text:
Transferring / Re: Cooley + Law Review/Moot Court/etc. or MSU with Nothing?« on: August 03, 2009, 11:44:48 PM »
MSU easily.
I don't see how the NLJ placement stats (or the employment stats in general, excluding academic attrition and transfers) support choosing MSU. MSU's 3% NLJ placement, compared to Cooley's 0%, doesn't justify the transfer, IMO.So the question is, would you stay at Cooley with LR, Moot Court, and a 25% scholarship, or would you jump ship to MSU and have none of that?
Cooley. I think the $20K less debt, law review, and moot court turn the table on the lower reputation. And this isn't even considering the unknown possibilities, all of which are unlikely at MSU: higher class rank due to transfers, law review editorial board, publishing note/comment, moot court board, high placement at moot court tournament, good references/letters from 1L professors, social networks gained through moot court / law review / 1L year. Job prospects from both schools will not be great.
MSU's marginally better employment prospects don't justify the jump, in my opinion. At least with law review and moot court at Cooley, your friend has some credibility. She'll be a nobody at MSU. Better to be a big fish in a small pond rather than just another fish in a slightly larger pond. If your friend was transferring to some random tier 2 or tier 1 school, the move would probably be worth it. But I don't see the move being worth $20K, law review, and moot court.
After learning more from her about MSU and transfer students, I'm beginning to swing this way too. I'm not sure that I'm convincedI still have this worry that, in five years, when experience begins to eclipse education, having Cooley on her resume could be a game breakerbut I'm definitely torn on what to recommend.
The latest things I've learned: MSU doesn't allow transfer students to earn latin honors at graduation and, if her interpretation of the student handbook is correct, they don't allow transfer students to graduate with regular honors either (I'm iffier on whether this interpretation is correct). They also don't give transfer students an official rank (something about only allowing them to have an unofficial "comparison" ranking. Not sure if it would go on a transcript or not).
She met with MSU's Dean of Academics today and didn't come away feeling good about transferring but also didn't feel like he really had much information. I've encouraged her to set up a meeting with the woman in the admissions office who oversees transfers, as I figure that she may have better info and, perhaps, might be more willing to pull strings for things like moot court (if there are any strings to pull).
I've also encouraged her to set up meetings with a couple professors at Cooley. All of the advice that she's received from people with JDs so far has come from people who graduated from Cooley. I'm not sure that they provide the most unbiased advice. She's had a few professors that she really respected there, though, who come from more reputable schools (Illinois, Michigan, etc) and who, according to her, have a reputation of being very honest and upfront with potential transfer students (two of the four she's going to try to talk to have encouraged friends of hers to leave while encouraging others to stay, and the other two have a good reputation for this kind of stuff). Here's hoping she gets some good advice . . .


text:
Sonic Games
How to Play:
Use the mouse to select choices
Sonic RPG Eps 2
Sonic RPG Episode 2 opens up with a battle in the Herbegit Temple featuring Sonic & Nights teaming up against the Ristar. Sonic & Nights want the Sapphire or Holy Emerald but Ristar - playing the role of Switzerland - says no dice and so Episode 2 begins...
134615 plays
More Free Sonic Games
Super Smash Flash 2
The sequel to the widely popular Super Smash Bros., Super Smash Flash 2 is the greatest fighting game ever made
Ultimate Flash Sonic
Quality remake of Sonic the Hedgehog with 2 full acts of stages, cheat codes, and cool jumps!
Sonic the Hedgehog
Play the original Sonic the Hedgehog rom for the Sega Genesis. This is the FULL game!
Super Sonic the Hedgehog
Classic Sonic the Hedgehog remade in flash! Complete each stage just like the original
Sonic and Knuckles Sonic 3
A combination game of Sonic and Knuckles and Sonic the Hedgehog 3 all rolled into one rom!
Sonic Burned Edition
A fiery hot Sonic the Hedgehog rom featuring the original game but with a higher temperature
Sonic The Hedgehog 3
Dr. Robotnik is up to his old tricks again. Only the power of the Chaos Emeralds can stop him!
Sonic The Hedgehog 2
Take a trip back in time with the full version of the Sega Genesis game Sonic the Hedgehog 2
Sonic the Hedgehog Blast 5
This fun, creative sonic rom was made for the nintendo
Final Fantasy Sonic X6
The ultimate Final Fantasy Sonic experience! Plays almost like an interactive movie
Sonic Scene Creator v2
Create the ultimate Sonic the Hedgehog scene in this upgraded version of the original Sonic scene maker!
Sonic And Knuckles
Play the rom Sonic and Knuckles for the Sega Genesis
Sonic Smash Brothers
Try to knock your opponent off the level before they knock you off!
Sonic the Hedgehog Snes
Play as Sonic the Hedgehog but in a SNES game! This rom brings a whole new flavor to the Sonic series.
Sonic Lost In Mario World
Sonic enters a crazy blue portal of some sort and ends up lost in Mario World!
Sonic on Angel Island
Similar to the first world of Sonic the Hedgehog for Sega. Collect all the rings and defeat the boss!
Sonic Streets Of Rage 3
This rom is a hack of Streets of Rage 3 where you can play as Sonic!
Sonic X Freedom Planet
Sonic X Freedom Planet is an awesome sonic the hedgehog rom hack where you play as Lilac
View all our Sonic Games
More Free Games To Play
Mario Games
Space Invaders
Pacxon Game

subset: commoncrawl


text:
|Kelly Karbacz
Niki stars in Sesame English as the best friend and sidekick of Tingo.
According to her official biography, Niki is "a typical American teenager who lives in the basement of her parents' home. Niki's smart, savvy and sophisticated one moment, wide-eyed and curious the next. She loves sports, scary movies and books, but music is her passion. In fact, Niki is the lead singer in her own rock band! She introduces Tingo and the audience to English language and American culture."
Community content is available under CC-BY-SA unless otherwise noted.


text:
This event takes place on 1st October 2016 from 10:00am to 2:00pm and will take place at East Huntspill Village Hall, Church Road, E. Huntspill, Highbridge TA9 3PG. It is being organised by Puritan Quilters.
Refreshments available. All welcome! All proceeds to charity - the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance. If you would like more information please contact Sharon Reid email: firstname.lastname@example.com


text:
Seneca Township resident Chris White was selected from among six candidates to fill a vacancy on the township board.
Candidates present at the May 14 board meeting gave a short talk about themselves and their desire to serve on the board. A motion was made to select White and he was chosen unanimously.
Other residents offering to serve were Joseph Ott, Don Thompson, Shellie Whitaker, Bob Walton and Dave McCowan.
With White serving on the board to fill a seat given up by Joe Maxwell, he was no longer able to continue as a planning commission member. Walton volunteered to fill that vacancy and the board approved.


text:
Hikaru no Go author Hotta Yumi was interviewed on film at the International Go Symposium on August 5th, 2012. For those who missed the live stream, the Tiger's Mouth website has printed the entire text of the interview. The AGF is currently editing the videos from the symposium, all of which will be available online at a later date. A few choice highlights from the Hotta interview are below, you can read the full article here.
On how the series began, Hotta says "I wanted to learn go, so I paid a go school and started to attend classes once a week with a pro. He was mean, and never let the students win the teaching games. This was frustrating to me, because I was thinking 'Why am I paying to lose all the time?' I wished that I had a guardian angel or a ghost that could help me beat him really bad. It was at that moment that Hikaru no Go was born." When asked about how go has affected her life, Hotta replied: "Honestly, I had no idea that so many kids would want to learn how to play go. Not just in Japan, but all over the world. Especially kids in other countries where there aren't many teachers or resources for playing go. Nowadays many more kids can play go thanks to the efforts of teachers, professionals, and groups that are helping to bring go to kids around the world. For my own life, Hikaru has made it very hard for me to attend go tournaments. So many people will watch over my shoulder during my games, and I'm not a very strong player so it is very embarrassing!" – Paul Barchilon, E-J Youth Editor. Translation by Akane Negishi and Solomon Smilack. Photo: Hotta Yumi, by Paul Barchilon.


text:
Transforming Conflict through Nonviolent Coalitions with Nobel Peace Laureate Leymah Gbowee -- Institute for Peace and Justice
Date: 4/15/2013; 59 minutes
Leymah Gbowee, winner of the 2011 Nobel Peace Prize, recounts her role in launching the women's peace movement that helped bring an end to the civil war in Liberia in 2003. She and others were credited with ushering in a period of peace and freedom that led to the election of Ellen Johnson Sirleaf in 2005, the first female president of an African nation. Gbowee is presented by the Joan B. Kroc Institute for Peace and Justice at the University of San Diego. (#24889)
|add a comment
related programs
International Affairs
Nobel Laureates
facebook comments


text:
Some kinds of moral stances—for instance, those that support unqualified (Lockean? Rothbardian?) property rights—can readily dismiss all taxation as theft and thus all states as robbers. I don't dislike this conclusion; indeed, it warms my heart whenever I'm reminded that it invalidates the kind of petty local tyranny expressed in zoning laws and eminent domain action. But my political morality is rooted in the thought of Aristotle, Aquinas, and their modern interpreters (who have tended to offer pragmatic arguments for state authority), and that means that my account of rights and duties is somewhat more complicated. That means that I can still offer a credible case against the legitimacy of state authority; but it will be qualified, tentative, and contingent on at least some empirical claims that might be contestable.
I'd like to outline the multi-part case I'm inclined to offer against state authority and benefit from the responses of my readers. It would be good to hear from both Rothbardians and others who think it is obvious that the state is always and everywhere illegitimate (and who will therefore think I have been insufficiently radical) and from minarchists and other statists (who will doubtless think I have been excessively so).
I brief: I think anarchism is defensible on at least the following tentative but substantial grounds:
- The Absence of Justification for the State. There is no natural right to rule. The authority of the state seems arbitrary and indefensible. The state lacks legitimacy, but it may often be argued that, pragmatically, the state still does something useful. However, there are both negative and positive reasons to regard this as unpersuasive.
- Unjust and Destructive State Behavior. The state tends to be destructive. It engages in war and plunder, it oppresses, it excludes, and it subordinates.
- Undesirable Consequences of State Behavior. The state tends to promote inefficiencies through subsidies, monopolies, patents, tariffs, and other mechanisms that allow corporations to escape the cost principle. It also burdens people frustratingly.
- Positive Consequences of Anarchy. An anarchical society will foster efficiency and productivity.
- The Possible Effectiveness of Anarchical Social Institutions. (i) An anarchical society can provide the coordination needed to ensure social order. (ii) Anarchical social institutions can provide the services the state provides efficiently.
- The Capacity of Anarchical Social Institutions to Foster Creativity. An anarchical society can make possible a range of social and cultural experiments, the exploration of a range of possibilities, experiments in living.
What's wrong with this list? In what ways is it too short, in what ways too extensive? I look forward to hearing from you.


