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IComLeavWe: August 2012
Welcome back to IComLeavWe. It stands for International Comment Leaving Week, but if you say it aloud, doesn't it sounds like "I come; [but] leave [as a] we"? And that's sort of the point. Blogging is a conversation and comments should be honoured and encouraged. I like to say that comments are the new hug–a way of saying hello, giving comfort, leaving congratulations.
Here is the vital information, pure and simple (a more detailed set of rules follows below the list):
- The list opens the 1st of every month. It remains open until the 21st. You can add yourself at any point. The list is open to everyone in the blogosphere–blog writers and/or blog readers.
- Add yourself to the list by filling out this form: The August list is now closed (the September list will open 8/28)
- Click here to cut-and-paste this bit of code to add to your sidebar (if you have the old code from another month, remove it and replace it with this one). You need to add the icon or a link to the current list on your blog (see below) and will not be added until it's up.
- Commenting kicks off every month on the 21st. Please mark it somewhere (calendar, post-it note taped to your computer…), though I will be sending out an email reminder on the 20th. Commenting week runs from the 21st to the 28th. Every day, leave 5 comments and return 1 comment for a total of 6 comments. You are highly encouraged to choose the blogs you comment on from the participants list below, but this is not required.
- I will send a second email on the 28th to remind you to remove the icon from your blog.
- Read below if you want to find out about Iron Commenters.
- The commenting ends on the 28th. We catch our breath and the whole thing starts again the next month on the 1st. Drop in and out according to what is happening in your life between the 21st and the 28th.
- Stirrup Queens (twins, books, writing)
- The 2 Week Wait (infertility newborn humor)
- Our little Family (infertility, adoption)
- Outlandish Notions (parenting, finding myself, recovering after IF)
- The Unfair Struggle (mfi, speedskating, life)
- Our Pathway to Parenthood (FET, infertility, hope)
- Hobbit-ish Thoughts & Ramblings (parenting, food, life)
- Stupid Stork (ivf, infetility, shenanigans)
- It Is What It Is (Or Is It?) (pg w donated embryos, possible IC, pg @ 46)
- My Bum Ovaries (premature ovarian failure)
- Somewhere In The Middle (infertility, DIA, waiting)
- Baking & Babies (infertility, baking, PCOS)
- Not All Dreams Are Free (ivf, miscarriage, hope)
- Breathe Gently (IVF#2, PCOS, Infertility)
- Nest Building 101 (family, DIY, photography)
- Waiting For Baby (TTC #1, femara, PCOS)
- The Diary of a Calendar Brain (australian fertility challenge)
- Life As I Know It (twins, toddler, life)
- Adrift on a Dandelion Breeze (stillbirth, secondary IF, IVF)
- Feeling Beachie (life, humor, husbands and wives)
- Wanting Just One (ivf, infertility, endo)
- Waiting to Expand (ttc #2, infertility, miscarriage)
- Glitter & Rainbows (infertility, life after ART, craftiness)
- Once Upon A BFP (infertility, cycles, life)
- what a day for a daydream (post IVF #1, 2ww)
- A Half Baked Life (food, mindfulness, parenting after loss)
- Follow Every Rainbow (general IF)
- Our New Normal (TTCAL, adoption, life)
- Getting There (adoption, life)
- Ready For My Bundle…. (ivf, single mom by choice, life)
- The Quest for the Golden Egg (infertility, tcm, life)
- Quietly Southern (PCOS, miscarriage, infertility)
- My Life in a Nutshell (pregnancy after loss, anxiously expecting, general life)
- IUI to Roux-en-Y (pregnant after WLS)
- Type A + Infertility = Losing My Mind (infertility, pcos, endo)
- Tried and Trying (ivf, infertility, coping)
- Road2ourbaby (ivf ,mfi, sarcasm)
- The Infertility Voice (first donor egg cycle, IVF, wellness)
- Upper Middle Mom (parenting after IVF, twins, life)
- MRKH Musings (infertile from birth, IVF surrogacy)
- The Elusive Second Line (RPL, miscarriage, TTC #1)
- Emma in Mommyland (motherhood, postpartum depression, random fun)
- Just Cycling Along (TTC #1, ivf, endo)
- Survive and Thrive (baby after infertility)
- A Journey of Emotions (alternative treatments, maybe IVF, life)
- Baby on Mind (infertility, IVF, adoption?)
- Living Our Miracle (embryo adoption, premature ovarian failure, motherhood)
- Creating a Family (infertility, adoption, adoptive parenting)
- BFP Envy (IVF 1, TCC, hopeful)
- Search for our silver lining (unexplained, adoption, change)
- zero guarantees (suro-twins, motherhood, fun)
- Searching for the Missing Piece (domestic adoption, IF veteran, RPL)
- Three Quarters Full (infertility, parenting after IF, life)
- BFP Envy (IVF 1, TTC)
- Holly's Narrative Dream (secondary infertility, writing, life)
- My Life Is About The Journey (rpl, early pregnancy, anxiety)
- One Day At A Time (adoption, life, school)
- If You Don't Stand For Something (MFI, geekiness, general life ramblings)
- Conceptionally Challenged (life, "not preventing" break, infertility)
- My BFP Journey Through Faith (ivf, infertility, endo)
- Musings of a Hormonal Egg Basket (parenting after IVF)
- Tales From Our Yellow Brick Road (ivf, pgd, balanced translocation)
- Mommy-At-Last (twins after infertility)
- My IVF Journey (ivf, infertility, ttc)
- The In Between (multiple miscarriages, infertility)
- Infertility Unexplained (miscarriage, IVF, infertility)
- Window into Our World (parenting, infertility, pcos)
- A Blanket 2 Keep (pregnancy after IF, life)
- From Gutter to Stars (therapist, infertility, adoption)
- Hapa Hopes (endo, FET, life)
- It's My Life (ttc/fertility, dating, career)
- Our W Life (fertility, weight, stress)
- for all the things we hope for (endometriosis, infertility, doula-ing)
- Return To Go (PCOS, RPL, unemployment)
- Our Growing Gardunn (secondary rpl, 4th loss, IUI)
- Journey with Endometriosis (high risk pregnancy, subchorionic hematoma, ivf)
- Closet Infertile (IUI vs IVF, TTC)
- In Due Time (life, infertility, college)
- Daydreamy Mama (kids parenting identity)
- I'm Just Ducky, Thanks (rpl, gestational surrogacy, fear)
- Wistfulgirl's World (foster care adoption, homestudy, life)
- Things Couldn't Be Better (donor embryo, chaos, infertility)
- Amanda (infertility, vacant, uterus)
- The August list is now closed (the September list will open 8/28)
Q: What if I miss a day?
A: Catch up the next day by doubling your comments–12 comments instead of 6.
Q: What if I have two blogs? Can I sign up twice, listing both blogs?
A: Yes, but you also need to double your comments. If you have two blogs listed, you should be leaving 12 comments per day.
Q: What is an Iron Commenter?
A: Not for the faint-of-heart. People who wish to be an Iron Commenter and be entered on the Iron Commenter honour roll need to leave a comment on every blog on the participants list (exceptions are blogs that require you to have a special log-in, such as some LiveJournal accounts or other similar situations). You can spread out this commenting any way you wish over the whole week, but the final comment needs to be left by midnight on the 28th (EST). Reaching Iron Commenter status is done on an honour system. Please email me if you earn Iron Commenter status so I can add you to the wall of honour.
Q: Why do I have to add that bit of code to my sidebar?
A: The code is the latest icon (the icon changes colour every month so you know that you're on the right list). This month, the icon is purple, the next month it will be green, etc. The reason is two-fold: (1) it enables more people to find out about IComLeavWe and (2) it gives you easy access to the current list once the commenting week actually begins and better ensures that you'll use it. Too many times, people sign up and forget to actually do IComLeavWe and this icon gives you a daily reminder (with the dates on it) every time you open your own blog. The icon is linked back to the current list. On the 28th, remove the icon from your blog. A new one will be created for the next month.
Q: It's the 23rd and I just saw this for the first time on my friend's blog! I want to join the list–why can't I?
A: Because IComLeavWe happens every month, once the list is closed, it's closed. If you're finding out about this on the 23rd, you can't join the current month. But leave yourself a note to check back in a week on the 1st and you can sign up for the next month.
Q: You said the list closes on the 21st. Well, it's still the 21st where I am. Why aren't you moving my information onto the list?
A: All dates and times are U.S. Eastern Standard Time (UTC/GMT -5 hours). The list closes around 11 p.m. EST on the 21st.
Q: What if no one comments on my blog and I have no comments to return?
A: Well, that really doesn't happen for the most part, but in that case, simply choose another blog and add an additional comment. The goal is to hit 6 comments daily as a minimum. Going over that is fantastic and encouraged.
Q: Mel, my question wasn't covered at all. What do I do?
A: Email me; I'm quite friendly. It helps to place "IComLeavWe" in the subject line. You could also check this post which contains the history of IComLeavWe and see if you can glean anything there.
Looking for the comment section? It has been closed on this post. Use the form in the directions to add yourself to the list.


