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Corporate Community Partners
You need a great employee benefit package to be competitive in today's marketplace. But most employee benefits are expensive. Offering credit union services to your employees can save them money on their financial services and make your company look like a "champion". No extra paperwork. No federal or state reporting. No new office space. All you provide is the employees. We'll do the rest. It's that simple!
All Employers and Organizations in Darlington, Florence and Marlboro Counties are invited and encouraged to become a Corporate Community Partner. Simply send your request on company letterhead by fax to 843-383-2929 or mail to: SPC Credit Union, Attn: Caitlin Vance, P.O. Box 1355, Hartsville, South Carolina 29551. You may also call our Sales and Community Development Department (843) 857-3467, or stop by any of our convenient locations to drop off a Corporate Community Partner Request today! All your employees are eligible for membership; there are no other requirements.
Benefits for your Company/Organization:
A valuable employee benefit with no expense, liability, or contractual obligation to your company.
Monthly electronic newsletter, keeping you up-to-date on current events and the latest financial news.
On-site presentations, new employee orientations, and account opening sessions tailored to your company.
Newsletters, posters, and bulletin board flyers provided at no charge to help promote your new benefit and keep your employees informed.
Happier, less-stressed employees with a healthier financial future.
Convenient branch locations in Hartsville, Darlington, Florence & Bennettsville with drive-up ATM's, saving your employees time and effort.
Direct deposit and payroll deduction service saves time and effort.
A complete range of financial services that meet – or exceed – your employee's needs.
All accounts federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration, up to $250,000 per account.
By adding credit union services to your benefits package, your employees will have access to a full range of financial services including savings and checking accounts, low loan rates, debit and credit cards, ATM's, Share Certificates of Deposit, IRAs, SPC Anytime Telephone Response, Online Account Access including Bill Pay and eStatements – all at no extra charge.
This is an outstanding benefit to offer employees. Why? It is easy to implement, costs you nothing and your employees reap the rewards. They can take advantage of low cost, high value financial services from people you know. It's the best employee benefit you'll never pay for!
Click here to view a Sample Corporate Community Partner Request
Corporate Community Partner FAQ's
Why become a Corporate Community Partner?
Becoming a Corporate Community Partner will give your company a unique and powerful employee benefit with no expense, liability, or contractual obligation.
How does that help me?
You gain from having happier, less-stressed employees with a healthier financial future.
Is it hard to become a Corporate Community Partner?
Of course not! Just return your request on company letterhead and we'll take care of all the rest. If you choose, SPC Credit Union technical experts will work directly with your payroll department to readily coordinate and implement electronic deposit to your employees, offering significant savings in time and resources to both your company and to the employee; and minimizing lost and replacement payroll checks.
What do my employees gain?
These are just a few of the benefits they receive for being a member of SPC:
A valuable and needed benefit, including payroll deduction and direct deposit.
Comprehensive financial services with increased yield, no-fee savings and checking accounts coupled with reduced rate loans and credit cards.
Free 24/7 account access with NetBranch, our free Internet banking service, and SPC ANYTIME, our automated telephone teller.
Electronic bill payment and statements, and a nationwide ATM network.
Free educational seminars on topics including college financing, home buying, education, investing and estate planning.
Access to retirement planning and investment services through our association with Anderson-Strudwick.
Free financial education and counseling program with ACCEL – Members Financial Counseling.
Free, downloadable BudgetSmart software to help effectively manage money.
Convenient branch locations with drive-up ATMs with continuous service through the lunch hour.
Are there any restrictions for my employee's membership with SPC?
Absolutely not! All your employees are eligible for membership; there are no other requirements. Even when they retire or relocate, they can keep their membership.
What is the difference in a credit union and a bank?
A credit union exists solely for the benefit of its members. Each deposit made is like buying shares of the credit union. Every member of a credit union has an equal vote to elect volunteer directors who are also members and who guide the operation of the credit union. SPC was organized by Sonoco Products Company in Hartsville, South Carolina in 1941 and now serves over 20,000 member-owners throughout Darlington, Florence and Marlboro Counties.
A bank, on the other hand, is owned by a relatively small number of stockholders who may or may not be customers of the bank and who select a board of paid directors. These stockholders invest their money hoping to receive dividends from profits and to make money when they sell their stock. So, a bank exists to earn profits for their stockholders.
Is my company responsible for my employee's accounts at SPC?
No! As a Corporate Community Partner, you agree only to let SPC offer your employees the ease of access, convenience, and the wealth of services and tools to help them reach their own financial goals.
What if one my employee's gets into financial difficulty?
This is where SPC truly stands out! We offer financial counseling and debt management assistance and can work one-on-one with members as needed.
How do I get started?
Simply return the Corporate Community Partner Request by fax to 843-383-2929, call our Sales and Community Development Department, Caitlin Vance, at (843) 857-3467, or stop by any of our convenient locations to drop it off today! All your employees are eligible for membership; there are no other requirements.
Corporate Community Partner Directory
Look how many local businesses are already a part of SPC Credit Union!
Click here to find out how your company can join!
Anderson Brass
Bethea Baptist Home
Carolina Pines RMC
Chesterfield Convalescent Center
City of Hartsville
Coker College
Dawkins Concrete
Diamond Hill Plywood
Graham Packaging
Hanson Aggregates
ITW Angleboard
JBE, Inc.
Marlboro Park Hospital
Pallet Makers
Palmetto Staffing Solutions, LLC
Palmetto Brick Company
Paper Stock Dealers
Perfection Clutch
Progressive Alloy Steel
RBC Bearing
Sandhill Quilting Company
Sonoco Products Company
SOPAKCO Packaging
Southern Graphics Systems
Stingray Boats
Talley Metals
Novant Medical Group
Wilson Senior Care