text:
The Arista Small Form-Factor Pluggable (SFP) Optics Modules and Cables offer customers a wide variety of high-density and low-power 40 Gigabit, 10 Gigabit, 1 Gigabit, and 100 Megabit Ethernet connectivity options over fiber or copper media.
To accommodate an ever increasing spectrum of 10 and 40 Gigabit Ethernet applications, Arista offers nine transceiver types, each optimized for a diferent media and distance reach (SR4, CR4, CR, SRL, SR, LRM, LR, ER, and DWDM). In addition, the SFP+ ports also support three Gigabit Ethernet SFP transceiver types for single-mode fiber, multi-mode fiber, and Cat-5 Copper.
Questions? Please contact a PCNation Account Manager at 1-800-235-4050


text:
Compare cheap flights from Cairns to New Caledonia
Compare and book cheap flights from Cairns (CNS) to New Caledonia with Skiddoo. Use the Skiddoo flight explorer to find the cheapest time to fly to New Caledonia from Cairns on a range of leading airlines. Save with our exclusive Cairns to New Caledonia flight deals online today.
What to do in New Caledonia
New Caledonia is a charming mix of French and Melanesian influences. With a dazzling lagoon, gourmet food under swaying palm trees of pristine beaches, gorgeous land and seascapes, and excellent diving spots, New Caledonia is the definition of paradise.
Start your trip at the Jean-Marie Tjibaou Cultural Centre and the Chapelle Notre Dame de Lourdes to learn more about the history, culture, and heritage of locals. Get even closer to Mother Nature at Noumea Zoological and Botanical Garden and Le Parc des Grandes Fougères.
Enjoy a stroll along Noumea's waterfront of Baie des Citrons and Anse Vata. There are also beaches around this area where you can get a tan or just enjoy a beach bum day at Fayaoué Beach, Yedjele Beach, Luengoni Beach, and Mahamat Beach.
You can't miss seeing New Caledonia's Barrier Reef. It's also known as the New Caledonia Lagoon, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy snorkelling, diving, and windsurfing at Ilot Canard and Aiguille de Prony.
Fall in love with the Heart of Voh mangrove swamp. Explore the protected Blue River Park, and say hello to countless bird species. Have a ripper time hiking and camping there too, and also at Monts Koghis, Prony, and by joining a hiking group.
Observe the people in the heart of the city at Place des Cocotiers. Don't forget to include Musee de Bourail, Musee de l'Histoirer Maritime, and the Mwa Ka monument on your travel itinerary.
So start planning your New Caledonia trip now! To help get you started, check out these 16 tips for your New Caledonia holiday.
When to visit New Caledonia
The best time to visit New Caledonia is during the months of April-May, July-August, and October-November. April-May is when the country is lush again and enjoys cooler days. July-August is the perfect season for hikers and whale watchers. While October-November is when you can enjoy fewer tourists before the heat and crowds arrive in summer.
You'll be chuffed to know that you can fly to New Caledonia and visit the country visa-free for up to 90 days within 180 days. Check if your passport is valid for at least six months when you fly back to Australia. Visit Smartraveller for more travel info.
Travelling to and around New Caledonia
You will be landing at the Nouméa Magenta Airport. Start exploring New Caledonia by bus, taxi, or by car rental.
Enjoy an amazing island holiday at New Caledonia! Get your suitcase and passport ready now, so you can book your flights to Noumea with Skiddoo today.


text:
CBC Library Update 5/4/2020
The library has closed until Governor Inslee's "Stay Home, Stay Healthy" order ends. Library staff are working from home and cannot provide access to physical library materials. (FAQ)
Thompson Reuters has provided an extended free trial of Westlaw Edge, good for 20 hours of use over 45 days through June 30, 2020. Follow the instructions posted here.
For reference assistance, please contact the Washington State Law Library.
In 1993, the Law Library materials of Benton and Franklin counties were combined under one roof at the Columbia Basin College Library in Pasco; this provided improved access for members of the public as well as CBC students. Small print collections are also maintained at the Benton County Courthouse in Prosser, the Benton County Justice Center in Kennewick, and the Franklin County Courthouse in Pasco. Resources are purchased with funds derived from court filing fees and selected by a Board of Trustees comprised of a superior court judge, county commissioners, and members of the Bar Association from each county.
The Library is located in the L building on the Pasco campus; our website offers maps and driving directions. The Law Library shares the same hours as the CBC Library, which vary due to the academic calendar.
The print collection primarily consists of cases, laws, and regulations from the Federal Government, Washington state, and the local counties and municipalities. The Law Library also offers public access to free State and Federal Government web resources as well as numerous subscription databases on three legal research computers. Subscription legal databases are only available in the Library; no remote access is provided. The databases include:
Legal Research Computers - Use Policy
The three public access legal research computers may be used for legal research on a first come, first served basis.
The College Library staff does not provide legal advice but will assist you in your efforts to locate resources as available. Westlaw provides many resources to help users:
If you have a disability and need an accommodation to access library materials, please contact the Resource Center Disability Services office at Columbia Basin College. Some accommodations may take time to set up, so we encourage you to call ahead of your visit with your request. Contact Information: (509)542-5525, TTY# (509)546-0400.
Home | Campus Safety | Catalog | Campus Map | Parking Information
2600 N. 20th Ave., Pasco, WA 99301 | PHONE 509.547.0511 | FAX Directory
© 2014 Columbia Basin College. All Rights Reserved. | Website Created by Vision Internet.
Sitemap | Non-discrimination & Disability Statement | Privacy Policy | Disclaimer


text:
- Description
DetailsGet noticed in these superb oversized round sunglasses set in a thick rimmed plastic frame. The perfectly cut lenses and polished frames provide a stunning high quality product with full UV protection complying to the latest European standards. Yellow lenses enhance contrast and depth perception by filtering scattered, out-of-focus blue light. They're especially effective in flat light or overcast conditions helping to increase visibility. Plus the addition of an anti-reflective coating on the back of the lenses gives sharper vision with less glare whilst driving at night and reduced eye strain for greater comfort during prolonged computer use.
Frame: opaque tortoiseshell brown; deep shine, highly polished finish; very tough and durable polycarbonate; smooth action, nickel free metal hinges for strength and durability; medium to large (regular) size - frame size 52-15-135.
Lenses: pale yellow - great for hazy, overcast or foggy conditions; helps relieve eye strain and fatigue; anti-reflective (AR) coating on the back of the lenses to reduce side and back glare making these especially suitable as night driving and computer glasses; luminous transmittance 82%; 2mm shatterproof polycarbonate; UV400 protection.
Comes with a FREE rigid zipper case and a soft cleaning pouch worth £5.94 plus 12 months limited warranty.
Approximate Measurements: A = 142mm across temples; B = 52mm lens diameter (59mm in frame); C = 135mm to arm ends; D = 15mm across nose bridge.
These sunglasses comply with the latest European Standard EN 1836:2005 and block 100% UVA and UVB rays meeting ANSI Z80.3 UV General Purpose Protection Standards. UV filter category 0 suitable for low light, cloudy/overcast conditions and night driving.
Not to be used for direct viewing of the sun or in a solarium.
- Additional Information
Additional Information
We have three options for deliveries within the UK:
Our SUPER SAVER service is FREE by Second Class Royal Mail for order values over £10 or charged at £1.99 for orders below £10. The estimated delivery time is 3-14 days.
Our EXPEDITED service by First Class Royal Mail is £2.99 per order and the expected delivery time is 2-5 days.
Our PRIORITY next day service by Royal Mail Special Delivery is £6.99 per order. A tracking number will be sent to you by email when dispatched and the delivery time is next working day by 1pm for orders received before 2pm.
INTERNATIONAL orders for delivery outside the UK are sent by Royal Mail International Signed For or International Airsure depending on your country. The charge is £6.99 per order within the EU and £8.99 per order to the rest of the world. A tracking number will be sent to you by email when dispatched and the expected delivery time is 5-14 days.
We aim to dispatch all orders placed by 2pm GMT on the same working day.
- Reviews