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Yeah...I have PTSD and Anxiety due a two year long drama filled with violence and abuse, and not having a safe place, and no help for the one family member that lives here, and of course no money.
I did start to write out the full story of what happened to me 2008-2010 yesterday, but it's still painful to go over now, even 3 years later.
I hope things have gotten better for you
i understand orchidoo i am a male with it i been verbal abuss and have bi-poler,not until this month of hurting myself did someone give me a workbook from a woman shelter and i read that three days in a role and it was the must help that i got,one thing if you are not safe please find one,eventhou i am not happy i care about people if you need to talk you can talk to me i will understand and care
I fully understand where you are at and it really sucks. May I suggest a few things?
#1 , you are amongst people here that have been exactly where you are right now, or... "You Are Not Alone".
2. Let's slow things down and focus on one thing at a time.
3. Write out the titles of incidents that you will be writing about.
4. Find a therapist, clergy, group or experienced individual to set up consistent sessions with. (contact your health insurance provider, work employee assist program, church or veterans support group. if you are not a vet, that's ok. just need to ask if they know of any resources in your area. they will try to help because they understand PTSD.)
5. Figure out what triggers your PTSD episodes/symptoms and write them down.
6. Locate at least 3 "safe" places to sit, for future use. (somewhere quiet, out of sight of people and where you have control of escape routes) For me, I have my garage, my car, a certain bench at the park, a parking lot that is secluded, etc...
7. Don't use any alcohol, cigarettes/tobaco and only use prescribed meds. (sounds rough, but we need to expose the raw, real you!)
8. Don't hold back your emotions when you are in a "safe" place and alone.
9. BE NICE TO YOURSELF! No more negative selftalk. You are only human and you would be nice to your friends or family if they were battling PTSD.
10. Don't expect others to understand what you are going through. People who do not understand PTSD tend to pull away from you instead of getting closer. So, don't tell anyone except the ones you are certain will not pull away.
NOW! You have a plan to go into battle with. Adjust it as you need to, add to it if someone else has a good idea....customize this to fit you!
Stay with the therapy even when it gets rough. Don't quit....just post your thoughts on here and let us help support you. This can be fixed and YOU DESERVE TO BE HAPPY!
Anxiety can be better managed when you have a plan and a backup plan. That is why I suggested 3 "safe" places.
Keep in mind that by posting here, you are helping yourself and others. Many people read these pages, but don't post anything because they just aren't ready yet or are not sure how they will be received.
You posted! Thank you for posting and taking a chance.
If I can help, I'd be glad to! Feel free to read what I have posted.
Give yourself a break and try to live life a little fuller each day.
Take Care,
Perhaps more than hearing about what happened, maybe it would therapeutic for you and others if you talked about more what you're doing now and how you're getting better :)
Ps: I love orchids! I'd love any tips if you have some to spare, I'm new to orchid care

subset: commoncrawl


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Re: Census Info. on Wilburn P. and Dora (Adcock) Burrows
In reply to:
Census Info. on Wilburn P. and Dora (Adcock) Burrows
Sabrina Nobles 6/24/02
Death certificate for Dora should show the names of her parents.But, DCs are only as accurate as the knowledge of the informant.She would have filled out the application for her Soc Sec card, and it should show the names of her parents, too.
Combined info from TX Dth Idx Online 1964-1998 and SSDI:
Dora Emmie Barrow, b 7 Jun 1887; d 5 Jan 1968 Travis Co, TX; last residence Austin, Travis Co, TX; widowed; SS card issued in TX.
[note, differences in dates from your information]
Happpy Hunting.


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Is Your Boat Filling With Water?
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This is a "no-brainer" for any serious Laser sailor. Combined with the Black Rubber Plug, your boat will become "leak-proof", keeping it dry – particularly on those light wind days.


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Please note that this job has expired and is for reference only. See our active listings for jobs.
UNStudio is seeking an urban designer to work in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
Urban designer
Amsterdam, the Netherlands
Following the steady growth of our urban projects we are looking for an urban designer in our Amsterdam office.
For this position we are encouraging enthusiastic, accomplished urban designer candidates to apply who enjoy collaborating on further developing our ambitions in urban design and master planning projects.
UNStudio is an internationally operating architectural firm with projects in the Netherlands, Europe, Asia, USA and the Middle East, and with offices in Amsterdam, Shanghai and Hong Kong. The atmosphere in our office is international, multidisciplinary, highly ambitious and dynamic, as well as friendly and collaborative, with a focus on personal development and career planning.
UNStudio, which was founded by Ben van Berkel and Caroline Bos in 1988, currently employs 130 people, the average age is 34 years and our employee base is made up of about 28 different nationalities.
- producing large and small-scale urban plans
- working on multiple projects simultaneously in a variety of development stages
- contributing to a clear design philosophy, vision and concept for urban projects
- participating in cutting-edge research
- Master's degree in a design discipline (Urban Design, Architecture, Landscape Architecture)
- minimum of three to four years post-graduate relevant experience in internationally renowned offices, demonstrating professional growth
- excellent aesthetic sensibilities and excellent design skills
- opportunity-driven attitude
- entrepreneurial
- independent and pro-active
- working knowledge of 3D modelling programs
- good team player
- effective verbal and written communication skills (English is a must)
What we offer
A challenging position in an independent, young and international working environment.
Salary will be according to the directions of the CAO (Dutch agreement on working conditions) for architectural offices. UNStudio has a pension arrangement based on the average salary principle, 30 days annual leave, travel costs reward, and a (non-guaranteed) profit share. Our goal is long-term cooperation.
Applications consisting of a CV and portfolio can be sent digitally (PDF, maximum 10MB) to Sandra Velzeboer: [email protected].
Our website www.unstudio.com gives additional information regarding our office, HR policy, clients and projects.
Application deadline: 1 May 2014


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Respiratory Bronchiolitis Associated Interstitial Lung Disease
- Travis WD, Colby TV, Koss MN, Rosado-de-Christenson ML, Müller NL, King TE Jr. Non-neoplastic Disorders of the Lower Respiratory Tract, AFIP Atlas of Nontumor Pathology, First Series, Fascicle 2, 2002.
- American Thoracic Society; European Respiratory Society. ATS/ERS International Multidisciplinary Consensus Classification of the Idiopathic Interstitial Pneumonias. This joint statement of the American Thoracic Society (ATS), and the European Respiratory Society (ERS) was adopted by the ATS board of directors, June 2001 and by the ERS Executive Committee, June 2001. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2002 Jan 15;165(2):277-304.
- Visscher DW, Myers JL. Histologic spectrum of idiopathic interstitial pneumonias. Proc Am Thorac Soc. 2006 Jun;3(4):322-9.
- Desai SR, Ryan SM, Colby TV. Smoking-related interstitial lung diseases: histopathological and imaging perspectives. Clin Radiol. 2003 Apr;58(4):259-68.
- Ryu JH, Colby TV, Hartman TE, Vassallo R. Smoking-related interstitial lung diseases: a concise review. Eur Respir J. 2001 Jan;17(1):122-32.
- Churg A, Müller NL, Wright JL. Respiratory bronchiolitis/interstitial lung disease: fibrosis, pulmonary function, and evolving concepts. Arch Pathol Lab Med. 2010 Jan;134(1):27-32.
- Yousem SA, Colby TV, Gaensler EA. Respiratory bronchiolitis-associated interstitial lung disease and its relationship to desquamative interstitial pneumonia. Mayo Clin Proc. 1989 Nov;64(11):1373-80.
- Yousem SA. Respiratory bronchiolitis-associated interstitial lung disease with fibrosis is a lesion distinct from fibrotic nonspecific interstitial pneumonia: a proposal. Mod Pathol. 2006 Nov;19(11):1474-9.
- Ryu JH, Myers JL, Capizzi SA, Douglas WW, Vassallo R, Decker PA. Desquamative interstitial pneumonia and respiratory bronchiolitis-associated interstitial lung disease. Chest. 2005 Jan;127(1):178-84.