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Outcomes of patients in the national cancer database treated non-surgically for localized rectal cancer
In spite of the advances in screening, diagnosis and treatment strategies; colorectal cancer remains the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in the United States as well as an important cause of suffering for many patients worldwide (1,2). Although survival rates for rectal adenocarcinoma are high in the modern era, its treatment brings about special challenges given the effects curative surgery and adjunctive therapies on sphincter function and quality of life (3,4).
The treatment strategies for rectal cancer evolved significantly over the past three decades. Initially, radical surgery was considered the only line of treatment for non-metastatic rectal cancer (5,6). The high rates of local and distant relapse led to the standardization of optimal oncologic surgery in the form of the total mesorectal excision technique (7), as well as the adoption of adjuvant (chemo)radiotherapy in order to decrease the probability of local recurrence following the resection of high risk, T3–T4/N+ disease. Subsequently, neoadjuvant treatment was found to confer additional advantages in terms of patient outcomes and it was thus adopted as the standard of care (8-12). With various neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy regimens used in recently reported trials, local control rates were largely less than 10%, 5-year disease-free-survival rates ranged from 60–75%, and pathologic complete response (pCR) rates ranged from 8–19.5% at the time of total mesorectal excision (9,13,14).
This small, but not insignificant proportion of patients with no residual rectal adenocarcinoma at the time of surgery let some investigators to pursue an organ-preservation approach with definitive chemoradiotherapy similar to what had been developed for squamous cell carcinoma of the anal canal (15-17). Investigators at Sao Paulo were the first to evaluate a selective non-operative strategy for patients with potentially resectable rectal adenocarcinoma who achieved a clinical complete response (cCR) to chemoradiotherapy (18-20). Subsequent groups sought to replicate the results of Habr-Gama et al and have achieved low local recurrence rates of 1–26%, most of which are salvageable with surgery at recurrence (21-25).
Although a multi-institutional phase II study is currently underway (26), to date, the majority of published studies are largely small in size, single-institutional in nature and limited to a very well-selected patient population who achieve a cCR by various well-defined and stringent criteria. In practice, many patients who fall outside these selection criteria desire non-operative management for their localized rectal adenocarcinoma. Some patients may not be candidates for surgical intervention because of medical comorbidities, and some patients may refuse surgery even when it is recommended. There are currently limited data available to help counsel this population of patients as to their expected outcomes following a definitive radiotherapy-based approach. Information in the National Cancer Database (NCDB) is particularly well-suited to address such a question given its large scale and varied treating institutional setting; and thus, it was used for this aim. In this study, we sought to describe the outcomes of patients in the NCDB treated with nonoperative management for localized rectal adenocarcinoma, evaluate any potential dose-response, and investigate other prognostic factors for overall survival (OS) in this population.
We first obtained the necessary ethical and regulatory institutional review board approval from the University of Texas MD Anderson Institutional Review Board as well as a waiver of informed consent as the information in the Commission on Cancer's NCDB is de-identified. Subsequently, we extracted the data of this analysis from the NCDB registry.
Selection of the study cohort
The initial cohort included 243,499 patients with rectal cancer (International Classification of Diseases for Oncology 3rd edition disease topography code C209) in the NCDB 2014 release, who were diagnosed from 2004–2014. We first restricted our analysis to the subset of patients who did not receive definitive surgery (N=57,583), and then we excluded patients who received no radiation (N=29,668), unknown radiation (N=1,081) or miscellaneous forms of radiation such as Gamma Knife, Linac-based radiosurgery or therapy with radioisotopes (N=109). This left us with a remaining cohort of 26,932 patients. Next, we limited our analysis to patients receiving radiation to the pelvic soft tissue (N=21,969) and excluded patients with stage 4 disease (N=6,215). We then excluded patients who received less than 45 Gray (Gy) (N=2,374) or had unknown/incomplete radiation records in the NCDB (N=958). This left us with a cohort of 12,044. Finally, we excluded patients who either did not have any follow up data available in the NCDB (N=1,512) or who died before surgery could be performed, for whom surgery was recommended but not performed or for whom the reason for omission of surgery was not provided (N=2,124). This left us with a final cohort of 8,408 patients for analysis. The patients in this final cohort had non-metastatic rectal adenocarcinoma treated with external beam radiation therapy to the pelvis a total dose of 45 Gy or higher who did not undergo a surgical resection either because the patient refused surgery or because surgery was medically contraindicated or otherwise unplanned.
Data collection
Data extracted from the NCDB for each case included patient-centric variables including age at diagnosis, sex (male or female) and race (White, Black, Asian/Pacific Islander, and other). Specific comorbidity information is not available in the NCDB, but a summary of the Charlson Comorbidity score (0, 1 or 2+) was collected. Year of diagnosis was also recorded and subdivided into two groups (≤2009 or >2009). Additionally, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level at diagnosis (in ng/mL) was obtained; although the exact value was not provided as a continuous variable, values were categorized in ≤19, 20–99, 100–499, 500–999 and ≥1,000 ng/mL. As the data spanned the period from 2004–2014, patients diagnosed from 2004–2009 were staged using the 6th edition of the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging criteria and patients diagnosed from 2010–2014 were staged using the 7th edition. Changes between the 6th and 7th editions included subdivision of T4 into T4a and T4b in the 7th edition. However, we simplified all T-staging data in our analysis to T1, T2, T3 or T4 for consistency. Additionally, the N-staging changed in the 7th edition to subdivide N1 into N1a, N1b and N1c as well as to subdivide N2 into N2a and N2b. Again, for consistency, we simplified all N-staging data in our analysis to Nx, N0, N1 or N2.
Center-specific variables were also collected. Facility type was divided into community versus academic centers. Community center included facilities coded as either a community cancer program or a comprehensive community cancer program, while academic centers included facilities coded as either an academic/research program or an integrated network cancer program. Each patient's insurance status was recorded as none, Medicaid, Medicare, other government insurance or private insurance.
Finally, treatment-specific variables were recorded from the NCDB including the days from diagnosis to initiation of radiation therapy, radiation modality 3D conformal radiation therapy (3DCRT) or intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and the total dose of radiation in Gy. Where applicable, the total dose was calculated as the initial dose followed by the boost dose. Total dose groups were subdivided into <50.4, 50.4–54 and >54 Gy. Chemotherapy data were also collected including whether patients received no chemotherapy, single agent chemotherapy or combination chemotherapy either concurrently or sequentially with radiation. The reason definitive surgery was not performed was also recorded (patient refused vs. not recommended/contraindicated).
Median OS was calculated by examining months from diagnosis to last contact or death as well as the recorded vital status (dead or alive). Patients who were treated and then lost to follow up were censored at the date of their last recorded follow up.
Statistical considerations
We utilized descriptive statistics to describe baseline characteristics of included patients, Pearson Chi-square test to evaluate frequency of various characteristics according to dose level (<50.4, 50.4–54 and >54 Gy).
Kaplan-Meier survival estimates were used to evaluate OS, and log-rank testing was used for between-group survival comparisons. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were adjusted for significant variables as identified on the multivariate analysis.
Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed using Cox regression analysis to determine factors associated with improved OS; hazard ratios (HR) with corresponding 95% CI were accordingly generated. After a Bonferroni correction was applied accounting for the 13 variables tested in the univariate analysis, statistical significance was considered if a two-tailed P value less than 0.004 was achieved.
To adjust survival for the significant factors found on multivariable analysis, a robust inverse-probability-weighted regression adjustment (IPWRA) method was employed, and this analysis was augmented by the using of nearest-neighbor matching. Nearest-neighbor matching estimators impute the missing potential outcome for each subject by using an average of the outcomes of similar subjects that receive the other treatment level. Similarity between subjects is based on a weighted function of the covariates for each observation. Treatment effects adjusted for in this analysis included sex, age, tumor size, Charlson-Deyo comorbidity score, N-stage, insurance status, chemotherapy type and radiation dose group (<50.4, 50.4–54 or >54 Gy). This IPWRA method was carried out with a nearest neighbor match of up to four cases, although a minimum of one match is required for this technique. All the statistical analyses were performed using Stata Statistical Software version 14 (College Station, TX, USA).
Baseline characteristics
Eight thousand four hundred and eight patients with non-metastatic rectal adenocarcinoma were included in the current study. Among which 2,122 patients (25.2%) were treated with a total radiotherapy dose of 45–50.3 Gy, 4,704 patients (56.0%) were treated with a total radiotherapy dose of 50.4–54 Gy, and 1,579 patients (18.8%) were treated with a total radiotherapy dose >54 Gy. Table 1 summarizes baseline characteristics of included patients. Overall in the studied cohort, median age was 67 and there were more females than males (57.4% vs. 42.6%); white race predominates (82.4%) and most of the patients have a Charlson-Deyo comorbidity index of 0 (79.2%). Most patients were treated at community centers (58.7%) and almost half of the patients were covered with Medicare insurance (52.7%). Median time from diagnosis to radiotherapy was 38 days (IQR: 23–54) and most of the patients were treated with 3DCRT (84.1%). Single agent concurrent (or sequential) chemotherapy was utilized in 52.8%; while combination chemotherapy was utilized in 25.4%. Patients did not receive surgical intervention because of patient refusal in 12.5% of the cases, because of medical contraindications in 9.7% of the cases and because of other reasons in 77.7% of the cases.
Full table
Survival analyses
Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to evaluate factors affecting OS in the study cohort (Table 2). Factors significantly associated with worse OS on multivariate analysis included male gender, age >67 years, Charlson-Deyo score >0, node-positive disease, having non-private medical insurance, not receiving chemotherapy and having medical contraindications to surgery as the reason of no surgical intervention. Patients who received moderate dose escalation (50.4–54 Gy) had significantly higher OS on multivariate analysis [HR 0.8 (95% CI: 0.72–0.88); P<0.001] when compared with patients who received 45–50.3 Gy. Patients who received >54 Gy did not have a significantly different survival [HR 0.96 (95% CI: 0.85–1.09); P=0.553] when compared with patients who received 45–50.3 Gy.
Full table
Figures 1,2 show Kaplan-Meier survival curves for the whole cohort of patients as well as for different dose subsets of the patients In Figure 2, treatment effects adjusted for in the IPWRA analysis included sex, age, tumor size, Charlson-Deyo comorbidity score, N-stage, insurance status, chemotherapy type and radiation dose group (<50.4, 50.4–54 or >54 Gy).
The median survival was 43.2 months for all included patients, with 1- and 5-year OS of 83.9% (95% CI: 83.1–84.7%) and 41.3% (95% CI: 40.1–42.5%), respectively. After case-matching and adjusting for other significant prognostic factors on IPWRA analysis (sex, age, tumor size, Charlson-Deyo comorbidity score, N-stage, insurance status, chemotherapy type and radiation dose group (<50.4, 50.4–54 or >54 Gy), patients receiving 50.4–54 Gy had a significantly longer median, 1- and 5-year OS (49.4 months, 85.8%, 44.7%) compared with patients receiving 45–50.3 or >54 Gy (37.2 months, 79.2%, 38.4% and 34.2 months, 84.5%, 35.3%, respectively; Log rank P value <0.0001) (Table 3).
Full table
The current study reports the outcomes of non-metastatic rectal adenocarcinoma patients treated with a radiation-based approach as a definitive treatment strategy in large-scale, multi-institutional setting. It shows that in the unselected group of patients treated at NCDB-participating institutions (both academic and community-based), survival rates for patients treated with a non-surgical approach are much lower than those reported in previously reported studies with well-selected patient population. Interestingly in the current analysis, moderate dose escalation from 50.4–54 Gy seems to be associated with better survival outcomes compared with doses <50.4 or >54 Gy (after adjusting for other significant covariates).
The main strengths of the current analysis include the relatively large number of patients treated at a wide range of academic and community-based centers for a relatively uncommon clinical scenario. Moreover, compared to other available registry-based population studies (e.g., surveillance, epidemiology and end results-SEER database), the NCDB provides some additional details with regards to the comorbidity index as well as timing of different treatments (including chemotherapy and radiotherapy).
However, there are also several important limitations to bear in mind when interpreting data from the NCDB. There is the potential for miscoding which can add statistical noise. There is also an undeniable selection bias in clinical practice that can be difficult to tease out, even after controlling for other factors. The Charlson-Deyo score is helpful, but the absence of more detailed information about performance status of the patients is problematic, particularly when looking at a population of patients who were not offered surgery or who refused surgery. Additionally, the NCDB does not include pertinent treatment information such as specific agents/doses/schedules of chemotherapy. Moreover, and like other retrospective registry-based studies, the current study is subject to confounding related to the uncontrolled nature of primary data collection. It has also to be noted that the neither the NCDB, nor most of the other large-scale cancer registries (e.g., SEER) do not provide information about the extent of clinical response post chemoradiation. This piece of information particularly was shown to predict the outcomes of anal and rectal cancer patients treated with upfront chemoradiation. Thus, the main utility of the results of the current analysis may be in counseling patients who either decline surgery or who are not medically candidates for surgery about their expected outcomes with a completely non-surgical approach.
In general, the OS outcomes reported in this study in this population of patients treated non-surgically is quite low. Based on the Charlson-Deyo score reported in the NCDB, 79% of the study population had a comorbidity score of 0, and only approximately 10% of patients had medical contraindications to surgical intervention. This would suggest that the study population is relatively healthy at baseline, so the question becomes: what is the cause of the high mortality? T-stage is not prognostic for OS in our multivariate analysis for this population; however, we know from a plethora of other studies that stage is of enormous prognostic value for rectal cancer. In our analysis, age and Charlson-Deyo comorbidity index were the primary drivers of OS. This raises the question of whether the patients in this cohort might be dying from non-cancer related causes. The fact that the NCDB provides no data on cancer-specific survival, unfortunately, leaves this question unresolved.
We restricted the current analysis to patients who received long-course, standard fractionation (chemo)radiotherapy. The rationale for this approach is the fact that long-course preoperative radiotherapy was associated with a higher probability of pathological complete response compared to short-course preoperative radiotherapy in previous publications (12,13). Although specific chemotherapy details are lacking in the NCDB, almost half of all cases received single agent concurrent (+/− sequential) chemotherapy together with long course radiation therapy; while only 25% of patients received combination chemotherapy. Previous studies failed to show a benefit to combination chemotherapy (e.g., oxaliplatin/fluoropyrimidine) compared to fluoropyrimidine alone in the neoadjuvant treatment of rectal cancer (14,15). However, it remains to be seen if combination chemotherapy may add to the management of non-surgically treated patients.
Moreover, it is customary to administer chemotherapy concurrent with radiotherapy in the neoadjuvant treatment of rectal cancer (16,17). Whether other treatment schedules (e.g., induction chemotherapy followed by concurrent chemoradiotherapy or concurrent chemoradiotherapy followed by consolidation chemotherapy) might be of additional help to non-surgically treated patients is not yet known with certainty. Moreover, the additional role of targeted treatment is unclear in the setting of the non-surgically treated patients.
The majority of patients in the current study were treated with 3DCRT and the dose varied from 45 to >54 Gy. Previous studies have shown non-conclusive results about the benefit from boost in the neoadjuvant setting (particularly given the excess acute toxicities associated with increased doses) (18-20). The current study suggested also that doses above 54 Gy might actually be detrimental. However, the fact that toxicity data are not available in the NCDB does not allow us to evaluate further why that might be the case. It stands to reason that moderate dose escalation may improve cancer control which may, in turn, lead to improved OS. However, given the inherent uncertainty of the registry-based retrospective analyses, these results need to be confirmed prospectively.
Recent years have witnessed impressive advances in the radiotherapy planning strategies of rectal cancer in the neoadjuvant setting. Incorporation of functional imaging techniques (e.g., PET/CT scan) is particularly attractive in this setting with encouraging results from recent dosimetric studies (21). The impact of these advances on the planning of non-surgically treated patients is not yet clear. In conclusion, in the unselected group of patients treated at NCDB-participating institutions, survival rates with a non-surgical approach are much lower than those reported in previously reported studies with well-selected patient population. Moderate dose escalation from 50.4–54 Gy seems to be associated with better survival outcomes compared with doses <50.4 or >54 Gy.
Conflicts of Interest: The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.
Ethical Statement: We first obtained the necessary ethical and regulatory institutional review board approval from the University of Texas MD Anderson Institutional Review Board (No. PA17–0278) as well as a waiver of informed consent as the information in the Commission on Cancer's NCDB is de-identified.
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- Wiltink LM, Marijnen CA, Meershoek-Klein Kranenbarg E, et al. A comprehensive longitudinal overview of health-related quality of life and symptoms after treatment for rectal cancer in the TME trial. Acta Oncol 2016;55:502-8. [Crossref] [PubMed]
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- O'Connell MJ, Colangelo LH, Beart RW, et al. Capecitabine and oxaliplatin in the preoperative multimodality treatment of rectal cancer: surgical end points from National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project trial R-04. J Clin Oncol 2014;32:1927-34. [Crossref] [PubMed]
- Rich TA, Ajani JA, Morrison WH, et al. Chemoradiation therapy for anal cancer: radiation plus continuous infusion of 5-fluorouracil with or without cisplatin. Radiother Oncol 1993;27:209-15. [Crossref] [PubMed]
- Ajani JA, Winter KA, Gunderson LL, et al. Fluorouracil, mitomycin, and radiotherapy vs fluorouracil, cisplatin, and radiotherapy for carcinoma of the anal canal: a randomized controlled trial. JAMA 2008;299:1914-21. [Crossref] [PubMed]
- Kachnic LA, Winter K, Myerson RJ, et al. RTOG 0529: a phase 2 evaluation of dose-painted intensity modulated radiation therapy in combination with 5-fluorouracil and mitomycin-C for the reduction of acute morbidity in carcinoma of the anal canal. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2013;86:27-33. [Crossref] [PubMed]
- Habr-Gama A, Perez RO, Nadalin W, et al. Operative versus nonoperative treatment for stage 0 distal rectal cancer following chemoradiation therapy: long-term results. Ann Surg 2004;240:711-7; discussion 717-8. [PubMed]
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- Habr-Gama A, Sabbaga J, Gama-Rodrigues J, et al. Watch and wait approach following extended neoadjuvant chemoradiation for distal rectal cancer: are we getting closer to anal cancer management? Dis Colon Rectum 2013;56:1109-17. [Crossref] [PubMed]
- Maas M, Beets-Tan RG, Lambregts DM, et al. Wait-and-see policy for clinical complete responders after chemoradiation for rectal cancer. J Clin Oncol 2011;29:4633-40. [Crossref] [PubMed]
- Martens MH, Maas M, Heijnen LA, et al. Long-term Outcome of an Organ Preservation Program After Neoadjuvant Treatment for Rectal Cancer. J Natl Cancer Inst 2016.108. [PubMed]
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- Smith JJ, Chow OS, Gollub MJ, et al. Organ Preservation in Rectal Adenocarcinoma: a phase II randomized controlled trial evaluating 3-year disease-free survival in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer treated with chemoradiation plus induction or consolidation chemotherapy, and total mesorectal excision or nonoperative management. BMC Cancer 2015;15:767. [Crossref] [PubMed]

