text:
The body is an instrument that amplifies all your thoughts, therefore the energy of your thoughts vibrates through the entire body and mind, both spoken and unspoken. Who you are, what you perceive, what you think, these thoughts become you. And they leave an energetic 'imprint' in your body.
What are the quality of your thoughts at this very moment?
How are you breathing? Are you breathing or holding your breath?
Can you be present with your breath, your body or has your mind raced you far away?
Take a moment to watch, to observe what are the thoughts currently in your mind. Watch them as if they were 'outside' of yourself.
Now choose if you wish to retain these thoughts or delete. What would you like to 'think'?
Play with your thoughts, think of something beautiful, calm and joyous...do you feel the tension releasing from you body, your breath becoming deeper? Now think of something that you currently perceive causes you anxiety and watch your body follow.....
Megan - Om Shanti
This is a space where I share Self Knowledge and tools for reflection, support and growth.
Thursday, 20 December 2012
Saturday, 24 November 2012
The 'maya' of the mind
In Sanskrit there is a term 'maya' it loosely translates as seeing or believing something that doesn't actually exist. You could say this entire world is 'maya', it doesn't actually exist but you can not see this as you did not create it.
One could say the same of your mind, when those destructive and negative repetitive thoughts rumble around in your mind we could call them 'maya' or the I virus.
The difference here being 'you' did create them or at least the 'I virus' created them.
So what can you do to remove them?
Simply do not engage with them, do not 'think about them, the more you think about them the bigger they become. As these thoughts are false they have a very low energy frequency whereas the truth of who you are has a very high energy frequency.
So simply drop them, let them go...return to the stillness and silence that you are, this will provide the space to gradually realise the truth of who you are.
One could say the same of your mind, when those destructive and negative repetitive thoughts rumble around in your mind we could call them 'maya' or the I virus.
The difference here being 'you' did create them or at least the 'I virus' created them.
So what can you do to remove them?
Simply do not engage with them, do not 'think about them, the more you think about them the bigger they become. As these thoughts are false they have a very low energy frequency whereas the truth of who you are has a very high energy frequency.
So simply drop them, let them go...return to the stillness and silence that you are, this will provide the space to gradually realise the truth of who you are.
Thursday, 22 November 2012
One Pointedness - Sadadhanam
We live in a world of constant activity always 'doing' rather then 'being'. When ever there is a 'gap' in our thought activity rather then allowing ourselves to simply rest in that 'gap' that space, the 'I virus' immediately fills your mind with activity again.
When you next have the opportunity to experience stillness, silence either through a meditation or a quiet moment perhaps in nature, close your eyes and make a constant choice to allow yourself to just sit in that silence, feel it, experience it.
This is your natural state of being, where no thoughts disturb you, yet you are alert and present. In this state you eventually access your higher guidance, your higher intelligence.
However do not try and seek this with your mind, your mind can never grasp the truth of who you are, you are beyond your mind.
When you next have the opportunity to experience stillness, silence either through a meditation or a quiet moment perhaps in nature, close your eyes and make a constant choice to allow yourself to just sit in that silence, feel it, experience it.
This is your natural state of being, where no thoughts disturb you, yet you are alert and present. In this state you eventually access your higher guidance, your higher intelligence.
However do not try and seek this with your mind, your mind can never grasp the truth of who you are, you are beyond your mind.
Sunday, 18 November 2012
Being Present in the Now
Our world is our creation and it can change with a thought. How many problems do you perceive you have in your life at this time? Probably a few…
Now, try bringing your mind to this present moment, closing your eyes, bringing your attention to your breath and being completely attentive to this single moment. Let no thoughts distract you. Now in this present moment are there any problems?
No, there can be no problems in the present moment; they cannot exist because in this moment everything is just as it is. How do you feel? Do you sense the space and lightness of this moment? Wouldn't it be nice to experience this as a state of being?
The problems you experience in your life are the sum total of all your projections, what if's and attachments to falsified thoughts creating stories in your life.
Silencing your mind, finding the space between your thoughts, your words, your actions, being in the present moment returns you to your natural state of being.
Begin to practice this often you will be richly rewarded.
Change can only happen from within You
This is part of my journey, which I would like to share with you.
It began with an egg; well it didn't really, as there is no beginning or end simply the sum total of many experiences accompanied with a very questioning mind.
So about twenty five years ago (precisely half my life) through a self enquiry and questioning mind resulting from seeking responsibility for my health and well being I learnt about the state of caged hens.
There after I chose to never buy an egg from a caged hen. At this stage free ranging hens eggs were rather expensive, almost twice the price of caged hens eggs. It was very much a conscious choice, it was expensive and one that led us to having a number of henny penny's in our suburban back yard.
Several months ago I was delighted to notice that free ranging hens eggs are now comparable to caged hen's eggs, in some cases even cheaper. Wow I though this is amazing… however as I stood and watched people purchasing eggs in my local Coles I couldn't understand why were people still buying eggs from caged hens, if you haven't already just type into google ' caged hens' you'll get an idea of my disbelief.
Now I can understand people not being able to afford free range eggs twenty-five years ago, but today? Are we so detached, separated from what happens in the world around us, that we do not even question what we are putting into our bodies? Where has this food come from that is sustaining us and how has it been treated? What impact does it have on this earth? What is the eco footprint of the food we eat? Change begins from each of us individually.
If you are looking for direction in Australia you may like to check out this link: Sustainable Table is a not-for profit organisation that empowers people to use their shopping dollar for a food system that is fair, humane, healthy and good for the environment.
Monday, 5 November 2012
'Atma kah' - Who am I?
Well that would depend on who you are associating the 'I' with.
If you are associating the 'I' as your body and mind you have just limited yourself to something finite and limited and rather chaotic!
Atma, translates as 'the Self is the truth'.
All else is false, unreal.
Therefore Atma kah is the reality beyond all falsehoods.
The moment you identify with something you drag the limitations of that something on your self.
To access the Atman, the Self within each of us we need to understand the nature of our false attachments to our thoughts, people and experiences.
To detach from these false attachments in order to gain the insight, simply begin to command the mind to return to your natural state of silence by choice when ever you choose.
If you are associating the 'I' as your body and mind you have just limited yourself to something finite and limited and rather chaotic!
Atma, translates as 'the Self is the truth'.
All else is false, unreal.
Therefore Atma kah is the reality beyond all falsehoods.
The moment you identify with something you drag the limitations of that something on your self.
To access the Atman, the Self within each of us we need to understand the nature of our false attachments to our thoughts, people and experiences.
To detach from these false attachments in order to gain the insight, simply begin to command the mind to return to your natural state of silence by choice when ever you choose.
Tuesday, 30 October 2012
What is Self Knowledge?
Self-Knowledge is the pathway to the realisation of oneself, which brings the individual to his true self beyond the limitations of the mind and body. Self-Knowledge is neither the philosophy of an individual nor the beliefs of a religion or philosophical school of thought.
Self-Knowledge will not give you a new identity, it will help you to go beyond all identities, including the false identity of how you perceive yourself. Self-knowledge gives you freedom and liberation. Freedom where no thoughts, emotions or other peoples actions or words disturbs you. Freedom from the bondage of your own mind.
Can you say that no person in this world disturbs you? There are over seven billion people in the world do they all disturb you? However there are probably at least ten people you know who cause or are capable of causing you some form of pain or suffering, yet they do not affect me, why?
Self-Knowledge is the revelations of the truth of oneself, which by definition requires the individual to reveal the truth for themselves through the guidance of the teachings.
The knowledge revealed in the scriptures comes under a term called Sastra, translated as, this knowledge cannot be gained from anywhere or anyone else. Meaning, because this knowledge is within you, you cannot gain it from any external source and once this knowledge (abadhita) is gained it is never subject to change.
The knowledge of the Self and all it encompasses is already within you, but at this point you do not realise this. It is only ignorance that separates you from the truth of who you are.
We are like the musk deer. Enchanted by the smell of musk and not realizing it is in its own navel, the deer runs everywhere in search of that smell until it get exhausted.
Similarly the truth of who we are, full consciousness, is in us, yet we are running in search of it in every direction in the external world looking for answers, for solutions not realising all the knowledge we seek is within us.
The key to our continual happiness is within us, we will come to understand it cannot be found in the external world.
In some way we are all searching, for the elusive peace, happiness and the truth of who we are. We hide this for a while, studying, being busy with work, building a career while all the while working towards some future projection of happiness, contentment and fulfilment. Or perhaps you may have dedicated your life to your children, being very busy with the needs of your children. We are very good at being busy, sacrificing our own needs in the process.
And when any opportunity arises for us to stop, to relax the mind and body, something very deep in us called fear gets us up 'doing' again. Because to be silent might just mean we open our minds to the reality of how we are actually feeling, empty, alone, low self esteem, filled with negative thoughts.
We are doing so much towards happiness but why do we feel so unhappy?
No one has to tell you that you should seek happiness, it is natural and it doesn't feel right when we are unhappy. Yet why do we experience such unhappiness and emotional turmoil?
By happiness I am not referring to the externalised state of happiness with the flip side being unhappiness. Rather the happiness we seek is an unspoken desire within each of us, the search for the natural state of our being which is peace, joy and contentment.
There is that vague question, why do I feel my life is a compromise, why do my relationships constantly fail, why do I repeat patterns of behaviour that I do not like about myself, why can't I stop or change them, why does fear undermine everything that I do?
There is no distance between where you are and where you want to reach. You are already there and there is no reaching. Like the musk deer it is ignorance that separates us from this truth.
That is the irony.
Since this distance is created by ignorance, knowledge combined with experience becomes the means. Knowledge alone is not enough it must be experienced to reveal the truth for your self. Any knowledge has to take place in the mind and it is recognised it is necessary to prepare the mind.
To prepare the mind means to go beyond the limitations of the mind, as you know it at this stage, in order to access the truth of who you are.
Close your eyes and come to the silence of the breath
Receptivity and openness