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True Story: Murder, Memoir, Mea Culpa
by Michael Finkel
256pp, Chatto, £15.99
At 10pm on February 2 2002, the phone rang at the home of Michael Finkel. The caller, not unexpectedly, was a journalist. A few days before, Finkel, himself a journalist, had been sacked by the New York Times Magazine for writing a story (about child slavery in Ivory Coast) whose main character was an invention — a composite based on children Finkel had interviewed, but a fabrication none the less. The next day Finkel was due to be publicly shamed in the Times — the journalist must have already latched on to the story, he assumed. But the reason for the call, it turned out, was something else entirely: a man passing himself off as Michael Finkel of the New York Times had just been charged with four murders.
The man was Christian Longo, but while on the run in Mexico he had adopted Finkel's name because he liked his journalism and had always wanted to be a writer. Now Longo was back in Oregon, under arrest, charged with the murder of his wife and their three small children. Naturally Finkel was intrigued. It wasn't just that Longo had stolen his name at the very point he was losing it. He instinctively grasped that getting in touch with Longo might be his redemption.
So, after lying low till the media finished pillorying him for his own crime, Finkel wrote to Longo in jail. And after a month, against the advice of his defence team, Longo responded. Initially wary of each other, the two men became friends. Finkel visited Longo in Lincoln County jail and found him good-looking, clever, charismatic. Longo wrote Finkel long letters on yellow paper, sharing his feelings, showing off his literary skills and recalling his years as a Jehovah's Witness. The intimacy was unnerving — Longo was even let in on Finkel's love life and spoke on the phone to his girlfriend.
About the murders, or "tragedy" as he called it, Longo was less forthcoming. But when Finkel dared to ask him if he was guilty, he winked and said "I think you know". The victims had been strangled then dumped underwater, two in suitcases and two in weighed-down pillowcases, and all the evidence, not least his flight to Cancun, pointed to Longo's guilt — so Finkel read the wink as a sly confession. But as the relationship deepened, Longo shifted position and began to protest his innocence. Believing him required a massive leap of faith, but since the two of them had made a pact to be totally honest with each other, Finkel made that leap.
Of course, he realised that Longo was using him — that the account he gave of what had really happened was a dress rehearsal for what he'd tell the jury when the case came to court. But Finkel didn't mind being used since he in turn was using Longo — at the end he'd get a book out if all and (perhaps) be reprieved from a life in journalistic exile. Part of the fascination of the story is to watch each man trying to out-psych (yet not betray) the other. When Finkel looks at Longo, he sees the flaws in his own character (egomania, manipulativeness, deceit) mirrored and magnified. And meanwhile Longo looks to Finkel to clear his name — and save him from the death penalty.
It's a gripping tale, plainly told but artfully constructed, and the twists continue right up to and beyond the climax of the trial — even Longo's plea takes everyone by surprise. It would be unfair to give too much away. Suffice to say that Finkel is forced to distance himself from Longo — in part because of what he hears, but also for the sake of his own moral health, so as to make a fresh start, and become the journalist who (unlike the murderer) can say mea culpa. Given Finkel's history, the move is understandable — a statement that he has learned his lesson. But in human terms it's slightly chilling, the equivalent of Lord Longford turning his back on Myra Hindley.
True Story belongs to the genre popularised by Truman Capote's In Cold Blood. But two more pertinent comparisons come to mind. One is with Janet Malcolm's The Journalist and the Murderer, which raises questions about the morality of such collaborative ventures. Is the journalist doomed to betray and the murderer to deceive? And where a canny mutual exploitativeness drives the project, isn't it inevitable that the reader will do the opposite of what's wanted and take against both the author and the main protagonist? Despite Finkel's determined candour, it's hard to warm to him. And despite Longo's evident appeal to all who meet him, he fails to impress the reader — except as a conman and pathological liar.
The other comparison is with Emmanuel Carrère's brilliant little book The Adversary, which recounts how a loving husband, devoted father, fake doctor, thief and fantasist called Jean-Claude Romand came to kill five members of his family. Romand's fatal flaw was his desperation for approval. Longo's, too — when the extent of their petty criminality was about to be revealed, both men killed their nearest and dearest rather than expose them to the squalid truth. But whereas Carrère distrusts his man from the start, Finkel is taken in — and only slowly extricates himself from the mire. His book lacks the psychological acumen of Carrère's — and the skill with which John Berendt in Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil portrays a whole community. But it does exert a queasy fascination.
• Blake Morrison's Things My Mother Never Told Me is published by Vintage


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Land Loans
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For more information about a Land Loan, call 1-888-KEESLER (533-7537) and speak to a mortgage loan representative.
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- No origination Fee
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- Up to 90% loan-to-value financing
- Minimum loan amount of $10,000.00
- Maximum loan amount of $250,000.00
Comparing mortgages? We can help, check out our Home Calculators


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These schedules are subject to change from time to time. You may click here to sign up for the class, and you will be notified in the class when there's a change.
Vipassana and Dhamma Study in English - 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM
Dhamma study and discussions, plus sharing of Dhamma practice or life experiences. Class to study theory and techniques on Vipassana meditation. The current textbook is Being Nobody, Going Nowhere by Venerable Ayya Khema. This book will be available from MLA for regular attendees. There are also library copies available for temporary use in the class. In this meditation manual, Venerable Ayya Khema gives direct, practical, and easy-to-understand advises on meditation and its applications to daily life. She explains the necessities, the prerequisites, the hindrances, and the attainments of meditation. Kamma and rebirth, the five aggregates, the ten paramis, and the Four Noble Truths are clearly expounded. Venerable Ayya Khema shares her personal experiences to create a simple and profound classic.
Dhamma Study in Mandarin - 9:30 AM to noon
Dhamma study and discussions in Mandarin, and sharing of Dhamma practice or life experiences, guided by Venerables Yuan-Ming (圓明法師) of Dharma Treasury Study Center, Berkeley, CA.
09:30 AM to 10:45 AM - watch DVD lectures in Mandarin class to watch DVD lectures in Mandarin by Venerable Jing-Guang (淨光法師) on《因緣觀與生命療癒》for about 50 minutes. Followed by discussions, sharing, Q & A's under the guidance of the Venerable. Listening to these talks will be very helpful in your understanding of the Buddha's original teachings and insight meditation practice in our daily life.
10:45 AM to Noon - Dhamma Talks by Venerable Yuan-Ming (圓明法師) on Samyuktagama 《雜阿含經論會編》, based on Master Yin-Shun's book.
Noon to 1:00 PM - Sangha food offering and potluck lunch. This follows the above Dhamma Study class. It will be a good opportunity for you to get answers to your questions about any issue in your study and practice of Buddhism.
You are welcome to participate in the food offering and have lunch with the Venerable and yogis even if you can't come to the morning class.
Mindfulness in Daily Life - 2nd Sunday, 3:00-05:00 PM; 4th Sunday, 9:30-11:30 AM
The Mindfulness in Daily Life course devised and taught by Dr. Thynn Thynn of Sonoma County is a spiritual practice, finding its roots in the teachings of the Buddha. We look to the Satipatthana Sutta, the Four Noble Truths, The Eightfold Path and the teachings of dependent origination in this investigation and practice.
Class sessions generally begin with a dhamma talk with questions and answers. Next we have a shared practice session, initially focusing on the physical sense experiences and later moving to the experiences of the mind. Lastly we have 'check ins', where students report on their Daily Life Mindfulness practice since the last class.
This is a form of meditation – without the cushion; without the buffer of silence – we concentrate our attention on whatever is available to us in the present moment. This course guides us to create more wholesome mental habits so that we meet the moments of our lives more open and clear, which in turn affords us the possibility of insight.
This class is guided and taught by Upasika Jane Sipe. Class is conducted via the ZOOM remote video conference platform. Pre-Enrollment is required to attend the class.