subset: commoncrawl


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"Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord, O my soul. I will praise the Lord all my life; I will sing to my God as long as I live." – Psalm 146:1-2
This afternoon I spoke to my Mom on Skype for almost 2 hours and what a great talk we had! It was just so awesome to see my Mom smiling again! Praise God for restoring her joy and all of our joy again!! I asked my Mom what the doctor thought when he saw Libby's miraculous quick turnaround. My Mom told me the doctor at the veterinary clinic was very surprised to see the quick turnaround in Libby. Then my Mom told him that we have been praying for her and we believe in miracles. What a great testimony that is!
My church had our last night prayer vigil today to end the prayer and fasting month that we just had as a church. It was held from 10:00pm to 2:00am. I am so glad I went but I felt very distracted during the meeting which was very frustrating. I probably felt distracted during the meeting because just before I left home I received a pretty negative comment from someone on my facebook that weighed heavy on my heart and I just couldn't shake it because it felt like another attack.
Before I left the church and went home my Pastor prayed for me which was a very encouraging time. I am very grateful that the Lord opened up that opportunity for that prayer ministry time. The Lord is good and so very faithful.
Here is a picture of Libby happily at home. I got this picture from Jonathan my brother so I thought I'd share it on my blog since many of you have prayed for her. Again I just praise God for our miracle cat and now she is very happy and content to be back at home with my parents and my brother.


text: Share: Comments Print June 25, 2012 at 9:54 AM Lake Washington sockeye continue to stream into the Ballard Locks Posted by Mark Yuasa The Lake Washington sockeye continue to return in relatively strong numbers. Through Sunday, June 24, 31,368 sockeye have been counted at the Ballard Locks, which just under the preseason forecast of 45,871 in just the first 13-days of counting. Usually peak counts vary each year, but occurs between July 7 and July 15. The single-day counts are: 1,633 fish on June 12; 687 on June 13; 532 on June 14; 2,183 on June 15; 3,062 on June 16; 1,724 on June 17; 1,515 on June 18; 2,241 on June 19; 6,421 on June 20; 3,548 on June 21; 1,839 on June 22; 1,883 on June 23; and 4,100 on June 24. During this same time frame in 2006, 24,030 sockeye had returned, but the bulk ended up surging in quite later than normal. That year, 470,000 sockeye allowed an 18-day sport fishery. Other fisheries occurred in 1996, 2000, 2002 and 2004. The big urban lake has an escapement goal of 350,000 sockeye before any fisheries are considered. Pat Pattillo, assistant to the director of state Fish and Wildlife said in an interview late last week that there is still a lot of discussion for looking at different ways to manage the sockeye fisheries, and they've invited scientists to talk about modifying the goals. He says there has also been a lot of discussion with the tribes, and all have interests for the fisheries. "It is a complicated thing, and we're very much engaged and thinking about how to manage the wild fish and take advantage of the hatchery fish," Pattillo said. "We need to reexamine that goal, and see if it can be lowered to 200,000 or 150,000 fish," Frank Urabeck, a longtime sport-fishing advocate and Cedar River Council member said. "It's an involved process that needs to be addressed between the tribes and state. If we can lower it then we'll be a lot closer to having more fisheries in the future." Since 2006, sockeye returns have dropped close to historic lows, and the run last summer ended up at about 43,000. Back in 2009, the sockeye fry entered the lake in low numbers so this summer's adult return wasn't expected to be that good. One positive factor is these fish could be reaping benefits from an excellent ocean and freshwater conditions. The new permanent hatchery on the Upper Cedar River just below Landsburg Dam can produce more than 34-million fry, but last year it only got 25 percent of that figure from spawned adult sockeye. (Photo by Mark Harrison, Seattle Times staff reporter) Comments


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see links at bottom of this post to Lisa Genova's other books
This novel by Lisa Genova focuses on ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) and captures the sequence of events that the body goes through as it's life is taken away, beginning with paralysis and progressing to death. The experience that the disease presents in loss of muscle control and degeneration is so clearly presented that it alone may leave the reader in tears, but Genova brings Richard Evans the person clearly into focus.
Richard is a famous concert classical pianist, known for his technique, and he loses any use of his hands early in the story. Every finger of his hands was like a finely calibrated instrument and the music he played was exact and flawless.
His x-wife who is also an accomplished pianist can clearly relate to what those loses mean, but their marriage ended years ago and she and her daughter, Grace, have only had a distant relationship with Richard for years. Their relationships have ample issues and fault on all sides that must be dealt with as Richards life comes apart.
The emotional strain on Richard, his wife and daughter, are met head on in dealing with this disease, and in some ways their life's issues seem to be the more important message of the book. The step by step debilitation of Richards body, and the treatments and life sustaining equipment challenges, seem to fold into situations that force him to deal with his failed marriage, estranged daughter and his unresolved feeling towards his father.
The thought of Richard having to be left with nothing but these unresolved issues, and only the blink of an eye to communicate, and hope to resolve them, is an additional level of terror that this disease offers. Somehow, they do find some resolution.
It might be possible that ALS was the only way he really had to resolve his bigger life issues but then that seems something beyond fair.
This may be Lisa Genova's best book yet.
"What's the saying? Not forgiving someone is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die."
"Everything begins and ends. Every day and night, every concerto, every relationship, every life. Everything ends eventually."
"Love isn't measured by the number of hours a person logs."


