text:
both awards require me to share some honest and/or things-you-didn't-know about me... one wants 10, the other 7, so, add those up, divvy by 2... i'm gonna go with 8 and 1/2 things. (see, dad? i did learn something in high school math!)
geri, marmota & incurable homebody? you are hereby awarded, blogger slacker to blogger slacker.
UNO! i can't speak any language besides english, despite having four years of french. and i think we are totally pigheaded in this country about that. myself included, as i haven't done a damn thing about it.
DOS! i always have to look behind me before safely, err, sitting in the bathroom. i'm pretty sure this stems from seeing a colossal spider AT EYE LEVEL AND INCHES AWAY FROM MY FACE right next to the throne of my childhood. very clever, he was, his home was a hole in the windowsill that made it impossible to capture him. mortal fear, every time.
CUATRO! speaking of theft, when i was 13 i stole some makeup out of the most popular-girl-in-school's open gym locker (lest you think i picked a lock, i was not a very accomplished thief). i then threw the makeup in the trash. my friends chipped in and gave me an eyeshadow palette of 58 colors, thinking i didn't have money for makeup. i just wanted to do something mean to the meanest girl in school. (by the way have you seen mean girls? awesome. i'd be the artistic outcast chick, only with lace stockings and technicolor duds. everyone thought i was a skank but i was one of the only virgins in school.)
CINCO! i think milk chocolate should be put to death. also carrot cake.
SEIS! i am a very violent girl, at least for entertainment purposes. if it's not a good romantic comedy, then i want armageddon and faceless demons and bad cops that kick ass but they do it for the right reasons.
SIETE! i always have to be fair to both sides of my body if it's something i've inadvertently caused-- say, if i'm walking down the street and kick my own shin by accident, i have to kick the other one. yep.
OCHO! i am very strong for my size (5'2 and three quarters, thankyouverymuch), with arm muscles that surprise people. these do not come from working out at the gym. they come from doing my hair, which is very curly and thick.
AND A HALF! there are many days that i would rather spend sewing-drinking-eating-playing in a house in the country, instead of going to my dream job, which is


text:
Fleece Accessories - Items tagged as "Rabbit"
No matter what type of small animal you have, they will never say no to fleece goodies! Make your fuzzies cage warm, cozy, and appealing with a variety of our products! Don't see what you were looking for? E-mail us! We do custom orders frequently for cozy sacks, guinea pig liners and more!
If you can't find a print that you like, visit our custom page here for more fleece prints!
- Hammock - READY TO SHIP $11.99
- Bunkbed Hammocks - READY TO SHIP $24.99
- Cylinder House - READY TO SHIP $17.99
- Fleece Tube Accessories (Tube, Hardware and/or Covers) - READY TO SHIP from $6.49
- READY TO SHIP Ferret Nation/Critter Nation Cage Liners from $19.99
- CUSTOM Ferret Nation/Critter Nation Cage Liners from $11.99
- Cuddle Buddy $4.49
- FN/CN Cage Backings from $24.99
- Corner Hammock $11.99
- Fleece Accessory Sets from $22.99
Ferret Nation/Critter Nation Fleece Set

subset: commoncrawl


text:
This fall, the more than 38 million kids who get their lunches through the National School Lunch Program are seeing big changes on their trays.
Generally, "it's more fruits, more vegetables, more whole grains, low-fat, no-fat dairy," Jessica Donze Black of the Pew Trust's told Talk of the Nation host Neal Conan on Thursday. "The things we know kids need more of."
Federal guidelines governing what and how much kids are served are being phased in gradually over three years, starting this year. But the new kinds of food — more salad, less 26-ingredient mystery burgers and fried spuds — coupled with the perception that costs are up and calories are down, is making for a bit of a rocky transition. (To hear the full TOTN interview, click here.)
Chef Ann Cooper, also known as the Renegade Lunch Lady, is the food director for the Boulder Valley School District in Colorado. Cooper started out in food service as a "white-tablecloth sort of semi-celebrity chef," but now she celebrates her work as a lunch lady, she tells Conan.
She was changing up school menus before the law required healthier choices. Her menus are full of "all kinds of great things .... [such as] chicken pot pie ... ribs, and ... chicken quesadillas," and everything's made from scratch.
Cooper says it wasn't always easy to get kids excited about healthier foods. First, in Berkeley, California and then in Boulder, "I said, 'We're getting rid of all the trans-fats and high-fructose corn syrup and no more chocolate milk, no French fries, no tater tots, no chicken nuggets.'" There was pushback initially, she says, but eventually the kids came around.
But the unfamiliar foods aren't the only sticking point for some kids. Some complain that they're not getting enough to eat. In a parody of the popular song "We Are Young" by Fun., students in the "We Are Hungry" video sing, "My friends are at the corner store/ Getting junk so they don't waste away/ My lover ate her two grams of meat/ Just about to starve." You can watch the YouTube video below:
Donze Black says the caloric guidelines, which cap meals at 850 calories, aren't the problem. "When we look at what students were actually eating on average a couple of years ago, it was around 790 calories in an average lunch," she tells Conan.
Chef Cooper agrees. "The problem is [before] there was never any maximum, so kids used to be able to have two or three pieces of pizza, chocolate milk and a cookie." Now, there's still pizza, but it's served with salad, fruit and low-fat milk. And if that's not enough? In her schools, "we have salad bars K-12 so all of our students can eat as much salad as they want," and the same goes for fruit and milk.
Another common argument against the guidelines is that it's too expensive for schools to offer fresher, less-processed meals.
Kirsten Saenz Tobey co-founded , which contracts with schools across the country, delivering foods that meet the new guidelines. Lots of what they offer will actually look pretty familiar to students. "We do everything from chicken enchiladas on whole-grain tortillas to a great all-beef grass-fed hotdog on a whole-grain bun," she says, and they've been doing it for more than six years.
She agrees that higher-quality ingredients can be more expensive, but to control costs, her company makes much of the food from scratch, and partners with suppliers. For example, "we partner with a great rice producer here in California, who has planted an entire field of rice for the schools that we serve. And it's an organic brown rice," she says. "It's a wonderful product that we found at a farmer's market originally," she tells Conan.
All three women agree that in time, most kids will be on board with what's on their lunch trays. "Kids who are in kindergarten today are going to start out with school food that is high quality," says Saenz Tobey. "Those kids will grow up knowing that that's what school food is."
Copyright 2020 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org.


text:
Offering a robust line of products to meet your personal and business needs
Select a product
Tax support tailored to your needs
Tax season doesn't have to be stressful when you work with our team. Our filing process offers a seamless digital experience—from gathering your tax documents to filing your return electronically.
- Personalized—Because every client is different, we examine appropriate deductions and consider your unique situation to help minimize your tax burden.
- Convenient— From initial collection of tax documents to filing, we provide a seamless digital experience.
- Year-round support—We are available throughout the year to help you make smart tax decisions and put a sound, strategic tax plan in place.


text:
Sen. Marco Rubio has effectively endorsed President Obama's approach to immigration, and that endorsement was in turn endorsed by Rep. Paul Ryan. Or, as Julia Preston put it in the New York Times yesterday, "Strikingly, Mr. Rubio's principles did not sound that different from proposals for an immigration overhaul by Mr. Obama, Democratic leaders and a handful of other Republicans."
So, in considering what can now accurately be referred to as the Obama-Rubio-Ryan amnesty plan of 2013, there's one central question that Rubio and Ryan need to be asked: Do they trust President Obama to enforce the immigration laws in the future, after today's illegals have been legalized?
If they answer "yes", then they need to explain why they think he'd suddenly become committed to enforcement after four years of downgrading immigration law enforcement, and more generally acting as though the U.S. Code were a body of suggestions rather than laws. The most outrageous recent example of the administration's cavalier attitude toward law enforcement was highlighted just yesterday by the Associated Press:
Federal immigration agents were prepared to arrest an illegal immigrant and registered sex offender days before the November elections but were ordered by Washington to hold off after officials warned of "significant interest" from Congress and news organizations because the suspect was a volunteer intern for Sen. Robert Menendez, according to internal agency documents provided to Congress.
If this crowd will, for political reasons, hold off arresting someone who repeatedly molested an eight-year-old boy, how can they be expected to arrest the many ordinary illegal aliens who will inevitably fail to qualify under whatever criteria are included in the Obama-Rubio-Ryan amnesty?
And if the answer is "no", i.e., that Rubio and Ryan don't trust Obama to enforce whatever deal they manage to push through Congress, then why won't we just end up with another 11 million illegal aliens a few years down the road?
This isn't some nit I'm picking — it's central to the whole concept of "comprehensive immigration reform". If you trust Obama to do the right thing, then, by all means, endorse his plan for amnesty, as Rubio and Ryan have done. But if you don't trust him to keep his word, if you think all his statements come with an expiration date, then there's no honest way you can back his approach.


