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Originally Posted by Punnaimaran
Originally Posted by Punnaimaran
Om Namaste astu Bhagavan Vishveshvaraya Mahadevaya Triambakaya Tripurantakaya Trikalagni kalaya kalagnirudraya Neelakanthaya Mrutyunjayaya Sarveshvaraya Sadashivaya Shriman Mahadevaya Namah Om Namah Shivaye Om Om Namah Shivaye Om Om Namah Shivaye
K.V.RAMAKRISHNARAO paper presented during the 52nd session of Indian History Congress held at New Delhi from February 21-23, 1992. Summary published in the proceedings, p.192.
1. Introduction: About the prevalence of the practice of tying Tali in the Sagam period, two divergent views have so far been expressed, one accepting it while the other denying it. But, scholars belonging to both categories rely only upon the verses of ancient Tamil literature and the commentaries written on them in later period. The former category approaches the issue only on the lines of Aryan-Dravidian controversy, with the implication that Aryans imposed their eight forms of marriage, connected rites and ceremonies including tying of Tali on Dravidians. The latter category too, of course proceeding on the concept of Aryanization of Dravidians, but, asserts that Tali was there in the Tamil society. A critical study is made in this paper to analyze the issue. Before that, it is imperative to understand the man-woman relationship of ancient Tamils to comprehend the processes that led to establishment of marriage as an essential institution of ancient Tamil society.
2. Kalaviyal and Karpiyal: From the ancient extant Tamil work Tolkappiyam, the Kalaviyal (order and conduct of clandestine love) and Karpiyal (order and conduct of open married life) are known. When Kalaviyal created many sociological problems or rather when it was misused and abused by men, Karanams or sacraments were introduced to discipline the erred men, Karpiyal was expounded and Karpu extolled. Karpu, the highest and exalted virtue of women, generally translated as chastity was considered as one of the five virtuous ornaments of Tamil women, with the introduction of sacrament of marriage and connected rituals and rites, marital life was established, defined and accepted.
2.1. Though, there were two forms of union of man and woman among Tamils Kalavu and Karpu i.e, union in secrecy and union in open (as explained), Tolkappiyar under Agattinai grouped different forms of love and union and they are kakkilai, aintinai and peruntinai. Kakkilai or orutalaikamam was one sided love and there were three forms under this category1. The second group aintinai corresponds to the five natural divisions of land, i.e, kurinji, neydal, mullai, palai and marudam. The third group peruntinai deals with unequal and abnormal love matches, union of different varieties and their evil consequencies2. The last category was of violent nature leading to madalerudhal (riding on Palmyra branch for a horse), varaippaydal (giving up life for marriage) and other peculiar practices.
2.2. Karpiyal is definitely a form of marriage arranged by the parents of lovers and celebrated with ceremonies and rites. Perhaps, to overcome the problems of Kalaviyal, Karpiyal was developed to regulate love and union of man and woman. As there was degradation, as is evident from the verse of Tolkappiyam, the learned men had to introduce more sacraments to impose greater moral and social binding in the marital life.
3. Karpu had been defined as the union of a man, who had traditional right or privilege to accept (a woman) and a woman, whose parents had inherited prerogative to give her (for marriage) with sacramental rites (karanams)3. Thus, karpu was the marrying off a girl with ceremonies to a man of status acceptable to the parents of both sides. Even, if a woman went along with her lover on her own accord to his place, where her parents did not have the privilege of giving her for marriage, karanam was made mandatory4. Though, the karanam was prescribed for the union of man and women of three higher categories of the ancient Tamil society, viz., Andanar (priests), Arasar (kings), and Vanigar (businessmen), there was a time when it was applicable to lower category, Vellalar (farmers)5. But, after the appearance of falsehood and immorality, Aiyer / Iyer introduced karanam (i.e, the most elaborate ceremonies of marriage)6. Here, poi has been defined as the denial of clandestine love (kalvozhukkam) by man after having relation with her. vazhu has been defined as the act of not only denying the clandestine love, but also forsaking her after leading an open domestic life for some time. Thus, the circumstances that necessitated the introduction of sacrament of marriage are explained in Tolkappiyam. The, naturally the external symbolism would have been formulated to differentiate married women from unmarried women, and such external signs used would have been solemnized before parents, elders and others to mark the consummation of the union of couple as evidence.
4. Marriage According to Sangam Literature: The words used to denote marriage are kadi, vadhuvai, manral and varai7. Agananuru verses 86 and 136 give the following details about marriage performed in the Sangam period. The married life is known as karpu in Agattinai. The parents of both bride and groom would agree for the marriage. It would be performed at an auspicious time on an auspicious day on which Moon and Rohini asterism were in conjunction. Time was early morning. The pandal (marriage shed) was constructed in front of the home, spreading white sand. It was decorated beautifully with festoons and garlands. Drums were beaten; lights lit and Gods worshipped. The bride was adorned suitably and brought there, after having a bath by elderly ladies. There was also a practice of Silambu kazhi nonbu (anklet removing penance) before the marriage. However, not only unmarried women, but also married women were also wore anklets, as is evident from Kannagi and Kopperundevi. Elderly auspicious women brought water carrying on their heads. Four auspicious women blessed with children and with auspicious ornament would enter the shed, showering flowers and paddy on the head of the bride and give her a bath. This bathing ceremony was known as vadhuvai. At that time, they would bless her to have a chaste life and she was always liked by her husband. The parents also gave their benediction to her. All who come for the marriage would be fed well. The same night the bride and groom would be left in a separate room.
5. Marriage According to Past-Sangam Literature: the details given by the post Sangam literature, the Tamil epics, are considered here. Silappadikaram portrays the marriage of Kovalan and Kannagi, who belonged to rich merchant families. Kovalan was sixteen and Kannagi twelve at the time of their marriage. The parents of them were eager to arrange for their marriages, on an auspicious day. Accordingly, the marriage date was fixed and intimated by auspicious women wearing pride ornament (aniyizhai) sitting on elephants. On marriage day, drums and taboures were sounded; conch shells blown; white umbrellas taken out like Kings royal procession and Mangala ani was also taken along with the marriage procession.
5.1. The marriage hall was decorated suitably: the top of the mantapam with garlands, inside roof with blue silk cloth, inside which the marriage stage with pearls. The day was auspicious as both Moon and Rohini were in conjunction. Kannagi, who was compared with the unparalleled star of Arunthathi, because of her quality of chastity, was wedded with Kovalan with Vedic rites conducted by an old Parppan. The scene of circumambulation of the fire by the couple was marvelous for the assembled. With the above description, the propounders of the theory that there no Tali was tied during their marriage, assert that the Vedic rites were introduced by the Aryans only during the process of so called Aryanization of Dravidians. But, significantly, they coolly ignore the following details mentioned in the verses. In chapter 4, of Silappadikaram, it has been mentioned that Kannagi did not want to any other ornament other than Mangala ani8. Again in chapter.21, she was described as vilangizhaiyal, i.e, wearing renowned or glorious ornament9. Before marriage, Mangala ani was taken around during the procession; after marriage, it has been mentioned that she was wearing it and she was described as vilangizhaiyal. Therefore, without tying the Mangala ani, it could not have been adorning her neck. And none other than Kovalan could have tied it. Hence, just because the Tali tying ceremony was not mentioned, it cannot be said that such custom was not there. Perungathai, another Tamil work also specifies how the fire was kindled by an Andanan, who was well versed with traditional Vedic rites and how the groom went around it with grasping brides hand10. From the above, ii is evident that Tali system was there during post sangam period. Now, to examine whether such system was there during Sangam period, and the ornaments used by the ancient Tamil women should be subjected to critical analysis to find out whether they could be used as Tali.
6. External Symbolism: The ancient Tamil women were wearing various ornaments and jewels made of shell, stone, ceramic, glass, silver, gold and other materials. They include ear studs, bangles, bracelets, rings, necklaces, chains and others. Strings of pearls and Pulippal Tali were worn around the neck touching the breast11. Thin bangles were on the forearm and bracelets on the upper arm. Anklet, Silambu or Kinkini was worn on the feet and it was made of gold. Besides such ornaments for neck, ear, wrist, upper-arm, waist and feet, some specific ornaments were used and they were variously mentioned as Valizhai, Aniyizhai, Ayizhai, Ollizhai, Manizhai, Ilangizhai, Seyizhai, Pasizhai, Viralizhai, Teriyizhai, Nerizhai, Tirunthizhai, Punaiyizhai, Minnizhai, Vingizhai, Pulaiyizhai, Avirizhai, Vayangizhai, Chudarizhai and Nunagizhai in Sangam literature. Here, the important key word is Izhai and it is used with various adjectives qualifying its nature. It may be mentioned that significance is attached to the wearing and removal od Silambu or anklet and there was a specific function during Sangam age known as Silambu kazhi nonbu, i.e, the anklet removing penance. Anklets were worn by women since childhood and removed, when they attained puberty or at the time of marriage. Such function was known as Silanbu kazhi nonbu. However, it should be mentioned that married women too wore anklets and hence it might not have been categorically used to differentiate married women from unmarried women. Therefore, the significance of Izhai has to be analyzed.
7. Discussion about Izhai: the word Izhai as a noun refers to a thread, jewel or a lady bedecked with jewels and as a verb its meaning is associate, intimate, agree to and consent to. Now, let us consider the different connotation of it with various adjectives as mentioned above:
Sl.No Expression Meaning
1 Valizhai Young, pure or white ornament
2 Aniyizhai Layered, orderly, beautiful or pride ornament
3 Ayizhai An important or choice ornament; women
4 Ollizhai Bright, good, excellent or beautiful ornament
5 Manizhai Glorious, great or splendid ornament
6 Ilangizhai Young or lengthy ornament
7 Seyizhai A lady bedecked with jewels, woman
8 Pasizhai Green coloured ornament
9 Viralizhai Great ornament
10-Teriyizhai -A lady bedecked with jewels
11-Nerizhai-A lady bedecked with jewels
12-Tirunthizhai -Great or pride ornament
13-Punaiyizhai -Decorated, beautiful or new ornament; A lady bedecked with jewels
14-Minnizhai -Lightening or sparkling ornament
15-Vingizhai -Thick ornament
16-Pulaiyizhai -Thin ornament
17-Avirizhai-Bright ornament
18-Vayangizhai - Shining ornament or anklet (Silambu)
19-Chudarizhai -Bright (glowing like flame) ornament
20 Nunagizhai-Accurate, thin, fine or elegant ornament.
Of the above Teriyizhai and Neriyizhai are used to denote a lady dedecked with jewels. Ayizhai and Punaiyizhai denote woman with ornaments, besides the usual meaning of beautiful or new ornament. Other Izhais denote to special ornament according to its characteristic.
8. Izhai represents what?: The above expressions and their meanings have been taken from the ancient Tamil literature. To know exactly what Izhai represents, the various expressions used in the respective contexts have to be considered.
Paditruppattu describes how the women who lost their husbands removed their Valiyizhai i.e, young, pure or white ornaments (5:15).
Purananuru depicts how the wives of Cholan Karikal Peruvalavan removed their Izhai, when he died, just like Vengai tree (pterocarpus bilobus) which shed its leaves appearing naked (224: 15-17).
Puram also explains about women with Izhai which could not be gifted away. The expression used is Igayariya Izhai (127).
Again it describes the women who lost the right of wearing auspicious ornament as Kazhikala Magaru (261). This poem accounts how the wife of Kariyadhi, a friend of Avur Mulangizhar followed Kaimmai nonbu (the penance of widowhood), after removing ornaments.
Four women, who were wearing Valiyizhai and begotten with sons would bless the bride during the marriage as follows: Without deviating from the quality of chastity, obtaining good benefits of life, earn name for the parents (136: 11-18).
The bride with Izhaiyani (Izhai itself mentioned as ornament) and sweating, was presented to the groom (Agam: 136: 11-18).
The hero entered the house like a thief, for whom his lady-love with Tirunthizhai was waiting during the midnight, while their begotten son and mother were sleeping (Natrinai. 40:5-11).
The women with Olizhai have been described as traditional wives (Kalittogai. 122: 16,17).
The hero married his lady-love with Tirunthizhai on her soft shoulders after making a pledge before sea god that he would be separated from her (Kalittogai. 131: 1-2).
A wife has been described as the woman with Seyizhai and embodiment of chastity (Purananuru. 3-6).
It is said that there may be redemption for the act of aborting pregnant women with Maniyizhai i.e, glorious, great or splendid ornament (Puram. 34: 2,4).
The Pandiya king, Talaiyalanganattu Cheru Venra Nedunjezhiyan defeated his enemies. As he did not want to kill them before their women with Maniyizhai, he drew them to their native place and killed them. Their women therefore died with shame (Puram. 78: 8-12).
Perisattanar, while blessing the sons of Pandiyan Ilaventhigai Pallittunjiya Nanmaran, exalted his wife as the embodiment of chastity like god and Seyizhai i.e, with young or lengthy ornament (Puram.198: 1-5).
Madurakanchi specifies that women were with golden Izhai and bangles (444-446).
The hero addresses her lay-love as beautiful lady with Valizhai i.e, young, pure or white ornament (Natrinai. 76: 5).
The old city blames the lady-love as the glorious Izhai (Valizhai) on her shoulders became loosened or slipped down. The practice was that the Izhai should be worn properly around the neck touching the heart of the lady, who wears it (Natrinai. 85: 2,3).
From the above specific references of Sangam literature, it is very evident that Izhai and its other forms refer to an auspicious and important ornament that is nothing but Tali or Mangala Ani (Mangala sutra), though not such words were used in the ancient Tamil literature. It should be noted that the women who have been depicted above were all married with sons and described as auspicious women. No doubt, during marriage, as depicted in Agananuru, the tying of Izhai is not mentioned, but its removal at the time oif death of husbands has been mentioned not only in Agananuru itself, but also in other Sangam literature, as has been pointed out above. Definitely, without tying Izhai around the neck of a woman, it could not have been possible for her or there was no necessity to remove after the death of her husband, unless it was considered as so dear to her as auspicious and unifying symbol of husband and wife relationship in ancient Tamil society. The woman, who followed Kaimmai nonbu to avoid sati, also would not have been asked to remove it, if Izhai had not represented Tali or Mangala Ani (Manga sutra).
9. Marriage, Izhai, Tiruvalluvar: Though, Tirukkural is considered a post-Sangam work, it clearly embraces Tolkappiyam in principles. It not only glorifies the social acceptance of one man-one woman concept of marriage, but also the virtue of chastity. He has largely followed Tolkappiyar under the two main divisions of Kamattuppal (the nature of love) as Kalavu and Karpu. This confirms that in his times, the custom
9. Marriage, Izhai, Tiruvalluvar: Though, Tirukkural is considered a post-Sangam work, it clearly embraces Tolkappiyam in principles. It not only glorifies the social acceptance of one man-one woman concept of marriage, but also the virtue of chastity. He has largely followed Tolkappiyar under the two main divisions of Kamattuppal (the nature of love) as Kalavu and Karpu. This confirms that in his times, the customs had not changed and the institutions re-established remained the same as that of ancient period of Tamils. It is well known that Tiruvalluvar does not mention anything and everything in the same place, but in various places with implied meaning. And if he repeats any point in the same place or at different place, it is not that he actually repeats, but implies another meaning. With the background of his couplets on Kalavu and Karpu read with Ilvazhkkai (domestic life), Piranil Vizhaiyamai (not coveting others wife), Penvazhiseral (following of woman) and Varaivin magalir (women, who do not come under the purview of marriage), the status marriage and connected issues can be understood. Valluvar refers to a married woman as Varaiyal12, married man Mananthar13 and the marriage day Manantha nal14. Except, Varaiyal, other references are found in Karpiyal.
9.1. Coming to Izhai, he uses the following expressions Maniyizhai, Aniyizhai, Seyizhai, Ayizhai and Oliyizhai, with the following meanings:
1Maniyizhai -A lady wearing a glorious or auspicious ornament
2Aniyizhai -A lady wearing an ornament
3Seyizhai -A lady wearing a glorious or auspicious ornament
4Ayizhai -A lady wearing a bright ornament
5Oliyizhai-A lady wearing a choice or important ornament
Under Varavin magalir(women, who do not come under the purview of marriage), he describes such women as Varaivila Maniyizhaiyal i,e, unmarries women wearing glorious or auspicious ornament. In the entire chapter, he accounts the characters and evil consequences for having relations with Varaivil magalir or prostitutes. It is very evdent to note as to why the prostitutes, who do not come under the purview of marriage, wear Maniyizhai or auspicious ornament. Tiruvalluvar clearly distinguishes this, when he uses the expression Manzhai to the lady-love in the chapter of Nalampunainthuraittal (the eulogy of heroine by hero), where she has been described as the lady with glorious or auspicious ornament, but this chapter comes under Kalaviyal. Therefore, during the period of Tiruvalluvar or the evolution of the social process as depicted by him, Izhai, particularly, Manizhai represented ali or Mangala sutra. This is confirmed by the other expressions. After co-habitation, the hero addresses his lady-love as Seyizhai. While appreciating the highest character of love, he calls her as Ayizhai. And heroine enjoys in explaining their union, with their friend, where she has been characterized as Olizhai.
10. A careful study of evolution of marriage, sacraments and connected symbolism as gleaned from the ancient Tamil literature (Sangam), Tolkappiyam and Tirukkural, the consistency and the underlying unity of such social processes can be observed. From the evolution of social processes, even the chronology of the verses and Tamil works may be considered, as the ancient Tamil literature / Sangam literature is nothing but a compilation of poems written by various poets belonging to various periods. Even though, generally, they fall within the period 300 BCE to 300 CE, as has been accepted by the majority of scholars, definitely, there are poems belonging to earlier and as well as latter periods. The archaeological evidences recovered so far, such as beads, ear studs, bangles, rings, chains and other ornaments made of stone, clay, conch, glass, silver and gold clearly tally with the description of the literature, dating back to 1000 BCE.
10.1. The culture, heritage and civilization represented by such poems would definitely give a mosaic picture in the present order. Therefore, while determining the sociological processes evolved, utmost care must be taken to arrange them chronologically consistent with other factors. When the poems themselves are not arranged chronologically, the social panorama obtained from such interpretation with linguistic and racial bias cannot project a correct picture about the ancient Tamils.
10.2. Just because a particular social aspect, act or process is not mentioned, but its consequences are described elsewhere in the literature, it does not mean that such practice was not prevalent. Conversely, just because certain peculiar practices are not named, but adapted and adopted, it cannot be decided that such customs were also not present. For example, Tolkappiyar talks about four category of division of Tamil society, but the categories have been named as Andanar, Arasar, Vanigar and Vellalar and not as Bramans, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas and Sudras. The practice of self-immolation of widows is mentioned, but it is not named as Sati. The same trend is found in the entire Sangam literature. Karanam was not known as Tirumanam / marriage, but mentioned variously as Kadi, Vadhuvai, Manral and Varai. Similarly, Tali were known as Izhai, with its other forms. Tali system was thus present during the periods of Tolkappiyam, Tirukkural and Sangam literature, and adapted and adopted with karanams. And it was considered by Tamil women not only as an auspicious ornament, but also as an integral part and parcel of perfected married life.
Notes and References
(a). A lover approaches an immature (Pedai) or mature (Perumpedai) girl to express his love.
(. The lovers are equally anxious for union, but is postponed.
©. Kollerukodal or Erukodal is marrying off the girl to the person who wins down a rude bull.
These divisions are compared to 1. Brahma, 2. Daiva, 3. Arsa, 4. Prajapatya, 5. Asura, 6. Gandhara, 7. Rakshasa and 8. Paisaca. Tolkappiyar under Kalaviyal specifically mentions about this division as maraiyor deyattu manral ettanul (120).
Tolkappiyam Karpiyal 190.
Ibid. 191.
Ibid. 192.
Ibid. 193.
Kadi-Agananuru-136; Vadhuvai-Ibid-166; Kadimagal-Ibid-244-5; Manral-Tolkappiyam-Kalaviyal-120.
Mangala Ani Silappathikaram - Madurai kandam-21:46 and 4:20.
Vilangizhaiyal-Silappathikaram-Madurai kandam-21:46.
Perungathai-2:3; 9-14; 2:3:108-119.
P. T. Srinivasa Iyengar, History of Tamils, Madras, 1929, p. 225.
He opined that when poetry first arose among the kuravar the bards naturally sang about the pre-nuptial lovers of hill-chieftains and the presenting their mistresses with leaf-garments (tazhai udai) and the teeth of the tigers which the hill-chiefs killed in the chase; these teeth were strung together and worn hanging from the neck and called Pulippaltali from which in later times was evolved the gold tali.
Ibid-1221, 1226.
Ibid-919, 1102, 1110, 1114, 1124, 1329. //
Thiru Lathaji - Thanking you very much for posting the well Researched Article of Mr K.V.Ramakrishna Rao in this Thread, which provides an indepth study on "Thaali" and it's significance, as it was applicable in Tamil Nadu - from ancient times.
I want to ask why some thaalikodis (like my Amma's) has two coins...what are the significance of those coins?
Thought of sharing this video.
Sadguru talks about significance of "Mangal sutra"
Vazhkai enbathae oru anubavam thaane...