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BROWNS MILLS, N.J. - WHEN Neill Heath, a conservationist and fund-raiser employed by the Nature Conservancy, handed me a neatly folded bandanna one afternoon last month, I assumed it was to wipe my sweaty brow in the 95-degree heat. In fact, it was meant as a blindfold. Along with six other guests of the conservancy, I was required to cover my eyes for rides between locations in the heart of the Pine Barrens, in south central New Jersey, where rare blooming orchids had been spotted. The intention, of course, was to keep their whereabouts a secret, thereby protecting them from poachers.
The orchid family is the largest of all flowering plants with 20,000 species, 10 percent of which are endangered. The scarcity is due to habitat loss, the exacting conditions that orchid seeds -- which are nearly as small as house dust -- need for germination, and theft.
Susan Orlean made orchid poaching in Florida notorious in her book "The Orchid Thief" (Random House, 1998). According to the Nature Conservancy, rare orchids in the Pine Barrens are also being stolen, sometimes in a misguided effort to rescue them.
"People think that removing a plant from the wild and planting it in their garden actually helps preserve it," Mr. Heath said. "But in truth, you are reducing the wild population and endangering the species."
I grow orchids in my New Jersey garden, but the ones I've purchased are "nursery propagated" from seed, as opposed to "nursery grown," which often refers to plants collected from the wild and potted for sale.Continue reading the main story
New Jersey is the nation's most densely populated state, yet it has a higher percentage of protected land than most. The Pinelands National Reserve is the formal name for the protected area, which has 1.1 million acres and nearly 850 species of plants.
The job of safeguarding those species falls in part to the Nature Conservancy, which maintains an office in Whitesbog, now a historical site but once a bustling Pine Barrens hamlet where, in the early part of the 20th century, migrant workers, mostly Italian, harvested cranberries.
About half a mile from the conservancy office, a boardwalk traversing the Webb's Mill Bog Cedar Swamp allows visitors to observe the bog's flora up close, including three insect-eating sundew species barely the size of a quarter. Tiny hairs tipped by gluey beads of nectar fold inward when lunch lands.
But the star attraction is orchids.
Twelve of us, including Michelle Knapik, the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation's director of environmental programs, and Chris Willemsen, former president of the Garden Club of America, convened at the bog last month and boarded three S.U.V.'s for a tour led by Linda Kelly, a botanist, and Barbara Brummer, head of the conservancy's New Jersey chapter.
After a stop at an awesome forest of stunted pines, we were asked to put on blindfolds to travel to secret locations.
At one site we were surrounded by dozens of pure white-fringed orchids, Platanthera blephariglottis. Club-shaped masses of tiny flowers with feathery beards bloomed among the knee-high little bluestem grass. Next was a marsh, which, after the dry summer, could be approached safely. (Ms. Kelly said hikers may sink waist-deep in the muck.) There we found slender ladies'-tresses, Spiranthes lacera, and green wood orchids, Platanthera clavellata.
Ms. Kelly lent us her hand lens to ogle the sprays of microblossoms, which she found with a lot of scouting. No doubt experience has taught her to recognize areas with certain sunlight and moisture conditions where orchids are most likely to be found.
"Sometimes I -- and other experienced field botanists -- can just look at an area and think, 'that looks like a good place to search for, say, Spiranthes,"' she said. "And sometimes I get lucky."
Of course, Ms. Kelly, a volunteer, takes visitors to see all sorts of plants. But orchids, like roses, hold people -- gardeners or not -- in a special thrall, and they may publicize preservation in the Pine Barrens.
Near the end of our trip, next to a busy road, we saw the fading blossoms of grass pinks, another orchid. And on the edge of the shade from nearby trees we hit the jackpot: the rarest of the rare, half a dozen crested fringed orchids, Platanthera cristata. The flowers were similar to the white fringed orchid, but in a bright citrus-orange color. There may be only 20 clusters in all New Jersey, and we were looking at one.
When I travel and tell people I'm from New Jersey, their noses involuntarily twitch. No doubt they think the entire state looks like the refineries around Newark Liberty International Airport. Let them think that; we're crowded enough. But I can't help wondering what their faces would look like if they had seen those orchids concealed in the wilds of the Pine Barrens.Continue reading the main story


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A poll released Tuesday shows that Republican Tom Horne and Democratic Felecia Rotellini are about even among likely voters in the Arizona attorney general race.
The Rocky Mountain Poll also shows the race is tied among registered voters.
Among likely voters, 40 percent support Horne, 36 percent favor Rotellini and 24 percent are undecided.
Each candidate captured 34 percent of registered voters. Thirty-two percent of registered voters are undecided.
The statewide poll of 555 registered voters was conducted by Phoenix-based Behavior Research Center between Oct. 1 and Oct. 10 and has a margin of error of plus or minus 4.2 percentage points.
The sample of 450 likely voters has a margin of error of plus or minus 4.7 percent.


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In the holiday spirit of giving, this is a quick update to my post about Ultrabooks.  I mentioned that my Cast of Dads cohort, Michael Sheehan (@HighTechDad) and I would be presenting a chance for one of you to get an Ultrabook, courtesy of Intel, the driving force behind the Ultrabook platform.  Here are the details:
You can read the the Official Rules, which you should, but here is a summary of the giveaway –
- Begins December 21, 2011 at 12:00:01 a.m. U.S. Pacific Time ("PSTâ€)
- Ends December 23, 2011 at 11:59:59 p.m U.S. Pacific Time ("PSTâ€)
- U.S. Residents Only
- 18 years and older
- Must have a non-private Twitter account
- You must send a Tweet with the hashtag (#) – "#UltrabookDadsâ€
- Read the rest of the Official Rules
So it's simple. Â Between now and Friday at Midnight PST, just send a Tweet with the hashtag #UltrabookDads and you'll be part of a random drawing for the Ultrabook.
Now, while all you need to have in your tweet is the #UltrabookDads hashtag, we might as well make it interesting for the folks who will see your tweet, so feel free to add some thoughts about what you find exciting or appealing about the concept of an Ultrabook – a thin, light, highly portable and equally powerful laptop with instant on, long battery life, and some serious sex appeal in the looks department. Â How would an Ultrabook impact your computing lifestyle?
To share some of our new-found insights and information about Ultrabooks Michael and I will host a couple of informal online get-togethers, which we promise to be ultra fun and put a geek dad spin on some great new technology.  (For a taste of our style  just check out the Cast of Dads podcast.)
We will be doing both a Hangout on Google+ and a live Twitter Chat. Â These are just for fun and information. Â You don't have to participate in either to be eligible for the giveaway, but if you want to get our first impressions of the Asus Zenbook Ultrabook we have been playing with, the hangout and chat will be a great opportunity.
Here is the schedule for the Hangout and Twitter Chat:
Google+ Hangout: Thursday, December 22 at 10pm EST / 7pm PST
Twitter Chat: Friday December 23 at 10pm EST / 7pm PST
We'll be talking Ultrabooks, etc. for about an hour each night and we hope you can stop by! Â In any event, feel free to follow me (@sass) or Michael (@HighTechDad) for updates and don't forget to send a tweet with #UltrabookDads before Midnight Friday if you want a chance to get your own Ultrabook!
Happy Holidays!
UPDATE: Â The winner of the Ultrabook Giveaway was @BadMofo33. Â Congrats!
Jeff Sass is the proud dad of ZEO (Zach, 23, Ethan, 21 and Olivia, 20).  He is also a seasoned entertainment and technology exec and active social media enthusiast.  You can see more of Jeff's writing at Sassholes!and Social Networking Rehab and you can listen to Jeff on the Cast of Dads  and Wunderkind! podcasts.
Disclosure: Â In accordance with the FTC Guidelines and WOMMA Code of Ethics, I am disclosing that I have a material connection because I received a gift or sample of a product for consideration and/or am being otherwise compensated by Intel in preparing to create this content. I was/am not expected to return this item or gift after my review period. My opinions about Intel, Asus, and Ultrabooks are entirely my own and not those of Intel, Asus or any other party.


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Ana & Joel Masacote, a husband and wife team, met at a small Salsa Social in NYC in 2001. That encounter sparked an idea of a company that could bridge the disconnect often seen between music and dance. Ana & Joel decided to merge their talents to launch a new startup: Masacote Entertainment. Through it, they aimed to foster an appreciation for Salsa as a sophisticated artistic form in mainstream media and shape the perception of Latin Dance.
Over a decade later, the company is still growing strong. Masacote Entertainment believes in the transformative effect music and dance can have on people's lives, and the company aspires to engender that change around the world.
Originally founded in Okinawa, Japan in 2003, the company is now based in Boston, MA USA and has since performed and taught in 30+ countries across 5 continents. Appearances include China, Australia, Tunisia, Japan, Korea, Italy, England, and more.