A Zen story tells of Nan-in, a Japanese master, during the Meiji era that received a request to meet with a visiting university professor. The professor came to enquire about Zen. Nan-in agreed to meet with the professor and offered him tea. The monk silently prepared the tea, as the professor watched in growing irritation. The monk slowly began pouring the tea into his visitor's cup. The professor watched incredulously as the monk kept pouring the tea as the cup overflowed. Stop, 'he said, it is overfill, no more will go in'!
Yes, said the monk smiling, like this cup you are full of your own opinions and speculations. How can I show you Zen unless you first empty your cup? I cannot teach one whose mind is already overflowing. Your mind is not free to receive.
When a mind is closed we only see what we expect to 'see' we do not see or question at all, we drop into judgment and closed minds…When the mind is open and we see or hear something new, we have to halt in our 'footsteps' and question further, an internal enquiry. We need to come to a place of receptivity and openness before we can have the freedom to begin to understand and learn.
Thursday, 25 October 2012
Silence is Natural
To be silent is natural, it has a natural fulfilment you do not need to do anything to be silent. To talk, act and think requires effort.
Silence is our natural state of being. I cannot state I am being silent because to speak I am creating sound. I simply am the silence. Sound is noise, it has a beginning and an end. It is finite.
Sound can only be produced because of the silence and space that exists. Sounds and objects are surrounded by the same silence. It is only when sound appears does silence come into being. Silence is all permeating.
Try hitting a surface in front of you now, you are creating sound. Now stop, are you aware of the silence that appears? Were you aware of the silence before you created sound?
It is silence and space that gives form to all things. This same silence is the substratum for the thinking mind. A Mala chain when swung will always return to its centre, stillness. Representing the return to the self, stillness and silence.
How often does your mind rest in silence, which is your natural state of being?
Or is it more normal for you to have constant thoughts running through your mind?
When students begin the study of Self Knowledge they are universally amazed with the concept of a quiet still mind as a natural state of being. Their minds are so very rarely quiet, it is that constant thought activity that exhausts and drains them. When they come to experience the silence their lives are transformed.
Begin to take the time during each day and evening to simply sit in silence using the breathing meditation to bring you to this space. Remember you are making a conscious choice to sit in silence, therefore let no thoughts disturb you. The breath will always bring you to the present moment. Just close your eyes, still your mind, invite the silence.
You may find when you first begin to do this you feel extremely tired, exhausted perhaps. This is normal, your mind and body have been in a state of stress from constant mind aggravation for years. We were not designed to function in this manner. You have been controlled by thoughts and senses whereas you were designed to be master of both mind and senses.
This will increasingly become a place you return to, it provides deep peace and relaxation, the stilling of the mind in order to find the clarity beyond the mind. It is the substratum for the portal to the Self.
Be gentle with your self through these processes, you have spent a lifetime being lost and dictated to by your thoughts, building up layers of protection to cope, it takes time to peel back the layers.
Let these silences occur with no expectations; it is enough to simply be present with the breath. Most of us live in a state of constant exhaustion, how often do you wake up refreshed and invigorated?
You can think of these silences, as 'time out', as a place to begin to reconnect with the self.
Close your eyes and come to the breath
Tuesday, 23 October 2012
The Emotion of Fear
Fear undermines everything we do in life.
So where does this emotion as a clouded thought, fear appear from?
It appears from everything you have unconsciously been taught or picked up, from the state of separateness from your self.
Fear is an emotion that does not actually exist; it is a creation of your unconscious mind. The flight or fight response we have in our body is real. It is activated when we need to act quickly in order to survive. The flight or fight response is not activated by thoughts but by the intelligence of the body.
The fears you feel are a false creation in your minds based on unreality.
And there are an infinite number of fears you can create for yourself. If they weren't so destructive and debilitating we could reflect on how imaginative our minds are.
Our society has based itself on creating separateness, from 'the gods' as being separate from us, from the false association of the mind implying the mind some how controls us, from the unknown.
We hide from the silence of our minds as if dangers lurk there, trying to replace the silence with either activity or thoughts we think will make us happy while trying to block thoughts we think will make us unhappy. We are giving energy to something that we have created in our minds that are not even real.
If we can let go of the projection of the emotion of fear, and sit in the silence of our being you will move beyond all emotions that hold you back, including fear.
Let us review what is the mind? It is not material like our brain or body, it is not physical it is a creative entity capable of extraordinary ability. You are not your body or mind they are vehicles for the expression of your self.
The mind was designed to receive instructions from the higher self, the intelligence within, while utilising the thoughts, the logic of the brain and senses to enact.
Instead in ignorance we have taken thoughts, which are merely suggestions attached emotions and created chaos. Remember we were designed to be master of our minds.
Verify this for your self, the next time you begin to feel an emotion which you will come to recognise causes a physiological change in your body that something is not right, stop, identify and catch the thought, stop engaging, delete, come to the silence of the breath, this present moment and feel the difference. Your breath will begin to deepen, the shoulders will begin to relax, and you will feel calm and in control once more.
To engage in emotions is to give them energy that results in a depletion of your self and begins an exhausting process. Why would you energise something that is destructive and not real?
Self-knowledge empowers you, you will come to recognise that there is nothing to fear in this world, in life.
Close your eyes and come to the breath
Saturday, 20 October 2012
Self Knowledge Book Release 2013
Hi guys,
An update ... next year my first book will be published based on my Self Knowledge discourses, titled Self Knowledge - The Pathway to Lasting Happiness.
I'll let you know closer to the time of publishing when it will be available.
Please post any comments or questions you have, it helps to then apply this knowledge in your own lives. The questions you have will invariably be the same ones that others are thinking.
What do you desire in Life?
As we begin our enquiry into revealing our natural state of happiness we need to know where to look. Once the destination is clear the journey can begin. At the moment it is probable that you base your happiness on external people, external objects, external places (even though you may think you don't).
If I were to ask you, what do you want in life?
You may reply, happiness.
I would reply fantastic, then be happy.
Your reply may be, how can I be happy when there is so much war in the world, when my neighbours dog barks all night, when there is a tsunami in the world, when I get such a high rates bill, when my ex wife is suing me?
What you are actually saying to me is that in order for you to live happily all eternal objects and people must meet your perceived needs and desires.
While you continue to base your happiness on external people and external experiences you will be bound to suffering.
It is impossible to ever find happiness under these conditions, because the nature of the world is constant change.
You are unconsciously basing your happiness, contentment on, whenever you have a perceived need or desire then that must be met in order for you to be happy.
Think about that statement, think of someone in your life who currently causes you unrest at this moment. Whoever that person is, whatever they are doing or saying, they are simply being 'them'.They cause me no unrest and probably no one else who is reading this blog, so why you?
Because you are unconsciously basing your happiness on that person meeting your perceived desires and needs of how they should be and that is gross ignorance because we do not control anyone else in this world only ourselves.
In consciousness you can see that they are simply being 'them; then you can choose to continue to be associated with them or not.
You carry your happiness within you; it is not dependent on any external source, you create your life no one else does.
Until you realise this, you are setting your self up for constant suffering and pain because you cannot control anything in this world except your self.
You can begin to take control of your life now.
This week as you go about your life, sit back a little, take on the role of the observer. Notice when conflict arises rather then reacting, question yourself. Is the negative emotion you are experiencing a result of someone not doing what you want?
Close your eyes and come to the breath
Tuesday, 16 October 2012
The Importance of caring for Yourself
Who is the most important person in the world?
You are, because if you are not here nothing else exists. This does not mean that you are more or less important than anyone else. We are all equally important, no ones needs are greater or lesser than yours. When you recognise the importance of caring for yourself this becomes the greatest gift you can share with others.
You may have travelled on a plane at some point and be familiar with the words of the air host,' in the event of the cabin pressure falling please ensure you place the oxygen mask on your self first before helping others.'
You must care for your self first in order to be able to care for others.
Your life is a gift and you have a duty to yourself. You may have been told to care for others first, to not be selfish. So we were taught to sacrifice ourselves for others, why?
I recall many years ago waiting at my children's Montessori primary school to pick them up. There was a mulberry tree that was very popular with the children who would compete to find the ripe black mulberries to eat.
On this particular day I was waiting with another mother.
She walked over to the tree and reaching up she began to eat the rich ripe mulberries, I said 'shouldn't you keep those for the children'?
As she popped a ripe red mulberry into her mouth, she turned to me and said 'why'?
I couldn't find an answer.
You cannot sacrifice yourself for others or there will be nothing left.
Caring for our selves is the first step in valuing ourselves.
And what of respect?
If you cannot respect yourself how can you expect others to respect you?
And love, how can you expect others to love you if you do not love yourself?
Consider for a moment, if you were to recognise the true nature of oneself, a divine being with a life purpose, who has the potential to offer so much to this world and your loved ones surely you would care for your self first and foremost to allow for the realisation of the self?
When you recognise the true nature of yourself you are able to give not from self-sacrifice and depletion but from an endless source of manifestation.
So what does it mean to care for your self? It means to value your self worth.
It means that you as an individual have natural desires and needs and they need to be expressed. You count! You have the gift of a voice; use it not to comment on others for they are not yours to comment on but as an expression of the self within you.
How often do you wake up in the morning and decide what can you do for yourself today? Perform a little checklist, consciously quieten your mind through breathing, do a little review how is my body and mind feeling? What does the body need today, rest or exercise, what type of exercise, what food will nourish my body today?
You have one life, one reality that you create for yourself, let your voice be heard or others will step into the void and short-change you.
Monday, 15 October 2012
The path of illumination – Self Knowledge
This body of knowledge is known as Vedanta or Self Knowledge and was recorded in the ancient Indian texts such as the Upanishads, Tattva Bodha, the Bhaghavad Gita and other Hinduism texts written over 5000 years ago.
The knowledge revealed in these ancient texts was written in Vedic Sanskrit, a refined language that often does not have an English translation. Furthermore the texts were written from the knowledge of enlightened teachers, which is beyond the comprehension of the unconscious mind. The content of these texts has continued to elude most who attempt to read them.