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June 18, 2002
Los Angeles — Calling the current economic recovery "a completely unique event," economists at the UCLA Anderson Forecast tentatively and optimistically predict sluggish growth for the national economy throughout 2002, with normal growth expected in 2003-2004.
In a report titled "Bubble Trouble," Edward E. Leamer, director of the UCLA Anderson Forecast, compares the current recession/recovery to the nine previous recession/recoveries since 1950. Picking up on a theme first introduced in the March report, Leamer asserts that the nation is in the midst of the first "business cycle." The previous nine cycles have been "consumer cycles" driven by downs and ups of consumer spending, particularly on housing and cars. The recession of 2001 was caused by reductions in business spending. Consumers, however, continue to spend on housing and cars.
"They [consumers] are buying homes and cars and shirts and shoes with a religious intensity suited to a celebration of the genuine arrival of the Nirvana Economy," Leamer said.
Leamer does wonder if consumer spending can continue to prop up the economy while business continues to recover from the profits-be-damned investing common during the Internet Economy. To that end, the report contains a detailed analysis of the "p/e ratios" of personal real estate investment, invoking a pure business analogy to examine the hot California real estate market. The analysis puts to rest the myth that a California housing shortage means that prices of California homes can only go up.
According to Leamer, the greatest risk for a "double dip" comes from the housing market, but financial conditions continue to be highly favorable for continued housing investment. Absent a housing collapse, the U.S. economy looks good, but not great for 2002 and 2003. Leamer does warn that factors such as rising mortgage rates and weaker home appreciation could cause a significant drop in housing investment and possibly a second dip.
More specific to California, the UCLA Anderson Forecast says that the state's prospects for recovery hinge on the sparks of recovery now seen in the San Francisco Bay Area. If the recession-battered regional economy begins to heat up, then California as a whole will as well.
In a report titled "California at Midyear: Recession Ending In North, Expansion Proceeding in South," Senior Economist Tom Lieser in fact sees an end to the recession in the Bay Area and a continuation of the economic expansion of Southern California — which never dipped into recession this time around — and thus an end to the statewide recession.
A number of factors contribute to this conclusion, including relative strength in the world economy (which will slow the bleeding in California's high tech exports) and an improved high tech sector overall. One dark cloud amidst the silver lining is the state's budget crisis, the overall impact of which can't be assessed until the budget gets finalized. The anticipated cuts, according to Lieser, remain a "blot on the economic landscape." Ironically, increased defense spending by the federal government, along with increased investment in technology to enhance homeland security, actually benefit the state economy.
Like Leamer, Lieser also draws attention to the California real estate market and warns that the principal risk here would be increased interest rates, which lead to a slowdown in this key sector. Overall, the UCLA Anderson Forecast is cautiously optimistic regarding the California economy's chances of entering a full-blown, across the board recovery.
In a special report titled "Health Care and The Economy: Train or Drain?," author Christopher Thornberg, senior economist with the UCLA Anderson Forecast, addresses whether the health care industry has served as a "drain," weakening an already soft economic recovery or whether it is actually the next "train," leading the world in cutting-edge technological breakthroughs, making life both longer and more pleasant for Americans.
All three reports will be presented at the quarterly UCLA Anderson Forecast Conference on June 19, 2002. The conference titled "What Every Business Needs to Know About the Current Health Care Crisis," will be held at UCLA Anderson from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The conference will also feature various leading experts including, doctors, health care executives, management consultants, hospital and health care administrators, and county and state government officials who will address key issues affecting the current health care crisis.
The UCLA Anderson Forecast is one of the most widely watched and often-cited economic outlooks for California and the nation, and was unique in predicting both the seriousness of the early-1990s downturn in California, and the strength of the state's rebound since 1993. Most recently, the Forecast is credited as the first major U.S. group to declare the recession of 2001.
For more information on the UCLA Anderson Forecast reports or the quarterly conference, please call (310) 206-7707 or visit http://forecast.anderson.ucla.edu. The lead sponsor for the June Forecast conference is Deloitte & Touche, and co-sponsors are HealthNet, K&R Law Group, Tenet Health Systems and WellPoint Health Networks.