text:
China and hence Hong Kong ratified the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control and was given formal confirmation on the 11th of October 2005.
On 11 October 2005, the Government of China informed the Secretary-General of the following:
In accordance with the provision of article 153 of the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China and article 138 of the Basic Law of the Macao Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China, the Government of the People's Republic of China decides that the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control and the declaration made by the People's Republic of China on the prohibition of the introduction of tobacco vending machines shall apply to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and the Macao Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China.
In English: WHO FRAMEWORK CONVENTION ON TOBACCO CONTROL
In Chinese: 世界卫生组织烟草控制框架公约
The WHO FCTC: a global health treaty
The WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) is the first global health treaty negotiated under the auspices of the World Health Organization. This convention is an evidence-based treaty that reaffirms the right of all people to the highest standard of health. It represents a paradigm shift in developing a regulatory strategy to address addictive substances; in contrast to previous drug control treaties, the WHO FCTC asserts the importance of demand reduction strategies as well as supply reduction issues.
The WHO FCTC was developed in response to the globalization of the tobacco epidemic. The spread of the tobacco epidemic is exacerbated by a variety of complex factors with cross-border effects, including trade liberalization, direct foreign investment, global marketing, transnational tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship, and the international movement of contraband and counterfeit cigarettes.
From its first preambular paragraph, which states that the "Parties to this Convention [are] determined to give priority to their right to protect public health", the WHO FCTC redefines the role of international law in preventing disease and promoting health. The core demand reduction provisions in the Convention are contained in Articles 6-14, which detail the price, tax, and non-price measures necessary to reduce the demand for tobacco. The core supply reduction provisions are contained in Articles 15-17. Another novel feature of the Convention is the inclusion of a provision to address liability issues. Mechanisms for scientific and technical cooperation and exchange of information are set out in Articles 20-22.
This Convention shall enter into force on the ninetieth day following the date of deposit of the fortieth instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval, formal confirmation or accession with the Depositary. At that time, States Party to the WHO FCTC will become legally bound by its provisions. The Convention opened for signature on 16 June 2003 in Geneva, Switzerland. It remained open for signature at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, the Depositary of the treaty, until 29 June 2004. States that have signed the Convention have indicated that they will strive in good faith to ratify it and committed themselves not to undermine the objectives set out in it. Although the Convention is no longer open for signature, states that did not sign the WHO FCTC may nevertheless become a party to the treaty through accession, which is a one-step process equivalent to ratification.
The global network of state and non-state actors developed over the period of the negotiations will be important in preparing for the implementation of the Convention at country level. In the words of WHO's Director General, Dr LEE Jong-wook:
The WHO FCTC negotiations have already unleashed a process that has resulted in visible differences at country level. The success of the WHO FCTC as a tool for public health will depend on the energy and political commitment that we devote to implementing it in countries in the coming years. A successful result will be global public health gains for all.
For this treaty implementation to materialize, the drive and commitment that was evident during the negotiations will need to spread throughout the national and local levels, so that the WHO FCTC becomes a concrete reality where it counts most: at the country level.


text:
The Review
The Paris Review No. 184
Kazuo Ishiguro on the art of fiction: "I write quite mundane prose. I think where I'm good is between drafts."
In a recently discovered interview, Leonard Michaels talks about his typewriter: "It was given to me by my first wife. She also once threw it at my head. To help you write, she cried."
New fiction from J. David Stevens and Tim Winton, and a debut story from Ryan McIlvain.
Spring poetry featuring Dan Chiasson, Katie Ford, and Tomaž Šalamun.
Collages by Louis Armstrong and photographs by Lena Herzog, plus a memoir from Mark Dow.


text:
I beg to differ with JammieWearingFool: I heartily approve of Rep. Charlie Rangel's (D, NY-15) spending decisions.
Charles Rangel's legal bills are piling up as high as the campaign cash he's raking in to pay for his ethics defense.
That leaves the Harlem Democrat with no choice but to run for, and win, a 21st term in the House to keep raising campaign money to pay legal fees – which top $1.7 million, records show.
You see: as of June 2010, Rangel has $517K on hand to cover both his primary and the general election. That is not a good number, particularly if you're becoming exceedingly politically radioactive. The Republican party has a good recruit for this race – Rev. Michel Faulkner, who I interviewed here (donation link here) – this cycle*; so there's a chance that we can pull a Cao, assuming that Rangel manages to fight his way clear of the primary. Which I think that he will.
Thus, it is in the best interests of the Republic that Rangel continue to burn through campaign money in order to pay his legal bills. Not in the best interests of the Democratic party, of course – but then, the differences between the two will probably be a minor theme of this election.
Moe Lane
*That's why, by the way, you put up a candidate in every race that you can. Chance favors the prepared mind, and all that.
Crossposted to RedState.


text:
A warm wish for the wonderful person in your life.
Touch your loved one's heart and make him/ her feel special with this touching ecard.
Send this guardian angel to a loved one.
Heartfelt wish for a friend or a loved one.
Wish divine blessings on All Angels Day.
Send blessings of the guardian angel with this ecard.
Send this warm wish on All Angels Day to the one you think is an angel.
Send blessings to all your near and dear ones through this ecard.
A beautiful ecard for your loved ones.
Spend all your time waiting for that second chance For the break that will make it ok...
A warm and special wish for all the angel hearts you know.
Make your friends/ loved ones feel special with this card.
Wish them all the blessings of the angels, with this ecard.
Wish a blessed All Angels Day.
You feel blessed to have them in your life. Express this thought and wish them as...
Please wait...
Please wait...
Get a weekly dose of stories on friendship, love, misadventures and special offers. It's free, read it once and you're hooked!
Read the latest newsletter or Editor Bob's Blog


text:
A group of ReplayTV owners will ask a court on Monday to allow all owners of ReplayTV digital video recorders to join an ongoing lawsuit to protect consumers' rights to skip over television commercials and send recorded programs from one digital device to another.
Date: Monday, January 12, 2004
Time: 3:00 p.m.
Judge: Hon. Florence-Marie Cooper
Court: District Court, Central District of California, Courtroom 750
Location: Edward R. Roybal Federal Building and Courthouse, 255 East Temple Street, Los Angeles, California 90012
The case was sparked after a top entertainment industry executive began publicly to claim that people who don't watch television commercials are "thieves" and 28 entertainment companies subsequently launched a lawsuit against the makers of ReplayTV arguing that using the digital video recorder to skip commercials and send programs is against the law.
Five ReplayTV owners, represented by the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), Richard Wiebe, and Ira Rothken of the Rothken Law Firm in San Rafael, decided to fight back. In June of 2002, they filed a lawsuit asking the court to declare that these uses are legal.
The makers of ReplayTV have since been driven into bankruptcy, and the entertainment companies are now attempting "buy out" the five individual ReplayTV owners by offering them, and only them, a "covenant not to sue," while failing to grant protection to the estimated 5,000 other owners of ReplayTV digital video recorders that have the commercial skipping and "send show" features. The companies have also asked the court to dismiss the case.
In the face of these challenges the plaintiffs are charging ahead, asking the court to include all ReplayTV owners in the case, and to determine, once and for all, whether they can legitimately use all of the device's features.
The proposed consumer class action representatives are Craig Newmark, the founder of craigslist.org, Glenn Fleishman, Phil Wright and Thomas White.
Cindy Cohn
Legal Director
Electronic Frontier Foundation
Gwen Hinze
Staff Attorney
Electronic Frontier Foundation


text:
Miss Universe Organizer: Steve Harvey Welcome Back Next Year
There apparently are no hard feelings between organizers of the Miss Universe pageant and Steve Harvey after a gaffe this past weekend ended up crowning the wrong contestant.
Mark Shapiro, Chief Content Officer for WME IMG, told Jim Rome during his CBS Sports Radio show on Monday that Harvey would "absolutely" be welcome back to host. Shapiro said he was impressed by how Harvey handled the situation and said the TV personality was "very remorseful" over the whole thing.
Shapiro lauded Harvey's presentation as being funny, informative, and "high energy". Shapiro also said this would give Harvey a chance to redeem himself.
Harvey took the blame for announcing that Miss Colombia won the crown instead of Miss Philippines. Harvey immediately apologized for the mistake calling it a "human error," and apologized on Twitter.


text:
I Wanna Be Yours
This is a memoir as wry, funny, moving and vivid as its inimitable subject himself. This book will be a joy for both lifelong fans and for a whole new generation.
John Cooper Clarke is a phenomenon: Poet Laureate of Punk, rock star, fashion icon, TV and radio presenter, social and cultural commentator. At 5 feet 11 inches (32in chest, 27in waist), in trademark dark suit, dark glasses, with dark messed-up hair and a mouth full of gold teeth, he is instantly recognizable. As a writer his voice is equally unmistakable and his own brand of slightly sick humour is never far from the surface. I Wanna Be Yours covers an extraordinary life, filled with remarkable personalities: from Nico to Chuck Berry, from Bernard Manning to Linton Kwesi Johnson, Elvis Costello to Gregory Corso, Gil Scott Heron, Mark E. Smith and Joe Strummer, and on to more recent fans and collaborators Alex Turner, Plan B and Guy Garvey.
Interspersed with stories of his rock and roll and performing career, John also reveals his boggling encyclopaedic take on popular culture over the centuries: from Baudelaire and Edgar Allan Poe to Pop Art, pop music, the movies, fashion, football and showbusiness - and much, much more, plus a few laughs along the way.