In these scriptures the enlightened sages revealed the immortality of the Self, the natural state of being where one exists with insight, clarity, peace and happiness.
The nature of a child is to be curious about everything that he/she sees, hears, touches, tastes and smells, but the child does not question who is the seer, listener, toucher, taster, smeller or experiencer.
The child who does not question the 'questioner' grows up to be the adult who gets used to challenging everything and everybody except his own self, the 'I'
As there are millions of people who never even question their perceptions, there are billions who never even question the perceiver, the thoughts or the thinker.
Herein begins the role of the observer.
Saturday, 13 October 2012
Discover a little about your Self
When students begin studying Self Knowledge after a few weeks I ask them to reflect and write, what is it that has brought them to Self Knowledge, what are they seeking in life?
It may well be something not quite tangible that cannot be expressed in words yet I would encourage you to look within and find all those dreams, aspirations, things you desired or believed in at one point in your life that have not yet come to fruition. I emphasis that these be your dreams and aspirations not someone else's impositions on you. And if you should find when you do this, that there is simply nothing there that is okay after all this is the journey where you will find your Self.
Invariably this opens up a whole new realm of realisations often taking the students by surprise, are there really so many things in their life they wish to change, do they really suffer all these anxieties and feelings of uncertainty and fear? In reflecting and writing it helps them to come to their first truth and realisation about themselves, that is how much they shroud and hide how they feel.
I invite you to do this now, take the time to find a comfortable quiet place and choose a time when you will be alone and not rushed. Make a little ceremony of it, perhaps making a cup of tea or coffee a glass of water, pause, close your eyes, observe your breath, and then begin to write. Wait for the words to be revealed, they will. You may be surprised by what your reflective writing reveals.
Thursday, 11 October 2012
Disciplining the Mind
Disciplining the mind means not allowing your thoughts to control you, to succumb to them or allow them to overpower you.
You recognise that thoughts in themselves have no power over you; it is you who has in the past empowered them with your imposition of happiness or unhappiness. It is you who has given your thoughts the power to prosecute you. In Sanskrit this is called jiva sristi.
Disciplining the mind means to stand by your decisions. Disciplining the mind does not mean removing all your thoughts; it means you do not allow any thoughts to control you any more.
If you wish to sit down in silence then you so, when a thought arises I want a cup of coffee, or I must go and hang out the washing you remain sitting in silence, not allowing your thoughts to control or dictate to you.
Perhaps you might like to make an intention, every time your phone rings, rather than reacting straight away, pause catch your thoughts, catch your breath and then consciously choose to pick up the phone.
Each time you do this you break the chain of constant thoughts and literally 'have a breather', a break from the constant activity in the mind.
It is easier to master this discipline with objects first as they do not react, humans do.
Om Shanti
Tuesday, 9 October 2012
What is the natural state of your mind?
The natural state of the mind, is simply silence, stillness. That is, no thoughts rumbling around.
In this natural state the mind is open to receive the higher wisdom and intelligence that is available to us.
Ask yourself, how often is your mind completely silent?
If you find there is a constant dialogue in your mind there is literally no space for anything new or fresh to enter. You close your minds like a vault and what is inside of this vault?
Invariably it will be a collection of negative falsified damaging thoughts, not a nice environment.
The solution is logical and simple, open your minds to let the light of knowledge and truth in, what ever you hold up to the light is transformed by the light.
Set an intention to 'check in' on your mind throughout the day to become aware of what is actually going on. Take on the role of the observer and begin to practice stilling the mind as a conscious choice.
om shanti shanti shanti
In this natural state the mind is open to receive the higher wisdom and intelligence that is available to us.
Ask yourself, how often is your mind completely silent?
If you find there is a constant dialogue in your mind there is literally no space for anything new or fresh to enter. You close your minds like a vault and what is inside of this vault?
Invariably it will be a collection of negative falsified damaging thoughts, not a nice environment.
The solution is logical and simple, open your minds to let the light of knowledge and truth in, what ever you hold up to the light is transformed by the light.
Set an intention to 'check in' on your mind throughout the day to become aware of what is actually going on. Take on the role of the observer and begin to practice stilling the mind as a conscious choice.
om shanti shanti shanti
Saturday, 6 October 2012
Detachment is a valuable tool
The biggest hurdle for students at the beginning of their study is that they tend to fall back into reactive patterns despite their intentions.
They have mastered their minds sufficiently to be able to still their minds and return to the silence however by not realising how strong their preconditioned patterns of attaching to thoughts and projections really are, getting lost in their roles continues for awhile, like a ball rolling down a hill it has a certain momentum.
If you have had a strong emotional attachment to a thought or pattern of behaviour that has been repeated time and time again, which has invariably been experienced as pain and suffering it has a stronger imprint. This usually applies to long-term relationships including family members.
Remember people you do not know do not cause you any problems.
You will find initially it is easier to observe and master your thoughts around people you have not formed relationships with.
Be gentle with yourself, you are releasing years of old inbuilt negative patterns, celebrate each time you maintain your awareness and see every experience an opportunity for growth.
The ability to remain detached is valuable it helps you to not only see your own thoughts and responses it allows you to see others as they are, without judgement, simply observation.
What do you need to do to detach?
Simple, return to the silence and space within the mind, if there are thoughts hanging around (they will be falsified ones) just release and return to the space and silence that gave form to those thoughts. This is your natural state of being and receptivity.
Close your eyes and come to the breath
Understanding the nature of your mind
We have a beautiful mind.
Our bodies consist of an extraordinary sophisticated integration of senses, of action and perception, a physical body, a brain capable of immense intelligence and logic and a mind to express the potential and reality of the Self and all it encompasses.
Our bodies consist of an extraordinary sophisticated integration of senses, of action and perception, a physical body, a brain capable of immense intelligence and logic and a mind to express the potential and reality of the Self and all it encompasses.
This is the potential however very few of us come close to this realisation because we simply do not understand the nature of our minds we believe we are our minds.
The mind is an extraordinary creative instrument, take a moment now to watch a thought, yes you can do it, a little like a passing image on a screen.
Does it not beg the question, who is doing the watching, the observing?
Thoughts in themselves are merely suggestions, they are finite and small, the potential to utilize these thoughts lies in the space and silence which gives form to them, the same space and silence which gives form to everything in this universe. Instead we falsely attach to these thoughts, thereby reducing ourselves to the limitations of what ever we identify with. We have been told that our world is a creation of our own thoughts and that we can change it, yet no one has told us how to actually do this, up to now those words have been empty. Self-knowledge logically reveals how to understand the nature of your mind and move beyond all false attachments.
The regular practice of stilling the mind not only opens up the portal to the higher self, it allows you to experience silence and peace the natural state of the mind.
Friday, 28 September 2012
The Silence of the Mind
Self Knowledge requires an open mind where the words of the teacher can be revealed while the individuals' prejudices or personal views are suspended.
It then requires you to use your thinking mind.
Only in this manner will you be able to verify the truth for yourself.
This requires commitment and discipline, if the desire to seek freedom from the suffering within the constraints of your own mind is with you, this process flows naturally.
Try this following breathing meditation to help begin to quieten the mind, practice it often until you naturally seek the silence within.
Check in Breath
Sit comfortably with your back supported. Rest with your hands palms up or resting against your belly. Close your eyes. Bring your attention to the breath. Begin to observe your breath
Breathe in softly through the nose and then release a nice long exhalation either through the nose or if it is more comfortable then release your first exhalation as a long sigh through the mouth.
Feel the tension releasing from the upper body, the facial muscles softening. Breathe in again through the nose, feel the belly softly expanding outwards, the chest following, await the pause then breathe out, exhaling through the nose.
Relax your shoulders outwards and downwards towards your waist. Keep your attention inwards with observing the breath.
If a thought enters the mind, acknowledge and then release on the next exhalation, let no thoughts disturb you.
Continuously allow your attention to rest with the breath, paying attention to the pauses.
Eventually you will come to a place of silence and stillness in the mind.
When you are ready to bring your mind to the present allow that to be a conscious choice.
Note: if you find you have a tendency to breathe out through the mouth, gently place the tip of the tongue on the roof of the mouth, just behind the teeth, the tongue will rest there naturally.
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Aero testing
Lessons from the windtunnel
Along with the folks from SwissSide we spent some time in the windtunnel testing gear and position. In the first of a three-part series, a look at the best position for descending.
July 23, 2018 | GEAR|
It is fresh here - just 16 degrees Celsius, which isn't too bad until the air is accelerated to 45 km/ h as it goes past you. Thanks to an invitation from Jean-Paul Ballard from Swiss Side, we're here in Immenstaad, Germany, where triathlon stars like Patrick Lange and Jan Frodeno have worked on their aero positions.
Immediately after the Eurobike, we accepted the invitation from Swiss Side to the wind tunnel that's part of the Airbus development area - of course with all sorts of aerodynamic tests in mind. Are modern triathlon bikes faster with our without hydration? How much time do you lose with a water bottle between your aero bars? What is the optimal head position? Here comes part 1 of our tests: What is the best position for descending?
Getting aero on descents
We've all watched the pros tuck when they're descending. Once they hit downhill speeds above 50 km / h, some athletes stop pedaling, grab the base bar, make themselves small and lay their buttocks on the top tube (see photo below). How much of a difference does this position make in terms of aerodynamics? A lot. It's extremely aerodynamic.
For one of our test riders, this position brought savings of 66.2 watts compared to the baseline (front-facing in the aero position). In a second rider, who had a lower CdA value than driver 1, there was a saving of 29.8 watts. This position is better aerodynamically, but you're also getting that extra speed while giving your legs a break.
That said, we can't recommend this position for everyone. All the speed gains in the world won't help if you are on the side of the road. Riding like this is incredibly dangerous. A bump on the road can send you off the bike or cause other trauma (remember, for guys, certain sensitive parts are on the top tube of the bike). A firm grip is mandatory and holding this position requires not only courage, but also good muscle strength and a high degree of concentration.
Conclusion: Even if you save valuable watts with this position, inexperienced and insecure cyclists should avoid it.
More stories to come from our testing in the wind tunnel.