text:
Previous Episode | Next Episode
Boston BeeanBoston Beean (2008) Season 1 Episode 109-A- The Mighty B! Cartoon Episode Guide
This page has been viewed 124 times this month, and 665 times total.
- 2008
- Nicktoons Productions, Paper Kite Productions, Polka Dot Pictures
- Nickelodeon
- The Mighty B! Episode Guide
- Cartoon Characters: Bessie Higgenbottom, Penny, Benjamin Higgenbottom, Portia Gibbons, Happy, Sissy Sullivan, Virginia Sullivan.
- Vocal Talent: Amy Poehler (Bessie Higgenbottom, Sissy Sullivan), Dannah Feinglass (Penny), Andy Richter (Benjamin Higgenbottom), Grey DeLisle (Portia Gibbons), Dee Bradley Baker (Happy), Jessica Chaffin (Virginia Sullivan).
- Directed By Erik Wiese, Larry Leichliter.
- Produced By Amy Poehler, Cynthia True, Erik Wiese (Executive Producers).
- Written By Jessica Gao.
- Music By James Yenagle.
Theme: Amy Miles, Michael Robertson.
- Created By: Amy Poehler, Cynthia True, Erik Wiese.
- Storyboard: Erik Wiese.
- Overseas Animation Director: You Jun Hee.
- Staff Writers: Jessica Chafin, Jessica Gao.
- Original Casting: Sarah Noonan, C.S.A.
- Casting Directors: Maryanne Dacey, Meredith Layne, C.S.A.
- Casting Coordinators: Aszur Hill, Shannon Reed.
- Casting Assistants: Lorena Galledo, Erin Quesenhagen.
- Voice Directors: Cynthia True, Erik Wiese.
- Art Director: Seonna Hong.
- Character Design Supervisor: Bryan Arnett.
- Character Design: Chris Battle.
- Development Art: Andrew Brandou.
- Clean-up Artists: Ray Leong, Shawn Holt, Donna Zeller.
- Prop Design: Joel Fajnor, Amber Lee Hardin.
- Graffiti Art: Amber Lee Hardin.
- Layout Design Supervisor: : Larry Murphy.
- Layout Design: Joseph Holt, Jonathan Pyun.
- Storyboard Supervisor: Louie del Carmen.
- Additional Storyboarding: Ian Graham.
- Storyboard Revisions: Rayfield Andrum, Watne Carlesi, Sean Charmatz, Sunil Hall, Maureen Mascarina, Piero Piluso, Michael Polvani, Monica Tomaya, Tuck Tucker.
- Background Painters: Seonna Hong, Jenny Baker.
- Color Styling: Chris Hacker, Ron Russell.
- Animatic Supervisor: Justin Baker.
- Animatic Editors: Estrella Capin, Steve Downs.
- Assistant Animatic Editors: Adam Arnold, Marc Stone.
- Animatic Scanners: Adam Arnold, Amaris Cayin, Marc Stone.
- Track Readers: Slightly Off Track, Hacienda Post.
- Supervising Timing Director: Larry Leichliter.
- Sheet Timers: Don Judge, Christine Kolosov, Jamie Mitchelle, Andrew Overtoom.
- Final Checkers: Mitchelle Bryan, Eric Bryan.
- Retake Director: Mike Girard.
- Supervising Picture Editor: Christopher Hink.
- Post Production Supervisors: Molly Minus, Eric Weyenberg.
- Director of Post-Production: Jason Stiff.
- Additional Post-Production Services: Anna Adams, Andre Boufilier, Kimberly Bowman, C.J. Kinyon, J.F. Kinyon, Amy K. Wu.
- Post Production Services: Advantage Sound Services.
- Music Editors: Nick Carr, Dominick Certo.
- Sound Designer: Heather Olsen.
- Foley Mixers: Mary Erstad, David Jobe.
- Foley Artist: Craig Ng.
- Supervising Recording Engineer: Justin Brinsfield.
- Assistant Recording Engineer: Mishelle Foreman.
- Additional Recording Services: Oralle Post, Nutmeg Studios, Salami Studios.
- Additional Recording Engineers: Bill Devine, Frank Verderosa, Mark Mercado.
- Dialogue Editor: Mishelle Foreman.
- Digital Audio Transfer: Rob Pratt.
- Re-Recording Mixers: Michael Bender, Ray Leonard.
- Post Production Telecine Service: CCI Digital.
- Telecine Colorist: Greg Kibler.
- CG Supervisor: Ernest Chan.
- CG Post Production Assistant: Jared Kuvent.
- Animation Production Services: Rough Draft Korea.
- Production Manager: Angela Leung.
- Senior Production Coordinator: David Brueggeman.
- Script Coordinator: Nicholas Cofrancesco.
- Production Assistants: Meghan Carlson, Emmanuel Deliglannis, Diana La Grandeur.
- Executive Assistant: Kristine Songeo.
- Interns: Derick Domae, Stephanie Simpson.
- Special Thanks: Margie Cohn, Eric Coleman, Alison Dexter, Peter Gal, Stephen Hillenburg, Stacey Kim, John Kricfalusi, Roland Poindexter, Mark Taylor, Lyma Zargham.
- Executive in Charge of Production for Nickelodeon: Claudia Spinelli.
Submit Additional Information:
Do you have anything to add to this page? Have we made any mistakes... or do you have any additional information about Boston Beean? If so, we would love to hear from you. Please send us a quick note with your additions or corrections to this page, and we will make the corrections as soon as possible!Report Errors / Submit Additional Information
Cartoon Summary:
Bessie is hosting a foreign Honeybee, Sissy Sullivan, from Boston. But when Bessie realizes that Sissy does everything just a little better than Bessie does, Bessie's competitive spirit starts to get the better... (more)
Cartoon Comments:
Do you love Boston Beean, or do you think it is the worst cartoon ever? Let us know what you think! Surely you have an opinion... so share what you think. Take a minute and post your own comments about this cartoon here.


text:
129 members44 Comments 4 Likes
39 members7 Comments 0 Likes
1329 members156 Comments 3 Likes
132 members48 Comments 7 Likes
132 members118 Comments 8 Likes
79 members53 Comments 1 Like
960 members127 Comments 69 Likes
247 members2584 Comments 18 Likes
189 members846 Comments 6 Likes
125 members3 Comments 0 Likes
Ivy has not received any gifts yet
hi, i just joined the site and was looking at members who are local. i saw you and read your "about me"... awsome! it made me laugh, your brave. with people like you on the site i think i'm gonna like it here. thanks.
Thx for the wonderful Surabaya Santa suggestion. Very unique and enthralling. I'll look out for more similar :)
© 2020 Atheist Nexus. All rights reserved. Admin: The Nexus Group. Powered by


text:
Fruity biscotti
Nutrition and extra info
- Can be frozen part-baked and sliced
Nutrition: per biscuit
- kcal50
- fat1g
- saturates0g
- carbs9g
- sugars6g
- fibre0g
- protein1g
- salt0.06g
- 350g plain flour, plus extra for rolling
- 2 tsp baking powder
Baking powderbay-king pow-dah
Baking powder is a raising agent that is commonly used in cake-making. It is made from an alkali…
- 2 tsp mixed spice
- 250g golden caster sugar
- 3 eggs, beaten
The ultimate convenience food, eggs are powerhouses of nutrition packed with protein and a…
- coarsely grated zest 1 orange
One of the best-known citrus fruits, oranges aren't necessarily orange - some varieties are…
- 85g raisin
- 85g dried cherry
One of the delights of the summer, cherries are much loved for their succulent texture, flavour…
- 50g blanched almond
- 50g shelled pistachio
Heat oven to 180C/fan 160C/gas 4. Line 2 baking sheets with baking paper. Put the flour, baking powder, spice and sugar in a large bowl, then mix well. Stir in the eggs and zest until the mixture starts forming clumps, then bring the dough together with your hands – it will seem dry at first but keep kneading until no floury patches remain. Add the fruit and nuts, then work them in until evenly distributed.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and divide into 4 pieces. With lightly floured hands, roll each piece into a sausage about 30cm long. Place 2 on each tray, well spaced apart. Bake for 25-30 mins until the dough has risen and spread and feels firm. It should still look pale. Remove from the oven, transfer to a wire rack for a few mins until cool enough to handle, then turn down the oven to 140C/fan 120C/gas 1.
Using a bread knife, cut into slices about 1cm thick on the diagonal, then lay the slices flat on the baking sheets. The biscuits can be cooled and frozen flat on the sheet at this point, then bagged and frozen for up to 2 months. Bake for another 15 mins (20 mins if from frozen), turn over, then bake again for another 15 mins until dry and golden. Tip onto a wire rack to cool completely, then store in an airtight tin for up to one month, or pack into boxes or cellophane bags if giving as gifts straightaway.


text:
12 Years a Slave leads wins at London Critics' Circle Film Awards
- Bang Showbiz
- 3 February 2014
'12 Years a Slave' took home the prize for film of the year and Chiwetel Ejiofor and Lupita Nyong'o were commended for their award-winning performances at the London Critics' Circle Film Awards on Sunday night (02.02.14)
'12 Years a Slave' won three awards at the London Critics' Circle Film Awards on Sunday night (02.02.14).
The historical drama was named film of the year, while Chiwetel Ejiofor won actor of the year for his portrayal of Solomon Northup - a real-life figure who was kidnapped and sold into slavery - and his co-star Lupita Nyong'o took the prize for best supporting actress at the ceremony which was held at London's May Fair Hotel.
Director Steve McQueen - who was born and raised in London - was thrilled with the response the film has received and felt "humbled and heart-warmed" by the support.
McQueen - who lost out on best director category to Gravity's Alfonso Cuarón - said: "It got people to the cinema. What's so interesting about the response from critics and audiences is that they want to see films which have some difficulties.
"They are interested in films where they have to work. They are interested the films where they see themselves reflected in the cinema screens.
"I have people in the street - builders, bus drivers - being so supportive to the movie. I've felt so much love for this film in this country and I'm so humbled and heart-warmed that it's from my own country."
The ceremony began with film critic Jason Solomons paying tribute to the late American actor and director Philip Seymour Hoffman as news of his death in New York City emerged.
Cate Blanchett was named actress of the year for her performance in Woody Allen's 'Blue Jasmine' and Dame Judi Dench won British actress of the year commended for her work in 'Philomena'.
Meanwhile, James McAvoy won best British actor for his work in 'Filth' and 'Trance'.
Gary Oldman, 55, was honoured with the Dilys Powell award for excellence in film and he was delighted about the recognition he'd been given.
He told the BBC News: "I think, I think it's quite a big deal, I think it's a big deal tonight."
Full List of Winners:
Film of the year - 12 Years a Slave
British film of the year - The Selfish Giant
Foreign-language film of the year - Blue Is the Warmest Colour
Documentary of the year - The Act of Killing
Actor of the year - Chiwetel Ejiofor - 12 Years a Slave
Actress of the year - Cate Blanchett - Blue Jasmine
Supporting actor of the year - Barkhad Abdi - Captain Phillips
Supporting actress of the year - Lupita Nyong'o - 12 Years a Slave
British actor of the year - James McAvoy - Filth, Trance, Welcome to the Punch
British actress of the year - Judi Dench - Philomena
Director of the year - Alfonso Cuarón - Gravity
Screenwriter of the year - Ethan Coen & Joel Coen - Inside Llewyn Davis
Young British performer of the year - Conner Chapman - The Selfish Giant
Breakthrough British film-maker - Jon S Baird - Filth
Technical achievement award - Gravity - Tim Webber, special effects
Dilys Powell award for excellence in film - Gary Oldman