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Today I am turning 35 and I'm thinking about cycles, being on my fifth seven year cycle. According to an article I just read, 35-42 is the last cycle of the Mother Quadrant, a time when, whether it be children or a career, a woman spends her energy nurturing a project. This last cycle is an opportunity to heal the wounds of guilt, resentment and chronic over-extension. All of these things had powerfully poignant manifestations for me in the last year and I am ready to be free. I had my first baby at 21 and it's been 7 years since I grew my last baby, and it is time to reorganize my priorities. I loved growing babies, it helped me appreciate my body and gave me a reason to nourish it well. Now those babies are big kids and my body is still wanting nourishment and I have been putting it off for awhile. In this new country, all on my lonesome, I don't really have anybody else to listen to though. So, after lunch, we are taking a walk to Viktoriapark and I'm going to take a bunch of deep breaths, forgive myself for being new to all this, and tell my brand new birthday cells that I'm ready to pay attention.
10 thoughts on "Birthday • Geburtstag"
Happy birthday Gemma! The best is yet to come and it shall be grand. Love seeing your posts, hope to see more so I can keep abreast of your happenings. Take care .
Love, auntie Jane
Happy birthday Gemma, enjoy your day in spectacular Germany! Don't forget to try the yogurt there, it's so amazing! Ohhhh and don't forget to try some Stracciatella gelato too. it's my favorite (Derek's too!)! My wish for you today is to enjoy & make memories!
Happy Birthday, Gemma! I hope it was amazing!
How lovely that I stumble over you on your birthday; I hope it has been perfect. It's been a while since I've read your posts. Your mom pops in and out of my life in the most perfect of times. While I figure out a way to keep her more-so in than out, I relish that fact that I'm with you on this special day.
My Mother Quadrant has extended into my mid-fifties. Having just sent my last baby off to college, I will be in uncharted waters as an empty nester. I have had a child at home for 33 years now. I have plenty of things to do to keep me busy but I do enjoy sleeping in the buff again…
I trust that you will fill these next seven years with amazing things.
Happy birthday,
On this very 22, I'm 2 years and 2 months behind my fifth, but that's assuming testes don't affect the 7 year interval. All these twos are pretty jazzy.
Happy birthday sister, I think about you in my spare moments, and mind, I'm not a busy chap…
Comments are closed.


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CHOMP! is a free, full-day celebration of local farming, food, and sustainability, and it returns to King County's Marymoor Park on Saturday, Aug. 18! Now in its fourth year, this fun, family-friendly event is hosted by King County Parks and is set for 10am to 6pm. Here's a quick look at what this year's event will have to offer:
Garden Party
$25 ticket, includes small bites prepared by Chef John Sundstrom of Lark, plus one drink ticket good for beer, wine or cider. Additional drinks available for purchase.
The CHOMP! Garden Party is a community and culinary experience offering dishes that showcase ingredients from King County and Washington farms, local beverages to enjoy, and an opportunity to learn about ongoing efforts and improvements to strengthen our local food economy and the organizations that support it. A portion of the proceeds from the Garden Party will benefit Viva Farms. Viva Farms is small farm business incubator that provides bilingual training and technical assistance in sustainable organic farm and business planning, as well as access to land, water, infrastructure, equipment, marketing, and capital. The King County location in Woodinville currently supports five independently owned farm businesses on 10 acres, including 2 acres of shared infrastructure. Founded in Skagit County in 2009, Viva Farms has educated over 700 small farmers (100+ Spanish speakers) in sustainable organic farming and is currently incubating independent farm businesses (7 Latino owned). In 2017, the SAgE (Sustainable Agriculture Education) student farm in Woodinville became part of Viva Farms and five farm businesses signed leases to operate as incubator farm businesses at Viva Farms King County. The program in King County replicates the model in Skagit County, offering a land-based three quarter practicum in partnership with Seattle Central Community College, as well as workshops targeted to the King County farmer audience. This special ticketed event takes place during CHOMP! at the historic Clise Mansion garden in King County's Marymoor Park on Saturday, August 18 from 2 to 3:30pm.
Community Kitchen
The Community Kitchen is the hub for all things food at CHOMP! It includes the Community Plate dining experience where you can sample selections from local restaurants for one price. It also features the Beecher's Sound Food School where you'll learn to make some great dishes, including:
- Pop It UP: Shaker paper bag popcorn zings with a homemade spice blend.
- Quick Pickles: A fresh take on an old favorite—these lightly pickled snacks can be seasoned and spiced to your taste!
- Energy Balls: These quick snacks are fun to make, easy to pack for adventures, and delicious to boot.
- Carrot Top Pesto and Veggie Sticks: Don't compost those carrot tops; use them in this affordable and delicious dip!
Earth School
Whether it's investigating bee specimens or building a pollinator hotel for our winged friends; identifying useful native plants or learning how to build a rain garden; the Earth School will give you skills you can take home and share!
Areas include:
- Wilderness Awareness School
- Wild bee exploration
- Unkítawa
- Tree Time
- Pollinator Hotels
- Herbalism class with Rachel Witt
Farmers Village
At the CHOMP! Farmers Village, you and your whole family can enjoy a huge variety of activities and information from CHOMP!'s program partners.
Farmers Market
The CHOMP! Farmers Market is where you can buy delicious local produce from King County farmers and meet the farmers themselves. Vendors include:
- Sweet Bumpas Ice Cream: Utilizing fruits, herbs, and dairy from local farms, Sweet Bumpas creates one-of-a-kind boldly flavored ice creams and sorbets
- TJ's & CJ's Honeyhuggers: 100% pure, raw and local honey from their home apiary.
- First Light Farms: Their mission is to remind the public that all health starts with healthy soils. As a Certified Naturally Grown farm, they accomplish their mission through their CSA, farmers markets, a U-pick program, and mini farms.
- Carnation Farms: Carnation Farms is a nonprofit organization on a mission to change the way that people want to eat. They celebrate delicious and nutritious food produced in a sustainable manner by providing inspirational and educational experiences that positively affect health, the environment, and local economies.
- Tonnemaker: The Tonnemaker family grows more than 400 varieties of certified organic fruit and vegetables on a 126-acre orchard located on the north slope of the Frenchman Hills near Royal City, Washington.
- Sno-Valley Tilth: Sno-Valley Tilth actively supports organic and sustainable food production practices throughout the Snoqualmie and Snohomish watersheds.
Upcycle Bazaar
The future of our product-driven world is to make new things from the old. The Upcycle Bazaar features the work of local makers! You'll also be able to participate by learning, and even making your own special something. In fact, you can bring an old t-shirt and learn how to screen print with Second Use.
Plus, CHOMP! will feature free live performances from Matisyahu, The True Loves, Caspar Babypants, Recess Monkey, and Unkítawa!
CHOMP! supports King County Executive, Dow Constantine's Local Food Initiative by celebrating local farmers, chefs and restaurants using locally sourced food, and local organizations specializing in healthy food, sustainability, and social justice. The initiative is aimed at strengthening the local food economy and improving access to healthy, affordable food in underserved communities.
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My running has always been intermittent at best. I would sign up for a race here and there in an attempt to force myself to run. Sometimes I would run; sometimes I wouldn't. Sometimes I would go run those distances that I hadn't properly trained for and ended up in pain and barely able to walk afterwards. I knew this was no way to treat my body or mind and that I would eventually end up injured.
Last year I made a goal to be in the best shape of my life: physically, emotionally, and mentally. I started a program with a chiropractor and physical therapist for back and neck rehab from old injuries that continued to consistently nag at me. I had tried this multiple times in the previous years usually ending up on a sustainment path of getting adjusted when it was no longer bearable and being in a fair amount of discomfort the rest of the time. It was different this time because I FINALLY realized that my health is my responsibility. I have to take the guidance from these lovely professionals, and I have to actually implement it into my daily life through action.
I'm still not in the optimum health I would like to be, but I am making progress. I have improved which has resulted in a lack of daily headaches and reduced pain in my jaw, neck and shoulders. I do my best to now work part of my day standing and to take hourly breaks from sitting and get up and move during these breaks. Sometimes I will walk around the house, sometimes I will skip around the house, sometimes I will take Mali for walks, and mostly I have dance parties. When I start feeling tight, I know it is time to move. I am getting more diligent with a yoga routine. Yoga has been the most beneficial practice I have found for neck and back pain; just doing it for ten minutes in the morning provides great relief, and a daily practice has resulted in the most back and neck pain reduction to date. [Note to self: do more daily yoga :)]
After making some good but slow progress last year, I determined it was time to do something to really challenge myself physically and mentally, so I decided to sign up for a 50k. Yep, go big or go home. I know this is a big leap, but I have time, I have a plan, I have resources, and I am gaining confidence with each training run. I have been wanting to share this journey, but I have been afraid. What if I fail? Can I really do this? What if I don't follow through? What will people think??
Well I'm not choosing fear anymore...so here it is, my journey from zero to 50k! I will share this journey with you, probably reach out for support when things aren't going well, and you can help me celebrate each and every victory along the way.
I am running The North Face Endurance Challenge 50k in Wisconsin this September, and a few more races in between. I am hoping this is only the beginning of my endurance fitness journey.
I am also raising money for two charities: The Front Row Foundation and Our Pioneers. I am lucky enough to know the people who operate these charities and value each of their causes and missions deeply. So if you feel so inclined to support their causes and me through providing more inspiration with every dollar donated it would be greatly appreciated. Find my fundraising page here: https://www.gofundme.com/1st-50kfrontrowfactorourpioneers.
Thank you for connecting and your support! Here goes another opportunity for growth and challenge!