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pmic necesitaba un nuevo diseño de logotipo y lanzó un concurso de diseño en 99designs.
Un ganador ha sido elegido entre 218 diseños de 46 diseñadores freelance.
Design a logo for a new internet based business that helps people find and book services online. The initial focus of the business will be on personal needs such as health and fitness services as well as alternative therapies. Our preference is that the brand is not category specific as the range of services will expand over time.
The image of the company is taking a professional and trustworthy approach toward finding services, creating greater ease and simplicity for both our customers and suppliers. The purpose of our site is to save time for our end-users and assist in creating 'me time'. Our users will be both male and female and relatively time poor. The logo should be able to work on a standalone basis so it can be incorporated into stationary, print marketing and our website.
- A simple and strong image that is clearly unique
- Emphasis that the brand is also our URL as this is our primary channel
- Fits with the brand promise of finding things for our customers to make life easier for them
- All work to be delivered in Illustrator vector format. .ai or .eps
- Text should be converted from font to outlines
- Entries on a white background
- Website favicon version of the logo required
- Designs that are based on our current site as this is a beta site based on a Wordpress template and should not be replicated
- Any stereotype logos that could be associated with the health and wellbeing industry e.g. People running, lotus poses, waterfalls, stacks of rocks
- Anything too complex or fanciful
- Magnifying glasses
- The '4' to be emphasised
Descubre cómo funciona un concurso de diseño u obtén más información sobre nuestros servicios de diseño de logo.


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The Big Corruption in Small Gifts
Giveaways, gifts, freebies, premiums, promos, tchotchkes, swag. Every year around this time, it pours in: the pens with corporate logos, the canisters of flavored popcorn, the iTunes gift cards, the boxes of chocolate, the pocket calendars, the shipments of fresh fruit.
It's the annual ritual in which financial companies say "thank you" to the people on the other side of their trades, to clients, to journalists.
No one seems to be bothered very much by the exchange of small gifts.
But you should be. There is overwhelming evidence that small gifts have a big influence on the behavior of the recipients.
A new study from a leading behavioral economist, Ulrike Malmendier of the University of California, Berkeley, finds that "small gifts may [create] a stronger reciprocal effect than large gifts," making the recipients feel even more indebted to the giver. "Thus, not only might size limits be ineffective in reducing the influence of gift giving…they may even be counterproductive." Numerous studies among doctors have come to the same conclusion.
What makes small gifts potentially more corrupting than large ones?
If you believe that your integrity isn't for sale, you certainly won't believe anyone can buy it for a low price. As H.L. Mencken said, "The essence of a genuine professional man is that he cannot be bought."
So you aren't likely to think there's anything wrong with accepting gifts if they are mere trifles.
That opens the door for the giver to offer you still more gifts in the future. Even if they, too, are small, they can push you inch by inch and year by year down the slippery slope of obligation and special treatment.


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SYDNEY - BHP Billiton said it is looking outside the company and using external advisers to help with succession plans for its chief executive, following reports the world's biggest miner was preparing for changes at the top.
BHP Chairman Jac Nasser told the company's Australian annual general meeting on Thursday that planning for a successor to CEO Marius Kloppers had started the day he was appointed and the process was ongoing.
"As part of the executive development process we identify high potential people at various levels both inside and outside the company on an ongoing basis," Nasser said.
"We use our own human resources people and we also use external advisers."
Kloppers oversaw phenomenal growth during the final boom years of the last decade and, despite failing to complete at least three major deals, won plaudits from investors for reining in costs and maintaining shareholder payouts.
The company has not said when it expected the 50-year-old South African to leave, but identified succession planning for all its senior executives as a top priority following a report that a search for a replacement had begun.
Four internal candidates are seen as frontrunners for the job: petroleum division chief Mike Yeager, aluminium and nickel chief Alberto Calderon, nonferrous chief Andrew Mackenzie and iron ore head Marcus Randolph.
BHP could face stiff competition in any external hunt from Anglo American, which is also searching for a new chief executive after dropping Cynthia Carroll.
Under BHP's dual Australian-United Kingdom stock listings, BHP's headquarters must be in Australia, and its chief executive must spend 51 percent of his or her time in the country, further limiting the field.
"Everything is possible, but a replacement for Marius won't be easy," said a investment fund manager who has had contact with the chief executive over some of his biggest deals.
"He is regarded as one of businesses' best managers, the one who very aptly steered BHP through the financial crisis."
Kloppers faced criticism for failing to clinch three major bids he launched - a full takeover of rival Rio Tinto, a merger with Rio Tinto's iron ore business and a bid for Canada's Potash Corp - and then splashing $17 billion on two shale gas takeovers in the United States just before gas prices slumped.
He gave up his bonus this year after BHP took a $2.8 billion charge on the value of its shale gas assets.
An early exit would spare Kloppers the task of overseeing a prolonged period of cascading profits. Based on estimates, BHP's profit is not expected to get back to the high of 2011 for at least another five years.
In 2012/13, BHP's bottom line is tipped to tumble by some $4 billion to just under $15 billion on the back of sagging minerals prices.
Kloppers' longevity is also under threat from a marked shift mandated by Nasser away from revenue generation to the cost line.
This was made evident by board decisions this year to suspend expansions in copper mining at Olympic Dam and iron ore via the now-stalled development plan at Port Hedland's outer harbour.