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Latinas Love Caliente Creampies [PORNO][Latin][
- Type:
- Files:
- 2
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- Spoken language(s):
- English
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- +0 / -0 (0)
- Uploaded:
- Aug 18, 2010
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Letters from Tuskegee: Being the Confessions of a Yankee
S. Becker von Grabill, 1906 - African Americans - 85 pages
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Building A Buyers List
A very successful Wholesaler in my Market Claims to have over 20,000 names in his data base
He sends out a list of 2 properties every week. I asked him how he had created such a large database. His response was his list was built one name at a time. He is constantly refurbishing his list.
Some of his tips. He is a good networker. He goes to his health club early and on a regular basis. He networks while he is there. He goes to Starbucks. He is there when they open their doors. He networks there as well. In both cases he does this on a consistent regular basis. This is where he finds people to invest with him and fund his deals. He also finds buyers there. He has a target market that he in touch with.
Think about it. Who do you find at Starbucks when they open. Mostly motivated business people. Same with the health club. The old adage "the early bird gets the worm" certainly applies in his case.
He can be counted on to contribute to charities on a regular basis. He will have a booth at many events. When asked why he signs up for so many events, He laughed and said "I sign up for events that I have no intension of attending because I get the names and contact information of the participants. He clearly has identified his market. He exercises his list on a regular basis but does not oversell or "pound" his audience.
Another successful wholesaler for years did a fax blast once a week to his list. He was reported to have a list of 15,000+- people. How did he build his list. He participated in a number of events. He made it easy to sign up for his "information" You could fax in a request to be added to his fax list. He was very visible at REIA meetings, Workshops, Multi "speaker events" etc. He advertised in the appropriate newsletters. He clearly understood how to attract prospective customers.
A third successful wholesaler whose list probably exceeds 20,000 has been building his list for years. He was active in his local REIA. You could always find him in the back of the room networking with the members and GUEST. He was quick to exchange business cards with everyone he met and added folks to his list. He became a little bit of a pest at the local REIA, so he left and started his own. He markets on a consistent regular basis. He spends money on advertising. Over 10 years ago he indicated that he was spending $5,000 per month in advertising. He was running radio and television adds consistently. He and his wife were good business people with a strong work ethic.
Another investor friend who consistently buys at the steps ( buys foreclosures) indicated that he does several things to build and maintain his contact list. He is looking for buyers and he is looking for money. There are a number of people showing up at foreclosure auctions these days. Many of them know nothing about the process and are intimidated by the players. My friend goes often enough that he can instantly spot the new folks. He knows all the players. When he spots a "newbie" he approaches that individual , is friendly, offers a business card, and explains that he buys on a regular basis. He explains that because of his experience and contacts he can get good deals. He explains that he marks up some of these properties 10% and sells them quickly. He asks if the newbie wants to be added to his buyers list. My friend also tracks what properties are purchased by the experienced foreclosure hounds. He then follows the trail through public records to see who they are selling to and who is funding these deals.
When an investor is starting in this business he is not going to have a list in the thousands. That type of list may take years to develop.
It would be nice to have thousands of people on your list but it is not necessary.
A successful part time wholesaler who specializes in low end junker houses (fixer uppers) is preported to have 56 cash buyers on his list, another individual has 5.
So how do start developing a list? Remember the individual who said he built his list one name at a time. Each name is valuable. Once you have a name, place it in a databank and exercise that name. your "data base" may be as simple as a series of 3×5 index cards, or it may be a computer database such as Microsoft Excel. There are some powerful computer programs to store, categorize and manage your list. You may even start out by using the address book in Yahoo or Google. You might use an online Program such as Mail Chimp (mailchimp.com) It is important to determine what information to capture and store on each contact. At a minimum you should capture contact information (mailing address, E mail, and phone numbers). You should identify the type of property, geographic area, Price range and other pertinent information. It is important to identify where the contact came from and the date. It is helpful to log any contact with the individual and when that contact took place.
An investor friend who is a experienced networker tries to meet 5 hew people a day. He captures business cards like crazy. He has several very specific elevator speeches (one minute talk about what you do and what your are looking for).When he gets home from an event where he has met new people, he sends an e mail, or a brief mailed note to the people he met and immediately places them in his data base. He has a business card reader which helps him input the data but he adds notes to each entry, something personal from the conversation. He tries to have a card, an e mail or a phone call go out within 24 hours. He follows up on his contacts on a regular basis. It is preported to take a minimum of 7 contacts with an individual to have them remember you. It is interesting that an individual will go to a seminar, exchange business cards, speak to a multitude of people, come home put the cards on their desk and forget about them. Within a very short period of time they will not be able to remember anything about the individuals and the individuals they spoke with will not remember anything about them. What a waste of a golden opportunity. These people obviously shared some common interest, after all they were at the same seminar, they spoke with you and they gave you their contact information. A successful networker once told me "it's not who you know but who knows you that is important"
When you have a property to advertise it is not just that property that is important it is also important to capture the names of those who contacted you about that property. They may not want the property you are advertising but they may want another. They are in the market or they wouldn't have contacted you. Am investor friend is constantly advertising properties for sale, sometimes he even advertises a phantom property just to capture names. He is constantly building his list. Remember people move in and out of the market. A part time rehabber might do 1 o 3 properties a year. So you need to catch them when they are in the market.
When you are getting started you may not have a big list or much inventory of property. That's ok, just borrow someone else's. Find a wholesaler who will let you advertise something of theirs and split the proceeds. Get someone with a big list to help you market your property. Everyone will not do this but someone will.
There are list brokers who will sell you names or rent them to you.
You can purchase leads from a variety of internet sites as well as some of the search engines. Some will sell you an exclusive territory, others will sell you individual leads. Purchased leads can run the gammet from very good to very bad.
Look around you, emulate what the successful people are doing. Remember this is a numbers game. Response rates vary greatly depending on a number of variables with direct mail rates as low as
½ %.
A recent article pointed out that one of the most important traits businesses are looking for in leaders is creativity. Exercise your creativity in building your list, there are lots of ways to build list.
It is not enough to simpliy build a list your list need to be exercised on a regular basis. There is a fine line between exerciseing your list and becoming a pest. When you are starting out you may not have property on a regular basis. If you don't someone else will. Develop relationships with others in this business.
Start marketing to e list slowly. You do not want to be classified as a spammer. There is an excellent article on building a marketing list on MailChimp.com
BACK UP YOUR LIST. It would be a tragedy to expand the effort to build a marketing list and then louse it. Guard your list and be very careful who you share it with.
|The author Gordon Catts is a long time member of real estate groups. He was evolved in the formation of several Local Associations. Gordon was a founding member of what ultimately became National Real Investors Association.
If you have a house for sale or want to buy a new home, please visit his Real Estate Website or read his Real Estate Blog!
Gordon's website GordonCatts.com has several articles relevant to Real Estate Investors and he writes and teaches in this arena.
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Hey there,
I need to prove the next statement:
Let be an operator that its coefficients A,B,C,D,E are continiously differentiable twice in the plane.
Show (directly from the definition of an adjoint of an operator) that .
The definition of an adjoint of an operator is+my problem:
Hope you'll be able to help me !Code:. My problem is , that when I substitute L* in the expression for the adjoint, I get partial derivatives of fourth order!!! how can I prove this equality using only this definition?
Thanks in advance


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Strong Winds Fuel Colo. Wildfire That Has Destroyed Record 181 Homes [1]
"DENVER -- Crews in northern Colorado are facing powerful winds as they battle a blaze that has scorched about 86 square miles of mountainous forest land and destroyed at least 181 homes, the most in state history. Meanwhile, local authorities are focusing on another concern -- looting."
"The destructiveness of the High Park Fire burning 15 miles west of Fort Collins surpassed the Fourmile Canyon wildfire, which destroyed 169 homes west of Boulder in September 2010.
More than 1,630 personnel are working on the Fort Collins-area fire, which was sparked by lightning and is 45 percent contained."
The Associated Press had the story June 17, 2012. [2]


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Well, it's official: The streaky Sens are back.
Atlanta Thrashers at Ottawa Senators on Nov. 9, 2010
THE STORY: Well, it's official: The streaky Sens are back. Both general manager Bryan Murray and coach Cory Clouston said prior to the start of the season that they were hoping for a little more consistency from their group this year. As long as the Senators' winning streaks are consistently longer than their losing streaks, I'm sure they can live with a few ups and downs. Ottawa has picked up five victories in its last six games to climb back into a virtual tie for fifth in the Eastern Conference. The fact they're tied with four other teams (including tonight's opponent — Atlanta), illustrates just how close they are to falling back again. If they're to make the playoffs, it'll likely be at the Thrashers' expense.
THE SUBPLOTS: It's almost time to see what this Senators team can do with a full lineup. Winger Milan Michalek, who was developing some nice chemistry with Daniel Alfredsson and Mike Fisher before suffering a bout of tendinitis in his knee, returns to the lineup against the Thrashers, while key defenceman Filip Kuba could return from a broken leg as early as Thursday.
THE WILDCARD: Chris Mason or Ondrej Pavelec. It seems like the Senators are constantly carpet bombing Thrashers goalies, only to pick up loss after loss. On Halloween night a year ago, Pavelec waltzed into Scotiabank and turned aside 50 shots to lift his team to a 3-1 victory. The way Ottawa is clicking right now, he just might have to do it again. Same goes for Mason if he gets the nod.
THE OPPONENT: Is it possible that the Atlanta Thrashers are a better team without perennial 30-40 goal scorer Ilya Kovalchuk? Just ask the New Jersey Devils. While they're dead last in the NHL after the splashy in-season trade and controversial summer signing, the Thrashers are rolling right along. Exciting youngster Niclas Bergfors has actually outscored Kovalchuk so far this season (nine points to eight) after coming over from New Jersey, which also shipped solid defenceman Johnny Oduya, a first rounder and a prospect to Georgia in the Kovalchuk deal. Yep, Atlanta probably thinks that deal worked out just peachy.
THE QUOTE: "Every opportunity you get out there, you just want to take advantage of it. Pascal got hurt. It's not like I got a chance and ran with it. We've been playing better as a team. From the start of the year until now, it's almost a totally different look that we have, a whole different confidence and swagger. I think being in net, you get positive results when the team is playing like that. But being a goalie, it's all, 'What have you done for me lately?'" — Brian Elliott, chatting about his current hot streak.
THE SICK BAY: Senators — D Filip Kuba (broken leg, day-to-day), LW Milan Michalek (knee, probable). Thrashers — C Patrice Cormier (broken foot, indefinite), C/W Bryan Little (concussion, indefinite), D Freddy Meyer (undisclosed, day-to-day).
THE PREDICTION: It's hard to pick against the Senators right now. This season seems to be shaping up a lot like the last one — feast or famine — and right now this team is chowing down on everything in its path. A bad bounce here or there could turn everything around, but until that happens, I'm going to have to go with the capital crew. Senators 4, Thrashers 3.


text: Caribe Park Hotel offers a great location, putting you within a 15-minute walk of Forte Beach. After taking a dip in one of the 3 outdoor pools, you can grab a bite to eat at the restaurant or unwind with a drink at the pool bar. Other features include a fitness center, an outdoor tennis court, and a steam room.


