah said...
That is very exciting news! I didn't know you guys were looking. I think it's very charming with great landscaping! Plus, you can't buy mature trees. And it sounds like it's in a great location too. I'm excited for you!
- 11:50 AM, September 09, 2008
- janessa gibson said...
What a cute house! I love the yard and all that nice green grass! We're jealous!
- 12:43 PM, September 09, 2008
- Tracy said...
I'm excited to see the inside!
- 1:31 PM, September 09, 2008
- merathon said...
how exciting! i remember when we bought our first house (just 2 years ago after 7 years of marriage, so you're WAY ahead of us!) and it was just the BEST! it's nice to have a place to really call your own. can't wait to see pictures once you put your personal touches on it!
- 2:27 PM, September 09, 2008
- Busty LaRue said...
That is so exciting! Congratulations!!! :D
- 8:23 PM, September 09, 2008
- Scuba Steve said...
Let us be the first to welcome you to West Jordan. Move on in, the water's fine.
- 11:29 PM, September 10, 2008
- Kelly said...
It's beautiful. Congratulations!
- 10:44 AM, September 11, 2008


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Weekly News - September 12th, 2015
The team continued sanding this week getting the upper body mold down to 220 grit and started waxing it. Next week should be when we begin to do our body layups. The driver roll bar analysis was also completed and put into the preliminary design report.


text: ArcTern is pleased to announce that portfolio company Green Mantra Recycling recently obtained significant follow-on financing from a number of sources. Green Mantra converts waste plastic to high-value wax, eliminating waste and shifting industry inputs away from virgin hydrocarbons. Focus is now on building commercial plant operations with significant free cash flows. Deal was led by Managing Partner Murray McCaig. Read news release here.


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You can make a difference.
Helpline is a private, non-profit 501(c)3 organization dedicated to helping homeless and low-income people in Walla Walla County connect with available resources and transition from a cycle of crisis to stability and self-sufficiency.
All contributions are tax deductible.
NEW: You can now donate to Helpline through our PayPal Giving Fund and 100% of your donation goes to Helpline!
No Service Fees apply! Please click below to use this method.
If you would like to schedule a monthly contribution or use a credit card you can do so below:
OR you can mail a check to
1520 Kelly Place, Suite 180
Walla Walla, WA 99362
Make checks payable to: Helpline
Helpline Endowment
The Helpline Endowment Fund was established in 2003 to ensure a stable future for the organization. Donations to the fund are invested with the Blue Mountain Community Foundation. The principle of this account is held in permanent trust.
Yearly earnings will be used to provide support for the general operating needs of Helpline.
Checks should be made to Helpline Endowment.
For more information: call Liz McDevitt, Helpline Executive Director at 509-529-3377 or email her at firstname.lastname@example.com


text:
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The Riverside Company has sold GTI Diagnostics (GTI) to Gen-Probe (NASDAQ: GPRO), a major client of GTI. The sales price was approximately $53 million on a net cash basis, and the transaction generated a gross cash-on-cash return of 2.6x and a gross IRR of 46% for Riverside and its investors.
Waukesha, Wisconsin-based GTI started as a subsidiary of the Wisconsin Blood Center in Milwaukee in 1985 and has grown to be one of the top developers and manufacturers of blood diagnostic assays for medical laboratories.
GTI is an in-vitro diagnostics specialist focused on the transplantation, blood bank and specialty coagulation markets. They are industry leaders in the field of transplant diagnostics, and also have a strong presence in coagulation and transfusion-related blood bank products.
GTI was an investment in the Riverside Micro-Cap Fund I (RMCF). The sale marks the first realization for RMCF I. GTI is the 10th 2010 exit for Riverside.
"We used our exceptional operating and healthcare expertise to drive rapid growth at GTI," said Riverside Managing Partner Loren Schlachet. "We were able to partner with a great management team at GTI to build on the company's strengths and position it for continuing excellence."
During its ownership period, Riverside concentrated on improving GTI's sales, and boosted its presence in Europe, Australia and Asia while expanding the company's product offerings and growing organically. GTI also benefited from Riverside's operational expertise, which helped improve the company's profitability, improved inventory control, reduced working capital requirements, and optimized pricing.
"GTI's remarkable success during our hold period was driven by new product introductions and deepening its client relationships," said Riverside Operating Partner Dan Colbert. "We're proud to have worked with the strong management team at GTI, and we're confident the exceptional employees at GTI will continue to do innovative and life-changing work."
Working with Schlachet and Colbert on the deal for Riverside were Partner Simon Feiglin, RMCF Centralized CFO Dan Stankey and Analyst Garrett Thompson.
Jones Day provided legal counsel to Riverside on the transaction.
The Riverside Company (www.riversidecompany.com or www.riversideeurope.com)The Riverside Company is a global private equity firm focused on acquiring growing enterprises valued at up to $200 million (€200 million in Europe). The firm partners with strong management teams and enhances its investments through acquisitions and organic growth. Since its founding in 1988, Riverside has invested in more than 240 transactions with a total enterprise value of more than $5.4 billion/€4.4 billion. The firm's portfolio in North America, Europe and the Asia Pacific region includes 71 companies with roughly 14,000 employees. Riverside completes acquisitions smoothly thanks to $3.4 billion/€2.7 billion in assets under management, more than 195 professionals in 19 offices, and longstanding relationships with partner lenders.
Media Contact Graham HearnsDirector of Marketing and CommunicationsThe Riverside Company216-535-2221
Holly Mueller
Communications Consultant
The Riverside Company
+1 216 535 2236
© 2019 RiversideCompany.com. All Rights Reserved