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(c) Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association, Deerfield MA. All rights reserved.
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Elijah Spencer Fuller (1827-1859) of Deerfield, Massachusetts, was eighteen when he joined the Sons of Temperance. Many temperance societies encouraged participation by women, for they were thought to be a stabilizing influence in the home. Obviously the Sons of Temperance, one of several dozen societies in existence at the time, drew it membership exclusively from males, and perhaps only young males. The motto "Love, Purity and Fidelity" represents ideals frequently associated with youth. This ornate certificate verifying Fuller's membership features a variety of symbolic images, including Masonic symbols.
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The Bonhams Scientific Instruments department holds dedicated auctions twice a year, as well as offering property within the Gentleman's Library sale.
We offer instruments and apparatus from the earliest known historical artefacts to items from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Our sales contain microscopes, telescopes, surveying and navigational instruments, globes, sundials, astrolabes, calculators, drawing instruments, barometers and barographs, medical and dental instruments.


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Download the MLB Ballpark app to view this map on your next trip to Comerica Park. Download Now »
You've toured the stadium, now be there in person!Learn More
From corporate meetings to parties, Comerica Park is the perfect venue for any special event.Learn More
Looking for specific details on how things work at Comerica Park? Check out our A-Z guide for answers.Learn More


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Be the first MLive.com user to add photos or videos of Taub Robert E Pc
Taub Robert E PC can be found at Center Oaks Ct 28004. The following is offered: Law Firms. The entry is present with us since Sep 9, 2010 and was last updated on Nov 14, 2013. In Wixom there are 4 other Law Firms. An overview can be found here.
Taub Robert E PC is located at 28004 Center Oaks Ct Ste 103, Wixom, MI. This business specializes in Legal Services and Law Firms.


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For 2011, KTM has added two new models to its street line-up: the 2011 KTM 1190 RC8 R Race Spec & 2011 KTM 990 Adventure Dakar. Helping celebrate 30 years of the Dakar Rally, the 990 Adventure Dakar comes with with the Adventure R's peppier 115hp motor, and the base model Adventure's 210mm suspension. The KTM 990 Adventure Dakar also comes with a selectable two-channel anti-lock brake system courtesy of the wicked smart minds at Bosch.
Other highlights in KTM's 2011 street line is the massive price reduction on the KTM RC8R, which takes over the price point of the now discontinued RC8, making for one very affordable v-twin awesomebike. The 2011 KTM 990 SMT also gets some upgrades, most notably the same two-channel anti-lock brake system courtesy of Bosch. Full price list and availability breakdown after the jump.


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Just when it looked like the Ravens were about to blow this one open, the Steelers have forced a 20-20 tie in the fourth quarter.
Ravens safety Ed Reed killed a scoring chance with an interception in the end zone (after collecting Emmanuel Sanders' inexplicable fumble earlier). But the Steelers got the ball back on a sack-fumble by James Harrison, and just scored a touchdown when Heath Miller hit the pylon on his way down with a Charlie Batch pass.
The old names are fading away from this rivalry, but there are some constants.
Close finishes are among them.


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Ariat's mid-level Advanced Torque Stability (ATS) Technology footbed offers all-day comfort for active lifestyles. Moisture-wicking sockliner for comfort - Gel cushioned forefoot pad helps to protect small bones and nerves - Gel cushioned heel pad for shock absorption - Molded orthotic insert provides arch support. Ladies round toe footbed.


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An advance directive is a document that gives information to healthcare providers about the care you want if you are seriously ill and unable to speak for yourself.
Advance directive documents are legally recognized in every state, although each state has established its own parameters for the use of these tools.
Download and print advance directives for your state
Here's how to help make sure your wishes will be honored at the end of life:
Many people find it hard to talk about these topics, but have strong opinions about how they would want to be treated. Early advance care planning is the kindest thing you can do for yourself, your family and friends.
Here are some resources that can help you and your family discuss and document your preferences regarding end-of-life care:
Depending on a patient's disease and progression, certain elements of an advance directive may have increased importance.
A living will is a type of advance directive. It defines your wishes about medical treatments and what should or should not be done if you are no longer able to express your treatment preferences, but does not provide as much clarity as an advance directive in some situations.
The durable power of attorney for healthcare decisions is another such tool, allowing you to name a proxy representative who could speak for your values and wishes if you are not able to speak for yourself because of illness, injury or debilitation.
Questions? Call us at 1.800.582.9533 or
contact us online.


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NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Lipscomb Lady Bisons won four games this past week, but dropped five spots in this week's NCAA RPI.
The Lady Bisons beat Western Kentucky 7-1 Wednesday night on the road and then swept Northern Kentucky in a three-game home series over the weekend.
Last week the Lady Bisons were 28th in the RPI, the highest ranking in the history of the program. This week they are 33rd.
USC Upstate is the highest rated Atlantic Sun Conference team at 26th.
Also in the top 50 are Mercer at 42nd and Stetson at 43rd.
The winner of the A-Sun Tournament, which will be played May 7-10 at Lipscomb's Draper Diamond at Smith Stadium, will get an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. The A-Sun appears to be in a position to have a team earn an at-large bid as well.
According to an A-Sun press release, the average RPI of an at-large selection to the NCAA Tournament in the last three years is 22.95.
Last year 10 at-large teams were chosen to participate in the NCAA Tournament with an RPI in the 30-50 range. In 2012, 12 teams had an RPI greater than 30 that were selected as at-large teams.
"This time of year you have to do everything to help yourself, but I also think you need to get help from other people," Lipscomb coach Kristin Ryman said. "It is important for us to focus on what we can do to keep improving.
"It shows a lot about how far our program has come big picture-wise. It has really been neat to see where we have come from in 2006 when I started coaching to where we are now. We are proving this is a program where you can be successful year in and year out."
TSU game: The scheduled game with Tennessee State for May 1 has been officially canceled. Barring a last minute schedule addition the Lady Bisons will not play again until the tournament.
Finals continue through Thursday and practice times are being adjusted to accommodate study and test times. After exams Ryman plans to continue with individual work and possibly have a one of two intra-squad scrimmages if no game can be scheduled.
"Overall we need to go back to work," Lipscomb coach Kristin Ryman said. "We need to make sure we are comfortable and are seeing the ball and doing all of those little things that we work on every day. We have to take those things to heart and implement them in a live setting."
National rankings: The Lady Bisons are ranked in the top 40 in NCAA Division I in three team categories.
They are 18th with a .780 won-loss percentage, 27th in scoring with an average of six runs per game and 35th with a 2.28 earned run average.
Individually, left-handed pitcher Ashley Anderson is 28th with a 1.44 ERA, 36th in victories with 19 and 41st in shutouts with six.
Brittany Elmore is 31st with an average of one run per game and 35th in stolen bases with .52 per game.
Paige Neely is 17th in sac flies with five.


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July 16, 2010
I am so grateful to all the photographers whose images have inspired me over the last few years. I have learned so much from all of them because of their willingness to share. I hope I can do the same for others.
Labels: favorites , florals , lifestyle , personal , still life
5 comments :
- sukhi said...
You certainly have inspired me! and, thank you for it! It is such an awesome craft that almost "needs" to be shared, you know? :o)
- July 17, 2010 at 7:08 AM
I know exactly what you mean! Photography is definitely enriched by having a community that you can share your work with =)
- July 19, 2010 at 4:21 PM
- Alice said...
you are such an inspiration yourself! love these colors so much.
- July 23, 2010 at 11:04 AM
- JulieLim said...
I absolutely adore these. So delicate, so romantic, and just simply beautiful!
- August 6, 2010 at 8:04 PM
Genial brief and this enter helped me alot in my college assignement. Thank you as your information.
- August 12, 2010 at 6:33 AM


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Upper Michigan 80 Acre Wooded Parcel for sale. This 80-Acre Property is located in Laird Township, in Central Houghton County, in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. The Coffee Creek (some maps say Coffie Creek) is just a quarter mile to the east of this property. This creek flows northeasterly into Greenier Creek. The Greenier continues northward until...Sold 80 Acres
22431 Peterson Rd., Mls 1102556
Nisula : Houghton Co : Michigan
Great Lakes and Land Real Estate Co