text:
1. 3632 As it has been clearly demonstrated that p. 446 the Word, who existed in the beginning with God, by whom all things were made, who was also always present with mankind, was in these last days, according to the time appointed by the Father, united to His own workmanship, inasmuch as He became a man liable to suffering, [it follows] that every objection is set aside of those who say, "If our Lord was born at that time, Christ had therefore no previous existence." For I have shown that the Son of God did not then begin to exist, being with the Father from the beginning; but when He became incarnate, and was made man, He commenced afresh 3633 the long line of human beings, and furnished us, in a brief, comprehensive manner, with salvation; so that what we had lost in Adam—namely, to be according to the image and likeness of God—that we might recover in Christ Jesus.
2. For as it was not possible that the man who had once for all been conquered, and who had been destroyed through disobedience, could reform himself, and obtain the prize of victory; and as it was also impossible that he could attain to salvation who had fallen under the power of sin,—the Son effected both these things, being the Word of God, descending from the Father, becoming incarnate, stooping low, even to death, and consummating the arranged plan of our salvation, upon whom [Paul], exhorting us unhesitatingly to believe, again says, "Who shall ascend into heaven? that is, to bring down Christ; or who shall descend into the deep? that is, to liberate Christ again from the dead." 3634 Then he continues, "If thou shall confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shall be saved." 3635 And he renders the reason why the Son of God did these things, saying, "For to this end Christ both lived, and died, and revived, that He might rule over the living and the dead." 3636 And again, writing to the Corinthians, he declares, "But we preach Christ Jesus crucified;" 3637 and adds, "The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ?" 3638
3. But who is it that has had fellowship with us in the matter of food? Whether is it he who is conceived of by them as the Christ above, who extended himself through Horos, and imparted a form to their mother; or is it He who is from the Virgin, Emmanuel, who did eat butter and honey, 3639 of whom the prophet declared, "He is also a man, and who shall know him?" 3640 He was likewise preached by Paul: "For I delivered," he says, "unto you first of all, that Christ died for our sins, according to the Scriptures; and that He was buried, and rose again the third day, according to the Scriptures." 3641 It is plain, then, that Paul knew no other Christ besides Him alone, who both suffered, and was buried, and rose gain, who was also born, and whom he speaks of as man. For after remarking, "But if Christ be preached, that He rose from the dead," 3642 he continues, rendering the reason of His incarnation, "For since by man came death, by man [came] also the resurrection of the dead." And everywhere, when [referring to] the passion of our Lord, and to His human nature, and His subjection to death, he employs the name of Christ, as in that passage: "Destroy not him with thy meat for whom Christ died." 3643 And again: "But now, in Christ, ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ." 3644 And again: "Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth upon a tree." 3645 And again: "And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died;" 3646 indicating that the impassible Christ did not descend upon Jesus, but that He Himself, because He was Jesus Christ, suffered for us; He, who lay in the tomb, and rose again, who descended and ascended,—the Son of God having been made the Son of man, as the very name itself doth declare. For in the name of Christ is implied, He that anoints, He that is anointed, and the unction itself with which He is anointed. And it is the Father who anoints, but the Son who is anointed by the Spirit, who is the unction, as the Word declares by Isaiah, "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because He hath anointed me," 3647 —pointing out both the anointing Father, the anointed Son, and the unction, which is the Spirit.
4. The Lord Himself, too, makes it evident who it was that suffered; for when He asked the disciples, "Who do men say that I, the Son of man, am?" 3648 and when Peter had replied, "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God;" and when he had been commended by Him [in these words], "That flesh and blood had not revealed it to him, but the Father who is in heaven," He made it clear that He, the Son of man, is Christ the Son of the living God. "For from that time forth," it is said, "He began to show to His disciples, how that He must go unto Jerusalem, p. 447 and suffer many things of the priests, and be rejected, and crucified, and rise again the third day." 3649 He who was acknowledged by Peter as Christ, who pronounced him blessed because the Father had revealed the Son of the living God to him, said that He must Himself suffer many things, and be crucified; and then He rebuked Peter, who imagined that He was the Christ as the generality of men supposed 3650 [that the Christ should be], and was averse to the idea of His suffering, [and] said to the disciples, "If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whosoever will save his life, shall lose it; and whosoever will lose it for My sake shall save it." 3651 For these things Christ spoke openly, He being Himself the Saviour of those who should be delivered over to death for their confession of Him, and lose their lives.
5. If, however, He was Himself not to suffer, but should fly away from Jesus, why did He exhort His disciples to take up the cross and follow Him,—that cross which these men represent Him as not having taken up, but [speak of Him] as having relinquished the dispensation of suffering? For that He did not say this with reference to the acknowledging of the Stauros (cross) above, as some among them venture to expound, but with respect to the suffering which He should Himself undergo, and that His disciples should endure, He implies when He says, "For whosoever will save his life, shall lose it; and whosoever will lose, shall find it." And that His disciples must suffer for His sake, He [implied when He] said to the Jews, "Behold, I send you prophets, and wise men, and scribes: and some of them ye shall kill and crucify." 3652 And to the disciples He was wont to say, "And ye shall stand before governors and kings for My sake; and they shall scourge some of you, and slay you, and persecute you from city to city." 3653 He knew, therefore, both those who should suffer persecution, and He knew those who should have to be scourged and slain because of Him; and He did not speak of any other cross, but of the suffering which He should Himself undergo first, and His disciples afterwards. For this purpose did He give them this exhortation: "Fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to send both soul and body into hell;" 3654 [thus exhorting them] to hold fast those professions of faith which they had made in reference to Him. For He promised to confess before His Father those who should confess His name before men; but declared that He would deny those who should deny Him, and would be ashamed of those who should be ashamed to confess Him. And although these things are so, some of these men have proceeded to such a degree of temerity, that they even pour contempt upon the martyrs, and vituperate those who are slain on account of the confession of the Lord, and who suffer all things predicted by the Lord, and who in this respect strive to follow the footprints of the Lords passion, having become martyrs of the suffering One; these we do also enrol with the martyrs themselves. For, when inquisition shall be made for their blood, 3655 and they shall attain to glory, then all shall be confounded by Christ, who have cast a slur upon their martyrdom. And from this fact, that He exclaimed upon the cross, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do," 3656 the long-suffering, patience, compassion, and goodness of Christ are exhibited, since He both suffered, and did Himself exculpate those who had maltreated Him. For the Word of God, who said to us, "Love your enemies, and pray for those that hate you," 3657 Himself did this very thing upon the cross; loving the human race to such a degree, that He even prayed for those putting Him to death. If, however, any one, going upon the supposition that there are two [Christs], forms a judgment in regard to them, that [Christ] shall be found much the better one, and more patient, and the truly good one, who, in the midst of His own wounds and stripes, and the other [cruelties] inflicted upon Him, was beneficent, and unmindful of the wrongs perpetrated upon Him, than he who flew away, and sustained neither injury nor insult.
6. This also does likewise meet [the case] of those who maintain that He suffered only in appearance. For if He did not truly suffer, no thanks to Him, since there was no suffering at all; and when we shall actually begin to suffer, He will seem as leading us astray, exhorting us to endure buffering, and to turn the other 3658 cheek, if He did not Himself before us in reality suffer the same; and as He misled them by seeming to them what He was not, so does He also mislead us, by exhorting us to endure what He did not endure Himself. [In that case] we shall be even above the Master, because we suffer and sustain what our Master never bore or endured. But as our Lord is alone truly Master, so the Son of God is truly good and patient, the Word of God the Father having been made the Son of man. For He fought and conquered; for He was man contending for the fathers, 3659 and p. 448 through obedience doing away with disobedience completely: for He bound the strong man, 3660 and set free the weak, and endowed His own handiwork with salvation, by destroying sin. For He is a most holy and merciful Lord, and loves the human race.
7. Therefore, as I have already said, He caused man (human nature) to cleave to and to become, one with God. For unless man had overcome the enemy of man, the enemy would not have been legitimately vanquished. And again: unless it had been God who had freely given salvation, we could never have possessed it securely. And unless man had been joined to God, he could never have become a partaker of incorruptibility. For it was incumbent upon the Mediator between God and men, by His relationship to both, to bring both to friendship and concord, and present man to God, while He revealed God to man. 3661 For, in what way could we be partaken of the adoption of sons, unless we had received from Him through the Son that fellowship which refers to Himself, unless His Word, having been made flesh, had entered into communion with us? Wherefore also He passed through every stage of life, restoring to all communion with God. Those, therefore, who assert that He appeared putatively, and was neither born in the flesh nor truly made man, are as yet under the old condemnation, holding out patronage to sin; for, by their showing, death has not been vanquished, which "reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adams transgression." 3662 But the law coming, which was given by Moses, and testifying of sin that it is a sinner, did truly take away his (deaths) kingdom, showing that he was no king, but a robber; and it revealed him as a murderer. It laid, however, a weighty burden upon man, who had sin in himself, showing that he was liable to death. For as the law was spiritual, it merely made sin to stand out in relief, but did not destroy it. For sin had no dominion over the spirit, but over man. For it behoved Him who was to destroy sin, and redeem man under the power of death, that He should Himself be made that very same thing which he was, that is, man; who had been drawn by sin into bondage, but was held by death, so that sin should be destroyed by man, and man should go forth from death. For as by the disobedience of the one man who was originally moulded from virgin soil, the many were made sinners, 3663 and forfeited life; so was it necessary that, by the obedience of one man, who was originally born from a virgin, many should be justified and receive salvation. Thus, then, was the Word of God made man, as also Moses says: "God, true are His works." 3664 But if, not having been made flesh, He did appear as if flesh, His work was not a true one. But what He did appear, that He also was: God recapitulated in Himself the ancient formation of man, that He might kill sin, deprive death of its power, and vivify man; and therefore His works are true.
Again a Syriac fragment supplies some important words. See Harvey, vol. ii. p. 440.
446:3633So the Syriac. The Latin has, "in seipso recapitulavit," He summed up in Himself. [As the Second Adam, 1 Cor. xv. 47.]
446:3634 446:3635 446:3636 446:3637 446:3638 446:3639 446:3640 446:36411 Cor. 15:3, 4.
446:3642 446:3643 446:3644 446:3645 446:3646 446:3647 446:3648 447:3649 447:3650Literally, "supposing Him to be Christ according to the idea of men."
447:3651 447:3652 447:3653 447:3654 447:3655 447:3656 447:3657 447:3658 447:3659"Pro patribus, ἀντὶ τῶν πατρῶν. The reader will here observe the clear statement of the doctrine of atonement, whereby alone sin is done away."—Harvey.
448:3660 448:3661The Latin text, "et facere, ut et Deus assumeret hominem, et homo se dederet Deo," here differs widely from the Greek preserved by Theodoret. We have followed the latter, which is preferred by all the editors.
448:3662 448:3663 448:3664Bible | Daily Readings | Agbeya | Books | Lyrics | Gallery | Media | Links
Short URL (link):