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10xin Cardone style. Just found your channel and am planning on getting my
license and hooked up with a company within the next month. I will be
watching lots of your videos over the next few weeks.
Kevin Ward you are the Real Deal. Keep up the GREAT WORK brother.
I signed up twice and have not received a confirmation email for your
webcast. I signed up yesterday and once today. thanks Paula J
I registered but I did not get the training link Kevin
you are the best . awesome
Darn it, no one actually REALLY takes down a replay, do they? I guess so
because I had it open on my desktop, went on a short vacation for three
days and came back and couldn't watch it the 10X your business replay! 🙂
I guess next time you say it's coming down soon, I'll know you mean
business! Ron
Any chance you recorded this and made it available for replay? I just found
you and would love to listen to it!


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Utility Backpack
This fashionable yet functional unisex backpack features a unique, stow-away hood, detailed dual entry and water resistant fabric. This versatile gift for fathers, boyfriends and brothers caters to city commuting, travel and outdoor activities alike.
Retail: $130
Black Diamond Tote Bag
For the ultimate athleisure enthusiast, this stylish quilted nylon carryall features a roomy interior with an individual tablet compartment and water bottle pocket as well as an exterior yoga mat holder. Top handles and an adjustable shoulder strap add versatile ease and comfort for travel. Also doubles as a great diaper bag for Moms. Part of the MPG by Julianne Hough FW16 collection.
Retail: $70
MPG Sport is offering 12% off this style on their site (www.mpgsport.com) from November 8th through December 24th for a feel-good holiday promotion. The coupon code HOLIDAYGIFT12 can be entered upon checkout.
Holiday gift accessories from .@MPGSport Reviewed by FADED4U on November 09, 2016 Rating:


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Jeff Waller, President of Production Consulting Group to Moderate Streaming Technologies Panel.
Wexford, PA – February 28, 2012 – Production Consulting Group, LLC a Pittsburgh- based emerging technologies consulting, video streaming, and media production company, is pleased to announce that Jeff Waller, President of Production Consulting Group will lead a panel entitled "Using Streaming Technology to Take Your Sports (and Other Programming) Worldwide" at this year's Broadcast Education Association Conference in Las Vegas, NV.
As part of this year's Broadcast Education Association Convention 2012, Jeff Waller will moderate a panel composed of representatives from university communications departments, professional sports teams and the Newtek corporation. "Through my work as an active member of the Broadcast Educations and an Adjunct Faculty Member at Robert Morris University, I felt there was a need to assemble a panel to discuss the ways streaming, social media and emerging technologies are changing the way colleges and universities distribute their sports and university television station programming via web-based distribution streams. I am very appreciative of the opportunity the panel selection committee has given me to moderate this panel composed of such innovative professionals and educators", says Jeff Waller, President of Production Consulting Group.
Based in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania and founded in 2004, Production Consulting Group provides a variety of services to the clients across the country in the areas of emerging technologies consulting, video streaming equipment sales and services and live video production. They have received national and regional attention for their work in sports production, educational training and system integrations.
The Broadcast Education Association is an international academic organization that focuses on the electronic media, providing a forum for issues and topics of mutual concern to educators and practitioners, thus to facilitate interaction between academicians and leaders in the industry. The Association provides a forum for current scholarly research and analysis in all aspects of the electronic media. These areas include regulation, economics, policy, management, news, aesthetics, social effects, production and criticism, among possible others.
Since 1995, NewTek has made portable live production and 3D animation systems. Based in San Antonio, they are best known for creating groundbreaking products that are professional, easy to use and cost-effective. Clients include: Turner Sports, MTV, TWiT.TV, ESPN X Games, New York Giants, NBA Development League, Fox News.


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Frogger: Helmet Chaos
There are some series that just never seem to go away, no matter how bad they seem to do. The game we are talking about today is a game that came from a once very prominent series that went downhill with the advent of modern video games. The game is Frogger: Helmet Chaos, and it is taking its first leap onto the Playstation Portable. So does this game capture the classic Frogger feel, or is this one that we can just do without? Read our full review to find out now!
Like I just mentioned, it seems as though Frogger can't seem to get with the time, failing to revamp themselves in line with advancing technology. Take the idea of Frogger, a simple frog who just needs to get from one end of the road to the other without becoming flattened. Try to make that into a current game and it seems like developers are at a loss. Well Konami hasn't given up on their frog friend, and they are back in Frogger: Helmet Chaos for the PSP.
What really strikes me as funny is the fact that a Frogger game has a storyline; this to me just seems pretty humorous, as at one time games didn't need storylines and now even Frogger needs one. Basically Frogger is the great hero who needs to go stop the evil bad guy from ruling the world and making everyone sad. As you can see the storyline is very bare, and has been done to death in other games.
The gameplay itself is actually really simple and doesn't require a whole lot of time to talk about. The whole idea is similar to that of the classic Frogger, and that is trying to get form the beginning to the end without getting killed. Throughout the game, the developers have thrown different challenges in the mix, with different enemies and the like. The puzzles in the game start out pretty easy and progressively become more and more difficult. I must say that the game does a fine job of giving you an idea of what to do at all times, but at the same token still makes it challenging.
The biggest problems I had with Helmet Chaos was two fold actually. First off I could not stand the controls in this game, as they were extremely touchy and can be really frustrating. Second off the game just never wanted to be more then just a simple puzzle game. Sure the game is in 3D for the first time on the handhelds, but besides that this is still a pretty basic Frogger adventure that feels identical its past iterations. It is not that there is anything overly wrong with this game, but in the end Helmet Chaos for the PSP delivers just a "so-so" gaming experience.
The visual style behind Frogger: Helmet Chaos was actually its strongest aspect. Frogger stands out quite a bit from the rest of the game, as he obviously has plenty of detail and sports a very bright and nice looking green. The environments have the whole nice friendly approach, with very bright colors and a good deal of detail. The overall look of Helmet Chaos is a solid one, with plenty of detail and a great deal of color. It is not perfect but is still a solid looking game nonetheless.
Fun Factor
Frogger: Helmet Chaos is the type of game that is really a one time deal. Once you have completed it, there is really very little reason to go back through and play it again. Frogger: Helmet Chaos is a game that I found to be very amusing throughout the experience, except for the lackluster controls. The game also kind of suffers with the lack of variety, as you seem to do the same thing over and over again. To me, this seems like it needed more work in order to really get to the point that you could play this game for more then one time through.
Frogger: Helmet Chaos is one of those games that is decent, but doesn't have anything really revolutionary for the series. If you like the Frogger style puzzle games that don't have all the bells and whistles of other puzzle games on the market, then Frogger Helmet Chaos for the PSP would be a good choice for you. Otherwise I doubt this game is going to be all that impressive for the rest of us out there.
The owner and editor-in-chief of Darkstation.com. I've been apart of the website since 2002 and purchased the website in 2010. Owning and running Darkstation is a dream come true. I love video games and I love writing and talking about them even more.


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Mary Lee Corley
- 27821 reads
Mary Lee Corley, 98, of Yazoo City passed away peacefully Monday, July 30, 2018 in Yazoo City.
Funeral services were July 31 at Glenwood Cemetery with Rev. Lewis Kalil officiating. Burial followed under the direction of Stricklin-King Funeral Home.
Mrs. Corley was born July 28, 1920 To Earl and Willie Seay Chapman. She worked many years in the Yazoo City Public School system, she was a homemaker, a member of Short Creek Baptist Church, devoted mother, mother-in-law, grandmother and great-grandmother.
Her passion was her family, being a caretaker and host to those who visited her. She enjoyed working in her yard, gardening and preparing home cooked meals for her family and guest. "You were always welcomed at her table".
She was preceded in death by her husband, Grover C. Corley; her parents; a brother, Earl Chapman of Mobile, Ala.; and step-son Charles Corley.
Survivors include her son; Don Corley (Evelyn); grandsons, Jason Corley and Drew Corley (Bonni); and great-grandchildren Molli and Luke Corley, all of Madison.
Condolences may be posted at stricklin-king.com


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Episode 162 || March Madness 2018
Annie sits down for her husband Jordan for their annual March Madness episode, a long-standing FTFP tradition. This episode is sponsored by the Thomasville Entertainment Foundation; the Foundation's new book, Thomasville in Concert, celebrates the Foundation's 80 years in Thomasville. You can purchase the beautiful new book (written by our friend Nadia Watts) on the TEF website or in-store at The Bookshelf.
This year's book bracket features The Bookshelf's "sweet sixteen"--the 16 bestselling books of 2018 thus far:
+ Gracism by David Anderson
+ Beauty by John O'Donohue
+ Tell Me More by Kelly Corrigan
+ Text Me When You Get Home by Kayleen Schaefer
+ The Afterlives by Thomas Pierce
+ The Immortalists by Chloe Benjamin
+ A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle
+ Awayland by Ramona Ausubel
+ Sunburn by Laura Lippman
+ Only Child by Rhiannon Navin
+ Fire Sermon by Jamie Quatro
+ The Driest Season by Meghan Kenny
+ We Were the Lucky Ones by Georgia Hunter
+ The Widows of Malabar Hill by Sujata Massey
+ Sing, Unburied, Sing by Jesmyn Ward
+ Feel Free by Zadie Smith
Other books mentioned on today's episode include:
+ Help, Thanks, Wow by Anne Lamott
+ To Bless the Space Between Us by John O'Donohue
+ Rabbit Cake by Annie Hartnett
+ Room by Emma Donoghue
+ To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
+ The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon
+ Walking on Water by Madeleine L'Engle
You can listen to previous March Madness episodes here.
The Out of Print book bracket from 2016 is still online.
This episode of On Being with John O'Donohue is so worth your time.
Follow along with Anne Bogel's Book Flight Bonanza here.
Thanks, as always, to Forlorn Strangers for the use of our theme music. Learn and listen more here.
Listen to a full back catalogue of our show here, and, if you're interested in some exclusive content like what Annie didn't finish reading this month, consider supporting us on Patreon here.