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Next week's economic reports presented by Fawad Razaqzada, Market Analyst, Forex.com....
Kick the Can and Hope for Change
01/31/2013 11:22 am EST
Focus: MARKETS
So far, January has delivered some pretty encouraging economic and political news, but it will all hang in the balance in May when Congress will once again looks at the debt ceiling, notes Genia Turanova of Leeb Income Performance.
We have just had another week of upbeat news that should continue to propel the markets forward.
US jobless claims fell unexpectedly to a five–year low, with new applications for unemployment insurance declining by 5,000 to 330,000 in the week ending January 19. It's the lowest figure for this measurement since the same week in 2008, according to the US Labor Department.
The median forecast among economists had been much higher, at 355,000 new claims, as indicated by the results of a Bloomberg survey. While seasonal factors alone reportedly account for this major decline in new jobless benefits applications, even if that is the case the news is still quite good.
Another kind of good news also dominated headlines: The US House of Representatives passed a bill that would temporarily suspend enforcement of the nation's $16.4 trillion debt limit through May 18. This means the US Treasury Department will be able to continue to issue new bonds to cover federal obligations until May 18.
On May 19, the bill would reset the US debt limit to a higher level reflecting any additional borrowing in the interim. But even then, the US would not face another "fiscal cliff," as the bill would also enable the Treasury Department to deploy "extraordinary measures" to fund operating liabilities, probably through most of July.
While 111 House Democrats and 33 Republicans opposed the bill (naysayers characterized the compromise as a mere gimmick to avoid dealing with the fundamental issues now)—it does require Congress to at least take some responsibility for starting to bring the US fiscal crisis under control.
Specifically, by mid–April, both the House and Senate would be required to pass a formal budget resolution—something they've failed to do since 2009. Such a resolution is necessary to establish a framework for federal budgets; in its absence, the US government has been running "on fumes," in a manner of speaking, for the past four years.
But this year things look like they'll be different. The bill would impose a penalty on members of either or both houses if their legislative body fails to produce a budget resolution. To be precise, it would dock pay for all those legislators whose house missed the deadline.
No matter how briefly their paychecks would be withheld, rank and file House and Senate members will probably be quite averse to foregoing their $174,000 annual salaries. Ditto for the minority leaders at $193,400, much less the majority leaders at $223,500.
In other words, this bill has more gumption to it than any fiscal legislation that has come out of Congress in quite some time. A few analysts might consider such news buoyant, if not downright excellent. In any case, we think it's very good.
But we also have a word of caution this week, especially for investors prone to consider buying stocks chiefly for their yield. It is never a good idea to use a single metric to assess equities (or bonds).
We never recommended this stock, but as far as yields go, Finland's Nokia (NOK) makes our case all too dramatically. For the first time in 20 years, the company announced plans this week to cut its annual dividend in order to solidify its cash position in the face of declining sales.
The lesson is painfully clear: metrics other than yield should always be used if you consider an investment. And as a general rule of thumb, healthy companies do not pay dividends much higher than their industry average, much less the average market yield.
Subscribe to Leeb Income Performance here…
Related Reading:
4 Reasons Gold Remains a Vital Investment
Related Articles on MARKETS
Fundamental outlook on major markets by Bill Baruch President of BlueLineFutures.com....
Energy markets are experiencing their own March Madness, notes Phil Flynn, senior market analyst at ...
Recessionary numbers hit Eurozone as UK gets conditional Brexit extension, writes Fawad Razaqzada....


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A Complete Inventory Of Producer Joe's Vitamins [FBHW]
We all know that Producer Joe is a healthy individual. He eats well and takes a plethora of random vitamins, supplements, and tonics. But what you don't know is that the guy has a virtual pharmacy in his producers booth. He has everything from St. John's Wort to Chia seeds. Yes, you read that correctly. He eats the seeds of an As Seen On TV novelty gift.
See what Free Beer and Hot Wings have to say about Joe's mini pharmacy below.
I'll take some prayer tablets please. A Franciscan monk makes them out of his turds. - Free Beer
Here is a complete inventory of Joe's vitamins, supplements, and tonics:
- Metamucil- 48.2 oz
- Simply Organic Pure Vanilla Extract- 2 oz
- Unblanched Peanut Butter- 16 oz
- Ginkgo biloba- 200 60 mg capsules
- Collagen mineral tablets- 390 tablets
- Hot Multigrain cereal- 18 oz
- ASSULT lipo- targeting liquid- 120 capsules
- St. John's Wort-150 300mg capsules
- Omega-3 Fish Oil- 120 1000mg softgels
- Milk Thistle XTRA- 250 240mg capsules
- Potassium- 100 99mg capsules
- Chia seed- 16 oz
- Ester-C -300 500 mg tablets
- B-12- 375 1000mcg tablets
- Sea Salt- 17.6 oz
- C4 EXTREME- 348g
- Glucosamine 1500mg/ Chadroitin 1200mg- 220mg
- Green Tea- 6 tea bags


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Treat your underarms to Sukin Deodorant for happy non-irritated underarms. The natural ingredient deodorant eliminates the bacteria that causes odour without using harsh ingredients. The formula includes a tantalising scent of tangerine, mandarin, lavender and vanilla for a beautiful-smelling you, with an infusion of herbs:horsetail, nettle and burdock.
Sukin believe the most powerful and effective ingredients for your skin and hair care come from nature. Environmentally conscious, Sukin is a natural personal care company from Australia.
'Skincare that doesn't cost the earth™' - Sukin's commitment extends far beyond cosmetic. The 100% certified carbon neutral company aims to reduce the impact their business has on our increasingly fragile environment. -SA
Order before 11pm 7 days a week for delivery the next business day (Restrictions apply, no deliveries take place on Bank Holidays). Applies to most delivery addresses within mainland UK. See full worldwide delivery options here.
Please remember to add postal time (2-3 working days) to obtain a complete estimate of delivery to your door.
You will receive an email to confirm when your item has been sent.
You can also check the status of your order and individual items by accessing My Account details and following the prompts.
Please allow 10 working days from dispatch of your order before notifying us of any late deliveries.
It may be advisable to check with your neighbours to see if a parcel has been left with them, check any outhouses you might have where it may be left if it cannot fit through your letterbox and contact your local sorting office to see if the item has been returned to the depot as undelivered and awaiting collection.
Please see our returns policy.
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Why me Lord? I suspect that most of us have cried out to God with that question. And I would also guess that ninety-nine percent of the time we are asking God why some trial or affliction has come our way that we feel is undeserved.
The same question has been asked throughout history. "Why me Lord? Why me?"
A song by Kris Kristofferson cycled up on the iPod today and reminded me of a better perspective. I have loved Kristofferson's song "Why Me?" since I was a young believer and, if you do the math, you realize that I am not so young a believer anymore. The truth is I am still trying to apply the wisdom of these lyrics.
Why me Lord, what have I ever done
To deserve even one
Of the pleasures I've known
Tell me Lord, what did I ever done
That was worth loving you
Or the kindness you've shown
So true. What have I done to deserve even one of His blessings? I did not deserve forgiveness. That was a gift of grace from a loving God. I did not deserve to be born in the United States into incredible comfort, religious freedom and opportunity. I did not deserve to be born healthy and semi-intelligent when others live with chronic affliction and mental illness. Those things were blessings that I received without complaining to my Creator.
The why me Lord question we so often ask should have an entirely different focus.
Why me Lord? What have I done to deserve your blessing?
It is true that some seem to suffer a disproportionate amount of affliction and difficulty. It doesn't seem fair. The theology that faithful Christians will experience nonstop prosperity, perfect health and green lights at every intersection is a lie from the pit of Hell. Suffering is a part of the process that God uses to refine our faith and ultimately to glorify Him.
My high school basketball coach was a winner and a great teacher. I remember Coach Tom Cuppett yelling at me. A lot. It seemed I could never do anything right. We would run a play and the whistle would blow. "Burchett….what are you doing?" Then he would grab me and the other forwards and walk us through what was supposed to happen. After my senior season Coach Cuppett called me in to his office.
"I have to let you in on something. Remember how I always yelled at you and walked you through the plays?" He asked.
I responded with a smile. "Pretty hard to forget that you can't do anything right."
"The truth is that most of the time it was Jimmy (not real name) who messed up and not you. He couldn't take the criticism and you could. So I yelled at you and then grabbed him and walked him through the plays with you so he would learn without losing his confidence."
"It would have been nice to know why I was the target so often."
"I couldn't tell you at the time. But I trusted you to keep going. And you did. Your ability to handle adversity made him and our team better."
The lesson never left. I trusted a good coach and accepted what I had to endure to achieve our goal of winning. Later I found out that I had gained honor is his eyes by trusting him even when things didn't seem "fair". How much more so can I trust a God who loved me enough to offer grace when I was completely without merit? What if that trial is given to me because God deems me able to remain steadfast and through that faithfulness He will be glorified? What if I get called into God's office someday and find out that He gave me the gift of trials to reflect His glory and now my rewards will far exceed that temporary pain? If I can trust an earthly coach then I can certainly trust my Heavenly Father with all of me.
Kristofferson writes about what many of us regret.
Lord help me Jesus, I've wasted it so
Help me Jesus I know what I am
Now that I know that I've need you so
Help me Jesus, my soul's in your hand
That is the amazing thing about our God of redemption and second chances. It is never too late to start trusting and living in His grace. It starts with believing your real identity. Henri Nouwen says it well.
"You can deal with an enormous amount of success as well as an enormous amount of failure without losing your identity, because your identity is that you are the beloved. Long before your father and mother, your brothers and sisters, your teachers, your church, or any people touched you in a loving as well as in a wounding way-long before you were rejected by some person or praised by somebody else-that voice has been there always. "I have loved you with an everlasting love." That love is there before you were born and will be there after you die."
Paul wrote this to the Church at Ephesus.
Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure. So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son.He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins. He has showered his kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding. (Ephesians 1, NLT)
Believing that makes it possible to ask "why me" in a very different way.