subset: commoncrawl


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The Fulbright Leaders for Global Schools Program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State with funding provided by the U.S. Government and administered by IREX in the U.S. and Fulbright Finland Foundation in Finland.
The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) of the U.S. Department of State fosters mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries around the world. ECA strives to achieve this goal through a wide range of international exchanges as authorized by the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961, as amended. ECA works in close cooperation with U.S. Embassies and bilateral Fulbright Commissions overseas to promote personal, professional, and institutional ties between private citizens and organizations in the United States and abroad.
The Fulbright Finland Foundation is an independent not-for-profit based in Helsinki, Finland. With the purpose of promoting a wider exchange of knowledge and professional talents through educational contacts between Finland and the United States, the Foundation collaborates with a range of government, foundation, university and corporate partners on both sides of the Atlantic to design and manage study and research scholarships, leadership development programs, and internationalization services.


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Melbourne Good Bars : 267 Listings
Garden State is a beautiful oasis decked out with full-grown trees and glowing spheres with a selection of bars dispersed around the whole venue. Front Bar Located in the heart of Melbourne down Fli...More Details
Prahran Hotel is an iconic Melbourne pub located in the heart of Prahran, serving thirsty locals & alike since the mid 1800s. At its core, the Prahran Hotel offers everything you need in a local p...More Details
Lantern Lounge is located in the heart of the Smith st Collingwood's entertainment precinct, 1 km from the CBD, with Tramline 86 right at their door step. This stylish modern deco venue is perfect for...More Details
A well-established Brunswick favourite, Duke of Edinburgh Hotel serves up quality coffee, popular and speciality beers, wines and spirits as well as all of your pub favourites, including parmas, burge...More Details
The George Public Bar is housed in the Basement of the famous George Hotel on the corner of Fitzroy and Grey Street in St Kilda. It has a long and colourful history. Earlier this year it underwent a b...More Details
Tucked away on the top end of Lygon st, this homely, cozy, cabin inspired bar brings a little bit of North America to the heart of East Brunswick. This north American inspired boasts a fun and creativ...More Details
A Coburg veteran, Browns Corner Hotel serves up quality coffee, popular and speciality beers, wines and spirits as well as all of your pub favourites, including parmas, burgers, pizza, pasta, risotto,...More Details
A sleek, sophisticated bar nestled at the end of a quiet alley, recently opened Handsome Bar lives up to its name. Its chandeliered high ceilings and mossy green walls carry the vibe of a 70's mansi...More Details
The Sherlock Holmes Inn is located at a basement on Collins Street, while Dr. Watson's Bar is on the street level of the same building. They have a traditional English-pub style and atmosphere . Th...More Details
The Crafty Squire is the perfect haven for beer lovers in Melbourne! They have lagers, craft ales and classic pub foods to accompany it. Their award-winning originals brews include The Craic tradition...More Details
Step off the hustle and bustle of the St. Kilda streets and enter the Hotel Barkly Public Bar to relax and unwind. The newly renovated public bar embodies the classic Aussie pub; recharge with a beer ...More Details
You don't get a more inner city bar than Loop. Boasting both a laneway bar AND rooftop bar, you decide whether you want a more intimate environment or sweeping views of the city's rooftops. Loop P...More Details
This two-storey mini golf haven is a dream for those who have always wanted to sink tinnies and golf balls at the same time. Found right off King St in the CBD, Holey Moley is a bar for the kid in all...More Details
An institution for pinball machine lovers and arcade cabinet enthusiasts, Bartronica houses classic arcade favourites. Accommodating some of the rarest cabinets and pinball machines, Bartronica prides...More Details
Australia's first dedicated e-sports bar, GG EZ is a vibrant and electric bar where you can watch all your favourite games on the big screen. There's constantly games streaming, from the Overwatch...More Details
The Wolf & I Windsor is a modern Australian pub serving restaurant quality food made from local ingredients alongside classic pub favourites. Pop in for the footy & stay until late. Wolf's man...More Details
Three levels. Unlimited possibilities. The Emerson Rooftop; come for the views, stay for the good times. An elegant yet casual space beneath a retractable roof, surrounded by ample heating. Whether t...More Details
Located on the edge of the Yarra River, Ludlow Bar & Dining Room is a quintessential Melbourne drinking and dining experience. The venue features a riverside barbecue, dining room, cocktail lounge...More Details
Located in the heart of Southgate, P.J.O'Brien's is one of Melbourne's longest standing authentic Irish pubs and a favourite destinations for locals and visitors. Whether you are after a quiet beer, a...More Details
Situated on the banks of the Yarra River, overlooking the beautiful city of Melbourne, BearBrass is perfect for casual drinks and dining in Southbank. The menu offers a wide selection of dishes from ...More Details
Turf Bar is a sophisticated, traditional pub located in the heart of the city that has become one of the best places in Melbourne to watch live sport! Turf offers a bustling and warm atmosphere, excel...More Details
Temperance Hotel reflects the best of Chapel Street: contemporary and stylish, while retaining a distinct personality. Of course, that's immediately obvious when one considers the devilishly ironic ...More Details
Hophaus, located on scenic Southbank, is a truly individual establishment. It's art-deco reminiscent design, which features a glazed polychrome brick centrepiece bier bar, with an extensive selection...More Details
The Motley Bauhaus is a versatile and unique art, craft and performance house in the heart of North Fitzroy. With several gallery spaces, a workshop area, intimate theatre, bar, working artist studios...More Details
This recently renovated bar invites you inside with its eclectic, cosy décor making you feel immediately at home. As relaxing as it is engaging, the St Andrews Hotel is the perfect place to drop in f...More Details
If you are looking for a one of a kind pub experience then you will want to check out the Rising Sun Hotel. Once an old English pub now converted, this homely establishment offers something for everyo...More Details
*THE NATIONAL HOTEL IS NOW OFFERING A PAN-ASIAN BOTTOMLESS BRUNCH EVERY SUNDAY! CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE* The iconic National Hotel, located on Richmond's bustling Victoria Street, is a place for...More Details
Welcome To Thornbury is Melbourne's first, and only, food truck canteen and bar. Found right in the heart of Northcote on High Street, it is an icon of the area. With humble beginnings as a car manu...More Details
Slate Restaurant & Bar is located in Melbourne's CBD, providing the perfect setting for drinks rain, hail or shine. This bar has a myriad of spaces including a terrace, rooftop, and indoor rooms t...More Details
Owners Michael Madrusan and his wife Zara wanted to create a Parisian-style brasserie in Melbourne. This 100-seater bar features the classic chequered floors and red leather banquettes, evoking images...More Details
Step through a cool-lit door at 142 Greville St in Prahran and be transported onto the streets of Tokyo. With a ceiling of vibrant umbrellas covering a 10-metre-long bar, a 16-metre-long graffiti mura...More Details
Set over two transformational levels complete with spectacular Melbourne City skyline views, The Albion is Melbourne's newest rooftop bar, live entertainment venue and event space. Following a spect...More Details
Located in Carlton, the Shaw Davey Slum is a 60's theme pub over two levels. The bottom level is a more traditional style pub with 18 different taps of beers. There is always a deal, some of whi...More Details
Established in 1857, during the heady days of the days of the Victorian gold rush, The Oxford Scholar Hotel has for more than 160 years served Melburnians at the northern-end of Swanston Street. In 20...More Details
After closing its doors 2 years ago for renovations, Baroq is back and better than ever before. Nestled down a 19th century cobblestone laneway, lies a truly unique and luxurious three level mansion ...More Details
The Ascot Lot is an urban oasis within the commercial heart of Ascot Vale - Mt Alexander Road. The lineup changes weekly, with lunch, dinner and drinks served Friday (dinner only) through Sunday. This...More Details
Bad Decisions is named after those things you do when you're having a bit too much fun, #noregrets. The vibe is sophisticated with a side of sordid, with leather bespoke furniture, and gold fittings...More Details
A pub with the look and feel of an upmarket wine bar, where you can still grab a beer and watch the footy is what you will experience here. This venue is split into two fully self contained bars servi...More Details
The Botanical Hotel bar is the place to be seen. In the very heart of the venue, from open until close, they offer up a stunning selection of spirits, cocktails and craft beer, alongside an award winn...More Details
Galah is located south of the river in a second story warehouse on High St in Windsor – just a stones throw away from bustling Chapel St. This large cocktail bar + kitchen comes with an attached bou...More Details
Platform 28 is a charming restaurant and bar offering Modern Australian cuisine in the heart of vibrant Docklands. Formerly a railway goods shed, this venue stays true to the history of the site and b...More Details
Two Hands is a secret gem hidden in the heart of inner Melbourne's Little Saigon (Abbotsford), just 3km from the CBD. Divided beautifully into two stories, the ground floor lends itself to a cozy, l...More Details
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It's time once again to revel in the weirdness and uniqueness of Melbourne. Running from September 12th to the 29th, the annual Melbourne Fringe Festival is bigger and better in 2019. There are over 400 exciting and strange acts and shows which range from stand-up comedy to drag shows. There's eve...[more info]Read More
Melbourne Fringe Festival Is B...10 Sep. 2019
Witness the Melbourne Fringe Festival transform the city into an artistic platform that presents 450+ works in 170+ venues from over 3,000 artists. From September 12th – 29th 2019, the festival will hold events that pushes and breaks artistic boundaries and inspire new ideas. Participants will be te...[more info]Read More
Pub Trivia Venues for Every Ni...6 Sep. 2019
Here at Hidden City Secrets, we love our pub trivia. It makes us feel that those hours spent on Wikipedia and reading weird poetry wasn't a complete waste of time. If you can relate, visit one of these bars that hosts trivia nights every week. Grab your mates and show off your knowledge on art [&hel...[more info]Read More
Bop and Jive at Bird's B...6 Sep. 2019
Fancy yourself as a jazzy guy? A bit of a hep cat? A big band Betty? A lover of jazz? If you identify as one, or all, of these, Bird's Basement is where you need to be. One of Melbourne's best live music hotspots, Bird's Basement has been spreading the good vibes since 2016. Even though [&helli...[more info]Read More
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Exercise, fitness, going to the gym… these things have become an inescapable part of western culture over the last few decades. No longer can exercise be admired at a distance only, as something for the young, the active and those with nothing better to do (like say, reading a book). Now we're told that working out makes us happier, healthier and more productive, and that it is good for our minds as well as our bodies.
In a recent interview, the pre-eminent blogger and 'curator of interestingness' Maria Popova described the importance of physical exercise to the process of thought and creativity. At the time I was enjoying a packet of crisps and a nice cup of tea, idly toying with the idea of writing a blog post. Popova's musings had me guiltily heading for the dusty corner of my room where I keep my dumbbell.
Who will save the sedentary blogger from the ever-present spectre of exercise guilt?
Howard Jacobson, that's who, a columnist and writer who has written an award written novel, presumably without having once attempted a squat or a stomach crunch (whatever they are). In this life-affirming – or laze-affirming – article, he ponders the relationship between weight, exercise and happiness. There is much for the aspiring writer and passer of English exams to admire in Jacobson's writing, and we'll get on to that tomorrow. For now though, here's a short quote and a challenge, best attempted sitting down, or lying down if you can manage it…
When you're happy, you dispense with exercise. I have not spent a great deal of time in gyms or health clubs. Having loathed PE as a boy, it makes no sense to me to embrace it as a man. But whenever I've been in a gym I've been struck by the angry sadness of everyone I see there.
Describe your own attitude towards exercise.
- Try to use parallelisms like Jacobson uses ('as a boy… as a man').
- 'Angry sadness' is a nice example of a modified abstract noun – steely determination is another. Aim to use one of these in your writing too.