text:
President Joe Biden on Wednesday previewed what he called a "Month of Action" — a series of programs designed to encourage Americans to get vaccinated against COVID-19 ahead of a July 4 goal to have 70% of adults partially vaccinated.
"Today, we're announcing a month-long effort to pull all the stops to free ourselves from this virus," Biden said.
As of Tuesday morning, the CDC reports that about 63% of adults in the U.S. have at least one vaccine shot.
"We're getting closer, but we still have work to do," Biden said Wednesday.
Biden added that while more than half of Americans are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, more work needs to be done to get more shots in arms — particularly among people younger than 40. While 75% of Americans 75 and older are fully vaccinated, that number falls to just 52%.
In order to make it easier for people to get vaccinated and to incentivize Americans to do, Biden previewed Wednesday several new programs his administration will institute in the coming weeks.
- Free child care for those seeking vaccinations — Four of the largest child care providers will offer free drop-in appointments for those getting vaccinated or recovering from vaccination. More than 500 YMCAs across the country will also offer drop-in care.
- Extended hours at pharmacies — Albertsons, CVS, Rite-Aid and Walgreens have agreed to stay open late on Fridays in June to allow for more vaccinations.
- Community outreach — The White House launching several programs to encourage community vaccinations: A national vaccination contest among city mayors, a program that will offer vaccinations at Black-owned barbershops and a push among broadcasters to play vaccine PSAs during commercial breaks.
Incentives with private companies
On Wednesday, Anheuser-Busch announced it was the latest company to partner with the Biden administration, offering Americans a free beer for a full week after the country reaches the 70% threshold.
To participate, Anheuser-Busch says Americans need to upload a photo of themselves "in their favorite place to grab a beer" at MyCooler.com/Beer. A limited number of people that upload a photo to Anheuser-Busch's website will receive a $5 "virtual debit card that can be used to purchase one Anheuser-Busch product" — be it a beer, a seltzer or any of the company's alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks.
The company did not immediately respond to an inquiry about how many prizes it would be distributing. The promotion is not open to residents of Alabama, California and Texas.
During remarks in April, President Joe Biden called on America's big businesses to find creative ways to get Americans excited about getting their shots. During those remarks, he suggested businesses offer "discounts for vaccinated individuals, product giveaways or brand rewards" to those who have gotten their shots.
Anheuser-Busch is now the latest company to offer such an incentive and will reward the country should the U.S. meet the Biden administration's latest vaccination goal.
"At Anheuser-Busch, we are committed to supporting the safe and strong recovery of our nation and being able to be together again at the places and with the people we have missed so much. This commitment includes encouraging Americans to get vaccinated, and we are excited to buy Americans 21+ a round of beer when we reach the White House goal," said Anheuser-Busch CEO Michel Doukeris in a statement.
Anheuser-Busch joins a growing number of companies that are heeding the White House's call to offer incentives to Americans who get vaccinated. Kroger and CVS are both offering sweepstakes for those who get vaccinated in their stores, with prizes ranging from $1 million to Super Bowl tickets.
Krispy Kreme offered a free donut daily to anyone with a CDC-issued vaccination card. Baseball teams like the Milwaukee Brewers and the Cincinnati Reds are offering free or discounted tickets to fans who have been vaccinated.
Other companies-- like American Airlines, Kroger, and Publix--are offering cash or extra days off of work to employees who get vaccinated.
Even state governments are finding ways to motivate their constituents. For example, West Virginia is offering its younger residents a $100 savings bond to anyone who gets vaccinated, while Ohio is giving away five $1 million prizes and five full-ride college scholarships in a lottery giveaway.


text:
- Smith's Bible Dictionary
- Nave's Topical Bible.
- Easton's Bible Dictionary
« Money-changer | Month | Moon » |
Among the Egyptians the month of thirty days each was in use long before the time of the Exodus, and formed the basis of their calculations. From the time of the institution of the Mosaic law the month among the Jews was lunar. The cycle of religious feasts depended on the moon. The commencement of a month was determined by the observation of the new moon. The number of months in the year was usually twelve (1 Kings 4:7; 1 Chr. 27:1-15); but every third year an additional month (ve-Adar) was inserted, so as to make the months coincide with the seasons.
"The Hebrews and Phoenicians had no word for month save 'moon,' and only saved their calendar from becoming vague like that of the Moslems by the interpolation of an additional month. There is no evidence at all that they ever used a true solar year such as the Egyptians possessed. The latter had twelve months of thirty days and five epagomenac or odd days.", Palestine Quarterly, January 1889.
« Money-changer | Month | Moon » |


text:
Why is it so hard to stick to resolutions that require us to make effective or lasting changes?
I would argue the problem isn't that we try and we fail – the problem is how we treat ourselves when we fail. I study self-compassion, and my research and that of others show that how we relate to personal failure – with kindness or harsh self-judgment – is incredibly important for building resilience.
From early childhood, we are taught that we must succeed at all costs. What most of us aren't taught is how to fail successfully so we can change and grow.
One of the best ways to deal with failure is to have self-compassion.
What exactly is self-compassion?
I define self-compassion as having three main components: self-kindness, common humanity, and mindfulness. Self-kindness refers to the tendency to be caring, understanding, and supportive toward ourselves when we fail or make mistakes rather than being harshly critical or judgmental.
Common humanity involves recognizing that all humans are imperfect and connecting our own flawed condition to the shared human condition so we can have a greater perspective on our shortcomings.
Mindfulness involves being aware of the pain associated with failure in a clear and balanced manner so that we neither ignore nor obsess about our faults. The three together combine to create a self-compassionate frame of mind.
A large body of research shows that self-compassion results in greater emotional well-being. One of the most consistent findings in this research is that greater self-compassion is linked to less depression, anxiety, and stress.
In addition to reducing such negative mind states, self-compassion appears to enhance positive mind states such as optimism, gratitude, and curiosity. By meeting one's suffering with the warm embrace of self-compassion, positive feelings such as happiness are generated at the same time that negative emotions are alleviated.
Self-compassion has been found to be an important source of coping and resilience in the face of various life stressors such as divorce, chronic health conditions, or military combat. It also reduces body dissatisfaction and even leads to healthier eating behavior (relevant to many New Year's resolutions!).
Misgivings about self-compassion
If self-compassion is so good for us, why aren't we kinder to ourselves?
Perhaps the biggest block to self-compassion is the belief that it will undermine our motivation. In parenting circles, we no longer hold to the adage "spare the rod spoil the child." When it comes to our own selves, however, many of us think that sparing the rod of harsh self-criticism will turn us into lazy, self-indulgent ne'er-do-wells. This theme constantly comes up in the workshops I teach.
Of course, the dynamics that go into motivating our children and motivating ourselves are quite similar. Let's say your teenage son were to come home with a failing English grade. You have two ways to motivate him to try harder and do better next time.
You could admonish him and tell him how stupid he is and that you are ashamed of him. The other option is, knowing how upset he is, you could give him a hug and gently ask him how you could support him in doing better next time. This type of caring, encouraging response would help your son maintain his self-confidence and feel emotionally supported. The same goes for how we respond to ourselves when we fail.
How does self-compassion increase motivation?
A growing body of research indicates that self-compassion is linked to greater motivation. Self-compassion has been associated with increased personal initiative – the desire to reach one's full potential.
Self-compassionate people are also more likely to adopt "mastery goals," which focus on learning and mastering material to increase competence, and less likely to adopt "performance goals," which are primarily concerned with succeeding to make a favorable impression on others.
While self-compassionate people have performance standards that are as high as those who are harshly self-critical, they don't get as upset when they don't reach their goals. As a result, self-compassionate people have less performance anxiety and engage in fewer self-defeating behaviors such as procrastination.
Not only are self-compassionate people less likely to fear failure, but when they do fail, they're more likely to pick themselves up and try again.
A series of experiments by psychologists Juliana Breines and Serena Chen from the University of California at Berkeley examined whether helping undergraduate students to be more self-compassionate would impact their motivation to change.
In one study, participants were asked to recall a recent action they felt guilty about – cheating on an exam, lying to a romantic partner, saying something harmful, etc. – something that still made them feel bad when they thought about it.
Next, they were randomly assigned to one of three conditions. In the self-compassion condition, participants were instructed to write to themselves for three minutes from the perspective of a compassionate and understanding friend.
The second condition had people write about all their positive qualities, and the third about a hobby they enjoyed. These two control conditions helped to differentiate self-compassion from positive self-talk and positive mood in general.
The researchers found that participants who were helped to be self-compassionate about their recent transgressions reported being more motivated to apologize for the harm done and more committed to not repeating the behavior than those in the control conditions.
Sustaining motivation through kindness
Another study in this same series of experiments explored whether self-compassion would directly translate into greater efforts to learn after failure. Students were given a difficult vocabulary test they all did poorly on.
One group of students was given an instruction to be self-compassionate about their failure. The instruction said,
"If you had difficulty with the test you just took, you're not alone. It's common for students to have difficulty with tests like this. If you feel bad about how you did, try not to be too hard on yourself."
Another group was given a self-esteem boost, which said,
"If you had difficulty with the test you just took, try not to feel bad about yourself – you must be intelligent if you got into Berkeley!"
A third group of participants was given no additional instructions.
The students were next told that they would receive a second vocabulary test and were given a list of words and definitions they could study for as long as they wanted before taking it. Study time was used as a measure of improvement motivation.
The students who were told to be self-compassionate after failing the first test spent more time studying than those in the other two conditions. Study time was linked to how well participants actually performed on the test. These findings suggest that being kind to yourself when you fail or make mistakes gives you the emotional support needed to try your best, and to keep trying even when discouraged.
Kindness is the engine that drives us to keep trying even after we fall flat on our face. So this New Year, when you make and inevitably break your resolutions, instead of beating yourself up and then giving up, try being kind to yourself. In the long run, you'll be more likely to succeed.
This article was published by The Conversation.