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2000 feet of Lake Fork frontage on your own private peninsula. 21.106 deeded ac. plus approx. 16 ac. of leaseback. The gourmet kitchen has granite countertops & breakfast bar. Granbury stone, wood-burning fireplace in den. Wall of windows & 16ft ceilings in great room. Private master suite with opulent bath. Office or 4th bedroom, cabinets galore in utility rm, central vac, 3 C garage. 80×40 barn with bunkhouse & half bath. Escape to the new She Shed on slab overlooking large swim spa. Property also includes, pergola, covered & open patios, outdoor fireplace, well with 400 crystal clear water, huge shop, pipe fence, 2 bay boathouse with lights, water & deck space, too much to list, must see!
Contact Janet at email@example.com or 903-885-1234 for more info.
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text: Linda Rui Feng March 31, 2018 Linda Rui Feng a writer and a scholar, a practitioner and researcher of imaginative storytelling. As a fiction writer, she has been awarded a MacDowell Colony Fellowship, a Toronto Arts Council Grant, and residency at Willapa Bay AiR. Her work has appeared in or is forthcoming from Green Mountains Review, Kenyon Review Online, Nimrod, The Saint Ann's Review, Santa Monica Review, and Salamander. As a cultural historian, she is drawn to forms of writing with a strong sense of place in premodern Chinese literature. She is the author of City of Marvel and Transformation: Chang'an and Narratives of Experience in Tang Dynasty China (2015); these days her research explores how writers in the past used cultural technologies to represent and circulate spatial knowledge. Born in Shanghai and based in Toronto, she is currently finishing a novel about music, migration, and Mao.lindaruifeng.com Art Seed at Marble House Project


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Obama Criticizes Virginia Governor for Slavery Omission in Confederacy Month Proclamation
WASHINGTON -- President Obama says Virginia's governor made "an unacceptable omission" when he proclaimed it Confederate History Month without mentioning slavery.
"I don't think you can understand the Confederacy and the Civil War unless you understand slavery," said Obama, the nation's first black president. First lady Michelle Obama is descended from a South Carolina slave.
Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell came under harsh criticism for issuing April's history month proclamation without any reference to slavery. The Republican governor at first defended his decree, saying it was intended to honor the Confederate sacrifice on Virginia soil and promote tourism. On Wednesday he apologized and added a paragraph condemning slavery, saying that leaving it out had been a "major omission."
Interviewed by ABC News on Thursday in Prague, Obama said the controversy was "a reminder that when we talk about issues like slavery that are so fraught with pain and emotion, that, you know, we'd better do so thinking through how this is going to affect a lot of people."


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Chhota Bheem Cakes is a much favored cartoon icon who actually makes us believe that "it is always fun to do the impossible". It is hard to find a kid who doesn't love the adorable Chhota Bheem Cakes who is perhaps the oldest cartoon character. The charming personality of Chhota Bheem Cakes is liked by adults as well because Chhota Bheem Cakes says, "Happiness is not about having or not having problems. Everyone has problems but not everyone is unhappy". This logic may be a tough one to understand in crawling stage but with time your kid would also learn the real fun behind Chhota Bheem Cakes shows. So, to celebrate the upcoming birthday of your little son/daughter, place an order for this cute Chhota Bheem Cakesfor kids and pamper your children. We all know that cartoon cakes is the one who completes Chhota Bheem Cakes and it would be simply amazing if you bring in a cartoon cake along with the Chhota Bheem Cakes. Your darling daughter or son would be mesmerized for this unique gift of love. Both these cakes are available in our Cake Express online gift shop. Take some time out and have a close look at the variety of kid's cartoon birthday cakes and order the most desirable ones.Cake Express have a huge collection of cartoon cakes as well as Chhota Bheem Cakes.If you are looking for customized designer fondant cakes for kids then it is right place for you.


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Fiber Farm
The Fiber Farm is located in a sleepy little town on Monteagle Mountain. Spend the afternoon learning about how your clothing is made in the company of adorably luxurious fiber animals.
A hands on experience for small groups, families, and any folks interested in natural textile processes. Bring your own picnic lunch and eat amongst the menagerie of 8 alpacas, 3 donkeys, 2 cats, 1 goat, and a baby lamb.
Farm Tours are available by appointment.
Schedule a Farm Tour
Handmade Wares
Browse the shop filled with a selection of hand crafted goods mad from a curated selection of natural fabrics from the attics of retired seamstresses, thrift stores, and serendipitous bartering. All colors are derived from natural dyes sourced from local plants.
Visit the Shop