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Teresa Fernández Paredes*
Ciudad Juárez is a city of contrasts, as difficult as any other border city. A place where people from different places come with the hope of finding a job in one of the maquilas or 'crossing to the other side'. It is a city that suffers terrible violence, but at the same time where the bravest women I have ever met fight. It is a city of extreme temperatures, ranging from dry stifling heat during the day to below zero temperatures at night, due to its location in the middle of the Chihuahua desert. This very desert has witnessed one of the worst problems of Ciudad Juárez: the atrocious and systematic violence against women, particularly against girls and young women, who one day simply do not return home, do not answer calls from their desperate families, and whose bodies appear abandoned and half-buried in the sand.
But these young women are not alone. From the moment they disappear, their absence anguishes their mothers, fathers and entire families, who then begin a long, complicated and painful search. Families must fight to make the authorities listen, believe them, and search for their missing daughters and sisters. And then comes the wait. The terrible wait of not knowing where the women are, what happened to them, if they suffered or continue to suffer, all the while knowing the statistics of disappeared women in Juarez. Between 2010 and 2012 more than 600 women were murdered and more than 1,100 forcibly disappeared.[1]
Nonetheless, these mothers and fathers do not lose hope; they keep looking. Olga Esparza and Ricardo Alanís are an example of such parents, who I had the privilege to meet in Ciudad Juárez. They are the parents of Mónica Llanet, a young woman studying business administration in Ciudad Juárez who disappeared on March 26, 2009. Mónica called her mother the day she disappeared to tell her she would arrive home a bit later than usual, as she needed to complete a project with some classmates, but she never came home. Her phone died and time stopped for her family. The reporting of the disappearance proceeded more quickly than usual, as Ricardo Alanís had contacts at the police station who took up the case. He was spared the struggle to be listened to and believed, spared the prejudiced and stereotyped comments about his daughter such as "she must be partying somewhere" or "she must away with her boyfriend, she will come back soon."
Nevertheless, the family reported that from the beginning the investigation was not serious. The proceedings did not advance and focused only on Mónica's family and closest acquaintances, forcing them to repeated interrogations that resulted in no action, but only in revictimization. In fact, during months, the only open investigation in the case targeted Ricardo Alanís himself, without supporting evidence. The family lived in fear while the police delayed the search for Mónica, despite the fact that experience shows that the first hours are crucial in the search for missing people. Common sense more than experience shows how important those first hours are, because to date only young women and girls that were found to have left home on their own accord have been located alive.
During all these years Olga Esparza and Ricardo Alanís maintained hope that their daughter could be alive, perhaps having been trafficked by one of the many rings that operate in Mexico and particularly in this area. Seeking justice, they traveled many kilometers to visit countless institutions. Their path reached Mexico City, where they presented before the United Nations and asked the President in person to do something to find their daughter.At the same time they denounced the disappearances of other missing girls and demanded justice, truth and reparation through the Comité de Madres y Familias Unidas por Nuestras Hijas (Committee of Mothers and Families United for Our Daughters), which they founded.
Unfortunately, their search ended on December 21, 2013. That day the family received the call they had long feared. The call informed them that their DNA had been matched with remains found in the Valle de Juárez. This call confirmed the violent, premature and unnecessary death of their daughter. Later they discovered that Mónica had been found in 2012, and that since then her remains had been kept with the Forensic Medical Service. Almost two years passed until they were notified of their daughter's death and her remains were returned to them. The Forensic Medical Service declined to provide an explanation for the unjustifiable delay.
This post is a tribute to an exceptional mother and father, a way to join them in the pain that only they and other parents and families of disappeared girls can truly understand. I would like to denounce the response of the Mexican state to such disappearances and the structural impunity that continues in Juárez. This ineffective response perpetuates violence against women and girls. Because it is time to end the feminicide. Not one more!
Press release from Monica's parents and the Red Mesa (Only in Spanish)
Related News (Only Spanish):
It takes 22 months to notify family discovery of the remains of her daughter
They confirm that remains are Mónica Janeth Alanís
Amicus filed by Women's Link:
First amicus filed by Women's Link during the Campo Algodonero case.
Second amicus filed by Women's Link regarding complying with the sentence in Campo Algodonero.
*Women's Link Worldwide's lawyer.
[1] According to hemerographic documentation on feminicide in Juárez prepared by the Mesa de Mujeres.


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I know, I know. Just when you thought you'd get a break, nope! The retailers are back with more amazing sales to close out 2012 and you don't want to miss them. Here are a few of the best after-Christmas sales we've found. Found others? Share the love–in the comments.
Save up to 50% on trendy maternity clothes at ASOS.
Take 50% off tons of winter maternity clothes Destination Maternity.
Take 30% off sale items at Gap with code GAPSALE.
Save up to 50% on the most popular styles at Isabella Oliver.
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Our Around the Table Dinner Parties are one of our favourite nights at CFT! These nights are designed for family connection around delicious food and warm company. All you have to do is sign up to let us know you're interested and we'll connect you with a host who will tell you what you can bring to dinner. Sign up by August 4 and then wait to hear from your host. Contact the church to sign up or for any further details.
*Times will vary depending on host


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The Kennedy Center launched its year-long celebration of the 100th anniversary of composer Leonard Bernstein September 22.
Sign up for exclusive discounts and save up to 50% on tickets!
Blocking belongson the stage,not on websites.
Our website is made possible bydisplaying online advertisements to our visitors.
Please consider supporting us bywhitelisting playbill.com with your ad blocker.Thank you!


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Mrs. Bounds was my fourth grade teacher. I liked her a lot. She was warm and friendly and so it was easy for me to overlook her small speech defect.
While we children would say "about", Mrs. Bounds pronounced the word, "aboot." I mentioned this to my parents the third or fourth time I heard her say it. I wanted to know what the correct pronunciation of a-b-o-u-t was. When I explained how Mrs. Bounds said the word, dad said, "Oh, she's probably from Canada." She was.
Well, I never did find out whether Mrs. Bounds was a big hockey fan or whether she liked catsup. It was many years before a college friend from northern Minnesota informed me that hockey was the Canadian national pastime and catsup was the national food. But I did learn a lot from her in the year she taught me.
I remember all of us took a math test which she administered. I scored a perfect 100. (We had moved past the third grade stage of having various colored stars pasted on our work and were now having to deal with looking at pure raw numbers). It was such a young age to be confronted with reality.
When Mrs. Bounds returned my test to me she had a broad smile on her face. She handed me my test with the big 100 marked on it, put her left hand on mine (now probably the basis for a child molestation suit) and said, "Well, you certainly did yourself proud with this test."
I wasn't exactly sure what that meant but I was reasonably certain it was a good thing – a compliment. And I remember walking around the rest of the day with a smile on my face. It felt good to have "done myself proud."
In a much earlier post I told the story of my mother accompanying dad on one of his buying trips to the Orient. They always stayed in a particular "native inn" (which is to say that the sleeping accommodations were futons) and how mom always remarked about the cleanliness of the place saying, "You could literally eat off the floor, the property was so well-maintained."
One day while staying at this hotel in Nagoya, mom came home early and interrupted the maid who was going about the job of cleaning the room. Mom was relatively proficient in Japanese and engaged the woman in a conversation, complimenting her on the outstanding job she did.
The woman, in Japanese fashion, was a bit abashed at this praise. But my mother went on to say, "You know, with your diligence, I would think there are a lot of companies that would hire you – and probably at higher wages." (A typical western response – although I know my mother meant it as a compliment).
The maid said that she was working as an apprentice watchmaker for the Seiko company at night and that in six months' time would be offered a position there at three times her present salary.
My mother said, "Well, I'm sure you are looking forward to that."
The maid responded. "Oh, yes. But in the mean time I will be the best cleaning lady that I can be."
That Japanese cleaning lady, "did herself proud."
My parents in both their businesses were never satisfied with less than excellence. While mom's was a one person operation, dad expected excellence from all his employees. He did not merely preach that at them – he demonstrated it to them in his personal conduct. Excellence is not an accident – it is a standard – or at least that's what my parents thought.
Having been raised by people such as they, I naturally tried to meet the high standards that they considered normal. And, naturally, I expected to find that same desire to be the best you could be in others. What a disappointment. Customer service wasn't bad in the 60's but it's been on a hyperbolic decline since then. If this isn't it's nadir, I'm almost afraid to think what's in store for us consumers.
I walked into my neighborhood Smith Food and Drug store (a Kroger division) about a month ago. All of the employees were wearing t-shirts with bright yellow lettering on them. The message on the t-shirts read:
If I happened to wear dentures (I don't) I can assure you that they would have been on the floor of the store, clacking away in the same manner that we used to see in the early cartoons.
I simply couldn't believe this message which to me translated as "Okay, we messed up the first time and now we're going to try to rectify our error." If there is another interpretation of that message, I have been unable to figure it out.
And I thought to myself, "Let's see. Someone here goofed up something (I wasn't sure exactly what the antecedent of 'IT" was), and will try to undo her or his previous mistake. But if that person made a mistake in the first place, why should I have the confidence that he will be able to fix it the second time around? I mean, after all, if he didn't realize that it was wrong to start with, what Divine insight has he since acquired to see the original error? Or if the mistake merely occurred because he executed his job in a sloppy manner – why should I expect him to be any less sloppy now in trying to fix it?"
If I worked in Kroger's PR Department, I would issue an immediate recall of these t-shirts and replace them with ones that say:
Even if that statement is an outright lie, who cares? Anyone who has ever seen a political spot on TV knows that there is no truth in advertising.
Being raised by my parents had both its high and low points. Mostly they were the former. But I know that there were times when I struggled with a particular subject, I wished that they would have been satisfied with an 80 instead of the expected 100. I knew that wasn't the case – so I just had to try a little harder and work a little longer – partly to avoid the shame of disappointing them – but mostly out of the fear of losing my own self-respect.
I know that mom and dad always tried to conduct their affairs in a top drawer manner – and with the response they received from their customers, they must have been pretty successful at it.
I guess it would be fair to say, they "did themselves proud."