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08.08.07 Fast BreaksPosted by rtmsf on August 8th, 2007
- Here's an interesting (if not well-edited) piece on the seventh circle of hell known as watching AAU basketball in the midsummer heat of Vegas as an assistant coach.
- Just in case you'd forgotten, Deron Washington can dunk. Hard.
- Did Tim Floyd have an ulterior motive in signing Lil Romeo to play at USC? Demar DeRozan says hello.
- Billy Gillispie is considering using "special teams" in basketball for specific situations. In Lexington, the only special teams that matter are ones that hang banners – the populace could not care less how it's accomplished.
- After a 14-44 record in two seasons at the helm, Ricky Stokes was "promoted" to a position within the athletic department at East Carolina. Mack McCarthy (309-177 at VCU and UT-Chattanooga) will take over as head coach.
- Doug Gottlieb gives his takes on players poised for breakout years based on his summer viewing of their pickup games. Takeaways: Derrick Rose, Kevin Love and DJ Augustin are the real deal.
- The Wages of Wins, one of our fav blogs, analyzes the impact of superstar power on winning titles in the NBA. Conclusion: It matters. A lot. We'd love to see something like this for the NCAA Tournament, especially given the knockout nature of the tourney.
- Finally, in the "you're doing a great job, Brownie," category, props to Joe Alleva for keeping his job as the Duke AD. His accomplishments during his nine-year tenure include presiding over the worst football program in America as well as throwing his lacrosse team under the bus amidst unsubstantiated allegations. Keep up the good work!


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Find Bonner County Idaho emergency services departments and agencies. Emergency services departments provide information on emergency management, preparedness, medical response, public safety, fire prevention, and medical treatment.
Bonner County Emergency Services 3500 MCGHEE Rd Sandpoint ID 83864 208-255-2194
If a mandatory evacuation has been ordered, it means that officials anticipate a strong likelihood that local conditions will threaten public safety. Residents who refuse to leave during a mandatory evacuation will probably not be arrested. However, they should be prepared to be self-sufficient during the event. Utilities and communications systems will likely not be available and public safety agencies may not respond to calls for assistance.What is a CERT?
A CERT is a Community Emergency Response Team. CERTs are teams of volunteers trained in basic disaster response that can supplement Emergency Services during an incident. Depending on the type or severity of an event, the CERT may be assigned low risk tasks that free up Emergency Services personnel for critical tasks.What is mitigation?
Mitigation refers to measures taken to reduce or eliminate risks to human life or property in the event of disaster. The intent of mitigation is to reduce the need for response during a disaster. Mitigation allows response resources to be directed to the area of greatest need.


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Doug Ducey For Arizona Governor: A Radio Townhall
Here's a link to the donations page of Doug Ducey's campaign for governor in Arizona. Here's why you should click on it and send him some money today, whether $5, $25, $50 or more, no matter what state you live in. Follow Doug on Twitter @DougDucey
If you follow the maps of the electoral college, you know that the GOP has to focus on winning back Florida, Virginia, New Hampshire, Ohio, Colorado, New Mexico, Nevada, and maybe Pennsylvania and Michigan (though Pennsylvania is, as the University of Virginia's Larry Sabato and I agreed Monday, Lucy's football for the Republicans.)
The Democrats by contrast will fight to keep that turf and in addition will target one GOP state above all others: Arizona. If red Arizona becomes blue Arizona it is hard to see how the GOP gets the White House back no matter the progress it makes on the ground in the other battleground states.
Which is why this year's race for the GOP nomination in Arizona is so crucial and why the absolutely strongest, best qualified candidate must emerge from the August 26 primary. I think that candidate is Arizona Treasurer Doug Ducey, a successful businessman before he won the State Treasurer's race four years ago, a product of ASU, and –key point– born in Ohio even though he defected to Arizona 30-plus years ago.
Here's a partial list of Doug's supporters. Note they include former Senator Jon Kyl and former Congressman John Shadegg, as well as current Congressman Trent Franks and Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery, Council of Arizona Policy's Cathi Herrod and Jerry Colangelo
To get the point across about the importance of the Arizona race and the qualifications of Doug, I am hosting him for a two hour town hall in my studio today, from 4 to 6 PM. I'll interview him extensively, and will take questions from all over the country but focus on my Arizona listeners.
So tune in, but if I have already convinced you, go hit the donate button right now.


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Once upon a time a little bird with a broken wing became lost in the frozen tundra of Siberia. Cold and hungry, he was close to death. Just then an old peasant came along, took pity on the bird and gave him a few crusts of his bread. But how could he warm up the shivering little creature? He looked around and noticed a steaming yak pat that had just been deposited by one of his herd. After a moment's hesitation, he picked up the bird and inserted it gently into the pat. The smell was fairly unpleasant of course but, quite soon, the poor creature stopped shivering, began to feel considerably better and fell asleep. Having accomplished this small act of charity, the peasant went on his way, the yak pat began to cool down and as it did so, it became increasingly solid. When the bird woke up, it found that it was trapped and began to call for help. Soon, a fox happened by and heard the frantic cheeps. Almost immediately the fox picked up the yak pat with his mouth and gently tapped it against a rock until it broke and allowed the bird to break free from its prison. Thank you, thank you, thank you said the bird, to which the fox replied "my pleasure" and promptly popped the little creature in his mouth and swallowed it whole. And the moral of the story is: when you're up to your neck in dung, it isn't always your enemies who put you there. And it isn't always your friends you get you out.
This little story sprang to mind when I began to think about the state of the Australian wine industry and its history over the last 25 years. Back in 1985, when I first visited Australia, its wine exports were almost insignificant. In those dim distant days, British wine drinkers were used to a diet of illustrious French classics – if they could afford them – and Liebfraumilch, Muscadet, , Rioja, Chianti, Bulgarian Cabernet Sauvignon and Hungarian Bulls Blood if they couldn't. Californian wine was a new arrival on the scene and, then as today, seemed, when viewed on the eastern banks of the Atlantic, to be a musician with a very limited repertoire. There was bargain basement wine in Paul Masson carafes and ultra-ambitious Napa efforts modelled on the best of Burgundy and Bordeaux – in style, quality and price. And not a lot in between. The international head of sales at Mondavi famously never left home without a bottle of Lafite to set against his winery's Reserve in the smartest possible restaurant. He and his fellow Californians must have imagined that a nation whose wine drinking classes were brought up on Bordelais formality would embrace their own west coast version. But, as they gradually discovered, they could not have got it more wrong.
The British wine buyers, critics and adventurous wine drinkers of the late 1980s and the 1990s sought something very different. What they – or perhaps for the sake of honesty, I should say we - admitted to looking for was unpretentiousness, and wines that combined deliciousness with affordability. We really did not care if the Australian wines did not taste like Bordeaux or Burgundy. Indeed we revelled in their difference. And we positively loved the fact that the winemakers were blokes we could go to the pub with and drink beer and discuss cricket and rugby – subjects on which most Americans have little to offer.
The honeymoon between the Australian producers and the British market lasted for the better part of 20 years during which the Australians saw their slice of the market grow ever larger until it overtook even the previously unassailable champions, the French. But outsiders might have noticed a dangerously incompatible note. Even Australian wine drinkers with moderate incomes aspire to occasional indulgences in the priciest jewels of their country's vineyards. Well-heeled Brits, by contrast, can never quite keep their eyes off the price tag. When Australian winemakers arrived proudly bearing bottles from the cool climate vineyards they had been encouraged to develop by UK critics, they were politely received – and told that their wines were, like those Napa reds, simply too expensive. Worse still, we proved to be fickle in our affections: we were just as happy to drink a Shiraz from Chile or South Africa. For a while, like a wife wearing ever-more revealing clothes in a desperate attempt to keep her husband's interest, the Australians indulged in an orgy of discounting before coming to the inevitable conclusion that We-Really-Can't-Go-On-Like-
But what's the alternative? The obvious answer is the US, still the most profitable major wine market on earth. The trouble is that few Australian winemakers ever learned how to play by American rules. They hadn't modelled their wineries or their marketing on Medoc and Pomerol chateaux. They never established a globally-acknowledged super-premium category like Italy's raft of $100+ Barolos and Super-Tuscans and Spain's Priorats, all of which readily found USbuyers before the crunch. There's no Australian equivalent of the Napa Valley Auction at which Versace-clad bidders buy bottles for thousands of dollars, and the only Barossa counterparts of Napa efforts like Harlan Estate and Screaming Eagle are wines that were made specifically for the US market. And treated with derision for their pretentiousness by Australian and British critics. Most observers of the US wine scene now acknowledge that Australia occupies much the same role there as it does in the UK: as supplier of large amounts of reliable moderately priced wine. Stuff you might drink with a pizza on a Wednesday evening, but not if you want to make any kind of impression. The American fox may not be precisely devouring the little bird, but it's not doing it much good. And who should we blame for its fate? The fox, the bird, or the well-meaning British peasant ..?


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Kafala neither guarantees nor cares: guest workers in the Gulf
Guest workers have played an integral role in the Gulf since the 1970s where the demographic changes accompanying these labor flows occurred at an extraordinarily rapid pace. The region's aggregate population has increased more than tenfold in a little over half a century, but in no other region of the world do citizens comprise such a small proportion of the population. While this 'demographic imbalance' makes the Gulf unique, what differentiates it is not its economic and demographic expansion through migration but the degree to which the region's governments have excluded foreign workers from being integrated into the national polity. This exclusion of foreign workers is a result of a conscious policy.
Labor migration to Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries are mostly governed under a sponsorship system known as Kafala. Migrant workers require a national sponsor (called Kafeel) and are only allowed to work for the visa sponsoring firm. The workers must obtain a no-objection certificate from the sponsor to resign and have to leave the country upon termination of the usual 2 to 3 years' contract before being allowed to commence a new contract under a new sponsor. Tied to the sponsor, the migrants become immobile within the internal labor market for the duration of the contract. Consequently the sponsors benefit from non-competitive environments where they extract substantial economic rents from migrant workers at the expense of inducing significant inefficiencies in production.
The Kafeels pay workers an income above the wage in their country of origin and obtain economic rents equal to the difference between such earnings and the net marginal return from employing the migrant worker. Migrant workers are paid the initial nominal wage throughout the entire contractual period. They are even made to accept lower wages than contracted initially. Immobilized by labor restrictions, workers cannot command a higher wage even when there is demand for their services by rival firms willing to hire them in order to avoid the cost of hiring from abroad. Kafeels have also found other ways of extracting rents in recent decades by indulging in visa trading. They allow their names to be used to sponsor foreign workers in exchange for monetary gains.
Arguably, rents per-se should not directly create adverse effects because they are essentially redistributive transfers. Earnings paid to migrants are sufficient to motivate them to migrate. The migrants do not leave. But this view is over-simplistic. The combination of short contracts, flat wages, and lack of internal mobility kills the incentives for migrant workers to exercise higher effort levels in production and engage in activities that enhance their human capital. Any productivity gain would go to the sponsor in the form of rents. The system provides incentives to entrepreneurs to concentrate on low-skills, labor-intensive activities where the extraction of economic rents is easier. Such sponsor-worker behavior explains for instance why despite the massive investments in Dubai, the economy-wide efficiency levels (average labor productivity) have not improved in the last two decades while in Hong Kong, they doubled and in Singapore quadrupled.