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LT 10 WHISPERINGWINDMorganton, GA $19,000
Property Description
This subdivision is in a great location close to Morganton GA and tucked away back in the mountains for privacy and seclusion. These lovely wooded lots offer nice private building spots with mountain views and pristine settings. The subdivision has restrictions & covenants. Each lot has a private well and septic system, and are serviced with underground electricity. Ask about our Special Financing Available!
Contact Us About This Listing
- Price: $19,000
- Acreage: 1.96
- Frontage: Road
- View: Woods/Forest
- Lot #: 10
- Terrain: Gentle, Rolling, Steep
- Road Surface: Gravel
- Subdivision: Whispering Winds
- Water: None,
- Sewer: None
- Covenants: Yes
- Miles to Town: 5-10 Miles
Listing courtesy of NORTH GEORGIA MOUNTAIN REALTY, LLC


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My First GTD Christmas
Date: Sunday, December 19, 2010 by GTD Times Staff
A Community Contribution from April Perry
I'm the mom at the toy store on December 23rd with a cart full of car tracks, dolls, sports equipment, and art supplies my children may or may not like. I'm also the mom paying overnight shipping charges to send hastily-assembled photo albums to Grandma. I stay up late the night before school gets out for Winter Break, making bread for the teachers (mainly because I can't think of anything else to get them). Our Christmas cards usually get sent out after New Year's . . . if they get sent out at all. My neighbors don't get plates of cookies from us, our mail lady never gets a card, and my husband gets only a big hug and a kiss. All the while, I'm feeling frustrated and overwhelmed with the holiday season–wishing I could pull things together.
This year, I decided to plan out my Christmas festivities using GTD. It works for my business, my family, and my personal life. Now I've made it work for my gift-giving. Here are the steps that have made this year's holiday season a breeze:
Step 1: I sat down with my family and brainstormed all the people we want to remember this season–teachers, family members, friends, neighbors, etc.
Step 2: We identified inexpensive but fun gifts we can give them, and then we wrote our Next Actions on a sheet of paper organized by context (errands, computer, stuff to do at home). On the errands list, I included each store we need to visit. When I get to those stores, I'll reference my gift list, which has very specific items on it. On the computer list, I wrote down each item that can easily be purchased online. Those can quickly be ordered weeks before Christmas. On the "stuff to do at home" list, I wrote down all the things my children can help me do–like pick out photos for Grandma and draw cards for the teachers.
Step 3: I noted deadlines on my calendar so I wouldn't forget to deliver any gifts. My sisters all got together for a wedding at the end of November, so I delivered their homemade earrings then. Check! We dropped off little advent calendars to some friends before December 1st so they wouldn't miss a day of chocolate. Check! We wrapped the teacher gifts (Christmas kitchen towels) weeks before Christmas so they could enjoy them throughout the month, and we started making the toy store rounds early enough that I wouldn't end up buying random presents I'd only have to return later. Check, check!
I can't even explain how great it feels to be on top of things this Christmas. Because I have things organized, I've been able to do some extra special things for families in need. I've been able to sit around with my children in the evenings, reading Charles Dickens's "A Christmas Carol." We've been able to discuss the reason why we celebrate Christmas, and we've had a much more peaceful feeling in our home.
We've also decided that there are several things we won't be doing this Christmas. Because my Routines and Responsibilities list is quite full this month, we're not going to worry about Christmas cards. We're not going to go to a ton of parties. We're not going to travel. This Christmas, we're keeping things simple, sharing love for the special people in our lives, reaching out to help those who are less fortunate, and truly experiencing Peace on Earth.
April Perry is the mother of four children and the Co-Director of www.powerofmoms.com.
9 Responses to "My First GTD Christmas"
Great little article, thanks. Christmas is so much more enjoyable when treated like a project with next actions. Some folks have said to me that if I treat Christmas so buisness-like I'll miss the true meaning. I respectfully disagree with them and say."It's quite the opposite. When I manage my Christmas stuff appropriately, it's then that I do see/hear/feel my real reason for Christmas. Be well. Danny
Good for you! I've tried very hard this year myself, and I made some tough decisions – like canceling a trip to visit my sister two states away, and choosing to spend less money on gifts while sacrificing a weekend (this one) to make cookies and ornaments to give as gifts to teachers and family. Every year it's such a balance between enjoying myself and wanting to crawl into bed and suck my thumb. 🙂
Enjoyed this essay. Thank you! One of the lessons I've learned since committing to GTD is that a large project/event like Christmas doesn't have to seem like a lot of work, as long as I plan properly and review my sub-projects and next actions regularly.
Thanks for your comments! Danny, I am absolutely with you. This "business-like" approach makes the season so much more meaningful because it eliminates the stress. Susannah, I hope your cookies and ornaments turned out great. I think it's wonderful that you've wisely managed your time and money this season. I think that enables us to enter the new year on the right foot. And Mom of 2, I totally agree. Managing next actions well makes Christmas a joy–not just a lot of work. Merry Christmas everyone!
Another great contribution April! I would also point out that another reason to treat this as a project starting in August or September – you can spread the expense across several months. I did a batch of my Christmas shopping while on a trip in August.
In addition, if you know you are going to be doing a lot of crafting projects like the button bracelets on ribbon that my daughter likes to make, you need to plans these early enough so that you have time to complete your sewing/stitching.
Great point, Lise. I'll make a trigger for that on my August calendar. 🙂
My mother-in-law likes to shop throughout the year, as well. She buys things at the after-Christmas sales for the next year, and whenever she goes by a Clearance rack, she picks up great buys.
Our children LIVE for her packages–all filled with toys and games purchased for a fraction of the price. GTD really helps us avoid procrastination.
I enjoyed your post, April. Like you, I have found that using GTD is an excellent way to stay on top of all the holiday actions and projects.
Last year, my wife and I decided to not do something holiday-related, but with a twist. We always wanted to send holiday cards, but it was never a high enough priority for us, with all the other things we had or wanted to do. This inspired us to begin a new tradition, though. Instead of sending a holiday card around Christmas time, we do it for Groundhog Day. It's unique, a lot less stressful, and people seem to like it; we've received a few holiday cards this year in which people comment that they're looking forward to the Groundhog Day card.
We still get to have a tradition, but with a bit of a twist.
I LOVE that! I absolutely want to send a Groundhog Day card this year. Thanks for the great idea.
Thanks for this post. Helped a lot.