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Its official!
Half way there! wow! Amazing to think half the year is already gone… I wanted this project to slow down the time in a way so it wouldn't slip away so quickly but… it seems to be slipping just as fast as ever! I think I have grasped it a bit more though! I hope so anyway!
Time is a funny thing… for instance after you read this sentence… well that time it took you to read it… its gone now! And gone forever! (I hope it was worth it!)
I guess the real trick about time is not trying to stretch it out but to realize you can never get it back and then to use it as wisely and make it count as much as possible! That way if today is the last day I am here… at least I made it count!
We made it count today! Well when I say we I really mean Michael made it count! I was in a really ratty mood for some reason and feeling really really down… Michael gave me a wonderful love filled cuddle and then said "let's get out of the house, I think there is a good photo out there waiting to be taken!"
So we did!
A perfect shot to I think… as I did need a bit of nurturing and got it just like this gull!
The funny thing…. When we got to our destination I looked at the camera… battery at 11 minutes! Uugh and I don't have a spare! Lol! 125 shots in 11 minutes I think is pretty good! I would call it mad snapping!
The day was great! Saved by my wonderful hubby! Thank you Michael!
I have a joke for you to end this midpoint of the year… this by the way is my favourite joke of all times!
Jack and Jill were playing hide and seek…. Jill says to Jack "I will hide first and if you can find me… I'll let you do anything to me sexually you want to! And I mean ANYTHING!" then Jill says to Jack…. "If you can't find me…. I'll be behind the shed!"
I would love to hear your favourite joke too! :~)
Happy weekend! And happy next half of the year! Woo Hoo!!!!!!
Leave a Reply.
365, 2011
I have decided to do a Project 365! Here is just a bit of info behind every pic.
I have an Etsy shop now! Check it out here!!!!
December 2011


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Create an Account - Increase your productivity, customize your experience, and engage in information you care about.
October 5, 2019
November 1, 2019 - November 12, 2019
7600 Amador Valley Blvd.
November 2, 2019
6600 Donlon Way
December 7, 2019
6600 Donlon Way
January 4, 2020
6600 Donlon Way
April 16, 2019, 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM @ Dublin Library
Are you currently looking for a job and not having much success? Then come and get expert advice from a job search specialist on how to write a resume and cover letter that will get you more interviews and a suitable job faster. This program is free and presented by the Tri-Valley One-Stop Career Center in partnership with the Dublin Library.
No appointment is necessary to attend.
April 16, 2019, 7:00 PM @ Dublin Civic Center
November 9, 2018, 11:00 AM - May 10, 2019, 5:00 PM @ Dublin Camp Parks Military History Center
Parks Air Force Base was a basic training center, overseas replacement depot, and air base defense training area during the Korean War. Learn about the Korean War and how Parks Air Force Base provided basic training and prepared airmen for flight school and service. See on display a recruit's 'regulation' bunk complete with footlocker and souvenirs; uniforms including the herringbone jumpsuit worn for work duty; an officer's desk complete with General MacArthur snow globe and original Parks AFB yearbooks with photos depicting the training and camaraderie Parks AFB personnel; and original construction plans, reports, photographs, and documents for Parks AFB and Hospital.
April 6, 2019, 1:00 PM - August 18, 2019, 4:00 PM @ Dublin Heritage Park & Museums
Dig deep into Dublin's roots to learn about the tribes of the Ohlone and Bay Miwok people who were the first inhabitants of this area. The exhibit begins with a brief look at the people who lived here first and whose descendants continue to live here today. Learn about their daily lives including horticultural practices and foodways, tools and technology, environmental management, social order, and beliefs. Displays include a house model, examples of usable plants and animals, hunting tools and mortars. Monthly Hands-on History Days further explore the daily life of the Ohlone and Bay Miwok and provide hands-on activities that bring the exhibit to life.


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Hotel St. Clair Apartments are more than a cookie cutter collection of rooms. It has a unique story, an identity, that is rooted in the King Lincoln District of Columbus, Ohio and history of Jazz as a whole. Read about our insights on this logo project here.Read More
Paid leave is good for families and good for business. Read about our insights on #RewriteTheRules, the brainchild of Geben Communication.Read More
Faith doesn't have to be boring. Read about our insights on our website launch of Damascus Campus, a Mission Campus in Columbus, Ohio that is reversing trends by creating a place of encounter with high adventure activities that lead to high adventure Faith.Read More
As any user of the internet knows, it stinks when a website takes a long time to load. If you're using Squarespace then you could be bogging down your load time without even knowing it by loading fonts you aren't even using. Check out our free and quick tool to help optimize your Squarespace website's load time by removing those unused fonts.Read More
Connecting on social media is strategic. Read about our insights on our project with LASANAN called Budget Divider, an interactive calculator for content marketers allotting their monthly social media spending.Read More
The Ohio Association of Realtors (OAR) reached out to cheers with an interesting challenge: to create a suite of membership materials inviting individuals to participate in an exclusive subset of OAR membership, make them leave an impression, and do it in a tight timeline. Talk about ready, set, go! Read about our insights on the project here.Read More
Bob Snow is a Columbus, Ohio based engineer and carpentry moonlighter. When he needed a creative and classic logo for his woodworking adventures as The Makeshit Craftsman, cheers went to work. Check out the insights behind the identity here.Read More
We did it guys. The CBJ clinched their spot in the 2017 Playoffs. Check out the March/April recap of Columbus Blue Jackets hockey as told through data visualization by cheers studios.Read More


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I have been a Flickr user since 2005. I have more than 18,000 photos stored there. Every photo, every scanned document and even screenshots are automatically backed up to Flickr. I control who can see my photos and which remain private. I can easily share my photos both within Flickr (Flickr Groups are awesome!) or to Facebook, WordPress, Tumblr and by mail or message. At $50/year it is not only a fabulous backup service, it's also a gorgeous platform to display my photos.
If that's not enough . . . all my photos (except the ones I've set as private) are very searchable and have attracted a number of research cousins.


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Glenwood Edmonton Homes For Sale
A large neighbourhood situated in west Edmonton, the community of Glenwood was primarily developed following the 35 years after World War II. Bounded on the north side by Stony Plain Road, Glenwood features a mixture of both residential and commercial development and became a part of Edmonton in 1964 after the town of Jasper Place joined Edmonton.
Glenwood is home to the headquarters of west Edmonton's police service.
Homes for sale in Glenwood
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Join to receive immediate notifications on new listings, price drops and hot deals in the Glenwood area. Connect with us to learn more about the market and learn how you can save with our 2% real estate based commissions.