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One Direction Shine in Adelaide
18 Feb, 2015
One Direction Shine in Adelaide
One Direction took to the stage at Adelaide's AAMI Stadium on Tuesday evening to 20,000 screaming fans.
The guys, Zayn, Niall, Harry, Liam and Louis are in Adelaide for one show during their On The Road tour in Australia.
The stage on this years tour is made up of LED screens that cover the with so everybody can clearly see what going on.
Harry started the show with his man bun but soon after let his natural curls flow to the delete of thousands of screaming girls.
Posted in Singers and tagged Adelaide, One Direction by cnkguy with no comments yet.


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Dubuque, Iowa
Architect: Galbraith Carnahan Architects
Owner: Convivium Urban Farmstead
Contractor: Al Urbain Construction Management
A successful restoration of an old forgotten structure to its original charm, this project creates a new public space that fosters community, promotes sustainability and revitalizes an economically struggling neighborhood. Completed in phases, the vision was to instill a passion for locally sourced foods and healthy living by creating a fully operational urban farm. Two bays of the historic greenhouse structures were redesigned into a community space. The outdoor courtyard spills into the adjacent sidewalk, extending a warm invitation to everyone in the neighborhood and beyond. Inside, a café offers meals created from on-site harvests and prepared in the modern training kitchen. The accompanying event space features a large concrete fireplace flanked by a wall of windows. The existing structures required complex reinforcement for increased snow loads. The building also had to comply with modern codes without sacrificing the delicate beauty of its steel structure. The exiting trusses were intricately measured and replicated with a larger cross-sectional area to subdivide the existing bays. Structural insulated panels were used to span between the trusses and allow the insertion of new skylights at the building's peak. Fostering other local urban agricultural initiatives, the greenhouses also contain fish tanks installed by a local startup hydroponics company and fed by the water of the planting beds.
Jury Comment: "This project leverages what it was given as far as the infrastructure into something that is physically welcoming to the community. The owner's mission is commendable. The architect was very smart in the surgical removals and the additions. Technical issues were successfully resolved to be able to do something that looks like they did nothing. The approach to the daylighting is really well done. It demonstrates how a project of modest means can have a huge impact on a community through place making."


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A Transparency Seal, prominently displayed on the main page of the website of a particular government agency, is a certificate that it has complied with the requirements of Section 93. This Seal links to a page within the agency's website which contains an index of downloadable items of each of the above-mentioned documents.
A pearl buried inside a tightly-shut shell is practically worthless. Government information is a pearl, meant to be shared with the public in order to maximize its inherent value. The Transparency Seal, depicted by a pearl shining out of an open shell, is a symbol of a policy shift towards openness in access to government information. On the one hand, it hopes to inspire Filipinos in the civil service to be more open to citizen engagement; on the other, to invite the Filipino citizenry to exercise their right to participate in governance.
This initiative is envisioned as a step in the right direction towards solidifying the position of the Philippines as the Pearl of the Orient – a shining example for democratic virtue in the region.
DOLE-NRCO Compliance with Sec. 93 of the General Appropriations Act of 2013(R.A. No. 10352)
The agency's mandates and functions, names of its officials with their position and designation, and contact information
I. NRCO's Mandate, Functions and Information of Officials
II. DBM-Approved Budget and Targets
III. Modifications made pursuant to the general and special provisions in the FY 2018 GAA (Not Applicable)
IV. Annual Procurement Plan
V. Major Projects, Programs and Activities, Beneficiaries, and Status of Implementation for Fy 2018
- Programs, Projects 2018
- Programs/Project Beneficiaries as Identified in Special Provisions in the Agency Budget
- Sa Pinas, Ikaw ang Ma'am/Sir (SPIMS)
- Livelihood Development Assistance Program (LDAP)
- Balik Pinay! Balik Hanapbuhay! (BPBH)
- Status of Implementation of Major Programs/Projects.
- Sa Pinas, Ikaw ang Ma'am/Sir (SPIMS)
- Livelihood Development Assistance Program (LDAP)
- Sa Pinas, Ikaw ang Ma'am/Sir (SPIMS)
VI. Annual Financial Reports
- FAR 1: Statement of Appropriations, Allotments, Obligations, Disbursements and Balances
- BAR 1: Quarterly Physical Reports of Operations
VII. Annual Reports on the Status of Income authorized by law to be deposited outside the National Treasury (Not Applicable)
VIII. QMS Certification of at least one core process by an international certifying body (ICB)
- ISO 9001:2015 Registration Certificate, Registration Schedule
- ISO 9001:2008 Registration Certificate, Registration Schedule
IX. Criteria for System of Ranking Delivery Units and Individuals
X. The Agency Review and Compliance Procedure of Statements and Financial Disclosures
XI. DOLE Freedom of Information (FOI)
DOLE Additional Transparency Compliance