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We are offering thousands of houses for sale in Bulgaria. The Bulgarian houses are solid and made of concrete, bricks, stone foundations and metal reinforcements in the concrete. Of course it is not rear to see houses which are lower standard, especially the ones built in the beginning of the 20th Century. The houses from the end of the 19th century were build of adobe and in most cases now require restoration. The unique charm of the old Bulgarian houses attracts tourists, especially in the rural areas. We have houses for sale of any type. Usually the offered houses here come with big garden 1000-4000 sq. m. or some land around which are all included in the asking prices. The most spread type in Bulgaria are the detached houses. Most of the houses offered for sale are located in the rural areas of Bulgaria.
This one-storey house is situated in a small and peaceful village in the hills 28 km from Svishtov and 50 km from Pleven. The house provides area of 80 sq. m. and comprises three rooms plus a kitchen and a corridor. Additional space is provided by ano
This two-storey house is located at the centre of a friendly village, some 18 km. from Svishtov, 5 km. from the ancient town of
Built more than 100 years ago (in 1900) this authentic property is situated in the outskirts of a welcoming village in the mountains and near a big dam. It offers 60 sq. m. of area distributed between two floors. The house is comprised of two cellars o
This authentic two-storey house built in 1874 is located near the centre of a small hamlet some 10km away from Gabrovo and offers 155sq.m. of area. It is comprised of cellar, hall, lounge with a traditional fireplace and a kitchen on the first floor an
This house is located in a small village 30km away from Sevlievo and offers accommodation on120sq.m. It comprises kitchen, dining room and living room with a fireplace on the first floor and three bedrooms and a verandah on the second floor. Floors and
Situated in the outskirts of a well-developed village 12km away from Sevlievo this single-storey house offers 60sq.m. of area and consists of kitchen, living room, two bedrooms and a hall. The floors are either concrete or wooden, walls are plastered a
Built more than 130 years ago this authentic property is situated near the centre of a small village right at the foot of the mountains and offers 84sq.m. of area distributed between two floors. It is comprised of kitchen, living room and a storage roo
This lovely chalet is located in the outskirts of a small village 15km away from Troyan. It offers accommodation on 35sq.m. and comprises an entrance hall, kitchenette, living room and one bedroom. The floors, walls and window frames in all premises ar
This one-storey house is situated in the outskirts of the pretty village - just 12 km from the town of Harmanli. The region is perhaps most well known for its wealth of water reservoirs that are popular fishing spots. The house offers accommodation of
This property which you see on the pictures is located in the beautiful village 35km from the town of Yambol. The house offers accommodation of 160sq.m of living area distributed in the following manner:
First floor: a kitchen, a dinning room and two b
This wonderful and neat house is located in a picturesque location near the town of Yambol. The property offers accommodation of 170 sq m living area distributed in the following manner:
First floor: a kitchen, a dinning room, and two bedrooms.
This appealing property is situated near the centre of the lovely town of Elhovo. It is one-storey house and offers accommodation of 100 sq.m of living area distributed in the following manner:
First floor: a corridor, a kitchen, a bedroom, a room tha
Situated in the centre of a welcoming village some 18 km. from Lovech this two-storey house provides 128 sq. m. of living area and consists of two rooms on the ground floor and three rooms on the second one. At your disposal is a cellar offering enough
Set in a welcoming village some 10 km. from Troyan this two-storey almost century old house (built in 1910) spreads over 160 sq. m. of living area and consists of:
Ground floor: one big lounge (ex-shop).
Second floor: five rooms.
Built in the garden i
Built in 1940 this one storey house is located in the outskirts of a quiet village only 25 km. both from Svishtov and Levski. Spreading over 100 sq. m. of living area it comprises three bedrooms and one kitchen. All rooms have pressed-clay floors and w
Nicely situated in a small village 25km away from Veliko Turnovo this two-storey house provides 100sq.m. of area. It comprises kitchen, living room, cellar, utility room, bathroom and one bedroom on the first floor and two bedrooms, a storage room and
Located in the outskirts of a pretty village 20km away from Troyan and the same distance from the well-known resort of Apriltzi this property offers 50sq.m. of area. It is comprised of an open-plan kitchen, living room, one bedroom and a bathroom. The
This traditional property was built in 1881 and offers 114sq.m. of area distributed between two floors. It is located near the centre of a picturesque village only 4km away from the famous town of Gabrovo and comprises kitchen, living room with an auth
This single-storey house is situated at the end of a village in the hills very close to Svishtov and provides living area of 90 sq.m. comprising two rooms plus a kitchen, hallway and a storage-room. The house is supplied with electricity but water is p
It is a nice village situated in a lovely area, near the town of Simeonovgrad and 21 km from the town of Harmanli. The region is suitable if you are interested in fishing, hunting, biking or even only spending a lovely time in the charming nature. The
This two-storey house is situated in a village only 7km away from Pavlikeni and respectively 35km from the former capital of Bulgaria-Veliko Turnovo. It spreads over 120sq.m. of area and comprises an entrance hall, cellar, bathroom, kitchen, dining roo


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Sinking Under The Weight Of Noah's Stones
A nine year-old girl, playing with my daughter, came up to me this afternoon, carrying a handful of small stones from the beach.
"I want to be a geologist when I grow up," she says. "Want to see what I've got?"
She's got a collection of fossils of small marine animals, yet we're on the shore of an inland lake. I sense a learning opportunity.
I pick out a fossilized coral polyp, and begin. "Do you know where this came from?" I ask. She shakes her head.
"This was an animal that lived in a coral reef, in the ocean," I say. I'm about to talk about the scale of geologic time, and continental drift, and the glaciers that deposited the hodge podge of stones underneath our feet.
The girl's eyes light up, and she volunteers a bit of her own knowledge first. "They were brought here in The Flood," she says. "My grandpa calls them Noah's Stones."
She thinks the stones are six thousand years old. She doesn't know the word "fossil". Her mother has been homeschooling her, with the help of her grandfather.
What chance do you think this girl has of ever becoming a geologist?


text: Located near a train station, Hotel Restaurant Waldhorn is a great choice for a stay in Friedrichshafen. Guests can grab a bite to eat at the restaurant, and the sauna makes for a relaxing end to the day. Other highlights include a steam room, and rooms offer LED TVs and minibars.


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Written by: Michael Den Boer on March 23rd, 2005
Theatrical Release Date: Japan, October 7th, 1978
Director: Junya Sato
Writer: Koji Takada
Cast: Ken Takakura, Ryoko Nakano, Hiroko Yakushimaru, Rentaro Mikuni, Isao Natsuyagi
DVD released: April 26th, 2005
Approximate running time: 143 minutes
Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1 Anamorphic Widescreen
Rating: NR
Sound: Dolby Digital Stereo Japanese
Subtitles: English
DVD Release: Adness/Ventura
Region Coding: Region 1 NTSC
Retail Price: $19.99
Synopsis: Ambassador Hoover and his family are being held hostage by terrorists that threaten to take kill the hostages if their demands are not met. The government wanting to avoid a scandal calls is secret military organization known as special operations forces to take care of the terrorists. Years later Ajisawa (Ken Takakura) is a former member of Japan's special operations forces who was dishonorably discharged. Yoriko Nagai (Hiroko Yakushimaru) is the lone survivor from her village after a madman killed everyone. Tomoko Ochi (Ryoko Nakano) is a reporter for the local newspaper who has lost several family members due tragic accidents. What do these three individuals have in common and will these discover the truth they seek?
The main theme that runs through out Never Give Up is Ajisawa's quest for redemption. He is a man who has done many questionable things in his past that have come back full circle to haunt him. His taking care of the young girl Yoriko has more to do with to with the guilt he feels and not genuine kindness that compels him too do good things.
Yoriko due to a past trauma has the ability to see events that are about to happen in the near future. This film tackles the fortune telling angle with a realism that is lacking in most Hollywood films that deal with individuals who can for see the future. The director cleverly approaches her gift as though it may be nothing more then her own imagination and something she is projecting onto those who she has ill feelings towards. The two have grown to trust each other as they have forged a father and daughter like bound that keeps them going even when their fate seems inescapable.
The story is well written and the characters are fleshed out just enough to give us a glimpse at their inner workings. The acting is one of the films strongest assets and the cast is filled with many great performances most notably Ken Takakura and Hiroko Yakushimaru who some might recognize as Princess Shizuhime from Legend of the Eight Samurai. The violence in this film is rarely glamorized in its looks as the director for the most part has opted for a more realistic looking violence that is more effect in getting its point across. Several aspects of the story have been used in many films before like a stranger who comes to town and is meets by a corrupt boss who runs the place. The direction is solid as director Junya Sato manages to perfectly balance action with drama. Overall Never Give Up is an epic tale about redemption and betrayal that moves at a brisk pace.
The DVD:
Adness presents Never Give Up in an anamorphic widescreen that preserves the films original 1.78:1 aspect ratio. The colors and flesh tones look natural and healthy. Black levels are strong; still some of the darker and night time scenes look soft at times. Detail remains sharp through out and grain is kept to a minimum. There are no problems with edge enhancement or compression.
This DVD comes with only one audio option the films original Japanese language track which is presented here in a Dolby Digital stereo. There is some dialog in the film that is in English, still most of the film is in Japanese. Dialog comes through cleanly and action which there is plenty of sounds robust. There are no problems with hiss or distortion as the audio track is virtually flawless. English subtitles have been included that are easy to follow read and follow.
Extras include the films original trailer as well as trailers for Resurrection of Golden Wolf, Shadow of The Wraith, Shikoku, Inugami and Isola. All these titles are currently available or are soon to be released by Adness. Rounding out the extras in liner notes written by the ever so insightful Patrick Macias and the liner notes are included not in a separate insert. They have been printed on the inside of the DVD's cover sleeve. I actually prefer these clear cases with liner notes on the reverse side and the loss of a booklet doesn't bother me since the prices on releases that don't have booklets tend to retail for less.
Adness once again delivers a first rate audio/video presentation of the film. Unfortunately like many of their releases it lacks extra material that gives more incite into the film and the people who worked on it. Never Give Up is a gripping drama that is filled with exceptional performances and enough plot twists to keep you guessing tell the very end, recommended.