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A December wedding is being planned by Shalisa R. Ekis of Karns City and Daniel Ray Everetts of Fairview.
The bride-to-be is the daughter of Daniel and Cindy (Hile) Ekis of Karns City. Parents of the prospective bridegroom are Dan and Cindy Everetts of Fairview.
The future bride is a 2009 graduate of Karns City High School and a 2010 graduate of Butler Beauty School.
She is employed by Double Image Styling Salon in Butler.
Her fiance graduated in 2008 from Karns City High School and attended Butler County Community College.
He is employed by Holbein in Sarver.


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You Belong With Me
Set after Breaking Dawn, Tanya finds out she has a special vampire power. She sends Bella back in time to her first day at Forks but when Bella goes to school there are six vampire's in the cafeteria
1. Chapter 1
Rating 4.7/5 Word Count 2179 Review this Chapter
The sound of two cars turning off the highway alerted my senses, making me listen out. Edward, Renesmee and I had gathered at the Cullen house with the rest of my vampire family in response to Alice having a vision of their arrival.
Jacob was with us for he couldn't bear to be without Renesmee. Except for when she was sleeping at the cottage, he would always be found with her. Renesmee loved him, there was no doubt. Although I knew the love she felt for him was no where in comparison to the love he felt for her. Every time he looked at her was like a blind man seeing the sun for the first time. The love and adoration he felt for her was nothing but the complete truth. Even seeing it in front of my own eyes, Edward had the advantage of seeing into Jacobs' mind. He told me that Jacobs' thoughts were only for Renesmee and to make her happy. He was upstairs with her at the moment in Edward's old room listening to music with her. She looked more like a five year old these days, but had the mind of an adult. She read books for a more intelligent level and Edward was already teaching her to play the piano. She played beautifully, almost as well as Edward. She already wrote her own pieces of music...
Edward pulled me out of my thoughts by wrapping an arm around my waist and kissing my hair, whispering, "I love you," in my ear. The sound was so low, I wouldn't have heard it if I was still human.
"Me too," I murmured, resting my head against his chest, breathing in the sweet scent of him. "Any luck with Alice?" I asked. Since Alice had the vision on the Denali coven coming to visit us, her visions had not been working properly. My future had disappeared entirely and the reason for the Denali's visit was unclear. In Alice's visions, Tanya had been at the centre of all of them, but for reasons no one knew, making Edward more anxious by the second.
"None, she's getting very frustrated, as am I." He exhaled sharply, his sweet breath fanning my face.
"I'm sure it's nothing too much to worry about. It's probably just Jacob messing up with her visions again." I waited for an answer, but when he didn't respond I turned around to look at him. His black eyes were unfocused, staring out the window - listening to someone's thoughts. His eyes suddenly narrowed.
"What is it?" I asked, perplexed.
"I can hear their thoughts - Kate, Garrett, Carmen and Eleazar. But Tanya is being careful of what she thinks about. She's hiding something." His eyebrows pulled together, creating worry lines on his marble forehead. I smoothed them out with my finger.
We hadn't seen the Denali coven since the confrontation with the Volturi about a year ago. Since Irina had lost her life at the hands of the Volturi we hadn't been in contact with our "cousins" as we called them to give them time to adjust to a life without their sister.
"I guess we'll find out." I spoke quietly as we could now see two expensive cars weaving down the driveway towards the house.
Edward placed his hand on my neck, gently sweeping up and down soothingly.
"We'll hunt soon, I promise. I don't want you to be in pain." A small, sad smile appeared on his lips. I shrugged. Our previous hunting plans had been called off due to the fact that we had guests today. The last time we had hunted was two weeks ago. There was a slight burn at the back of my throat, but nothing that couldn't be ignored easily. Edward was constantly making sure my thirst was sedated. Being a newborn vampire, even though it had been more than a year, meant my thirst was stronger and I needed to hunt more. I constantly amazed my family with my controlled craving of blood. The fact that I didn't need to hunt as much as I should for a newborn baffled Jasper the most.
Carlisle appeared from upstairs and opened the front door to greet our guests. The rest of the family had gathered in the living room with us, apart from Renesmee and Jacob who remained upstairs. Jacob was always more wary when other vampire's were in town, vegetarian or not.
"What a pleasant surprise! Please come in." Carlisle greeted. The five of them flowed in, greeting Alice and Jasper who had joined Carlisle. Emmett, Rosalie and Esme followed, leaving Edward and me alone in the living room.
Edward lifted his chin a fraction and led me out the lounge to greet our guests. His arm was still wrapped around me, keeping me close to his side. Carmen greeted Edward and me first with Eleazar.
"Edward, Bella, It's so nice to see you." Carmen said as she wrapped me in an awkward one-armed hug since Edward wouldn't let go of me. She shook Edward's hand along with Eleazar who merely shook mine as well.
Kate and Garrett walked over, arm in arm. Garrett was a nomadic vampire the last time we saw him, but later became Kate's mate. There was something different about him from the last time we saw him. It was when he shook my hand that I noticed it was his eyes. Before, they were a ruby red, now they were a dark gold.
It was when Tanya greeted us the atmosphere changed. She had a smug grin on her face as she leant in to shake my hand.
"Hello, Bella." Her voice was menacing and I wondered what she was thinking. I would ask Edward later.
"Hello Tanya," I replied politely trying to keep the suspicion out of my voice. She turned her head to look at Edward. Her smug grin suddenly turned into a flirty smile. I felt Edward become rigid next to me.
"I hope you're well, Edward," she leant in and pecked him on the cheek. I bit my lip. After a fraction of a second longer then needed, Edward leant back, and pulled me closer to his side.
"I'm well, thank you Tanya. I hope the same for you." His voice was very polite and he sounded like a gentleman, only I could detect the slight stress behind his voice. One corner of her mouth pulled up, and her eyes slanted. I had always known that she liked Edward, maybe more than she should. But he was married now, too me. Surely she should hide her feelings a little better.
Carlisle, sensing the tense atmosphere spoke, "How about we all proceed into the lounge. I'm sure there is a lot to discuss."
Everyone nodded and moved towards the lounge, leaving Edward and I left by the door. I wanted to ask him what she was thinking, or even if she was thinking. Was she still blocking her thoughts? I couldn't ask him out loud as there were eleven vampire's in the other room with exceptional hearing. I couldn't as much as remove my shield to ask him with my thoughts as that would take to long. I could sense Edward was thinking the same as me.
I sighed as Edward led me into the lounge towards where a room full of vampire's were waiting for us.
We took the loveseat in the corner of the room and sat in it. He kissed my hair when we were settled, still keeping his arm around me.
Carlisle started the conversation, "To what pleasure do we owe your visit?" His voice was very sincere. I saw Edward's eyes widen in peripheral vision.
"Amazing," he breathed, every one turned towards us. Even though I couldn't read people's minds, I could tell everyone was wondering what unspoken thought Edward had reacted to.
Edward gestured towards Eleazar, who was sanding his hands against each other.
"As you know, my gift as you may call it is being able to identify other abilities in fellow vampires," Eleazar started. Everyone nodded in encouragement for him to continue.
"Recently I was able to identify a power in Tanya, but not using my power." he gestured towards her. She had a wide grin on her face. A slight gasp came from my family except Edward who had obviously heard it in his thoughts before he spoke.
"Why were you not able to discover this gift before?" Carlisle asked, intrigued. Although my vampire family had perfect hearing, they were all slightly leaning in by a fraction.
"Tanya's gift, it is not like any others. It doesn't work in the present if you understand." Everyone looked at each other, confused as to what he was saying. Tanya's gift didn't work in the present? I was able to think of every aspect I could think of at once due my vampire mind. But I couldn't think of a reasonable explanation to what he was saying.
Eleazar, sensing everyone's confusion spoke, "Tanya can send people back in time - to the past. She sent me back in time by one day, purely by accident. The only guess that I have why I couldn't recognize her power is because her gift does not work in the present, there fore, I can't sense it."
"Amazing," Carlisle said, agreeing with Edward from before. "What happened when Tanya sent you back by one day?"
I had wondered about time travel in the past and what would happen? I guess now I was going to hear about it. I leaned in closer like the rest of my family, intrigued by the thought.
"When I was sent back by one day, according to Carmen I completely disappeared from the present. Vanished! I seemed to replace myself in the day previous. If Tanya hadn't found a way to bring me back, I don't know what would have happened."
I felt Edward stiffen at my side and his grip on me became tighter. If I was human I would have been seriously hurt. He leapt off the seat and crouched protectively in front of me, growling. His was staring at Tanya who looked extremely smug.
I scanned my head for a possible reason for Edward's sudden outburst. I was guessing it was due to a thought, but what possible thought would have made Edward react like this? The previous conversation had been about Tanya's new found power, would that make Edward act like this. Suddenly I thought of my future disappearing and how Alice's visions had been scattered. Eleazar said he had disappeared from the present. "Vanished" he had said. So what did that mean? I was going to be sent back in time? Why?
"Don't...you...dare." Edward snarled the words when Tanya rose from her seat. Everyone else's faces were in pure shock. Obviously the rest of the Denali coven didn't know what was happening. Whatever was happening.
"What is going on?" Carlisle insisted, standing. No one answered him, instead Tanya took a step forward towards us. Edward growled and moved back, closing the distance between me and him.
"Tanya!" Eleazar demanded, but she took another step forward. She was no more than seven feet away from us now.
I didn't know what I was thinking, I had to do something. I couldn't just sit here. I stood up behind Edward, not knowing what to do. Tanya smiled.
Her gold eyes pieced into mine and I couldn't look away. I tried turning my head, my body. But I couldn't move. My body felt tingly and like jelly. I was finding it hard to stand. The sensation felt weird for I hadn't felt anything like it before and being a vampire meant hardly anything affected you. All of this happened in a fraction of a second and I couldn't take the weight anymore. My legs buckled under me and I sank to the floor. My eyelids started to droop but I didn't feel tired. I shouldn't, I was a vampire. But I couldn't keep them open.
"NO!" Edward roared, turning around to cradle my body. I tried my hardest to look at him. I was scared. I didn't know what was happening. I found his beautiful face through the darkness. It was twisted with pain and misery. I managed to look at my arm and gasped when I saw that it was turning translucent. The colour of my skin tried to fight but the transparent shade of my skin was winning.
Edward turned his head and stared at Tanya.
"Please, stop!" He begged. "Don't do this."
She was grinning widely and shook her head, she closed her eyes and I felt more darkness close over me. Not sure what was happening or if I was going to survive or not, I whispered the words I needed to say.
"I love you, Edward..."
"No, Bella...please don't leave me...I love you." He was sobbing tearless sobs.
"Edward..." I slurred as my eyes closed for the first time since I became one of the immortal.
- Author
- Holly-SA-Cullen
- Rating
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- Reviews
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- 7910
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- 19 Nov 11
- Updated
- 01 Nov 12
- Status
- In Progress