text:
WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. trade deficit fell in July to its lowest level since January, as exports of autos, telecom equipment, industrial machines and semiconductors rose.
The trade deficit fell 0.6 percent in July to a seasonally adjusted $40.5 billion, from $40.8 billion in June, the Commerce Department said Thursday.
Exports climbed 0.9 percent to a record $198 billion. Imports also rose, climbing 0.7 percent to $238.6 billion, as shipments of food, beverages and autos from abroad increased.
Imports of oil products increased, but rising domestic production reduced the trade deficit in petroleum to its lowest in more than five years.
The trade deficit with China rose to a monthly record of $30.9 billion.
The combination of rising imports and exports suggest increased spending by consumers and businesses, which generally points to the possibility of solid economic growth in the second half of 2014.
"The decline in the trade deficit is encouraging and echoes what the activity surveys are telling us, namely that economic growth remains strong," said Paul Ashworth, chief U.S. economist at Capital Economics. Ashworth projects that the economy is on track to expand at an annualized clip of at least 3 percent in the third quarter.
Trade deficits subtract from gross domestic product, so a narrowing deficit should help boost growth. The trade deficit's drag on the economy lessened in the April-June quarter, after having hurt GDP in the first three months of the year.
Exports fell 9.2 percent in the first quarter, likely because of slower growth in Europe and China. At the same time, imports rose and the resulting gap contributed to the economy shrinking at an annualized rate of 2.1 percent in the first three months.
Overall, the trade deficit lowered growth by 1.6 percentage points in the first quarter. The economy shrank at a 2.1 percent seasonally adjusted annual rate, the worst showing since the recession.
Exports rose in June to $195.9 billion, the previous record high. Imports shrank 1.2 percent that month to $237.4 billion. The lower trade deficit figures helped reduce the drag on economic growth in the second quarter, as the economy improved at an annualized clip of 4.2 percent.
Still, the trade deficit has widened in the first seven months of this year to $295.3 billion, up from $282.2 billion during the same period in 2013. Imports have risen faster than exports.
In 2013, the trade deficit declined by 11.4 percent. That reflected in part a boom in U.S. energy production that cut into America's dependence on foreign oil, while boosting U.S. petroleum exports to a record high.
The nation's trade balance in oil has continued to improve this year. The U.S. had a petroleum trade deficit of $119.8 billion in the first seven months of this year, down from $144.7 billion last year.


text:
Already have college credits from another college or university?
These simple steps will help you transfer your credits into Trinidad State College:
Step 1. Submit an Application for Admissions
To start the transfer process, apply for admissions at TSC by filling out our online application or downloading a printable application that you can fill out and mail in. Applying is free and, if you're over 17, our open enrollment policy means you're automatically in.
Step 2. Send Us Your Official Transcripts
Have your official transcripts sent directly from your previous college or university to the Admissions and Records office at the TSC campus you want to attend.
Which Credits Will Transfer?
If you earned a C or higher in a relevant college-level course at a regionally accredited college or university, your credits are probably eligible for transfer.
Keep in mind that transfer credits may not apply to your specific degree or program.
Do Grades Transfer, Too?
Only courses with a C or higher will transfer into TSJC, and once the credits transfer, their grades will not change your TSJC GPA.
Other Types of Transfer Credits
- Prior Learning Assessment
The Prior Learning Assessment or PLA program allows students to earn credit for learning that occurs outside the sponsorship of accredited post-secondary educational institutions. Additionally, corporate or military training with an ACE recommendation and some standardized test scores may also qualify for transfer credits.
For information about transferring any other type of credit, contact Admissions at your campus.


text:
Word Notebooks
Cunning, careful, and mysterious. For your private dealings that happen under the dark of night, there's the new Stealth Camo Notebook from Word. The latest camo pattern from Word. Notebooks is an ode to life's more covert affairs and secretive matters. Every notebook is designed and made in the USA and features our unique organizational system to keep track of your to-do lists and tasks. Pick up a pack and start your clandestine note-taking now.
Every Word. Notebook is designed and made in the USA.
•48 pages, lined
•3.5" x 5.5"
•Made in the USA
•Sold in packs of 3


text:
Clashes between supporters and opponents of Moammar Gadhafi were reported in Tripoli, Libya's capital, Sunday as the Libyan leader tried to squelch the uprising against his 40-year rule.
Witnesses in Libya's second-largest city, Benghazi, said Sunday that some military personnel there had switched sides and joined the anti-government demonstrators in the city, where security forces have reportedly shot and killed scores of protesters over the past week.
Earlier Sunday, a U.S.-based rights group Human Rights Watch said Libya's death toll from five days of unrest had risen to at least 173.
Sources at hospitals in Benghazi said the crackdown there has killed at least 200 people and wounded hundreds of others.
Raw protest video from Libya:
In the first-reported defection from Mr. Gadhafi's regime, Libya's representative to the Arab League quit to protest the harsh crackdown against the demonstrators. Libya currently holds the rotating presidency of the 22-nation group.
U.S. State Department spokesman P.J. Crowley says the U.S. is "gravely concerned" by "credible reports" of hundreds killed or injured in protest-related violence.
Meanwhile, the Arabic satellite channel Al Jazeera says the Libyan government has blocked Al Jazeera's television signal in the country. The channel's coverage has played a big role in protests across the region.
There was no independent confirmation of Libyan witnesses' accounts of the violence, as the government has barred local and foreign journalists from covering the unrest.
Libyan authorities also cut off Internet services in the country Saturday, denying cyber activists a key tool to mobilize demonstrators.
Mr. Gadhafi has tried to defuse the protests by doubling the salaries of state employees and releasing 110 suspected Islamic militants. He took power in a 1969 coup and has built his rule on a cult of personality and a network of family and tribal alliances.
Some information for this report was provided by AP, AFP and Reuters.


text:
Salesforce, the US tech company responsible for one of the world's most popular CRM platforms, has earned more than 80 awards for its workplace culture. Its team has more than tripled in size in the past five years. Employer brand metrics may be infamously elusive, but these numbers paint a clear picture: Salesforce is doing something right.
What makes a company an exceptionally good place to work? Chrissy Thornhill, Salesforce's Global Senior Manager of Employer Brand and Recruitment, has identified a few of the characteristics that have helped its employer brand thrive.
The environment at Salesforce isn't a happy accident or convenient byproduct. "We are super intentional about our culture," Thornhill says. "We write it down. We prioritize it. We build programs around it. We measure it. We constantly innovate on it."
Globally Aware
Salesforce's headquarters sits in the US, but it operates global offices on six continents. An innocuous piece of social media content may not strike the same tone from one region to the next. The past nine months, Thornhill says, have driven that fact home.
Workplace equity not only impacts employees who've already joined the team, but also those still in their recruitment journey. It's why Salesforce made Tony Prophet its Chief Equality and Recruiting Officer, who works closely with Thornhill's team.
Thornhill's team promises candidates big things during the recruitment process. Then, they hold themselves accountable for delivering.
Frugal with Time
Sometimes, the success of the Salesforce employer brand team lies in what they don't do. Rather than spreading their small team thinly across as many efforts as possible, they're choosy about where they invest their time.
These traits have kept Thornhill at Salesforce as its employer brand team has doubled. If her own enthusiasm for her workplace is any indicator, that growth is just getting started: "It's been quite the journey, and I don't think it's going to let up any time soon."
To follow Chrissy Thornhill's work in employer brand, connect with her on LinkedIn. For help identifying the values and culture you want to create in your company, get in touch.


text:
The Meaning of Leaning - John 15:1-7
Oct 10, 2017 / Lenya Heitzig / From the series Live Intimately
If you knew it was your last night on earth, what would you do? After three years of ministry, traveling the countryside, encountering thousands of desperate people, and delivering a radical new message, Jesus had one last night to spend with His disciples. What did He say? How did He say it? What can we learn from His final words? Sit at the feet of Jesus in the upper room and imagine what it would have been like to hear His final words as He gathered His loved ones for one final meal and taught them the secret of how to live intimately: "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me" (John 14:6).


text:
It began as a small design studio and retail concept in 1999, and since then has evolved into a premier lifestyle boutique, offering a luxury shopping experience that combines both fashion and home design — an experience not usually found outside New York or L.A.
Ladies, meet Stephanie's.
Here, you'll find exclusive designer labels, including Rag & Bone, Majestic T's, Del Toro Shoes, NSF, Raquel Allegra, Equipment, Current Elliot, Chaser, Mother Denim and Designer's Guild — a collection shoppers would be hard-pressed to find anywhere else in the Valley.
"I found myself doing most of my shopping while I was out of town because there really wasn't a place here to go for advanced, contemporary women's clothing," says Owner Stephanie Inzalaco. "Stephanie's fills the void in the Scottsdale market by providing the types of fashion lines previously only found in New York and L.A."
One of the exclusive lines Stephanie's carries is IRO, a Paris-based designer — and Inzalaco's personal favorite.
"The brand merges an edgy street vibe with classic French style for a look that is laid-back and feminine," she says. "Their boyish blazers are always one of the most coveted and favorite pieces in my closet. IRO is almost impossible to find anywhere else in the Valley."
Inzalaco says the boutique caters to women who want unique pieces, high-quality basics and transitional clothing that can easily go from day to night and can work with every season. "Our clients enjoy cutting-edge fashion but don't want to be too trendy."
As for Inzalaco's style?
"I definitely have more of a street style," she says. "It's a little edgy but put together, casual with a wear-anywhere appeal."
For more information about Stephanie's, visit its Facebook page.
Stephanie's Last-Minute Gift Picks:
Gift shopping tip: "Always make it something you like yourself," Owner Stephanie Inzalaco says.
7040 E. Indian School Rd., Scottsdale
(602) 508-0848