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WealthBar was the first full-service robo-advisor to set-up shop in Canada. While the online portfolio management industry is booming and has seen a number of fin-tech entrants in the last few years, WealthBar can boast about their pioneering role in bringing low-fee wealth management to Canadians.
It used to be that the average investor could not access professional investment advice and certain financial asset classes if their net worth was not in the several hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars. And, although mutual funds have been easily accessible, they come with a high price tag (Management Expense Ratio – MER).
Given these alternatives, if you did not have the confidence or know-how to DIY your investing through the use of a self-directed brokerage account, you were usually stuck with high-fee low-performing mutual funds.
What robo-advisors do is to simplify your investing and make wealth-building accessible to everyone irrespective of their financial status. Like the folks at WealthBar often like to point out, they have made "Wall Street investing (possible) for Main Street Canadians."
WealthBar Ratings Summary
This is based on assessing their Management Fees, Account Minimum, Investment/Account Options, Free Financial Advice, Ease of Use, and Customer Support Options.
WealthBar is Canada's first robo-advisor. Readers of Savvy New Canadians get $15,000 Managed FREE when they open and fund an account.
About WealthBar
WealthBar Financial Services is one of Canada's foremost online portfolio management advisors. It was founded in 2013 by two veterans of the financial and technology industry, Tea and Chris Nicola. Today, the team is bigger and comprised of several financial gurus with designations including CFA, CFP, CIM, and more.
At WealthBar, investors receive financial advice and are provided with custom low-cost ETF portfolios that meet their investing needs and are maintenance-free. As of May 2018, WealthBar had more than $225 million in assets under management.
WealthBar Accounts
WealthBar offers Canadians access to the following investment accounts:
- RRSP – Individual, Spousal, and Group
- Non-registered investment accounts (Individual and Joint)
- Corporate/Business investment accounts
How To Open a WealthBar Account
Opening a new account is a breeze and should take no more than 15-20 minutes.
Step 1: Visit WealthBar using this link (for a special offer to invest $15,000 FREE for 1 year).
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure for more info.
Step 2: Select the account type you want to open (TFSA, RRSP, RESP…). Answer the few questions they use to determine your risk tolerance, investment objectives, and to provide you with a recommended portfolio. You will also be required to enter your basic personal details.
Step 3: Fund your account so your portfolio manager can invest it on your behalf. You are now on your way to building wealth!
If you are moving your investments from another institution to WealthBar, they will refund any transfer fees you pay (up to $150) if your portfolio size is more than $25,000. The minimum investment amount is $1,000.
Some of the information you should have on hand to speed up your account-opening process include:
- Your social insurance number
- Banking account information
- Employment details
- Investment and debt balances
WealthBar Portfolios
WealthBar offer low-cost portfolios that are designed to fit individual investors. Based on your risk tolerance and investment objectives, your recommended portfolio is one of the following:
- Safety Portfolio
- Conservative Portfolio
- Balanced Portfolio
- Growth Portfolio
- Assertive Portfolio
Each of these portfolios are comprised of 8-10 individual low-cost ETFs from popular providers like Vanguard, iShares, Horizon, BMO, Purpose, and include:
- BMO Covered Call DJIA Hedged to CAD ETF (ZWA)
- Purpose High Interest Savings ETF (PSA)
- BMO Equal Weight REITs ETF (ZRE)
- BMO Laddered Preferred Share ETF (ZPR)
- BMO High Yld US Corp Bd Hdgd to CAD ETF (ZHY)
- iShares Core MSCI EAFE IMI ETF (XEF)
- Vanguard Canadian Short-Term Corp Bd ETF (VSC)
- Horizons S&P 500 ETF (HXS)
- Horizons S&P/TSX 60 ETF (HXT)
- Invesco Cleantech ETF (PZD)
Why Choose WealthBar For Your Investing?
1. Customized Financial Advice: When you open an account, you get a dedicated financial adviser who is available to answer any questions you may have.
2. Diversified Portfolio: Your customized portfolio is built with diversification, risk reduction, and returns maximization in mind.
3. Financial Planning: You can create a financial plan(s) using the financial planning tool available on your dashboard. This tool is very versatile and can show you your current financial situation vs. the various scenarios that can get you to your financial or retirement goals. For example, how much will you need to invest in your RRSP, how long will your savings last in retirement, etc. A licensed financial planner is available to go through the plan with you.
4. Simple Fees: Investing fees can become complicated particularly when you have all kinds of embedded fees or commissions that are not apparent upfront. At WealthBar, the pricing is simple – no commissions are earned on ETFs, and there are no trading fees.
5. Automatic Rebalancing: Your portfolio is automatically rebalanced if it deviates more than 5% from the target allocation.
6. Socially Responsible Investing (SRI): They offer you an opportunity to invest in ways that align with your beliefs and which are beneficial to the environment using the Cleantech portfolio (PowerShares PZD).
7. Free Investment Management: Are you just starting out on your investment journey or have modest funds to invest? WealthBar offers to manage your first $5,000 for FREE (or first $15,000 for free for 1 year with this special promo link).
8. Security: Your money is held with an independent custodian (NBIN, BBS, and Credential Securities) who are members of IIROC and CIPF. If these custodians go bankrupt for any reason, your funds are insured up to $1 million per account category.
Other benefits of investing with WealthBar include:
- Estate Planning
- Tax Optimization
- Insurance Needs Analysis
- Investment Assessment
- Corporate Tax Planning
- Mobile-friendly app for tablets and smartphones
WealthBar Fees
Robo-advisors are popular mostly because they help the average investor save on investment fees. While the average annual MER charged by mutual funds is around 2.20%, robo-advisors charge much less for managing your money.
At WealthBar, they have a tiered fee system that ranges from 0.35% to 0.60% of your assets per year. This fee covers all the service you get including portfolio management, trading charges, re-balancing, financial advice, and more.
Sample Fees
In addition to the annual management fee (0.35% to 0.60%), you will also pay ETF MER fees that are built-in and paid to the ETF companies directly. This fee ranges from 0.26% to 0.34%. ETF fees normally apply even if you buy the ETF yourself using your online brokerage account.
WealthBar vs. Wealthsimple Management Fees
WealthBar and Wealthsimple differ in their pricing structure in that while WealthBar's fee schedule is multi-tiered, Wealthsimple has two fixed rates: 0.50% for accounts under $100k and 0.40% for portfolios exceeding $100K.
Let's look at a few scenarios:
Scenario 1: If you have a modest portfolio with $20,000. Your annual fee is:
- WealthBar: $90/year
- Wealthsimple: $100/year
- Typical Bank Mutual Fund: $440/year*
Scenario 2: If you have a modest portfolio with $100,001. Your annual fee is:
- WealthBar: $570/year
- Wealthsimple: $400/year
- Typical Bank Mutual Fund: $2,200/year
Scenario 3: If you have a modest portfolio with $500,000. Your annual fee is:
- WealthBar: $2,270/year
- Wealthsimple: $2,000/year
- Typical Bank Mutual Fund: $11,000/year
*Using an average mutual fund fee of 2.20%
As you can see, both Wealthsimple and WealthBar can literally save you hundreds of thousands of dollars over a lifetime compared to many of the mutual funds sold by your bank.
As your account starts to grow bigger, you save a bit more on management fees with Wealthsimple. However, note that when choosing between robo-advisors, you should be taking more than just fees into consideration.
Is WealthBar Safe?
When you invest with WealthBar, your funds are protected up to $1,000,000 per account category. This is because your money is held by custodians who are members of the Canadian Investor Protection Fund (CIPF).
On the safety of your personal information, the company uses bank-level encryption to protect your information and funds.
December 2018 Update
WealthBar announced that they were joining forces with CI Financial in December 2018.
CI Financial was founded in 1965 and is among Canada's largest independent asset managers. The company has approximately $180 billion in assets under management and administration. They also manage a few other money-management firms including Assante Wealth Management Ltd. and First Asset Investment Management Inc.
Is WealthBar For You?
You do not have to be considered "high-net-worth" to invest like one. Robo-advisors like WealthBar simplify the investing process for those who want a simple fix to take their wealth-building efforts to the next level.
If you do not want to pay high mutual fund fees and are not confident to go-it-alone using a self-directed brokerage account, robo-advisors are a great option. They figure out your ideal portfolio, re-balance it for you, provide financial advice… all at a comparatively low annual fee. Investing doesn't get any easier than this!
WealthBar Review
- Management Fees
- Account Minimum
- Investment options
- Ease of Use
- Customer Support
WealthBar is Canada's first robo-advisor, giving investors an opportunity to build wealth using low-fee ETF's. You can invest your first $15,000 free of charge and start building wealth.
If you enjoyed this post, don't forget to pin, share on Pinterest and Follow Me! Thanks!


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text: Spending Christmas in a cozy log cabin sound like the most romantic Christmas ever. This personalized Christmas ornament has it all. The cute little bears are decorating the holiday house with Christmas ornaments, festive lights, and a Christmas wreath. Our fantastic artists added just a little glitter on the snow and evergreens to make this ornament the eye catcher on your Christmas tree. It will be extra special after we add the personalization you choose. The ornament is 4″ high and 4″ wide and comes with a satin bow for hanging. Order 5 or more shipped to the same address for free shipping.


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Plunder Planet
A game that makes you love to move!
Plunder Planet is a physical exercise game based on the concept of Dual Flow: The game dynamically adjusts its difficulty as well as complexity level to current physical and emotional states of the player during the training session. Thus, the game always guides the player to his or her individual perfect training mode and provides a maximum effective and motivating training experience.
During the training, the player immerses into the world of a young pirate who dashes across a deserted planet with his flying pirate ship and goes hunting for valuable treasures. The player has to avoid stones, aggressive giant sandworms and other obstacles. The game is played with either the Kinect or the Full Body Motion Controller, which consists of six big buttons around the player. A heart rate sensor is monitoring the player's physical challenge while the game's algorithm is measuring the mental stress. An accompanying trainer app offers the possibility to manually adjust the frequency of obstacles in real-time in order to reach a predefined individual training goal.
This project is an interdisciplinary cooperation with sports scientist and game researcher Anna Martin-Niedecken from the Zurich University of Arts. She researched the question, if a game with the Dual-Flow system can be used in addition or as an alternative to standard fitness programs[1]. Additionally, she studied the impact of two different game controllers on the game and spatial presence experience[2]. During the playful training session children were highly motivated, achieved great training levels and had a lot of fun. They all forgot time while moving around due to being so immersed in the game[3].
Martin-Niedecken, A.L. & Götz, U. (2016). Design and Evaluation of a dynamically adaptive Fitness Game Environment for Children and Young Adolescents. - In: Proceedings of the ACM SIGCHI Annual Symposium on Computer-Human Interaction in Play (CHI PLAY '16), pp 205-212, ACM: New York, NY, USA. ISBN 978-1-4503-4458-6. DOI: 10.1145/2968120.2987720.
Martin-Niedecken, A.L. (2017). Exploring Spatial Experiences of Children and Young Adolescents While Playing the Dual Flow-based Fitness Game "Plunder Planet". In Proceedings of the International Conference on Computer-Human Interaction Research and Application (CHIRA '17), pp. 218-229, SCITEPRESS – Science and Technology Publications. ISBN: 978-989-758-267-7.
Martin-Niedecken, A.L. & Götz, U. (2017). Go with the Dual Flow: Evaluating the Psychophysiological Adaptive Fitness Game Environment
Plunder Planet- M. Alcañiz et al. (Eds.): Serious Games, LNCS 10622, Proceedings of the Joint Conference on Serious Games (JCSG '17), pp. 32-43, Springer International Publishing. DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-70111-0_4


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The group that represents Georgia's 180 local elected school boards has added its voice to the growing opposition of a constitutional amendment that lets the state take over "failing" schools.
The organization on Thursday announced a vote Friday by its board of directors to formally oppose Amendment 1 on the Nov. 8 ballot because it undermines "the constitutional authority vesting exclusive control over public schools to local boards of education as the level of government closest and most responsive to the taxpayers and parents of the children being educated," their statement says.
Numerous school boards have already adopted resolutions against the proposal.
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A smattering of logos from different projects.
Done in collaboration with Ryan Weaver.
Collaboration with Keith Davis Young.
Collaboration with Rob Bratney.
Done while at ONEFASTBUFFALO.
Worked with good buddy Keith Davis Young on a brand and site refresh for moonshine manufacturers Midnight Moon. Art direction by Victors and Spoils.
Branding for Tecovas, a handmade boot company based in Austin, TX.
Photo and printing by Mama's Sauce.
A Dallas-based salad restaurant specializing in adventurous salads. Done while at ONEFASTBUFFALO.
Branding for a comedy show at SXSW 2013.
A lettering project I helped create, brand, and curate. It's a lot of fun, check it out.
TypeFight LIVE at Creative South 2014. Photo by Andy Keil.
Branding elements for Phobio, creators of phone trade-in software and products.
A collection of editorial illustrations, digital doodles, and bored balleyhoo.
Branding for a software development company.
Branding elements for online clothiers, Everlane.
Poster and shirt for the 2012 Record Store Day celebration
Different ways to put letters of the alphabet together.
Screenprinted or plain ol' ink-jet printed posters for gigs, shows, and events.