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The Town of Malta now has a Twitter account:
Town of Malta
Malta is a town in Saratoga County, New York. This is the official twitter page for the Town of Malta.
Please click here to see the official Twitter page.
I'm going to try to have fun with this because I see a young town employee managing this account and Tweeting a script handed to him/her by the same individual who manages the script that appears on the website. Still not having fun?? Well, how many town information blasts do you want, or for that matter, do you need? There's the town's RSS Feed, the Tweet, the Daily Email blasts, and then the script that appears on the website. Had enough?
My next rant is going to be about our ill-advised Town Planning Board.


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Steve Gregory sizes up the Jets
FOXBOROUGH -- It's been a little less than a year since the Patriots last played the Jets, taking a 49-19 victory on Thanksgiving Day 2012.
That game, of course, was signified by more than the win for the Patriots: It also provided the memorable and seemingly everlasting image of the "butt fumble," with Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez running into teammate Brandon Moore's behind and coughing up the football.
Patriots safety Steve Gregory knows the tale well. He was the one who scooped up the fumble and raced away for a 32-yard touchdown. It was his second fumble recovery of the game, to go along with an interception, making it quite possibly the best game of his career to date. And as a native of New York (born in Brooklyn, went to high school in Staten Island), he's heard his fair share about the play from family and friends who are either Jets fans or Jets agitators.
Going into Thursday's game, Gregory talked briefly about the butt fumble on this anniversary of sorts, his role in the New England defense, and at length about this week's opponent.
So it's your hometown team and another reason to bring up the butt fumble. How do you commemorate it?
Well, I think the butt fumble is retired now (laughs). So I guess we can just put it up on the shelf and not worry about it anymore.
Going into this season, did you expect that you would be playing every snap, as you did against the Bills, when there was so much competition at your position?
I just always prepare myself for that situation. It's the way I approach it every day. It doesn't matter your situation, I approach it as I'm there, playing. Every snap. You gotta be ready for everything. That's always my approach.
You've had a chance to play against Mark Sanchez and now you get to play against Geno Smith. What have you gathered on Smith that is different in any way from Sanchez?
You know, he seems to be real mature. Obviously he's athletic, he can move around, definitely can hurt you with his legs. But also has a strong arm and can make tight throws and kind of put the ball in places that you don't usually see from rookies. He's a mature guy, a good quarterback, sound football player, and somebody we need to be ready to try to contain and limit the things he can do.
Jets tight end Kellen Winslow was a Patriot for a brief time last year. He seems to have a found a role with the Jets. What kind of problems does he present?
He's a good football player. He runs good routes. He's a big, physical guy. Definitely has good hands and he can make plays as you saw in the last game. So we definitely need to know where he's at.
What do you think of the development for second-year Jets receiver Stephen Hill?
Just maturity. Obviously understanding the game a little bit more. He's a good speed guy that can really go up and get the ball. Again, runs good routes, can make plays on you. They have a lot of good, talented guys on that side of the ball and we have to be ready for and try to limit the things they can do.
What is the main challenge for the Patriots in terms of the Jets' passing game?
Just trying to understand how they're trying to attack us. Understand our schemes within the play, understand where your help is, where you don't have help, and again try and just limit the things they can do offensively based off of what we see them lined up in.
Zuri Berry can be reached at firstname.lastname@example.com. Follow him on Twitter @zuriberry.


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We're really busy (we say that alot at our house!) lately, and so we haven't had time to put up stories. My mommy has 3 jobs now and some days she does all 3 in the same day, so she hasn't had time to be on the computer much.
But she found this movie and remembered we never put it up for you to see! It's from my competition routine in Joplin last month. We did a super good job on this day, and Mommy got to get right in front to get the movie, so you can see me in most of it. We even added little things to the movie to point to me!
I've got another competition in Cape Girard-O this weekend. That's how I like to say it. Girard-O! We'll be cheering on Sunday all day if anyone's down there and wants to come see us.
Hope everyone is having a great time getting ready for Christmas!
Friday, December 7, 2012
Cheer movie of ME!
1 comment:
Be sure to leave a note so Mommy can read them to me each day!! (Sorry to add the moderation, but we were getting spammed!!) Thank you!
Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)


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Welcome to the German Embassy Freetown
The official opening ceremony of a primary school in Foyama/Sierra Leone sponsored by Förderkreis Eine Welt in November 2105
Discover topics, find information,
view videos
, take part in the Germany Quiz and in online voting, interact with others: If you want to understand what makes Germany tick and what Germany is busy talking about, then visit deutschland.de and its
social-media channels
Deutschland portal
has a new face: young, refreshed, mobile and highly interactive.
The German Embassy in Freetown does not have a Consular Section.
All consular, visa and passport affairs for Sierra Leonean citizens and foreign
residents in Sierra Leone have to be addressed to the German Embassy in Accra.
Consular Information
Information on visa requirements - Germany Embassy Accra
German Trade and Invest
Discover the beauty of Germany in few steps.
Explore Germany
Which strategy is Germany pursuing with regard to this rapidly changing continent? The Federal Government Policy Guidelines for Africa, developed by the Federal Foreign Office, set out approaches to taking opportunities, tackling risks and overcoming crises.
Federal Government Policy Guidelines for Africa
Information: Sierra Leone
International civilian peace missions of the United Nations
What we do: The German Sustainbale Development Strategy
A date with Europe: Open Day 2017 in Foreign Office
Germany: a nation of cyclists
The art world is focused on Germany – it's Documenta14 in Kassel
The Berlinale Africa Hub
A lot more than the Berlinale – film in Germany
More to come – AArtists in Residence to stay on roof
Cultural Preservation – A Program of the German Foreign Ministry
New perspectives: AArtist in residence at the Foreign Office
The German-Chinese Exchange Year for School Pupils and Young People 2016
Moving people – and opening up society
Moving people – with games
Moving people – with street football
Menschen bewegen – on stilts
Moving People – with Medical Technology
Menschen bewegen 2016
Neither Boomtown nor Hypezig – just Leipzig
Germany's Cross-Cultural Music Scene
My Germany: Undertaker Vildane Uludağ
My Germany: Poetry Slammer and Writer Sulaiman Masomi
The UN's Bonn Headquarters - the Success Story Continues
My Germany – Actor Dayan Kodua
The Humboldt-Forum in the new Berlin
German-Israeli Youth Congress 2015: a Video Diary
2019 - The Bauhaus Centenary
My Germany: "District Mother" Hanin Krimmling
Happy Birthday! Erasmus Turns 30
Dual training schemes in Germany - making a successful career start
Dual Training in Germany
Studying as a foreign student in Germany
Video Archive
Information about German foreign and European policy and major domestic issues.
©1995 -


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We have a part time girl working after school in the afternoons and i swear she acts so goofy about things. We work in the court house and we are having a criminal trial going on right now. It has been going for a week now so she has known this (or else she is just dumb). And today there are guards everywhere in there uniforms. Some are here as witnesses and some are here guarding the prisioners that are here to testify.They have all the inmates in a room with guards at the door.
So she goes to get a drink from the coke machine (which is right beside the witness room). And apparently at that time one of the inmates needed to go to the bathroom.
So she comes back and she is acting like she didnt know what they were doing here. She was like "oh my gosh i dont know why all these guys are out there looking at me and he said lets wait until she gets done". Apparently telling the inmate to wait until she got her drink before they could take him to the restroom.
So she comes back saying all that and my boss just tells her not to go back out ther. I think even she caught on to how ridiculous she was being acting liek she didnt know what was going on. Plus she is always talking about how people are jeaous of her and how she only has guy friends and only hangs out with guys and wears completely inappropriate clothing to work. And my boss just got on to her last week about her attire and being on heer phone so much, so i think she is seeing how immature she actually is.
Anyways, sorry to be so long winded and if this doesnt make any sense. I am in the last few hours so, trying to hurry and let out a little vent. LOL
Asked by Anonymous at 3:32 PM on Sep. 18, 2012 in Money & Work
Answer by virginiamama71 at 3:37 PM on Sep. 18, 2012
Answer by LostSoul88 at 3:37 PM on Sep. 18, 2012
Answer by Dardenella at 3:58 PM on Sep. 18, 2012
Answer by LeJane at 4:05 PM on Sep. 18, 2012
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Notice to parents on quitting babysitting
Next question overall
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Setting up a fruit buffet for DD's party Need help


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January 19, 2011 Tags: Go Pro, Photo of the Day Category: POD Comments Off on Photo of the Day – 01/19/11
Photographer: Stephen Williams
Johnny Hickman captures the action of a 12″ powder day on his Go Pro camera.
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