text:
The text of this post was updated and expanded on May 8. It appears in the June 5, 2014 issue of The New York Review.
As the first heavy fighting began in eastern Ukraine in early May, with an attempt by Ukrainian forces to retake the town of Sloviansk, and as violent clashes spread elsewhere, including Odessa, in the country's southwest, there has been a growing sense that a larger confrontation, one that could involve Russia and the West, may be unavoidable. Such a perception is a terrible mistake. There is nothing inevitable about the future course of the conflict. It is absolutely essential for Western governments to focus on what they can do to avoid war, preserve democracy, and keep Ukraine united.
What they cannot do is help the government in Kiev to win with military force in the east. The rebel forces that have taken control of cities of the Donbas, the largely Russian-speaking industrial and mining region in the east, appear well organized, have much local popular support, and are implicitly backed by the 40,000 Russian troops deployed to the Ukrainian border. It would take many months—probably many years—for Ukrainian forces to reach sufficient strength to retake the Donbas swiftly and relatively bloodlessly, or to defeat a Russian invasion of the east and south of the country. Moves to raise Ukrainian nationalist volunteer forces should be strongly discouraged by the West. The intervention of such groups would risk repeating what has just happened in Odessa, where dozens of people were killed in street battles on May 2. It would make a Russian invasion a certainty.
And the West itself will not fight for Ukraine. All the blowhard posturing of US and European government officials cannot hide this essential fact. In these circumstances, to give the unelected interim government in Kiev the idea that we support it with military backing is irresponsible, immoral, and contemptible. Did we really learn nothing from the experience of Georgia in 2008? For that matter, did we learn nothing on the playground at the age of six?
If Ukrainian forces continue their assault on rebel strongholds in eastern Ukraine, then only three things can happen, separately or in sequence: they will be beaten back with the help of Russian weaponry, which has so far been used to shoot down three Ukrainian helicopters at Sloviansk; they will retake one or two towns, after which Russia will reinforce other towns with lightly disguised Russian special forces, making their capture much harder; and if Ukrainian forces resort to heavy weaponry to blast the rebels from their positions, Russia will invade. The only question then will be where the Russian army will stop: whether Moscow would be content to hold the Donbas, as it previously held South Ossetia and Abkhazia as quasi-independent statelets formally still part of Georgia, or whether it would go on to seize half of Ukraine.
What is truly strange and terrible about this looming disaster is that all the leading players already know and agree about what the only solution can be, even if they disagree on the details and the timing: a federal Ukraine with elected regional governments and robust protection for regional interests. This, not further separation, is what Moscow is proposing; and this is what the Ukrainian interim president, Olexander Turchynov, has publicly hinted at for the Donbas. Although the rebels in Donetsk and other eastern cities have declared the Donetsk Republic, many easterners, too, have indicated that they want some kind of federalization and not independence or annexation to Russia. As interviews published in The New York Times on May 4 make clear, even some rebel commanders themselves hope to keep Ukraine united.
It is extremely important to note that regional autonomy—accompanied by a threat of independence—is what the government of the western region of Lviv, controlled by Ukrainian nationalists, declared for itself back in February, when it seemed that President Viktor Yanukovych would remain in power and take Ukraine into the Russian-dominated Eurasian Union. If Lviv could demand this as insurance for its identity and interests when the national government was going in a direction it did not like, it is very hard to argue that Donetsk does not have the right to do the same. Nor is there any moral reason why the West cannot support federalization. The United States, Germany, Canada, and half a dozen other Western democracies are all federal states. Of course, we all know that a fundamental moral principle of Western foreign policy is that sauce for the goose can never under any circumstances be sauce for the gander—but to oppose a federal solution for Ukraine on such grounds is ridiculous.
Indeed, a constitutional solution to the crisis has already been supported by all sides—including Russia, the US, and Ukraine—in the Geneva Declaration of April 17, which called for Ukrainians from all parts of the country to disarm and take part in a national dialogue that would recognize regional interests. The problem with Geneva is that it did not set out an outline of the constitutional settlement—which will have to be agreed to in advance before the rebel militias in eastern Ukraine will put down their weapons. There is also of course profound disagreement on the process by which constitutional change should be introduced, and how much regional autonomy should be granted.
President Turchynov suggested a referendum on autonomy for the Donbas to accompany the new presidential election planned for May 25; but on May 6, the Kiev government announced that the referendum on autonomy would be delayed until after the presidential election, and there is a question whether the presidential election can take place on schedule, or before peace is restored. Nor, given the precedent in Lviv and the current protests elsewhere in Ukraine, can a case be made for a special status for the Donbas region alone. Far better to have an equal federation across the whole territory of Ukraine. (As for Crimea, we will have to content ourselves with formal statements to the effect that we regard Crimea as still legally part of Ukraine, while in practice making Crimea the subject of separate processes and talks—rather as with the northern Cyprus issue in the past. Unfortunately, if we make a peace process in Ukraine conditional on Russia giving up Crimea, there will be no peace process.)
National and regional elections under a constitution agreed to by all parties are the only way of giving ultimate power over their local affairs to the people of eastern Ukraine, and taking it away from the pro-Russian gunmen who have seized control of much of the region, and from the Russian government. By contrast, for Kiev to continue its military offensive may only empower the pro-Russian gunmen, the Ukrainian ultranationalist militias, the separatists—and Vladimir Putin.
Reality and the long experience offered by such conflicts show that agreement on a new federal constitution for the country as a whole must be reached first, and ratified by a national referendum. The rebel militias in eastern Ukraine and the camp of demonstrators on the Maidan in Kiev should both agree not to use force and not to disrupt such a solution—since clearly neither regional nor national democracy is possible if governments have to submit for approval to unelected crowds. Elections for the presidency, parliament, regional assemblies, and regional governorships can then be scheduled to take place simultaneously later in the year. Ideally, some kind of observer force would need to be put in place with backing from the United Nations and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) to report on compliance by all sides.
Throughout this process, Ukrainian forces must continue to hold their positions at airfields and military bases in eastern Ukraine. This will prevent a repetition of the experience of Crimea, where Russia was able to disarm and expel Ukrainian forces. To do this, Russia would have to send in its own army to attack the Ukrainians—something that it is clearly unwilling to do, and that would of course bring all negotiations to an end. The continued presence of Ukrainian forces in eastern Ukraine will be a guarantee that under a new federal constitution, the region will remain a constituent part of Ukraine—without the appalling risks (indeed, the near certainty of defeat and complete secession) that stem from the Ukrainian army attacking the local militias in their urban strongholds.
Since the tragic killings in Odessa, it is no longer possible to deny that the Ukrainian crisis involves a serious threat from extreme nationalist groups as well as pro-Russian ones—and some of the extreme nationalists are sitting in the present interim government in Kiev. On the other hand, Russia undoubtedly has armed local allies in eastern Ukraine, which it has strengthened with some disguised Russian officers. But the masses of civilians who have blocked the path of Ukrainian troops in the Donbas show that the rebels also enjoy a very considerable measure of local support.
What all this reveals is something that should have been blindingly obvious ever since Ukraine became independent in 1991 and that is deeply rooted in Ukrainian history: Ukraine contains different identities, and cannot be ruled unilaterally by one of them alone, or pulled in a single geopolitical direction, without risking the breakup of the country itself. The huge demonstrations in Kiev this winter showed that Yanukovych's and Moscow's hope of taking Ukraine into the Eurasian Union was impossible, because many Ukrainians would literally give their lives to prevent it.
Now, events in the east and in Odessa make clear that a Ukrainian state that defines itself purely in pro-Western and anti-Russian terms is also out of the question, because a great many Ukrainians will not tolerate this either. In these circumstances, it is no good for one side to hope for absolute victory. When Russia tried for this with Yanukovych, the result was a fiasco, which among other things destroyed Russia's influence over Ukraine as a whole. The West is now risking an even greater failure in the opposite direction.
Critics of federalization say that it would allow Russia to block Ukrainian moves toward NATO and the EU. What is surely apparent, however, is that Moscow and its allies in Ukraine have already done this. The goal of the West must be to get all the opposing forces in Ukraine off the streets and back within a legitimate democratic process that is recognized by a majority of Ukrainians, and that will allow the possibility of economic and political reforms by democratic means. Time is short. We saw again and again, in the Balkans, the Caucasus, and elsewhere in the 1990s, that once fighting begins, previously possible solutions quickly become impossible. This would be a tragedy—Ukraine does not need to be Yugoslavia or Georgia.
Contrary to what is said in much of the Western media, most of Russia's allies in eastern Ukraine are not separatists. Rather, what many in the Donbas fear is that a government in Kiev—one that is either unelected or elected by a small majority, and that is under the sway of extreme nationalist demonstrators—will be able to decide their fate unilaterally. Thus they are deeply opposed to the interim government in Kiev, but many of them continue to envision being a part of a federal Ukraine in which they would have greater autonomy and recognition of regional rights and interests, rather than full independence. Until now, every opinion poll and election in the east has also suggested this.
But once a few hundred people have been killed, this reasonable position will quickly be destroyed. To return power to a reasonable majority, the international community must put forward the outline of a constitutional settlement on which a majority of Ukrainians can agree. It is hopeless to expect that the opposing sides themselves will be able to abide by a compromise proposal on their own, without outside help.
Germany, as the Western country with the greatest influence on Russia, will be crucial to any solution. The German government has indeed called strongly for a resumption of the Geneva talks with Russia, but it has also insisted that the presidential elections take place as scheduled on May 25. This is both impractical and hard to envisage diplomatically. Instead, Berlin should adopt a strategy that calls for national and regional elections under a new constitution, and puts forward a clear plan for democratic federalism, not as Russia's plan, but as Germany's, and in accordance with Western democratic values. The process of adopting this constitution could then take place under UN and OSCE auspices.
Such a proposal from such a source would, I believe, be very hard for Washington, Moscow, and Kiev to reject. By acting in this way, Chancellor Angela Merkel and Foreign Minister Franz-Walter Steinmeier have the chance to go down in history as true statesmen, who compensated for some of the past disasters of German history by saving Europe from a terrible and unnecessary war.