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Izale McLeod starts up-front this afternoon as Karl Robinson makes one change to his starting XI for the clash with Walsall.
McLeod will occupy the lone striker role for the first time since November, replacing Daniel Powell who moves across to the left-hand side of an attacking trio in place of Dean Bowditch, who misses out altogether through a groin injury.
Winger Ryan Hall, who signed for the Dons on Tuesday evening, is among the seven substitutes and will be hoping to make his debut later on this afternoon.
Elsewhere, the Dons remain unchanged.
Walsall: O'Donnell, Purkiss, Butler (c), Chambers, Mantom, Lalkovic, Westcarr, Downing, Benning, Sawyers, Brandy.
Subs: Lewis (GK), Featherstone, Hemmings, Baxendale, Hewitt, McQuilkin, Ngoo.
MK Dons (4-2-3-1): Martin; Hodson, Spence, Kay, Lewington (c); Potter, Gleeson; Carruthers, Reeves, Powell; McLeod.
Subs: McLoughlin (GK), Chadwick, Smith, Alli, Baldock, Galloway, Hall.


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The debates on outsourcing go on, and though opponents come down heavy on it, the benefits are too many to be ignored. Data entry is a task that is widely outsourced. Managing data is not a trifling task for big organizations. Proper management of information is crucial for their efficient functioning. Organizations have to manage large volumes of data every day. Outsourcing helps manage such information. This article looks at how data entry outsourcing services can benefit you, and improve your productivity and return on investment.
Data Entry Outsourcing:
Core Benefits
Efficient data entry services ensures your organization improved information systems, better customer satisfaction, readily available information, and records in keeping with necessary standards. All this saves time and money, and improves your productivity and efficiency. The data entry outsourcing services provided by an experienced outsourcing company offers many advantages:
Professional expertise: Data entry needs specialized skills. Outsourcing the job allows you to benefit from the expertise of professional operators working with advanced technology to ensure efficient solutions.
Save time and gain a competitive edge: Outsourcing services minimize your administrative workload. It also gives your employees more time to focus on other important tasks. This would definitely help you gain a competitive edge.
Improve productivity and revenue: Outsourcing services are consistent and uninterruptible. Regular monitoring is also possible.
Cut infrastructure costs: Professional data entry services can considerably reduce your operating overhead costs. Outsourcing completely overrules the need to invest in computer systems and other infrastructure, manpower and resources needed to do the job in-house.
Streamline documentation tasks: Well-organized data processing solutions of reliable BPO companies enables you to streamline your routine documentation workflow.
Maintain accurate information systems: Outsourcing enables you to maintain error-free and up-to-date official records. This facilitates easy access to and retrieval of relevant information at any time. You can avoid data back logs and get you records in easy-to-use electronic formats or as hard copies.
Benefit from disaster recovery: As all the data management is with proper back-up, you are ensured of disaster recovery solutions in case of data loss.
Security: All your data is secure as reliable service providers have security measures in place to prevent hacking.
Data Processing
Many established companies in the US offer systematic data entry outsourcing solutions. These firms are equipped with advanced technology and experienced data entry professionals with excellent skills in keyboard handling and handwriting recognition. These experts can process both numeric and alphanumeric data with great speed and accuracy. They provide proficient solutions for handwritten materials, texts, books, surveys, medical claims, insurance claims, medical billing forms, legal documents, images, practice forms, product details, scanned images, and more. The benefits you are assured of with these professional data entry services are:
- 99% accuracy rate
- Multi-level quality checking
- Safe and convenient file transfer options
- Stringent data confidentiality and security
- Customized turnaround time
- Competitive pricing, with cost savings up to 40 percent
- Continuous technical support
- Free trials
Select an Established Outsourcing Partner
In summary, professional data entry outsourcing services help streamline your workflow and ensure benefits in terms of business efficiency, costs, time, resources and effort. A web search can lead you to a reliable service provider.


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Tuesday, November 10, 2009
*Real world perfume: Late autumn in the Tennessee woods
Damp morning air, crumbling leaves, mold, wood smoke, and deer pee--lots of deer pee.
A stag lying, after Dürer, Wenceslas Hollar (1607-77)
*This is a new series. I'm moved to sniff outside the bottle.
2 comments:
- chayaruchama said...
That's MORE than enough for me...
I'll WALK to your door, honey.
And vintage Miss Dior fits perfectly.
[Sniffs happily]
- November 11, 2009 at 5:58 AM
Isn't this a haiku? A very good one.
- November 11, 2009 at 2:07 PM
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Our Union of over 2000 churches is supported by staff in thirteen regional associations and three specialist teams based in Didcot, Oxfordshire. Our six Baptist Colleges prepare men and women for ministry and offer ongoing development and training.
Home Mission Grants are given to support a variety of ministries in and through Baptist churches and chaplains across the country. It also enables all our churches and ministers to be supported and helped through the work of the Regional Associations and the specialist teams in Didcot.
Safeguarding for the protection of adults and children from harm, abuse or neglect. Every church should adopt safeguarding policy statements for children, young people, and adults at risk. We help churches maintain safe environments for all, with processes to follow should something go wrong, and support for everyone involved.
Our Resources Library has a wealth of guideline leaflets and information to help you and your church on a range of topics. You can also find a range of booklets, cards and our Baptists Together magazine available to buy from the Online Shop.
Over the past few years I have become increasingly troubled by the violence in the Bible. Although this is a subject we don't often talk about in our churches, I know from a number of informal conversations that many churchgoers (and others) have questions they would like to explore on these issues.
Published to coincide with June's inaugural events of Bristol College's Centre for the Study of Bible & Violence, Helen Paynter's new book offers a rigorous yet accessible exploration of Old Testament violence ideal for individuals or groups wishing to engage with these troubling texts and the issues they raise.
The book is divided into two parts. The first part offers valuable groundwork on the nature of the Bible and the nature of violence, and concludes with some very helpful suggestions on "Reading the Bible well". It is good to be reminded that the reason that texts of violence disturb us is because of our core belief that God is good. It is important, too, to be made aware that just because the Bible describes violence this does not necessarily mean that it commends it.
The second part identifies a range of types of violent text, and discusses these in ascending order of importance from what is termed "Violence described" through "Violence implored" and "Violence against animals"(sacrifice) to "Violence as divine judgment" and what is the standout case for most people "Violence commanded". I found this a very helpful way of classifying the different examples of violence in the OT. Each chapter concludes with some thoughts on how the type of texts under discussion might be read and used in churches today. Here I was particularly struck by what the author sees as the pastoral implications of ignoring the texts of "Violence described". By ignoring these stories of interpersonal and sexual violence we risk silencing those for whom they are a reality in their lives today. Yes, indeed.
The book concludes with a chapter entitled "Shalom: God's great plan", which puts the violent texts in the context of what is arguably an even more significant OT theme.
The author herself acknowledges at the end of the chapter on "Violence commanded" that "there might be more to say" on these most troubling of all the texts of violence. Not everyone will agree with the suggested interpretation, but I hope that all will agree on the important suggestions for reading them "with ethical integrity" both in our churches and beyond.
I would wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone interested in the questions it explores. If you are new to the subject, it offers a comprehensive introduction and the reassurance that you are being guided by a capable and safe pair of hands as you begin to engage with challenging and important issues.
If, like me, you are familiar with some of the literature on the subject, reading it will surely bring new insights and ideas.


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Richard Archer
2007 Middle Temple
Richard prides himself on keeping a close eye on his caseload and understands the importance of working closely with instructing solicitors from the moment of instruction through to trial to ensure that cases proceed without the need for unnecessary adjournment and with the best evidence available to his clients. He firmly believes in thorough preparation as the key to understanding all aspects of his caseload.
"Richard Archer can be relied upon to be very well prepared for court appearances and conferences with clients. When I instruct Richard Archer I can be confident that the client will receive sound advice from an excellent trial advocate." ‐ Jane Tunn, Solicitor, Poole Townsend, Barrow in Furness
Notable Cases
R v Helen May ‐ Court of Appeal ‐ October 2011 ‐ successfully argued that a sentencing court should draw a distinction between a weapon per se and an item used as a weapon when deciding on an appropriate starting point.
R v Daniel Dinning and another - Preston Crown Court ‐ January 2013 ‐ successful submission of no case to answer based on DNA evidence where the only evidence against the Defendant on two counts of possession of Class A drugs with intent to supply was the presence of a major DNA profile on two of a number of wraps.
R v Jonathan Disley & Others ‐ February ‐ May 2013 ‐ Richard was instructed as junior prosecution counsel (led by Michael Maher, Exchange Chambers) by the CPS Complex Case Unit in Operation ISMINE, an multi-handed conspiracy to defraud trial at Preston Crown Court lasting 8 weeks, the investigation of which spanned over two years. Four of the defendants were convicted and sentenced to a total of 8 years and 9 months in prison.
R v Paula White & Others, 2014-2016 ‐ Junior Counsel for the Crown in two lengthy trials (and Proceeds of Crime hearings) of 12 defendants charged with conspiracy to supply controlled drugs. The case involved the industrial production and multi-million pound sale of 'legal highs' via the Internet.
R v Cobie Mugridge, January 2016 ‐ Following a three-week trial at Preston Crown Court, Richard represented the only defendant in a drugs operation (Operation Duroy) to be acquitted by the jury of conspiracy to supply Class A drugs.
R v Jordan Graham, February 2016 ‐ Successfully defended a young man charged with conspiracy to supply Class A drugs arising out of Cumbria Constabulary's Operation Halogen following a two-week trial that relied heavily on telephone and cell site evidence.
R v Ann Diggles, January 2017 ‐ Richard acted as sole advocate for the prosecution in a trial where the defendant was charged with causing death by dangerous driving. The case relied on complex electrical engineering evidence and was presided over by a High Court judge. The defendant was represented by Queens Counsel.
R v George Findlay, March 2017 – Richard defended a client in Operation Kaleidoscope – a large scale conspiracy to supply Class A drugs – in a trial lasting four weeks.
R v Ricky Andrewatha, December 2017 – Richard represented the principal defendant in a section 18 trial involving a serious, pre-planned stabbing. The evidence involved significant analysis of telephone records and cell siting to prove the offence.
Additional Information
Practice Areas
General Crime
Richard practises almost exclusively in criminal matters. He has built up a healthy Crown Court practice appearing on a daily basis for both prosecution and defence alike. In addition Richard has appeared before the Court of Appeal Criminal Division on a number of occasions. Richard accepts instructions in relation to all offences of violence from GBH to common assault alike, burglary, theft and other offences of dishonesty (including fraud). Richard has a keen interest in defending those allegedly involved in large scale drugs conspiracies.
Regulatory Work
Richard accepts instructions in regulatory work. He has particular experience in relation to prosecutions brought by Trading Standards in relation to counterfeiting offences, agricultural offences and other related litigation.
Public Interest Immunity
Richard is regularly instructed by local authorities to review third party material identified for disclosure in criminal proceedings in accordance with the '2013 Protocol and Good Practice Model'. Where necessary, Richard also attends court hearings to argue in favour of public interest immunity. With his broad background in general crime he realises the importance of correctly identifying relevant material for disclosure and understands the balance the courts must draw between protecting vulnerable individuals and disclosing documents into criminal proceedings. Richard has received judicial praise in relation to his approach in such matters.
Recorder 2018
Secretary of the Northern Circuit - 2017 to present
Junior of the Northern Circuit 2013-14
Crown Prosecution Service Level 3 Prosecutor