text:
The topic for the 46th edition of Carnival of Genealogy is: What traits run in your family? Which of them did you inherit? Do you have your mother's blue eyes? Your grandfather's stubbornness? Your aunt's skill with knitting needles? Is there a talent for music in your family? Or do you come from a long line of teachers? Have you ever looked at an old photo and recognized your nose on another family member's face?
I puzzled and puzzled over this Carnival of Genealogy topic, and put off writing about it until nearly the last minute. But, the voices of my usually modest and self-effacing ancestors began to tug at me: "How about giving some credit where credit is due?" I'm sure they didn't say anything about blame, but I promise I'll be kind.
I've often wondered if, given the time machine opportunity to go back into the past, I would hear my own voice in one of my female ancestor's, or while talking to another would suddenly realize that I was looking into my own eyes. One needs to keep in mind that it can be difficult to know where genetics leaves off and cultural/behavioral memory begins. Some tendencies are picked up only through the repetitive behavior of others. For example, the fact that "Geez Louise" sometimes drawls out of my mouth when I'm mildly frustrated has little to do with genetics, and everything to do with being around Dad enough to have his favorite phrases ingrained in my brain's catalog of useful responses.
Funnily enough (as my English friend would say), I can only address my mother's side of the family when it comes to genes, and don't think I haven't been tearing my hair out over that from time to time. But, here's what I know about 50% of me:
Central Norway, the home of my immigrant Norwegian ancestors, is one of the areas with the highest percentage of natural blonds in the world. Folks with light-colored hair have lived there since ancient times and circulated their recessive genes generally among themselves for a good, long while. There is an interesting, but questionable Blond Map of Europe on the internet. Please view it with a healthy dose of skepticism, as all statistics without background facts should be viewed. And the blond(e) joke? SO uncool!
Without the aid of modern science, I too, would probably have been the proud mother of ten children, just like my mother's maternal and paternal grandmothers. I called it quits after three. My maternal grandmother was a fraternal twin, so I knew the roulette wheel was spinning with short odds.
There is something about Norwegian females and shyness. I know that this has been handed down to me through genetics, because I have experienced it and heard about it in connection with just about every female ancestor within my family's extended knowledge. It must have come straight from the soil in Norway, or something. (Or, could it have been the herring?) Although shyness is not necessarily a bad thing in itself, a shy person's self confidence is usually in some stage of teeter-tottering, and this makes things difficult while trying to get stuff done. If my great grandmother was working around the farmhouse and a stranger came to the front door, she could take herself away to hide in the kitchen under the guise of having to cook from scratch. My kitchen is open to the living room, and there is no excuse whenever there's a frozen lasagne in the fridge.
I don't even want to talk about those oral reports in school. Acckkkk!
There were no weaklings among my mother's family, though there were a few unfortunates who suffered the ravages of fatal disease, like my grandmother who died from tuberculosis at a young age. When I don't allow myself to get lazy from all the amenities associated with modern life, or make bad food choices, I am capable of physical labor on the same level as a fjord horse. For that, I thank my "lucky genes."
Sense of Humor:
My grandfather and his nine brothers and sisters could sure play pranks on each other, and they were sometimes more painful than funny. It isn't as though they never showed anger, or even rage, but, I never knew any of them to talk without either a twinkle in the eye or a subtlety of humor. Humor took the edge off the more unpleasant things they had to do, and it was also a way of showing they could cope with whatever life threw at them.
Running the Information Underground:
There are many teachers and librarians among my Norwegian-American family, especially on my grandmother's side, the Berges. Had my mother and aunt been given the chance to attend high school, they, too, would have liked to have been teachers. Farming was a natural and necessary pursuit for 19th century Norwegian immigrants, so it does not come as a surprise that my family has included many farmers. But, there is also a complement of male ancestors who worked for the railroad in America and loved it.
Books, crops, and iron wheels: knowledge, growth, movement. It seems I am always running on a track to learn more and make use of it in some practical fashion. I suppose that is why I am working in a library, and writing about history and genealogy.
Monday, April 14, 2008
Giving Credit to Gene
Posted by Chery Kinnick at 10:53 AM
Labels: Carnival of Genealogy
4 comments:
- Lidian said...
What a lovely post this is! Just wonderful. I had trouble with this one too (I'd never have known that you did!)
- April 14, 2008
- Janice said...
I loved your article, and also the Blonde Map. No jokes, I promise!
- April 14, 2008
- Chery Kinnick said...
You gals are wonderful. Isn't the Carnival the BEST???
- April 15, 2008
- Professor Dru said...
These carnivals are great because they stretch your thinking and writing. You did a fine job in analyzing your family's traits. And I loved your blond map, too.
- April 19, 2008
Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)


text:
Even though it is only the second week, I'm already so happy that we joined a CSA this summer. It is pretty nice to drop by Green City and just buy some strawberries and cherries and know that I'm already set for most of my veggies. This week we received a few repeats in our CSA share from the week before including asparagus, kale, lettuce, bok choy, japanese turnip, dill and spinach. But we also got carrots, broccoli, garlic scapes, and cilantro. I decided to make a big pot of veggie soup, loosely inspired by this recipe, to pack for lunches for the week. Since the summer solstice is tomorrow, celebrate now with this "spring" soup.
Last Day of Spring Soup
Recipe loosely based on Spring Minestrone Soup
I used what I had on hand but this is really adaptable. Let me know if you try another mix of veggies!
1 onion, diced [I regretted not grabbing a bunch of spring onions to use]
2 large or 3-4 carrots, diced
1 russet potato, diced into spoon sized pieces
1 quart of chicken or veggie broth [I used chicken since I have 6 quarts to use up before next month's move]
5-6 stalks of asparagus, diced
1/2 a large bok choy, stalks diced, leaves cut into ribbons
quick pesto (just food process a handful of basil leaves with a clove of garlic and some olive oil)
Saute onion in some olive oil in a dutch oven or other large pot until softened. Add carrot, bok choy stalks and potatoes and cook for another 3-4 minutes. Salt and Pepper to taste. I threw in a little ground chipotle pepper at this point to give it a little depth. Add the quart of chicken broth and a quart of water to the pot and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 5-7 minutes, until potato chunks are fork tender. Add asparagus and bok choy leaves. Simmer for a few more minutes. Taste, adjust seasonings as necessary.


text:
Meet Sally, Sammy and Pammy. They also have a beautiful sister named Hally, who is not pictured here. This beautiful litter is available for adoption at Jasper Animal Rescue Mission in Ridgeland. Come and visit our shelter facility and meet them, along with all of our other adoptable felines in our catroom. For more information on how to adopt, please call 726-7799 or go to www.jarmission.org.
Diana is a beautiful long-haired Retriever mix who is very shy. She doesn't like what life has brought her so far and would love to get out of shelter life and into a loving home. For more information on Diana or any of the animals at the Hilton Head Humane Association, call 681-8686 or go to www.hhhumane.org.
Lucille is one in a million. She looks at you with her clear, bright eyes and purrs. She rolls in delight when you rub her chin. If you want a real sweetheart, this girl is for you. For more information on Lucille or any of the animals at the Hilton Head Humane Association, call 681-8686 or go to www.hhhumane.org.
Maverick is 7 weeks old, a fat, healthy Rottweiler mix male puppy available at Maranatha Farm. Call 816-6676 or go to www.maranathafarm.org for details.
Faith was rescued from a busy highway. She is a slender, brindle colored Carolina mix. Faith is a good natured 2-year-old who is very agile and energetic. For more information about Faith or other animals at Brooke's Haven Animal Rescue, call 757-7387 or go to www.brookeshaven.org.
Mango would make a wonderful addition to any family with her expressive eyes and soft coat. She plays well with others and enjoys a warm lap to cuddle on. For more information about Mango or other animals at Brooke's Haven Animal Rescue, call 757-7387 or go to www.brookeshaven.org.
The Beaufort County Animal Shelter along with the Sheldon Animal Rescue will be Spaying and Neutering Animals for free now through April.
Free transportation from numerous areas in Northern Beaufort is available, but there are limited spots so it's important for pet owners to call and make an appointment.
For more information call 255-5010, Ext. 0 or email email@example.com.


text:
By now, you know the details of the crash fifty years ago that shocked the music world. Graham Nash explains it best:
Graham Nash talks about "The Day the Music Died"
At 22, the lanky kid from Lubbock, TX had been re-writing music rules. At the tender age of 18, Holly had taken the sagging Rock & Roll scene by storm with stark rhythms and the strains of non-traditional instruments. No hearthrob, Holly's attraction was purely "the music".
While Holly was quite a personality, it's his music that has had the most lasting affect. Many artists of the 60s and 70s, point to Buddy Holly as a major influence. A young Robert Zimmerman's life changed the night he watched Buddy Holly perform on the Winter Dance Party tour in Diluth, MN. As Bob Dylan, he would also influence generations of music.


text:
You've been waiting and now Aug 8th from 5-8 pm Bruce Manor opens their doors for an Art Walk Open House. Located at 119 E.Main Street you will enter Bruce Manor and view the artwork of Michael Serrano an outstanding local artist resident at Bruce Manor.
The Collins House Inn salutes the opening of Bruce Manor and the artwork of featured artist Michael Serrano. The date , Friday August 8th 5-8 pm 119 E. Main Street Marion VA. see you there.