text:
Sourcing deals these days requires hours of research, direct mail and calls to owners. More often than not, you need stealth to discover loan maturities and sale motivations too.
Over my 35 years in the business, my success comes from putting in the hard work and being rewarded when I uncover opportunities. That's when clients are well-advised to submit their strongest offer, and prepared to stroke the necessary checks to secure a binding agreement.
Once control is established, you have time for due diligence before losing any deposits. Let me know what you want – then you can truly take charge.
– Steve Massell, Massell Commercial Real Estate, The Georgia 100


text:
News that the county has re-ranked the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools list of bond projects had some of you asking, understandably, what the new list looks like. As of Wednesday night, the report presented Tuesday wasn't online; keep checking this link and it should be posted soon under "Update on proposed capital improvement and operating budget," with the list on page 7 of that document.
Thursday, May 30, 2013
Reshuffled list of CMS bond projects
15 comments:
- Wiley Coyote said...
PayGo, yes. Bonds NO!
Remind us again how much is unspent from the last must-have bond fund from 5 years ago?
Psssstt...$212 MILLION
VOTE NO! ON BONDS IN NOVEMBER! - May 30, 2013 at 7:44 AM
- BolynMcClung said...
- This comment has been removed by the author.
- May 30, 2013 at 10:01 AM
- BolynMcClung said...
...and it has nothing to with my desire to see the best possible public education system.
The conflict here is two government with differing views of the future. That's healthy.
My regular job is manufacturing. For years I was an estimator. My cardinal rule for doing a tough quote was to go down to the production floor and get their opinion on what was the best way to cost a new project.
I didn't have to following their advice, but too often I found my twisting of numbers to get a winning bid that would satisfy a buyer was a disaster on our production floor....we didn't make the full profit.
My advice to the county is:
1.) Hold to your budget
2.) Build what your employees can work with.
Bolyn McClung
. - May 30, 2013 at 10:14 AM
- Anonymous said...
Folks as long as Myers Park schools are on top of the list 1&2 and stay that way its all good. How in the world did that happen ? Wait til Kojo sees the list it will be a issue.
- May 30, 2013 at 10:40 AM
- Wiley Coyote said...
The conflict here is two government with differing views of the future.
That statement is why CMS should never, ever have taxing authority.
VOTE NO! ON BONDS IN NOVEMBER! - May 30, 2013 at 10:50 AM
- Anonymous said...
Should be an interesting mix with the Nations Ford Elementary and Waddell Language Academy fighting with other schools, soccer leagues, CMS departments, and outside interests for use of the auditorium, athletic fields, gym, and playgrounds. Neighborhood interests jumping the fences to play in the stadium and trying to evade security would also be an issue. One would hope with 200+acres on the Waddell site, Nations Ford could have its own entrance from some other point. Engineering, architecture, design, and planning haven't interfered with CMS priorities before.
- May 30, 2013 at 11:16 AM
- Anonymous said...
Project #1 is JM Alexander, which is in North Mecklenburg. That is a different school, and side of town, than AG. - May 30, 2013 at 12:57 PM
- Anonymous said...
Bolyn, you would go down and actually talk to the people on the ground, doing the work. That's NOT in any way what CMS is doing. If they talked to the teachers they would have a profoundly different set of priorities.
But those in the ivory tower at the government center don't care and don't (can't really) get it. Their priorities are fundamentally opposed to those of the teachers in the classroom.
I don't care what CMS educrats want. Let those paying make the decisions. - May 30, 2013 at 2:36 PM
- Anonymous said...
I would like to see a detailed plan including "projected" enrollment numbers of CMS' latest student assignment scheme called an "overlap model" before supporting any K-8 partial magnet school in the Ballantyne area. Let's not get fooled again, folks.
I find nothing wrong with anything else on the priority list.
If I had a magic wand, I'd renovate Garinger back to it's original 1962 National Geographic glory starting with the historic library. CMS should be sent to the firing squad for allowing this school building and grounds to deteriorate to it's current state of travesty.
"Garinger's campus is designed by AG Odell, Jr., and Associates, who also designed several other famous buildings in Charlotte. The campus covers roughly 63 acres and consists of several detached buildings, many of which have interior courtyards. Near the center of campus sits a unique round building with a conical roof, which served as the original library. It has since been converted into classroom space and much of the interior integrity has been lost. A new two-story library was added in the 1970s.
The campus was considered state-of-the-art when it first opened, winning many architectural awards for its unique modern buildings. Garinger was even featured in a 1962 edition of National Geographic as Charlotte-Mecklenburg's showplace high school.
In early 2006 the school found itself threatened with closure by the State of North Carolina, but has received backing from the City of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County."
Alicia - May 30, 2013 at 5:03 PM
- Anonymous said...
And hell would have to freeze over before I ever supported giving any CMS school board taxing authority.
Alicia - May 30, 2013 at 5:12 PM
- BolynMcClung said...
Subject: Reaching the L.I.F.T foot soldiers.
To this point very few stones have been left unturned......however I remain a very interested casual observer.
From the start I was a tentative supporter. Probably still so today. That test result thing is a problem.
The biggest L.I.F.T. success has been outside the classroom: the extended calendar.....and that came with some baggage.
Something I have my eye on is the switch of summer BELL School to middle schools. I wasn't aware of that until this week.
And last I'm worried about the possible loss of Ann Clark. The original relationships for L.I.F.T were Gorman, Davis, Clark.
Bolyn McClung
. - May 30, 2013 at 9:47 PM
- Anonymous said...
If you go to the high schools and compare Myers Park already has many things others do not. They have a state of the art auditorium while others like Independence and South have plays in rooms built for other purposes. Union county brings all schools to equitable physical layouts before adding anything anywhere. Wrong to cut out career projects. Too many kids who are not college bound sleeping in class who could thrive in a career (auto, cosmetology, etc) field. Keep that near the top no matter what.
- May 31, 2013 at 7:48 AM
- Anonymous said...
Bolyn , Your correct and its great that your starting to see thru LIFT. The 3 stooges behind it Gormanator (gone) Clark (leaving) and Davis (clueless) got involved for the money and they were told to do it by their superiors. The truth will come out in the results 5 years from now and then its too late as we lost those kids as a community to the system.
- June 3, 2013 at 2:44 PM
- Anonymous said...
Vocational Schools is the only chance CMS has to achieve any of its ACADEMIC Goals.
- June 4, 2013 at 12:19 AM
- Anonymous said...
Yes for votech training. And by the way, most high school students sleep during the school day. Change the 7:15am high school start time CMS.
- June 4, 2013 at 9:55 PM


text:
Hey Valentine Bundle
Tax included.
NOTE: You are purchasing a Digital File. No physical items will be mailed to you. The Cut Files can be used with your Electronic Die Cut Machine. Once the PNG is opened in your Silhouette Software, you can use the Trace feature to turn your PNG images into the cutable files.
This Bundle includes 12 Valentine/Love themed Cut Files.
For Personal Use Only.


text:
As you know, I am from South Carolina, one of the worst states in the union, politically speaking. Occasionally I get really angry about some stupid something people who claim me as a constituent are doing in DC, supposedly on my behalf.
Sorry. I have spent literally my entire adult life wishing I had access to insurance that would cover my pre-existing conditions, women's healthcare, and mental healthcare. I am not exaggerating when I say that this has been one of the most important concerns in my life. Because I developed severe allergies and asthma when I was 7, insurance and medical costs have driven so many of my life choices. Other people have had it far worse than I do, I don't claim any special claim to bad circumstances, but I tell you the fact that, as of January 1, I will have, regardless of my employment situation, access to full healthcare coverage is such a relief that it makes me want to cry.
And *my* representatives are participating in these shame shutdown shenanigans because they want to take that away from me. That makes me angry. So I wrote a letter to Joe "You Lie" Wilson, against whom I ran a write-in campaign that may have earned me votes into the double-digits, Lindsey Graham, and Tim Scott. By the time I got to Tim Scott, I had perhaps over-flourished it all, but you can judge for yourself.
Senator Scott,
I am really struggling with the behavior of Republicans in Washington, DC right now. Shutting down the government in what appears to be an attempt to hurt the poorest of your constituents.
I am a 29 year old woman who works a full-time job, two part-time jobs, and is in school full-time as well. Despite this, the only insurance I have access to currently is individual insurance, which can deny me for my pre-existing asthma. Furthermore, it is impossible to get individual maternity coverage in South Carolina. Unless you are part of a group plan, you cannot get maternity coverage at all in this state. If I get pregnant it is far more economically feasible for me to abort than to have a child, and not because I am not willing to pay for coverage, but because out of pocket a birth can cost tens of thousands of dollars.
If you were honestly pro-life, you'd support women getting access to that care. If you were honestly pro-life, you'd support everyone getting access to healthcare.
This is all changing on January 1 thanks to the Affordable Care Act. Starting then, I will have access to care regardless of my childhood asthma and that care will cover maternity. I have spent my entire life wishing that I'd have access to that some day — and now Republicans are trying to take that away from me. It feels like you're playing political football with my ability to afford having a family.
I am not some lazy bum and I am not looking for handouts, I just think that I shouldn't have to work so hard to still face catastrophic bankruptcy if something wonderful like pregnancy should befall me. Offer me an alternate plan, offer me a promise that South Carolina insurance providers will have to offer maternity coverage and coverage for those with pre-existing conditions. Or stop claiming to care about life.
Regards, Ashley
I mean, I might have upped the pathos dial a bit much, but goddammit, could you just care about people instead of politics for once? Also, how infuriating is it that South Carolina is not the only state in which it is literally impossible for a woman to get individual maternity coverage! HOW MESSED UP IS THAT