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My first quilt for the 100 Quilts for Kids is complete and I just love it! This quilt is going to Coweta Pregnancy Services and will be part of a basket that is given to newborn babies. I pray this quilt will provide some hope and comfort to the family it goes to. The local pregnancy services center also runs a boutique called The Hope Boutique and the mother's can earn "mommy dollars" by attending pregnancy and parenting classes. The moms can use these dollars at the boutique to buy new and gently used baby and maternity items. What a great way to provide help to these women in their moment of need.
I'm really happy with the way this quilt turned out. I won the charm pack of Neptune from Kate (thanks, Kate!) who is sponsoring the 100 Quilts for Kids so I knew I wanted to pay it forward and make the quilt to donate to a child. I mixed the Neptune with some Kona solids and a polka dot I already had in my stash. The back is mainly the polka dot with a stripe of the navy and some of the leftovers from the charm pack.
Hope you have a great weekend!


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Date: May 10, 2010
Byline: unsigned
Phil Donahue to emcee Booked for the Evening
The Booked for the Evening Committee at the Westport Public Library announced recently that Emmy award-winning television host and broadcast journalist Phil Donahue will be the master of ceremonies at the tribute on Thursday, May 27, at 7 p.m., at Westport Library's gala fundraiser, Booked for the Evening, when puzzle master and New York Times Crossword Puzzle Editor Will Shortz will receive the Westport Public Library Award.
The Westport Public Library Award honors those whose work furthers the goals of the library — to nurture a love of learning and to enhance our understanding of the world.
Shortz published his first puzzle at age 14. By 16, he had become a regular contributor to puzzle magazines. Graduating from Indiana University, the only person to ever major in enigmatology, he also earned a law degree from the University of Virginia.
Shortz pursued his passion for puzzles at Games Magazine, founding the American Crossword Puzzle Tournament, and as Puzzle Master for National Public Radio. Joining The New York Times as crossword editor in 1993, Shortz has praised the paper's readers as "the most intelligent, best educated group of solvers in the country." Writing and editing more than 400 books of crosswords, Sudoku and brain teasers, he was the subject of the acclaimed 2006 film Wordplay.
Among other accomplishments, Shortz established the World Puzzle Championship, serving as captain of the U.S. team, contributed riddles to the 1995 movie Batman Forever, and was named by Esquire Magazine one of "The 100 Best People in the World."
An avid table tennis player, Shortz continues to add to his incomparable collection of puzzle books, the earliest dating from 1545.
For 11 years Shortz has been hosting the Annual Crossword Puzzle Contest at the Westport Public Library on the first Saturday in February. The contest has attracted more than 1,200 people who enjoy participating in a friendly contest with other puzzle enthusiasts.
Previous recipients of the award have been Tom Brokaw, E.L. Doctorow, Calvin Trillin, Wendy Wasserstein, Pete Hamill, Martin Scorsese, Arthur Mitchell, Doris Kearns Goodwin, David Halberstam, Oscar Hijuelos and Adam Gopnik.
Donahue and the Donahue show were honored with 20 Daytime Emmy awards, including nine for "Outstanding Host," and a George Foster Peabody Broadcasting Journalism Award.
Donahue used the television talk show format he pioneered in 1967 to interview world leaders, celebrities, newsmakers and people from all walks of life. For more than 29 years, he examined human behavior, focused national debates on political and social issues and has provided a democratic forum for presidential candidates.
The format he introduced on Nov. 6, 1967, as The Phil Donahue Show on WLWD-TV in Dayton, Ohio, launched the first audience participation television talk show and changed the face of American daytime television. For his outstanding contribution to television and American culture, Donahue was inducted into the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Hall of Fame on Nov. 20, 1993.
As host of Donahue, he has presided over nearly 7,000 one-hour daily shows, many on-location broadcasts and several historic broadcasts from Russia. Most recently, Donahue was the executive producer of Body of War, an intimate and transformational feature documentary about the true face of war today.
To make a reservation or for more information, go to westportlibrary.org, or contact Cindy Clark at 203-291-4824 or email@example.com.


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Apropos brauchte ein neues Logo Design und hat einen Wettbewerb auf 99designs gestartet.
Aus 132 Designs von 49 Designern wurde eine Gewinner gewählt.
You will design a logo for the new great conference hotel in the west of Norway. The name of the hotel is Panorama Fjordhotell
Panorama Fjordhotell
The hotel will be among the most modern conference hotels ever built. The logo we need YOU to design will contribute to build up the strong brand that Panorama Fjordhotell intends to become.
The unique about the hotel is the phenomenal view towards open ocean, the mountains and fjords.
We want to give our conference guests a different experience on our facilities.
Take a look at the pictures of the new hotel on the following links:
Username: akt
Password: 1234
We will be eager with giving quick feedback to submitted work.
- We want a logo that reflects something about the hotels unique location in the mouth of the fjord.
- Under the name, we want following text to be written "Konferansehotellet i havgapet" (eng. "A conference hotel by the ocean")
- We would like the architecture of the building to be recognized in the logo. Cues for the architecture are clean, direct/straight and long lines. Important elements of the building is the white sails (look at the pictures on the link above). Maybe can these be a part of the logo?
- The logo have to yield feelings of modernity, professionalism, ocean and view. (maybe difficult to integrate all these elements?)
- We would like the colors to have a touch of blue or green, or a combination of these.
- We would like the font to be of abstract character.
- We don't want a complicated logo. It has to be simple and not contain too many details, f. instance a comprehensive landscape. - We dont want the font to be antique (serif)
Finden Sie heraus, wie ein Designwettbewerb funktioniert, oder lernen Sie mehr über unsere Logo-Design-Angebote.


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Dr. Alina Bergan and our staff rely on digital X-rays to help us diagnose oral conditions and process images at incredibly high speeds. We can also view digital X-rays in real time while examining your mouth with an intraoral camera and upload the images to a software program. A chairside computer monitor lets you see these images as we refine areas of concern to ensure an accurate diagnosis.
But are dental X-rays safe?
Yes! They emit 80 percent less radiation than exposure-type X-rays and provide detailed images to improve diagnosis and treatment. We can now detect dental problems in their earliest stages without subjecting you to unnecessary radiation. The amount of radiation released by digital X-rays is "negligible," which means the amount is so small, that it can be safely disregarded.
Digital X-Rays are safe for children and pregnant women, as digital X-rays detect microscopic pitting in tooth enamel and other abnormalities in the oral tissues that might have remained undetected with traditional X-rays. When Dr. Alina Bergan and our staff discover dental caries in their earliest stages, we can initiate treatment measures that will effectively prevent cavity development, tooth decay, and potential tooth loss.
Patient appointment lengths are shortened with digital X-rays as well, because images are immediately viewable and do not require the exposure time associated with old-style X-rays.
How Digital X-Rays Differ from Traditional X-Rays
Digital X-rays no longer require the use of cardboard-contained film, instead we insert a small sensing device about the size of a pen in your mouth and engage the digital X-ray machine by manually manipulating control buttons. Within seconds, images appear on the monitor that can later be stored in your file or sent to another doctor for further examination.
The increased resolution afforded by digital X-rays means that patients can see and understand the seriousness of their dental issues better, and are more inclined to follow through with procedures recommended by Dr. Alina Bergan.
Safer, Better, and Faster
Digital X-rays are used for detection of cancerous tumors in their early states, this technology offers vast improvements over film X-rays because of its cutting-edge image processing capability. Early detection of oral cancer and dental caries is the best way to prevent any type of oral health problem from exceeding the treatable stage. You can have peace of mind knowing that the latest dental technology is able to detect any issues you may have without posing any health risks.
We are offering a new patient special $99 cleaning, exam, and x-rays. Call us today at 800-223-0801 to schedule an appointment in our Cedarhurst office. You can also schedule online at http://www.alinabergandds.com/appointments/