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Cheaters to Get Locked Away on Prison Server in EverQuest 2
Don't cheat.
GameSpot may get a commission from retail offers.
EverQuest II cheaters, beware, Daybreak Games is preparing to launch a new "prison server" where offending players will be locked away for good.
As explained in the game's forums, the server will be called "Drunder," and it's expected to roll out later this week. Players caught cheating or otherwise disrupting regular gameplay will be sent to that server.
"Characters on these accounts will be copied to Drunder (the 'prison server') and can never leave or transfer to another server," Daybreak explained.
The developer said its customer service employees have requested such a server for years now as a means to deal with offenders. It's these employees who will determine which players are sent to Drunder.
The Daybreak Games terms of service agreement contains a section labeled "Cheating" that outlines the company's suspension and ban policy. Punishable offenses include general cheating (including hacks, bots, etc.), as well as reverse engineering or disassembling of Daybreak software in any way.
Daybreak went on to clarify that Drunder will not receive any customer service support. In addition, non-banned players can request a server change to Drunder, but they should know that this change is account-wide and not limited to one particular character.
"You won't be able to move individual characters to this server, while maintaining characters from the same account on another server," Daybreak said. "This is a ONE-WAY trip for an entire account forever.
"Ultimately, players who break the rules--or want to--will have a world of their own to do… whatever they will," Daybreak added.
EverQuest II is a free-to-play game, so offending players could always just create another account and start over. They could even buy a level boost to jump right back up the ranks.
Finally, Daybreak stressed that the prison server feature is only an "experiment," suggesting that the developer may decide to change things up down the road.
"Let's see where this takes us," Daybreak said.
Got a news tip or want to contact us directly? Email email@example.com


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With my sister's second bub due in March, I thought I had better get a big start on her baby's quilt.
11 of 14 gollies are assembled.
The centre charms are all cut out and joined. The music background is ready to be used (in reverse, so that the pattern is more subtle, although this will put the treble clefs backwards, but ah well...)
And I would love to have the little quilt top assembled tomorrow, ready to stitch the gollies down.
This quilt design by Lil Blokes measures about 60cm x 70cm. This is about the size baby quilt I made for my sister's first baby, and she said it was the perfect size. It certainly turned up in a LOT of baby photos. That's it then. Sorted. I would say the little quilt top is about half finished. YES!
Out in the Garden
3 hours ago


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Event Information
Date and Time
Locations Vary - See Links Above
Marin Conservation League will host a four-part series of interactive workshops on management of the natural and cultural resources on agricultural lands in the Point Reyes National Seashore. Topics will include formation of the Seashore, operational challenges, resource protection on ranchlands, and planning for the future.
Participants will gain an increased understanding of ranching on lands managed by the Point Reyes National Seashore, their relation to Marin's larger ranching community, and key issues that will be addressed in PRNS' planning and environmental assessment for ranches in the Park.
Each workshop will be held on Tuesday evening from 6pm - 8pm, however, please note location by date as they do vary.
9/13: How the Park Came To Be
A history of the intent and formation of the Seashore and GGNRA
-Location: Bay Model, 2100 Bridgeway, Sausalito (carpooling is encouraged)
9/27: A Year In The Life Of A Rancher On The Point Reyes National Seashore
The ABC's of ranching and market influences on the economic viability of a ranch on the seashore
-Location: Nicasio School, 5555 Nicasio Valley Rd., Nicasio (carpooling is encouraged)
10/11: Doing It All: Taking Care Of The Ranch And The Land
Stewardship of the ecosystems and natural resources that are the endowment of the National Parks in West Marin; grazing practices and conservation projects that work to improve water quality and protect wildlife habitat
-Location: Bay Model, 2100 Bridgeway, Sausalito (carpooling is encouraged)
10/25: Hopes and Dreams
The next generations of ranchers discuss their hopes and plans for the future of ranching in Marin and the Point Reyes National Seashore
- Location: Nicasio School, 5555 Nicasio Valley Rd., Nicasio (carpooling is encouraged)
For info, contact MCL at (415) 485-6257 or firstname.lastname@example.com
Locations Vary - See Links Above


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An interesting story, provided by Kristin Tate.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) sent its employees a brochure, telling them to vocally support homosexuality. The brochure read: "Don't judge or remain silent. Silence will be interpreted as disapproval." Subsequently, the DOJ has been accused of viewpoint intolerance and religious discrimination.
The brochure was called "LGBT Inclusion at Work: The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Managers." It was created as a resource by DOJ Pride, a group made up of DOJ employees who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender.
In addition to directing employees to vocally affirm homosexuality, the brochure also told them to post "DOJ Pride" stickers around their offices to indicate "that it is a safe place."
Workers were told to use "inclusive" terms, like "partner" or "significant other", since traditional terms like "husband" or "wife" might be offensive.
But wait, that's not all! Employees were also told not to use words like "gay lifestyle" or "sexual preference" — those words, too, might offend some.
Good grief.
Mat Staver, founder of Liberty Counsel, said, "This administration is pushing the most radical, immoral agenda on the American people. Christians are not merely required to 'shut up,' but now they are being coerced to embrace immorality that goes against their sincerely held religious beliefs."
A DOJ worker in DC who received the brochure is being represented by the Liberty Counsel. She worries she might loose her job unless she publicly affirms homosexuality. She's likely not the only one with these fears. "Christians are frightened and terrified of losing their jobs… You have to become an advocate for the LGBT agenda- and if you don't- the DOJ will consider that to be intolerant."
Some DOJ members are also concerned about transgendered employees using the bathrooms. For instance, there is one man who wears and skirt and uses the female restrooms. As it stands now, transgenders at the DOJ may use whichever bathroom they feel most comfortable with.
Essentially, under directions given by the brochure, a person cannot be both a Christian and a manager at the DOJ. That is not only unfair, but also discriminatory to Christians.
Obama said that he would transform America — and we can see those changes in the Department of Justice.


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Romeo and Juliet - Royal Ballet, Royal Opera House - London Theatre Tickets
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Romeo and Juliet - Royal Ballet cheap tickets and show information. Get discount tickets, special offers on dinner and hotel packages with LondonNet's guide to theatre in London for Romeo and Juliet - Royal Ballet.
When Romeo and Juliet meet at a ball they fall passionately in love. But their families are sworn enemies, divided by a bitter feud. Can they stay together against a backdrop of hatred and hostility? Choreographer Kenneth MacMillan brings a contemporary interpretation to Sergei Prokofiev's classic score, drawing out the emotional and psychological intensity at the heart of the tale. The ballet contains three passionate pas de deux: from the lovers' first meeting and the famous balcony scene to the devastating final tragedy, all set against a wonderful evocation of 16th-century Verona, where a bustling market place erupts into a violent sword fight and a lavish ball is held at an elegant mansion. MacMillan's Romeo and Juliet first arrived at Covent Garden in 1965, with Rudolf Nureyev and Margot Fonteyn in the title roles. The performance received a rapturous reception, with 43 curtain calls and almost 40 minutes of applause. It has been at the heart of the Company's repertory ever since, amassing over 400 performances. This classic production has been toured around the world, and was recently adapted for arena-scale performances at the O2 Arena, keeping MacMillan's vision powerfully alive in the 21st century.
Venue: Royal Opera House, Bow Street, London, WC2E 9DD.
Directions: (3 mins) The Opera House is off Covent Garden piazza, which is visible from the tube station exit. There is a revolving door entrance at the piazza.
- Matinees: Various dates and times.
- Evenings: Various dates and times.


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Rice With Kale And Tomatoes Recipe
- Ingredients: 15
- Serves: 2
Rice with kale and tomatoes with long-grain unconverted rice, small garlic clove, minced, olive oil, a 14-ounce can plum tomatoes, drained, seeded, and chopped, finely chopped rinsed kale leaves.
- 1/2 cup long-grain unconverted rice
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
- 1 tbsp. olive oil
- a 14-ounce can plum tomatoes, drained, seeded, and chopped
- 2 cups finely chopped rinsed kale leaves
For quick preserved lemons:
- 1 tbsp. brine from quick preserved lemons
- 2 tbsps. minced fresh coriander
- 2 tsps. fresh lemon juice, or to taste
For jus
- 1 large shallot, minced
- 2 tsps. chopped fresh tarragon
- 2 tablespoons chilled unsalted butter, cut into pcs.
For topping
- *Be sure to use white rice flour; brown will result in gritty pizza dough.
Special equipment:
- Special equipment: pizza stone or heavy baking sheet, baking peel or heavy baking sheet, parchment paper
Rice Fritters
- 4 cups peeled jicama, cut into matchstick-size pcs.
- 3 cups pea sprouts
- Step 1 In a small heavy saucepan bring 1 cup water to a boil, add the rice and salt to taste, and cook the rice, covered, over low heat for 20 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
- Step 2 In a heavy skillet cook the garlic in the oil over moderately low heat, stirring, until it is golden, add the tomatoes and the kale, and cook the mixture, stirring occasionally, for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the kale is tender.
For this step you will need
- Step 3 Fluff the rice with a fork and in a bowl combine well the rice, the kale mixture, and salt and pepper to taste.
For this step you will need
Nutrition information
|Calories 306
|Carbohydrates 53 g (18%)
|Fat 8 g (12%)
|Protein 7 g (14%)
|Saturated Fat 1 g (6%)
|Sodium 40 mg (2%)
|Polyunsaturated Fat 1 g
|Fiber 4 g (15%)
|Monounsaturated Fat 5 g
|Cholesterol 0


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I have a few exhibition updates that I'd like to share:
First, I have a piece in the exhibition, "The Soul in September", curated by the talented painter and writer, Michael Davidson. Artists include: Andy Patton, Nicole Collins, Jacques Oulé, Erin Loree, John Brown, Amanda Clyne, Rebecca Ladds.
For the month of September...
26 Mackenzie Crescent, Toronto, ON, M6J 1T1
Saturdays, 2-6 or by appointment
416 346 3246
Special Event:
Join us Saturday September 20th 3pm for an informal poetry reading, with special guests, Roo Borson, Kim Maltman, Yan Zhou, Andy Patton and Michael Davidson
Facebook event:
Akimbo ad: http://www.akimbo.ca/72930
I will also be exhibiting at Galerie BAC in Montreal in the exhibition "7 Toronto Painters".
Please join us for the opening reception on September 25th at 5pm.
The exhibition puts together works by 2 Galerie BAC artists, Matthew Schofield and Mark Stebbins, as well as invited artists Matt Bahen, Erin Loree, Christopher Knights, Linda Martinello and Shannon Partridge.
As the title indicates, the exhibition brings together works by 7 Toronto-based emerging and mid-career artists. The styles presented are eclectic, ranging from abstract to figurative works, and are made up of a variety of techniques such as painting, mixed media and collage. Together, these artworks illustrate particular issues in practice in contemporary art in Toronto, as echoed elsewhere in the country. With this exhibition, Galerie BAC is the first to introduce the work of these Toronto artists, most of whom are unknown by Montrealers.
Gallery website: http://galeriebac.com/home-2/
Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/614419972012958/