text:
The general tenor of the comments I was responding to was: Yes, in theory the president has the power to launch nukes, but in practice cooler heads would prevail. Somewhere in the chain of command, someone would realize that Trump had run off the rails and refuse to relay the order or turn the key.
Some select quotes from Steven Lefevre:
[a soldier refusing a nuclear launch order] would prevent a nuclear first strike. And in the meantime, a response could be organized. Congress could convene an emergency session and rescind the War Powers act. They could impeach the president. They could immediately defund the military chain of command... I have trouble believing that all US military personnel, esp. those literally with their fingers on the button, are just going to blindly follow nuclear strike orders.and Peter Donis:
Me: Anyone who refused the order would be arrested and court-martialed and replaced with someone else.
Peter: On whose orders? The President's? The same President whose SecDef just refused to confirm a nuclear launch order?These arguments miss this crucial point: the danger is not that Trump would wake up on an otherwise uneventful day and say, "You know, what Kim Jong Il said about my hands really pisses me off, let's nuke Pyongang." The nightmare scenario goes more like this: Kim Jong Il says something about Trump's hands. Trump responds by insulting Kim. Kim responds by mobilizing the DPRK army. This alarms the Chinese, who respond by imposing a naval blockade at the Malacca straight and the South China Sea. In the midst of escalating tensions there is sudden news of an explosion in Seattle. Trump goes on TV and announces that the U.S. has been attacked by North Korea. It was a nuclear warhead, but fortunately it failed and only the conventional explosive detonated. Is it true? Who the hell knows. No independent confirmation is available, but President Trump is on TV saying, "Believe me folks, it was a nuke, and it was the North Koreans." In retaliation, Trump has just issued orders to counterstrike by nuking Pyongyang and all of North Korea's known nuclear sites because, "We can't just sit around like pussies waiting for another attack hoping the next one will also be a dud too." Secretary of Defense Chris Christie concurs with the order.
Under those circumstances, do you really expect a member of the military to refuse a launch order? Or, if they do, for that refusal to stand for more then thirty seconds?
What about the other possibilities? Yes, Congress could convene an emergency session and rescind the War Powers act. The problem is that rescission would not become law until the president signed it, which, under the circumstances, would be unlikely. A pocket veto cannot be overridden by Congress, and least not for two weeks. By then it's way too late.
The only thing Congress could do immediately without Trump's approval would be to remove him from office through the impeachment process. But the problem is that in order to stop Trump from launching nukes they'd have to do it not in a matter of days or even hours, but minutes. That might be theoretically possible, but I sure wouldn't want to bet the planet on those odds.
The danger that Trump poses is not that he'll suddenly go crazy with no warning. Quite the contrary, he's given us ample warning. The reason Trump is dangerous is that he gradually, deliberately, and -- what is most distressing -- effectively moves the needle towards crazy. A year ago it was unthinkable that a presidential candidate who had actively avoided the draft could get away with saying that someone who volunteered to serve in Viet Nam was not a war hero because he was captured and held as a POW. It was unthinkable that a presidential candidate could casually lob around phrases like "Bomb the shit out of 'em" and survive politically. It was unthinkable that a U.S. presidential candidate could actively condone violence against peaceful protesters and "opening up libel laws" in order to silence the press. Thanks to Donald Trump, none of these things are unthinkable any more. They are part of our reality. In the span of one year Donald Trump has made us forget a big chunk of what sanity and civil society even look like.
There is a long, long list of things that used to be unthinkable that Donald Trump has made normal (in just over one year too!). Hence I take little comfort in the idea that he won't start a nuclear war because it would be unthinkable, that in some as-yet-to-be-determined way cooler heads would prevail in that case when they have failed to prevail up to that point. Turning the unthinkable into reality is Donald Trump's stock in trade! That is why he must be kept as far from the mechanisms of power as possible.


text:
Search results
Search results
Our Research is on the Move! ACEL faculty and graduate students are involved in a variety of research projects that not only impact the fields of education, communication, and leadership, but can also add value to the range of individual, community, and i ...
About Us
The mission of The Ohio State University's Department of Agricultural Communication, Education, and Leadership (ACEL) is to prepare educators, communicators, and leaders in the food, agricultural, and environmental sciences to integrate research-base ...
Community Leadership Visit Day
Students interested in educating and leading organizations that help change our community are invited to attend the Community Leadership Visit Day at Ohio State, hosted by the Department of Agricultural Communication, Education, and Leadership on Friday, ...
Agricultural Communication Visit Day
The Department of Agricultural Communication, Education, and Leadership will host the Agricultural Communication Visit Day on Friday, October 18, 2013 for high school students interested in studying agricultural communication at Ohio State. Registration w ...
Tagged to Teach Ag Day
Thank you for your interest in Teach Ag Day! The program for 2013 was held on September 26, 2013. If you are interested in the agriscience education major at Ohio State, please consider scheduling an Experience OSU for a Day tour through the College of Fo ...
Visit Day Poster
/sites/acel/files/imce/images/QR%20Visit%20Days%20Poster%20%28Classrooms%29_0.pdf ...
Visit Days
Poster for Classrooms ...
Tagged to Teach Ag Day
The Department of Agricultural Communication, Education, and Leadership will host high school students who feel they have been 'tagged' to teach high school agriculture to visit The Ohio State University campus and learn more about our agriscien ...
Mission Possible: Positive Leadership (on-line)
Who should attend? Leaders, Supervisors (current & aspiring), Work Team Members, Directors, Board Members, "Front-line" Staff Workshop Description Are you a positive leader? Do you wonder how others think about your attitude as a leader? A ...
Strengths Finder
As a leader it is important to know what talents you possess, that you bring to the leadership table. Do you know what strengths you possess? Every leader possesses her/his own unique set of talents. According to the Gallup Organization, "we spend ...


text:
Europe's brand of choice for quality office products. Every day millions of people use Q-CONNECT office products to help them with their daily needs in order to get jobs done in a fast and efficient way. From office papers and filing, writing and presentation products to desktop accessories and cleaning products, you will find all that you are looking for in our range.
Q-CONNECT combines quality products with attractive prices. The brand is sold all over Europe by a selection of expert distributors. Above, you can find out where to buy online in your country.


text:
Natomas Notary Signing Agent
Natomas Signing Agent Division of Natomas Mobile Notary Public Services is a fully trained document closing service serving throughout Natomas, California. We are a finance driven company founded by a banker specializing in residential and commercial lending transactions. As a result, we are very familiar with all aspects of the loan closing process and meticulous about adherence to regulations and rules.
We have over 10 years of combined knowledge, experience, and expertise. The Natomas Mobile Notary Public Service has closed thousands of loans. With the best team of Notary Signing Agents in Natomas, Natomas Mobile Notary publics are capable of delivering the service of executing and notarizing closing documents for borrowers and our clients.
Natomas Mobile Notary Signing Agents work with Escrow, Real Estate, Mortgage, Closing, Lending and Title companies throughout Natomas, California to get documents notarized and signed. We work hard to ensure your loan is signed by deadline. Natomas Mobile Notary Public's mission is to provide innovative, practical, efficient, signing agent solutions.
Mobile Notary Signing Agent Natomas
We will travel to businesses, homes, hospitals or anywhere that is convenient for a borrower. Notaries are available for Signing Agent Services 24 hours a day 7 days a week, evenings, afternoon or mornings. We do not charge a service fee if the borrower cancels within enough time to notify us. At Natomas Mobile Notary Service, we aim to uphold our established reputation as a leader in the Notary Signing Agent Industry in Natomas, CA.
We have handled many closing transactions such as: 1st and 2nd Mortgages, Purchases, Refinances, Home Equity Lines of Credit and HELOC, FHA-VA, Home Improvement Loans, Land Loans and Business Loans. It is our firm's belief that our expertise and customer service is the core reason any signing agent will receive return business.
The satisfaction of the client is our highest priority. It is Natomas Mobile Notary Public's objective to provide a professional and pleasant experience for our client and their customers. This includes every step from booking the appointment to communicating with the borrowers and clients, wearing a suit and tie, notarizing and signing the documents, returning the required documents and invoicing the client. Clients always have plenty of time to sign and review any and all documents. Natomas Notary Signing Agents provide the most reliable and professional service in Natomas, Ca.
Notary Signing Agent Company Natomas
The Natomas Signing Agents office is equipped high grade computers, digital phone systems, Comcast Cable for highest download speeds, and high quality laser printers for document printing. Our team accepts documents via fax and Email. We have a knowledgeable and friendly staff available 24/7 by Cell phone.
The scheduling manager keeps track of all appointments, documents, faxes, required forms. Their main function is managing each notary signing agent to ensure they complete their tasks. Our team will always stay in touch with our clients, from setting the appointment until they receive the paperwork. The demographics of Natomas are very unique and unlike other cities. Natomas residents become very demanding and expect an instant response any concern.
The nuanced social norms and cultural diversity can be intimidating to most. As natives of Natomas, our team is comfortable and familiar commuting and communicating in Natomas's dynamic market. Our team knows where most buildings, landmarks, hospitals and hotels throughout the Natomas. If requested, our Natomas notary signing agent will provide the borrower a customer satisfaction survey for you to evaluate our service.
Our team, believes part time notary singing agents brought poor service and lower fees. Natomas Mobile Notary Public Service will always be servicing the higher end of the notary signing agent market. We are proud of our price and work we provide for our services, competitive but high side within Natomas, California. Our Natomas Signing Agents are working to build long term relationships with clients. All our best, clients began with a Notary Signing Agent.
If you require quality, professionalism, long term relationship and a reliable company in Natomas
Call Us Today (916) 550-4394. A Natomas Notary Signing Agent always strives to exceed your expectations.