text:
Adele Woodmore steadied herself with the hand-carved Black Forest cane she had bought in Germany and hurried across the living room and into the coat closet. She left the door cracked and dabbed the perspiration on her cheeks and nose with her monogrammed handkerchief.
"O-kaaay," she sang out. "Come and find me."
"Where are you, Addie?" the little voice replied.
"I'm over heeeere." Adele smiled, wondering how she had survived all those years without knowing the joy of loving a child.
She heard the sound of little feet racing straight for the closet. The door slowly opened, and Grace Broussard, looking like a Hummel figurine with her rosy cheeks and blond pigtails, peered inside.
"Peek-a-boo. I find you!" The two-year-old squealed and clapped her hands with delight.
"Goodness! You found me again." Adele came out of the closet and straightened Grace's pink-and-white sundress. "Addie needs to cool off. This July humidity gets to me. Why don't we sit down and have our ginger cookies and milk?"
"I want this many cookies."
Adele met the child's pleading gaze and kissed the three fingers she held up. "Why don't we start with two and see if you're still hungry? We don't want to spoil your lunch."
"I wuv cookies!"
Adele chuckled. "Me, too. If I didn't know better, I'd swear we were related."
She held Grace's tiny hand and walked out to the kitchen and pushed the button on the intercom.
"Yes, Mrs. Woodmore?" Isabel Morand's voice filled the room.
"We're ready for that snack now, hon."
"Yes, ma'am. I'll be right there."
Grace's topaz eyes grew wide and animated. "Where Izzybell?"
"She's in the laundry room, darlin'. When I talk into that silver gadget on the wall, Isabel can hear me, and I can hear her. It saves Addie from having to shout or go looking for her."
Grace cocked her head, a smile dimpling her cheeks.
"Clear as mud, eh?" Adele brushed the little wisps of curls that framed the child's face. "After we have our cookies, I'll show you how it works."
Isabel breezed through the door, her thick, dark hair falling over her shoulders and down to the middle of her back. "Ready to try those gingersnaps we made?"
Grace gave a nod. "I wuv cookies."
"Let me get you some milk to go with it."
Adele got Grace situated in her booster chair while Isabel set the plate of cookies, a glass of milk, and a sippy cup on the table.
The doorbell rang.
"Gee"—Isabel winked at Grace—"I wonder who that could be on a Monday morning?"
"It's probably Murray," Adele said. "Would you let him in, hon? I asked him to come paint that back bedroom a nice shade of pale blue. I'm not fond of lilac.… Why are you smiling?"
"I was just wondering what you're going to do when you run out of things for Murray to fix, paint, or remodel."
Adele felt her face warm. "He needs the work. And I always have something that needs attention. He's the most reasonable handyman in Les Barbes." Adele smiled in spite of herself. "Are you going to let him in or not?"
"Yes, ma'am. I'm on my way."
Isabel left to answer the door.
Half a minute later Murray Hamelin came into the kitchen, holding his gold New Orleans Saints cap in his hands, his carrot red hair showing a line where the hat had been. "Hello, Mrs. Woodmore. Little Miss Grace. I hope it's okay that I brought Flynn Gillis from Haven House to help me move furniture so I can paint."
"Of course it's okay." Adele held up the plate of cookies. "Better take a handful of these gingersnaps with you. Take some for Flynn."
"I wuv cookies!" Grace set her sippy cup down, using the back of her hand to wipe away a drop of milk that had escaped her smile.
"I knew that." Murray took a generous handful of cookies off the plate, his boyish grin and red hair reminding Adele of Richie on Happy Days.
"Were you able to get the paint I picked out?" Adele asked.
"Sure was. Should be enough to do the job and leave a little for touch-ups later on."
Touch-ups. Adele smiled to herself. That back bedroom would likely never be used. "Will you finish today?"
"I should. But I'll need to let it dry. I'd like to bring Flynn back tomorrow to help move the furniture back—if that's okay with you."
"It is. I'll be here."
"We'll go get started. Thanks for the cookies."
"You're welcome, hon. Come and go as you need to."
"Murray is nice." Grace's words were muffled by a mouth full of gingersnap.
"He is nice." Adele glanced up at Isabel. "And he's a fine handyman. It's always good to have someone I can trust."
"Murray seems nice enough," Isabel said. "But you really don't know anything about him. Just because Father Vince discovered that Murray's good with his hands is no guarantee that he's honest."
"I'm a pretty good judge of character, Isabel."
"Ma'am, with all due respect, a few months ago he was homeless. Don't you wonder why? How do you even know that he's who he says he is? Or that you can trust that Flynn fella he brought with him? I saw him standing out in the driveway. His hair is longer than mine, and he looks tough as nails. He could be casing the place."
Adele took a bite of cookie. "You let me worry about the people I hire. Murray's been nothing but polite and efficient. If he needs Flynn to help move furniture, who am I to second-guess him? He deserves a chance to get back on his feet."
"Maybe so. Just be cautious. You're so trusting and accepting of everyone."
Adele fingered the gold cross around her neck. "I don't necessarily trust everyone, hon. But I trust God. He brings people into my life for a reason." She smiled at Grace. "I take them as they come."
"Well, they're coming in the front door." Isabel arched her eyebrows. "Take a look at this Flynn character, and see if you're still comfortable letting him in your house."
Adele heard the front door open and close again. A second later the two men stood at the kitchen door.
"Mrs. Woodmore, this is Flynn Gillis." Murray nodded toward a man who reminded her of a young Willie Nelson.
"Nice to meet you," Adele said.
Flynn gave a nod and mumbled something, never making eye contact.
"We're going to get started now." Murray tipped the bill of his cap.
"Good. I'll be eager to see what a difference the pale blue makes."
Murray and Flynn turned and walked down the hall.
"Well?" Isabel whispered.
"I'm not in the habit of judging a man by the length of his hair, hon. If Murray asked him over here, he trusts him. And I trust Murray."
Isabel didn't reply.
Adele mused. Of course she trusted Murray. Hadn't he proven himself time and again? Yet something about Flynn was off-putting. Was it his long hair? His lack of manners? She couldn't put her finger on it, but it was a moot point. He was already here.


text:
- Solid galvanized steel construction, durable, rust-proof and long lasting
- 12L large capacity chicken feeder, saving time on feeding
- Mesh fence on feed outlet prevents wild birds, rats and mice stealing feed
- Side plates prevent chicken from being nipped
- Locks and carabiners for feed supply inlet, providing extra safety
- Portable, handle for easy lifting up and carrying
- Anti-slip treadle protects chicken from slipping down and helps stable stand
- 1.8lbs (800g) weight can open the lid
- Protects valuable feed from rain and keeps the feed clean and fresh
- Saves on feed costs, no more wasted or stolen feed
- Easy to assemble and low maintenance
- Suitable for most chickens
- Material: Galvanized Steel
- Overall Dimension (LxWxH): 21 7/16" x 16 1/8" x 11 13/16" (54.5 x 41 x 30 cm)
- Feed Inlet Size (LxW): 14 3/8" x 7 7/8" (36.5 x 20 cm)
- Feed Outlet Size (LxW): 14 7/16" x 3 1/8" (36.7 x 8 cm)
- Treadle Above Ground: 2 15/16" (7.5 cm)
- Weight: 13.8 lbs (6.3 kg)
Package Contents:
- 1x Chicken Feeder
- 1x Manual
Keep Healthy & Stay Safe. We remain OPEN and are ready to serve you. Thank you for your interest in Apluschoice on eBay!
9:00-14:00PST Sunday-Friday
8:00-14:30PST Monday-Friday
We accept PayPal and Managed Payments via eBay Secure Check-Out.
Payment is expected within 7 days of auction close. Unpaid Items will be forfeited per eBay .
Immediate payment needs to be processed for items with Add to Cart option so that any promotional discounts can be applied to your order immediately.
Taxes may be applicable at checkout as states adopt new laws and regulations regarding sales tax collection.
We will leave a positive feedback immediately after payment is received. We appreciate a positive feedback as much as you do. If for some reason there is any issue with the purchase, please contact us prior to leaving feedback, and we will be glad to work with you to have it resolved.
Our 30-day Satisfaction Guarantee assures our customers that they will receive all orders promptly and exactly as described. In addition, it allows customers to return new and unused products in their original factory condition for any reason within 30 days from the date of purchase. No restocking fee and hassle free!
Please note that all returns must be pre-approved by Apluschoice and have a return merchandise authorization (RMA) number. Unauthorized returns will not be accepted. Buyers are responsible for appropriate packing, insurance and returning the item in "new" condition. Used items will not be accepted for return.
We will replace the returning item with an identical item, issue a full store credit or a full refund.
Under no condition will Apluschoice be liable for any damages, and in particular will not be liable for special, indirect, consequential, or incidental damages, or damages for lost properties, revenue or use, arising out of or related to the Apluschoice account or the information contained within it, whether such damages arose in contract, negligence, tort, under statute, in equity, at law or otherwise. The sole and exclusive maximum liability to Apluschoice arising from any product sold on Apluschoice eBay account shall be the price of the product ordered.
We do everything we can to ship your orders out as soon as possible. Your satisfaction is our priority! Ordinary orders are shipped out within 3 business days and pre-sale orders will be delivered as advertised delivery time. There's no Delivery service or courier service on Saturdays, Sundays or Public Holidays. All of our products are stored in and shipped from our 3 different warehouses in the US.
We do not ship to FPO, APO or PO Box addresses.
United States Shipping:
We offer Free Shipping within the Lower 48 states! All packages are sent via economy or standard service by UPS or USPS . We may ship each product separately from different warehouses for expedited delivery as we utilize alternative warehouses across the Continental United States. Same business day handling, fast delivery guaranteed!
If it's economy service, you may upgrade to UPS Ground during checkout. The delivery time for UPS Ground is typically 2-5 business days. And you may also upgrade to UPS-2 Day or UPS 3-day Selected for most of the products. The delivery time for UPS-2 Day is 1-2 days and UPS 3-Day Select is typically 1-3 business days. Please be noted that, this service is more recommended for Monday-Thursday orders. Orders on Friday may be processed on following Monday by UPS, according to UPS's policy.
Canada Shipping & Mexico
We upgraded our Canada & Mexico Shipping service to DHL Express. It only takes 2 days for delivery. And our shipping charge is including International Duties, Taxes and any other Fees.
1. Sellers pay return shipping costs.
Sellers pay for return, replacement or exchange shipping if there's a problem with the item.
For example, if the item
a. Doesn't match listing description
b. Damaged or defective when received
c. Missing spare parts
d. Counterfeit or imitation goods
2. Buyers need to pay return shipping costs.
If the buyer changes mind about a purchase and wants to return an item, there may need to pay return shipping costs.
For example
a. Chose the wrong size or feel that the product is not suitable for buyers himself
b. No need this product after received
c. Find a more suitable price elsewhere than choose a return.