text: You may remember a few weeks ago that several of our neighbors on South Marshall Street were displaced from their homes by a fire. Although the City provides relocation assistance, including temporary housing in motels, we have learned that the families need assistance to buy food and other necessities. We are joining with other South Marshall Interfaith Coalition members to provide grocery store cards to these families. Please be generous: checks can be made to Immanuel with "South Marshall Fire" in the memo line, cash can use the same indication on an envelope. Many thanks!!!


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You might have seen it in dispatches, but the other day apparently Freshfields directed all the people who work there to stop using "dear sirs" in their letters.
This is definitely a victory for the masses that should be celebrated by all and sundry as a massive advancement towards gender equality around the world.
Except that it isn't.
What it is, from both a gender and a drafting perspective, is an indictment on everyone involved. In fact, I'm a little amazed that the announcement wasn't made together with an abject apology.
Now on the one hand, I consider salutations on letters to be in that category of "can I really care about this more than just a little bit?". I am not in the category of people who are offended by this beyond finding it mildly stupid. On the other hand, if you're going to do something, then do it right.
The Gender Issue
Apparently managing partner Chris Pugh said:
I hope it will shed light on other things that we might inadvertently be doing that risk alienating not only people at Freshfields but clients as well
Inadvertently? Like when you have 13% female partners? Is that the kind of inadvertent alienation we're talking about?
What about the fact that when you change "Dear Sirs" to "Dear Sir or Madam" you're still putting the male version first?
Except, of course, in the US where you are going to say "Dear Ladies and Gentlemen" as if you are about to commence some kind of oratory.
Beyond that, let's consider the fact that the associate who brought the issue to the attention of the partners apparently researched 10 IPOs and 81 other firms and corporates to arrive at the conclusion that this was an issue. I'm going to ignore how long that probably took, why she did it, or what was going through her head while she did, and leap to the obvious issue: surely this one was a no-brainer?
Couldn't this be a simple "yo boss, why is everything dear sirs when we live in a culture that might find that offensive?" and said boss can respond "oh yeah you're completely right – sorry about that, we'll get on to it".
I can only assume that in order to support their decision and make themselves look slightly less bad, they had to find out that a bunch of other people were similarly cave-man like in their approach to legal drafting so that when you made your announcement you could say how deep the issue ran and how you were a leader in your field for making this decision that should have been made
15 75 years ago.
The Drafting Issues
Whatever you use, whether it's:
- Dear Sirs
- Dear Sir/Madam
- Dear Sirs and Mesdames
- Dear Ladies and Gentlemen
- Dear Gentlemen and Ladies
- Dear Colleagues
- Dear Other Folks
- Dear Losers
- Dear Lawyers
they have a common characteristic: they serve no point.
Here's a startling revelation – you could remove that kind of meaningless salutation entirely and not change a single thing in the actual meaning of the letter.
Now if you were using a personal salutation like "Dear Bob" or "Dear Mrs Smith" then that might be different – but many firms now use an Attention: Person approach to this in the address block itself, which makes lots of sense.
So while the magic circle catches up with 2006 in its strive towards gender neutral salutations, the rest of us should be considering just abolishing them entirely.
Next, in changing the language how they have they have actually changed the meaning.
The reason "Dear Sirs" exists is because, traditionally, you were writing to the firm rather than to the individual. That's why it was plural, and it's also why you started marking things to people's attention, rather than actually directing the letter to them.
However, "Dear Sir or Madam" does not achieve that goal – you're now clearly writing to the individual involved rather than the firm, since you're using the singular of each. That begs the question: if you're writing to an individual, you probably know who that is. So why not actually address them?
If you don't at first, then at least later you will – and don't you think that you might "inadvertently" offend some people once you know who they are if you write to "Dear Sir or Madam"?
The only option to maintain the original purpose of the (redundant) salutation would be to say "Dear Sirs and Mesdames" or "Dear Sirs and Madames" or "Dear Sirs/Mesdames" or some variation.
All of which sound stupid.
Your Thoughts?
What do you think – is Freshfields decision a paragon of gender equality? Are salutations even necessary?
Happy Lawyering!


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Day of Faith at the Capitol 2016
"We are part of a movement that is strong and growing stronger! We are among thousands and thousands of people who want their voices heard in this capitol! We are Community Renewal Society! We are people of faith, called by God to speak our truth!"
Rev. Jason Coulter, CRS Board Member, proclaimed these words at our April 12 rally in the rotunda of the Illinois State Capitol where hundreds of faith leaders put their faith into action last Tuesday. We marched, chanted, and prayed outside the Governor's office demanding a fair budget now! We met with legislators and asked them to: increase job opportunities for people with criminal records; improve police accountability; and enact a fair tax and fair budget that protect the most vulnerable.
While we were in Springfield, HB 4360, which will expand employment opportunities in schools for people with records, passed the House 64-47-01! We have worked for over three years on passing this legislation as part of the Restoring Rights and Opportunities Coalition of Illinois (RROCI). HB 4360 now moves to the Senate and includes the Governor's recommended language from his amendatory veto of a similar bill last year. We celebrate this important victory.
Want to help keep the momentum going?
Take action now: Email your legislators urging them to support HB 4515 when it comes to the House floor for a vote this week.
This week, the House will vote on another bill to increase job opportunities for people with criminal records in health care facilities, like nursing homes. Under current law, health care facilities cannot hire people with a "disqualifying" criminal record unless they are granted a waiver. Many people with a waiver, however, are still not getting jobs. Today, when an employer verifies an applicant's eligibility for employment, they see a red flag, even when a waiver has been granted. HB 4515 improves our waiver process by making it clear that people who have obtained a waiver can be hired.
Help us continue to speak our truth for justice. Over 500 employment barriers make it challenging for Illinois residents with records to find jobs and provide for their families.
Take action now: Email your legislators urging them to support HB 4515, which will increase health care job opportunities for people with records.
Community Renewal Society is part of the Restoring Rights and Opportunities Coalition of Illinois (RROCI), with Cabrini Green Legal Aid, Chicago Coalition for the Homeless, and Heartland Alliance.
View photos from the Day of Faith on Facebook and follow the tweets on Storify.


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Premier Daniel Andrews today attended Diwali celebrations at the Sri Durga Temple at Rockbank, and announced that a re-elected Andrews Labor Government will invest $600,000 towards a new community centre.
The announcement follows Labor's pledge to establish Victoria's first $3 million Indian Community Infrastructure Fund if re-elected, with all Indian temples and places of worship eligible for funding.
Diwali is a time to celebrate with family and friends and highlight the Hindu values of compassion, harmony and respect – values that resonate with all Victorians.
To better facilitate the sharing of Hindu values with the broader Victorian community, the Premier also announced that Labor will invest $200,000 over four years for Victoria's first Hindu Festivals and Events Fund.
All Hindu organisations will be eligible for funding through the dedicated fund for events, festivals, religious celebrations and other occasions important to our diverse Hindu communities.
Almost 135,000 Victorians are Hindu, making our state home to the second largest Hindu population in Australia.
This announcement recognises the contributions of our large Indian communities in Melbourne. It builds on Labor's commitment to invest $14.5 million for land for Indian aged care and $3 million to establish a Bollywood and Indian Cinema Attraction Fund, bringing a minimum of four blockbuster films to our state over the next four years.
Quotes attributable to Premier Daniel Andrews
"With a dedicated festival and events fund, Labor will support our Hindu communities to share the values of compassion, harmony and respect with the rest of Victoria."
"Labor believes that here in the multicultural state, we need to make investments to meet the growing needs of our Indian community."
Quote attributable to Minister for Multicultural Affairs Robin Scott
"Our Indian communities make Victoria stronger and more successful and we want to help them celebrate and remain connected to their culture."
Quote attributable to Member for Kororoit Marlene Kairouz
"Labor is proud to make the investments that matter for our local temple, and the broader Indian community."


text: Yesterday, I picked up 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea at a small independent bookstore in Nashville. I'm enjoying Captain Nemo's many outbursts. "The sea is an immense desert where man is never alone, for he feels life pulsating all about him. The sea is nothing but the means which permits man to lead an almost supernatural existence; it is all movement and love." That's a little bit like life on the road.