text:
Books have a short shelf-life. Most bookstores will only keep a book on the shelf for a few months; if it doesn't sell well by then, they send it back to the publisher. With a million-plus new titles being printed every year, it's hard to make a book competitive.
That said, giving up after three or six months on trying to promote a book can be a big mistake. Your book's life has only just begun at that point. It takes time for people to read a book and begin to spread the word about it. Many a book has not sold well its first year, but then suddenly, it becomes extremely popular, so don't give up on a book's promotion just because it's a few years old. Promoting an older book may turn out to be rewarding, provided you do it honestly. Here are some mistakes to avoid in trying to get new readers for your older title.
Copyright Date:One mistake authors make in trying to promote an old book is to give it a new copyright date. For example, if a book were first printed in 2004, an author might reprint it with a 2012 copyright date to pretend it is a new book. It is dishonest to pretend a book is new when it is not. Instead, the copyright should remain the same and it should be listed as a second (or later) printing in the current year. Honesty is always the best policy, and if a reviewer or book contest catches you passing off an old book as new, it could ruin your reputation and chances of them giving attention to your future books.
Second Edition vs. Second Printing:While changing the copyright date is a mistake authors should know better than to make, a lot of people are confused by the terms "second edition" and "second printing." A second printing is when your first printing runs out and you reprint the book without making any significant changes to it. (Insignificant changes such as fixing a few typos are acceptable.) By contrast, a second edition implies that the book has new material. Most novels will only be second printings unless the author makes severe changes to the plot, which usually isn't a good idea anyway. Better to write a new novel than to try improving one that wasn't very good and didn't sell in the first place. Non-fiction books, by comparison, frequently do and should come out with second and third editions because they are updated as new information becomes current. "Leonard Maltin's Movie Guide" comes out with a new edition every year, and people frequently will update by buying the new edition because their 2009 edition doesn't list the hundreds of movies that were added for the 2012 edition. Similarly, "Writer's Market" has a new issue every year to update lists of publishers for authors seeking publication. In the case of new editions, the cover should clearly state something such as "2012 edition" or "Revised and Expanded Second Edition" and additional taglines might include, "over three hundred new movie entries added" or "New Material: John Smith's 30 Days to a Slimmer You Program."
Finally, for book collectors (if you should be so lucky as to write a book that becomes collectible) a lot of confusion results when second editions and second printings are not noted on copyright pages yet printed books have small differences, leaving people asking which is the first and which the second printing.
New Titles:Nothing will make your loyal readers angrier than for you to reprint your book under a new title without any indication it's a reprint. In my opinion, you should never change your book's title. Spend considerable time deciding on a title and making sure you truly have the right one, and then stick with it forever.
Authors may think they will attract new readers by changing the title. For example, an author might decide his book "My Journey to Jupiter" didn't sell because people thought the title was boring, but he thinks they'll buy it if it's republished under a more enticing title like "How I Met My Hot Alien Wife." Yes, the second title might grab more people's attention, and as a result, the author might sell more books, but what about the loyal fans who see that book title listed and think it's a new book? They buy the book only to begin reading and realize they were tricked-they've read the book already. And even the people who bought "How I Met My Hot Alien Wife," if they like the book, are likely to go looking for the author's other books and could end up buying "My Journey to Jupiter" and equally become disgruntled.
If you are going to change a book's title, make sure you destroy all unsold copies of the first version; recall them from the stores and remove all listings for sale online so no one can buy the old version. And be honest with your readers by printing on the new cover "Originally published as _____________." Agatha Christie's publishers often reprinted her books under new titles. Her British publishers had chosen a title, but her American publishers, thinking the British title might not appeal to the American reading public, would reissue the book under a new title. Most of the time, Christie's publishers were good about statements such as: "The Boomerang Clue" (originally titled "Why Didn't They Ask Evans?") In this case, the author/publisher is being honest, but even so, Christie's readers have frequently been confused in trying to keep track of which of her books they did or didn't read-that she wrote about 100 books makes the task more difficult.
New Cover Image:Changing the cover image is perfectly acceptable for a second edition. There's nothing wrong with giving a book a new look as long as the title remains the same so there's no confusion about it.
I've seen some debates by authors and publishers about releasing a new book with two different book cover images to see whether one image will sell better than another. I don't think there's anything morally wrong about such a strategy, but it seems like a waste of time and energy to me since you have to pay for two pieces of art work and two separate printings. This strategy might work if you're doing print-on-demand, but if you're doing offset print runs, you could end up with a stack of books that don't sell, and you'll have to keep track of which bookstores and distributors get which copies. Too much confusion in my opinion, and yes, occasionally you'll have a reader not discerning enough that he'll buy both copies, not realizing it's the same book. Better to pick one cover and stick with it, and then when you come out with a second edition in a few years, you can change the cover, or save it for a big event like the book's 25th anniversary edition.
In conclusion, there's nothing wrong with trying to promote an old book. Just be honest with readers, book reviewers, and others that it's not a new book. If a book is truly good, readers won't care when it was first published, but they will care if they pay for something they think is new, only to discover they've already paid for it in the past.
Irene Watson is the Managing Editor of Reader Views, where avid readers can find reviews of recently published books as well as read interviews with authors. Her team also provides author publicity and a variety of other services specific to writing and publishing books.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Irene_Watson
Related articles
- ARTICLES: Book Marketing Techniques: Those That Backfire via @bloggingauthors #mwn (motownwriters.wordpress.com)
- ARTICLE: Busting Author Myths: Avoiding Get-Rich-Quick Schemes VIA Irene Watson @bloggingauthors (motownwriters.wordpress.com)
- ARTICLE: Tips for Writing Good Query Letters VIA Irene Watson @bloggingauthors #mwn (motownwriters.wordpress.com)
- ARTICLE: Traditional Vs Self-Publishing: The Financial Perspective via Irene Watson @bloggingauthors #mwn (motownwriters.wordpress.com)
- ARTICLE: When Author Self-Promotion Goes Overboard VIA @bloggingauthors (motownwriters.wordpress.com)


text:
This #charitytuesday, we are calling attention to the work of Water for People, a nonprofit organization dedicated to innovative, sustainable clean water solutions in 11 different countries in Africa, Asia, and Central and South America. Water for People is not just another water charity. The core value that makes this organization unique is sustainability – a drive to create solutions that last.
One of their most innovative solutions lies in a partnership with PlayPumps International and the Case Foundation. PlayPumps are small merry-go-rounds that pump water from underground into a water tank as children spin around on them. The water can then be drawn from a tap directly on the tank.
Water for People also works through local partnerships with government and private organizations, calling on communities to finance their own clean water efforts, and training them to build their own clean water and sanitation systems, so that the projects last beyond those that are normally funded by a one-time monetary grant. This is part of what makes their solutions sustainable. What's more, they recently launched an online platform called FLOW (Field Level Operations Watch) that uses mobile phones and GPS to monitor how well water systems in the developing world are functioning. This monitoring system ensures that broken pumps and wells in need of repair are not left untouched – once again ensuring that the projects last well beyond the first drop of clean water that's produced.
Individuals and organizations can get involved with Water for People by spreading the word through online media, sponsoring fundraising events, shopping the online store or making a donation online.


text:
AZextra Price-Computing Retail Scales: AZextra 30P
Durable and easy to clean, AZextra provides an all-around excellent value for retail weighing and cost calculation. AZextra displays weight, unit price and total price on front and back panels simultaneously. This allows both the scale operator and purchaser to view information and verify quantity and pricing, boosting customer satisfaction.
The internal memory on the AZextra scale stores up to 103 product look-ups. Time, date, weight, unit price and total cost transmit easily to printers, allowing the store to keep records, track orders, and perform purchasing and inventory tasks.
AZextra 30P Specifications
- Capacity
- 30kg
- Readability
- 10g
- Repeatability
- 10g
- Weighing Units
- kg
- Calibration
- External calibration
- Stabilisation Time
- 2.0
- Pan Size
- 225x275mm
- Linearity
- 10g
- Power Supply
- Mains power cord / Internal rechargeable battery
- Construction
- ABS plastic
- Interface
- Operating Temperature
- -10° to 40°C
- Net Weight
- 4.7kg
- Dimensions Overall
- 315x355x535mm (wxdxh)
- Display Digit Height
- 20mm
- Battery Life
- 90.0
Features and Benefits
- EC type approved
- NRCS approved
- NMI trade approved
- Adjustable levelling feet help optimise setup
- Colour-coded keys facilitate quick recognition of the most frequently used buttons
- Large, grade 304 stainless steel pan allows easy cleaning
- Lightweight design simplifies transport and portability
- RS-232 interface is available to provide speedy connection to computers and printers
- Solid ABS housing is durable for industrial use
- Audible overload alarm warns when capacity is exceeded
- External calibration allows for verification and adjustment with weights
- Multilingual display allows use in many different countries
- Preset tare function speeds the process of repetitive weighing
- Product look up (PLU) memory locations store a range of items for recall
- Auto-clear function enables the last item to be reset each time the scale returns to zero
- Zero-tracking feature ensures display returns to zero reading
- Backlit LCD shows weight, unit price and total price, to provide the key information simultaneously
- Rear display mounted on a pillar or back of the scale lets customers see key data
- Rechargeable battery included for operation almost anywhere
- Programmable auto power-off to save energy
- Manual (Français): AZextra Price-Computing Retail Scales - AZextra_UM_FR.pdf
- Manual (Español): AZextra Price-Computing Retail Scales - AZextra_UM_ES.pdf
- Manual (Multi_Language): AZextra Price-Computing Retail Scales - AZextra_CM.pdf
- Manual (English): AZextra Price-Computing Retail Scales - AZextra_UM_EN.pdf
- Manual (English): AZextra Price-Computing Retail Scales - AZextra_UM_Short_EN.pdf
- Datasheet (Deutsche): AZextra Price-Computing Retail Scales - AZextra-DS-A4-DE.pdf
- Datasheet (Español): AZextra Price-Computing Retail Scales - AZextra-DS-A4-SP.pdf
- Datasheet (Italiano): AZextra Price-Computing Retail Scales - AZextra-DS-A4-IT.pdf
- Datasheet (Português): AZextra Price-Computing Retail Scales - AZextra-DS-A4-PG.pdf
- Datasheet (English): AZextra Price-Computing Retail Scales - AZextra-DS-A4-EN.pdf
- Datasheet (Français): AZextra Price-Computing Retail Scales - AZextra-DS-A4-FR.pdf
- Price computing
- Weighing
Technical Highlights
- Backlit display
- Internal rechargeable battery
- Date
- External calibration
- Tare Function
- Time
Here is a list of our available related products and suitable accessories:


text:
Joby Gorillapod SLR Tripod Review
Ever since I saw the first Gorillapod, I've been intrigued to see how well it performs. Then, when Joby introduced the Gorillapod SLR, I was especially interested to see if it could handle my Olympus E-500 digital SLR. The bulk of my photography (outside of camera review shots) is family and vacation shooting. I rarely use a tripod for these purposes, but the Gorillapod is small enough that it would be easy to keep with me.
The first Gorillapod model was meant only for compact digital cameras weighing up to 9.1 ounces – not enough for some of the ultra-zoom cameras or digital SLRs. Then came the Gorillapod SLR, which can handle a camera up to 1.75 pounds. Finally, for those who have the really long glass – the Gorillapod SLR-Zoom can handle up to 6.6 pounds.
Design and Features
I picked up the Gorillapod SLR to review. It actually shares pretty much the same features as the smaller, lighter weight Gorillapod with everything just upsized a bit. With the legs straightened and folded together, the tripod has a height of just under 10 inches, making it very packable. In fact, if you don't have room for a cylindrical shape just a couple inches in diameter, you could mold the Gorillapod to fit in whatever you have space left for. At only 5.8 ounces, it is also very lightweight.
The tripod is essentially made of a bunch of "ball and socket" joints so that the legs can be bent to whatever shape you need. The tips of the legs are almost entirely covered with rubber for grippiness. The rest of the ball joints have rings of rubber to grip whatever they're wrapped around.
Moving up to the tripod head, a "slim-line attachment" slides out to allow easy attachment to your camera. Once the attachment is tightened into the tripod mount on you camera, you just slide it into the head until it clicks. A push-button release holds the attachment into place. For extra security, a rotating ring lock prevents the push button from being depressed and releasing the slim-line attachment. Both the Gorillapod and Gorillapod SLR have the same head. The Gorillapod SLR-Zoom has a screw mount that allows a 1/4" or 3/8" mount to whatever camera or tripod head that you prefer.
Slim-line attachment and lock ring (view large image)
The Gorillapod really does excel at what it's meant for. There's no doubt that it's flexible enough to handle an infinite number of positions. The rubberized feet and joints are absolutely critical to getting the tripod to "stick" and they do a good job. The holding power of the tripod is also sufficient for my Olympus digital SLR. Not every position is as stable as you may prefer, but it just takes a little adjustment to get there.
My only concern with the "holding" capability of the camera will probably only reveal itself with longer-term use. I have a feeling that the joints will become less stiff with age (how come it doesn't that work that way for people?) and it will become more difficult to find a stable position. However, the Gorillapod is so reasonably priced that it's easily replaced.
As I played with it, I realized that half of the fun is just bending it to get the best platform to shoot from. It's also just fun to play with even if you aren't going to do any shooting. Apparently, I'm not the only one who thinks the same – you should see the Flickr Gorillapod Love pool: http://www.flickr.com/groups/gorillapod/pool/
The slim-line attachment and locking mechanism may seem like a little thing, but it provides a lot of value and ease of use. You can purchase an additional slim-line attachment clips so you can leave them on multiple cameras.
Purchase Options
You can purchase directly from the Joby website, but they also have a list of places where you can purchase it. I also was impressed that you can get an "unpackaged", environmentally-friendly version of the Gorillapod SLR that is $5 less than the blister-packed version. The Gorillapod SLR-Zoom only comes unpackaged and the standard Gorillapod comes in both versions with a $3 difference.
As I walked past Joby's booth at the PhotoPlus Expo a few weeks ago, I overheard someone say that they wouldn't trust it to hold their equipment On the other hand, I looked at the crowd of people at the booth and noticed how many people were actually purchasing the model that fit their needs. As with any product, it's not going to satisfy everyone, but it's an excellent product that performs very well for its price (and target audience). It also happens that it's darn cute.
The Gorillapod SLR (and the rest of its band) is a perfect miniature tripod solution for amateurs and enthusiasts who don't need a more expensive tripod for everyday use. It's also a good travel tripod for anyone who doesn't want to/need to travel with a standard sized tripod.


text:
undercovercalico: For all I know..... You/Socrates deleted it yourself and just waved the finger at melvin for a fun game. Or somebody other than melvin pulled the trigger...... Who knows? Maybe it was me. or the Green Hornet.That's the same, tired schtick mattyJack has spun at his loser FSZ blog, that we are the same person. I was banned by Melvin because of the diary I posted, not the comment. I coherently explained how the FSZ gang operates. Melvin is part and parcel of that. I presented oral history of how they stole Peeder's legacy. It was top-notch Meta. It was setting the record straight. The second half concerned "chemtrails." I'll repost the diary and a screenshot of the one post I made.
Melvin: Wait. I han't thought of that. Are these the same person? Because I did delete socrates.
Ex-Kos Kop Blogmaids, the Internet Zeitgeist, and Chemtrails
by: socrates
The scariest part of this blog is Daily Kos is linked to as a favourite.
Why would you do that?
Moulitsas thinks the CIA is a liberal institution with its heart in the right place. He came within a nose hair of working for them.
Yet you continue to prop up that fake lefty.
This is why donkeytale loves the whiteysphere!
My Left Wing was the first attempt to create a super blog out of the dung which is Daily Kos. Once it became obvious that Mary Scott O'Connor wasn't fit to be leader of the ex-Kos Kop blogmaids, Peeder set up the Political Flesh Feast. It lasted one year.
Then an immature troll stole that legacy by starting FSZ. Deja Vu all over again took place as with MSOC's failure. The blog owner forgot why his place had become popular. He threw Dave From Queens under the bus. He came up with one scam after another- unfair bannings, idiotic made-up scenarios, etc., a 180 degree turn from Peeder's vision.
The same thing would happen to FSZ that afflicted MLW. Those who made the place lively were driven off by crusty ex-Kos Kop blogmaids who spoke of blog wreckers and whackjobs. History recently repeated itself, as Francis Holland was driven off of FSZ in a manner similar to how the MLW bores had done.
When the most interesting bloggers are driven off, what you are left with are irrelevant blogs with no entertainment value. You are merely left with a new outlet for blog Koppers to dominate.
Back in the day there was a fairly popular philosopher named Joseph Dirt. Many remember him for having a funky looking mullet. I looked beyond that and took heed of his adage, "It's all about the consumer."
I will now attempt to wrap up this mailed-in diary. Donkeytale requested that I write a bit about chemtrails. Since it's all about the consumer, here goes. This too shall be mailed in. That's the stuff!
Many people bury their heads in the sand when it comes to the debate over whether chemtrails are real or are just normal aviation contrails that hit certain atmospheric conditions.
I took the following screenshots a couple years ago from a youtube video no longer available. Check out how a jet flies below, through, and then above a so-called persistent contrail without any trail forming off the engines. This says it all.
Debunkers will have an answer for everything. They are set in their ways and will label chemtrails a whackjob hoax no matter what. In this case, they'll simply ignore the above or claim it was photoshopped.
Here's a video clip of a Pacific Northwest weatherman laying it on the line, that not all contrails are contrails.
Well, I'm not one who's into reinventing the wheel. One can go to the top section of this blog and read up on my chemtrail schtick, if interested. (My other blog is called DFQ2 and can be found here. Donkeytale also blogs there on occasion.)
The main problem is there is too much kooky garbage on the net which perverts the obvious into being science fiction and paranoia. So if you google chemtrails and whatnot, you're going to be led 99.99% of the time to garbage links.


text:
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A groundbreaking was held Wednesday morning for Jacksonville's first law enforcement memorial in front of the Veterans Memorial Arena.
It was the idea of 16-year-old Adam Resch. He developed the wall as the final step to earning the rank of Eagle Scout. He has been in the Boy Scouts since he was in first grade.
Resch said the cause is a personal one to him. His father, grandfather and great-grandfather were police officers.
"We were looking for a project to do, and I was looking around and we don't have a police memorial in Jacksonville," Resch said. "There were 60 officers killed and it was really important for this to be done, so I set on it."
While memorials for law enforcement exist all over the country, Jacksonville did not have one for the dozens of officers killed in the line of duty.
Resch wanted to make sure the memorial sent a strong message about the sacrifices law enforcement officers make.
"It means to honor the lives of the officers that were killed in the line of duty," Resch said. "They gave their lives to protect the citizens, and we need to give back and say thank you."
Resch was having trouble finding an approved location for his project until he teamed up with the Fraternal Order of Police. The group was working on a similar memorial project.
"We really felt like having a place where officers and their families could go, sort of celebrate the life and sacrifice of those who died in the line of duty. This is a big deal for Jacksonville," said Teresa Eichner, of the FOP.
The city gave Resch and the FOP 800 square feet in front of the arena to build the memorial. It will be 9 feet tall and in a semicircle shape.
Resch is excited to see the finished project he has put so much effort into.
"We wanted it to be very tall. It's going to be enormous to represent the size of the project," Resch said. "It's going to be black and blue to represent the thin blue line emblem, which is the officers and what they do to protect us."
The memorial is capturing the hearts of other families in the community.
"Our son, Ray Shinholser, was killed in the line of duty with the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office in 1988," said Charles Shinholser. "So it means so much to us that the officers will never be forgotten."
Shinholser hopes the memorial will help people understand the risk officers take every day protecting our lives.
The memorial is expected to be completed in may of 2014. It will be surrounded by brick pavers available to purchase in honor of someone who died.
For more information, visit www.fallenofficersmemorial.webs.com.


text:
Environmentally friendly
Due to the durability and colourfastness of the clay pavers, they can be reused and do not add to landfill. Producing clay pavers and winning clay is done in an environmentally friendly and responsible manner (reuse of clay quarrying locations).
Taking up and reusing
Paving bricks can easily be taken up for repair work, for ground work or to replace.
Easy to maintain
Choosing the right type of clay pavers for surfacing an area, will mean they barely need any maintenance. Brick pavers are resistant to weather elements such as frost and are not susceptible to chemicals, oil, petrol or grit.
Open paving
Provides sufficient aeration and permits the infiltration of water into the subsoil, thus creating an excellent combination with green areas.


text:
Potsdam is best known for the magnificent palaces and parks that date back to its time as the former royal seat of Prussia. Prussian pomp and splendour, a heritage of great architects and scholars, and a focal point during the Cold War: Potsdam offers a breathtaking panorama of culture and history.
300 years ago, the garrison outpost of Potsdam was transformed into one of Europe's most splendid royal cities. The Prussian kings, in particular Frederick William I and his son Frederick the Great, created a baroque dream in Potsdam and the surrounding area, to which their successors added great monuments to classicism. In 1990 the Palaces and Parks of Potsdam were awarded UNESCO World Heritage status – at that time still at the request of the two rival German states. The original site comprised the parks and palaces of Sanssouci, Neuer Garten, Babelsberg, Glienicke and Peacock Island. In 1992 the UNESCO site was extended to include Sacrow Palace and park and Saviour's Church, while in 1999 another 14 monuments joined the list, including Lindstedt Palace and park, Belvedere Palace on Pfingstberg hill, Kaiserbahnhof station and the observatory at Babelsberg Park. All told, the world heritage site now covers about 500 hectares of parkland, encompassing 150 buildings dating from 1730 to 1916. A good starting point for a walk through the historical centre of Potsdam is Alter Markt square. The Church of St. Nicholas, Lustgarten park, the Old Town Hall and the reconstructed Stadtschloss palace, now the seat of the regional assembly, make an ensemble of impressive grandeur. A 16-metre obelisk, complete with carved portraits of the great Potsdam architects Knobelsdorff, Schinkel, Gontard and Persius, rises up at the centre of Alter Markt. Opposite Alter Markt, tucked away behind a row of houses, lies Neuer Markt square. Dating from the 17th and 18th century, this is one of the best-preserved baroque squares in Europe and arguably the most beautiful square in the city.
The former coaching stables on Alter Markt are now home to the House of Brandenburg and Prussian History, which is well worth a visit. Next to this, Luisenplatz square connects baroque Brandenburger Strasse with the tree-lined avenue that leads to the entrance of Sanssouci Park. Three impressive city gates dominate the old quarter of Potsdam, each more splendid than the next: Brandenburg Gate, a massive triumphal arch commemorating the Seven Years' War, Hunter's Gate, named after the royal hunting lodge to the north of the city, and Nauen Gate, one of the most popular meeting places in the city centre and a fine example of the English neo-Gothic style. Nauen Gate gives access to the Dutch quarter, where the ambience and lifestyle are a bit more laid back. Lovingly decorated courtyards, cafés, offbeat bars and avant-garde galleries make this the perfect place for a leisurely stroll. No visit to Potsdam would be complete without a trip along the city's waterways on one of Weisse Flotte's beautiful old steamboats. Depending which route you choose, the boats go as far as Glienicke Bridge, which connects Potsdam to Berlin and is where East and West exchanged secret agents and spies until into the 1980s. Not far from the bridge, to the south-west, lies the Hans Otto Theatre building with its spectacular shell-like roof of layered red overhangs. Over in Babelsberg, the cameras are rolling at Europe's biggest and oldest film studios, where more than 3,000 film and TV productions have been made. Between March and October, you can make a trip to the district's Film Park for a fun-filled look into Germany's very own tinsel town. That said, all of Potsdam has a touch of star quality about it.
Dve uporabni bližnjici za povečavo v brskalniku:
Povečava: +
Pomanjšava: +
Dodatna pomoč vam je na voljo pri ponudniku brskalnika. Do nje dostopate s klikom na ikono:


text:
The Cross & the Pen: The Twenty-third Psalm for Caregivers
- 2004 31 Aug
Have you ever been a caregiver, or know someone who is? Statistically, the answer to either of those questions is "yes." Sometimes we think of caregivers as adults who care for their elderly parents or other relatives, but that's not always the case.
Take for example my friends, the Bradshaws. Just a few years ago, life was normal. Husband and wife both worked fulltime jobs and had an active social life. Their children, 18-year-old Mandy and 16-year-old Joey, were typical teens. Then, one afternoon in 1999, while on her way to church, Mandy was struck head-on in a car accident, leaving her with severe, near fatal injuries. Since that time, Mandy's mother has been the primary caregiver of her daughter.
Also consider my good friend, author and speaker Carmen Leal. When Carmen married David, she had no idea that he carried a disease within him that, on the date of their third wedding anniversary, would rear its ugly head and demand to be reckoned with. The best years of their marriage were centered around David's being bed bound while Carmen took care of his every need.
Carmen's latest book, The Twenty-third Psalm for Caregivers (AMG Publishers), is a masterpiece of hope and faith for those who are caregivers or who will one day be. Recently, we got together to chat about it. Wanna listen in?
Eva Marie: The book is beautiful I know you must be so excited. Has it met your expectation?
Carmen: This book has gone beyond my expectations. I always wanted The Twenty-Third Psalm for Caregivers to find a home with the right publisher. I wanted a publisher of integrity who cared about the same things I cared about, but I also wanted one who could create a beautiful book. I am thrilled that God found a home [for it] with AMG Publishers.
Eva Marie: Carmen, I've known you for many years and I know this is a book from the very depths of your heart. Will you share with my readers why you chose to write a book for caregivers?
Carmen: I have to laugh that God has me in the thick of ministering to caregivers. I am truly the least likely person for God to use. I hated being a caregiver and, in the beginning, whined a lot about my situation. In 1991 I married David and in 1994 he was diagnosed with a rare neurological disease we'd never heard of. Huntington's Disease is sort of a mix of Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Multiple Sclerosis, and Paranoid Schizophrenia. Caring for David is one of the most difficult things I have ever done. Finances and lack of insurance forced us to relocate, and once we moved to Florida from Hawaii, we lost our support system.
I have never been so alone in my life. I didn't have a church, a job, family, or friends. Somehow, though, I survived. There wasn't one person who really understood what I was experiencing, how I felt. On the rare occasions when I did get out I'd hear, "How's David? We're praying for David." It was all about David. I understood, but what about how was Carmen? This wasn't just David's disease.
I can truly say that there were days and months and years when the only person I could count on was my Shepherd. I want caregivers to learn to trust the Shepherd during one of the most difficult and loneliest of situations. I also want them to know that it is possible to find joy through caregiving.
Eva Marie: What do you hope will be accomplished by the book?
Carmen: I want to minister to caregivers around the world. I want them to know how much the Shepherd loves them, and that even when it seems no one else cares, no one else wants to or even can help, He is truly all they need. I also want this book to create an awareness of what it means to be a caregiver, and how we as a nation, as a world, need to help. The person suffering from the disease, the accident, the birth defect, will always be uppermost in people's minds. And that is how it should be. But I want people's hearts to break for the caregiver who is sacrificing their dreams, and even their life, to be able to provide care for someone they love.
This is the book I wanted when I was in the thick of caregiving. It's not a fix-it or how-to book. When the reader finishes The Twenty-Third Psalm for Caregivers I want them to understand that there are some things that can't be fixed in life. But that's okay because the Lord is their Shepherd and He will get them through this and every other valley.
Eva Marie: The 23rd Psalm is among the most beloved of all literature, would you agree?
Carmen: Absolutely.
Eva Marie: Of all the chapters and verses in Scripture, why did you choose to write about caregiving using the 23rd Psalm?
Carmen: I chose this passage over every other scripture in the Bible because it is so well known and beloved. First of all, it paints such a beautiful image of our Father Caregiver. As I was caring for David, I needed someone to care for me. The Shepherd never once let me down. Caregiving can be a thankless and unending job. Psalm 23 is a welcome reminder that caregivers are not alone. The Shepherd sees, leads, and empowers them and will restore their weary souls.
People fall into four categories: Those who are caregivers, those who have been caregivers, those who are being cared for, and those who will need care. That means that every person on earth is or will be cared for or a caregiver. It's not an exclusive club for Christians either. Psalm 23 is the one passage that strikes a chord within each person, no matter their religious beliefs. It's a comforting scripture and one that is not controversial or adversarial.
Eva Marie: You interspersed each chapter with lines from old hymns. How did you decide which ones to use?
Carmen: I wanted to write a universal book, and nothing is more universal than music. I wanted a book where people could see themselves. The hymns I chose are familiar enough to help the reader take ownership; hymns that have reached beyond the realm of "church music," and into a piece of Americana. Each hymn speaks directly to the chapter topic and is short enough to remember. Spencer W. Kimball was right when he said, "Some of the greatest sermons are preached by the singing of hymns."
Eva Marie: Carmen, how many caregivers are out there?
Carmen: I don't think we can appreciate the full spectrum of the vast number of Americans who fall into the caregiver category. According to the National Family Caregiver Alliance there are 54 million caregivers in the US today. That does not include those who do it as a job, nor does it include multiples in a family. For instance I have six siblings. If my mother ever needs care, and statistically she will, only one of us will be counted as a caregiver. Does that mean the rest of us don't care? Let's just say that a whole lot of people out there are involved in caregiving at some level.
Eva Marie: I don't think I ever truly appreciated what life was like for a caregiver until I became one...and I was a nurse for many, many years! Express in your beautiful way with words what life is like for a caregiver?
Carmen: I guess I could take the easy way out and suggest to your readers that they read the book since there is no single answer. Honestly, I don't have a concise answer to that question. Life for a caregiver will differ on any given day. Remember that little girl with the one curl right in the middle of her forehead? When she was good she was very, very good, and when she was bad she was horrid. That's pretty much it. It all depends on how the one we are caring for is feeling or acting; Or if the insurance is paying their bills, if the disability check came in.
A 2000 study by the Family Caregiver Alliance reported caregivers are isolated, frustrated, overworked and depressed.
65 percent of caregivers don't receive consistent help from other family members.
69 percent of caregivers say frustration is their most frequently felt emotion.
77 percent of caregivers are employed outside of the home at least part time.
49 percent of all family caregivers say they have suffered from prolonged depression.
Those aren't beautiful words or emotions, but they are real and they show how much caregivers need the Shepherd.
Eva Marie: What is the most difficult curve in the road for a caregiver?
Carmen: I have spoken to thousands of caregivers over the years and there is a sameness about our situations. There are a lot of difficult curves, but the one that is mentioned over and over is the surprise of having family and friends abandon the caregiver. These are not unkind people, but it's hard being part of someone's trials for years and years. Most people don't know how to act, what to say, what to do. We live in a society when we want to fix things and most of what is going on in a caregiving situation can't be fixed.
I hope that non-caregivers will also read The Twenty-Third Psalm for Caregivers so that they have a better understanding of how they can help the caregiver. It doesn't take much to show the Shepherd's love to a caregiver; a card, a meal, renting a movie and bringing it over with popcorn, volunteering to watch the patient so the caregiver can get a break.
Eva Marie: I read the story of Linda, a mother with extraordinary courage who said "no" when doctor's told her to prepare for her disabled daughter's death. In my way of thinking both letting go and fighting take an enormous amount of courage. How does a caregiver know when it's time to "let go" and when it's time to "fight?"
Carmen: And that's the caregiver's conundrum; there's never a right time to say good-bye and we are always ready for the battle to be over. In our flesh we can't know when it's time to let go or when we need to keep fighting. This is when we need the Shepherd more than at any other time. When we pray He does answer. Sometimes He answers by bringing Hospice on board to help us make the hard decisions. Sometimes He brings in a specialist with another option and we know we have to keep fighting. To every question the answer lies in the Shepherd.
Eva Marie: Carmen, would you offer up a short prayer for those who are caregivers?
Carmen: Dearest Shepherd, help us to use You as our caregiver model. Thank you for being here, providing for us every step of the way on our caregiving journey, even when everyone around us seems to have gone. Thank you for guiding us through what seems like a never-ending valley into promised joy. Amen.
For more information about Carmen Leal, go to: www.writerspeaker.com
If you'd like to know more about Mandy Bradshaw and how you can pray for her, go to: www.pray4Mandy.com
Award-winning national speaker, Eva Marie Everson's work includes "Intimate Moments with God and Intimate Encounters with God" (Cook). She is the author of "Shadow of Dreams," "Summon the Shadows" and "Shadow of Light." (Barbour Fiction) She can be contacted for comments or for speaking engagement bookings at www.EvaMarieEverson.com