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Summer Scream More Fun than Fright
We arrived at Erebus in the late afternoon hours of a sunny summer day and if that didn't seem strange enough, there in broad daylight was a drooling zombie who worked the queue line that wrapped around the side of the imposing structure. The haunt season had come early and it felt bizarre, surreal and almost as if we had all cheated in some way. The Summer Scream Total Blackout event at Erebus had the feel of a wild card and by the time we had emerged from the haunted edifice it was with a mix of emotions and thoughts on our latest trek through the monster Erebus.
For my stalwart haunted house companion Disco Devil and myself, it was our sixth trip through the 4-story haunted edifice but with us we also brought our friend and Erebus virgin, Cikalo. He's joined us on a handful of excursions since 2011 and I was very interested to hear his thoughts on Michigan's most well-known haunted attraction.
Despite a fair crowd our wait to enter wasn't overly long and we were soon handed glow-in-the-dark necklaces to wear through the haunt — our only apparent means to light the path ahead. I was disappointed with the necklaces because I had hoped for a glow stick so that I could hold it aloft like a torch and light the way as if I was some kind of modern day Indiana Jones. I suppose management felt that a glow stick was much more likely to be dropped and lost than a necklace, and thus my cinematic fantasies were dashed.
Our journey began as all of our trips through Erebus have — first with a brief stop in front of a large video projection and then a few moments locked inside the scanning chamber. Each of these are fun but after so many years something fresh would be a welcome change.
John and I had visited Erebus as recent as last fall, so it was no surprise that the layout of the attraction was relatively unchanged but the operators had implemented various tweaks and twists. A serpent burst forth from the vase near the Snake Charmer, a moving wall threatened to cast us into a bottomless pit, a wrecking ball sprung from the darkness and crashed into our path and we were made to kneel in the buried alive chamber.
Present also was, of course, the usual legion of actor-controlled puppets that I affectionately refer to as lurchers, leapers and grabbers. A number of these puppets were quite aggressive, on several occasions a member of our party found themselves ensnared by their hairy clutches.
Elsewhere in the belly of the beast, a pack of crazed monkeys descended from the ceiling and one of the sneaky simians nearly snatched the hat from my head! Moments later, while we traversed the liquid sky corridor, a strategically placed ghoul popped me right in the face with a bloody stump; who doesn't like a bloody stump to the mush?
A couple of actors of note included the large fellow who stalked the hall of mirrors, which made for an interesting and eerie setting under the dimly lit conditions, and also Dolly Boy who seemed lost in a fantasy land where toys could speak and was only peripherally aware of our existence.
It was during the early stages of Erebus that I believe the haunt was the darkest and it was at this juncture that we witnessed several solid jump scares, but on the whole the attraction did suffer from subpar acting and an excess of light for an event that was billed as a total blackout. I knew heading into the event that it would be difficult for Erebus to pull off such a feat because the animatronics and various special effects, that indeed make Erebus what it is, are dependent on at least some light. Regardless, I would have personally preferred to have these visual aspects sacrificed in the spirit of the event. The glow necklaces gave off a decent amount of light as it was and alone may just have provided just enough illumination to truly create that lost in the darkness sensation.
The acting as I mentioned left something to be desired; many of the actors didn't seem equipped to effectively interact with guests once initial contact had been made. The immediate scare wasn't bad but there wasn't much there in the way of dialogue or unique mannerisms and often one after another became a generic blur. An army of actors who are essentially little more than worker bees can be pulled off without detracting from the show, in fact we've witnessed it on numerous occasions at Erebus, but on this night there simply weren't enough characters with substance to balance the equation.
In the end, we did enjoy this trek through Erebus but it wasn't the total blackout we had hoped it would be and because of that we couldn't help but feel like we'd just traversed Erebus on a night where some of the lights simply weren't working. With that in mind, Cikalo, who again had never toured Erebus, commented that he would've preferred to have seen it all full power. For all of these reasons, I hope that if this event is held again that the operators see fit to take the concept further as to truly differentiate the Summer Scream Total Blackout from the fall production.
The one thought that kept swimming to the surface of my mind was just how strange it felt to be at a haunted attraction in the middle of July, and as I sit here and share my thoughts on that day I'm still struck by that feeling. There's no doubt that there's an unmistakable element of magic in the air during the haunt season and for whatever reason it just wasn't there on that summer day. Now that's not to see that we didn't have a good time because we did — I guess it was sort of like eating ice cream in the winter; it was simply out of season.
Rating: 3 stars


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At the First Wednesday Arts Breakfast Club, it's par for the course to absorb the details of an artist's creative life while downing coffee with a plate of eggs and grits. For about 10 years, the casual breakfast meeting has been featuring artists and those working in the arts at each of its monthly gatherings.
On Feb. 6, a program titled "Creativity is drawn from thinking outside the box" will turn the spotlight on Noel Jefferson, a photographer, writer, activist, filmmaker and painter who relocated to Hendersonville after decades of living in Manhattan. Jefferson currently serves on the board of the Arts Council of Henderson County and teaches screenwriting at Blue Ridge Community College.
"We are so fortunate to have someone with Noel's many accomplishments be a part of the Hendersonville arts community," said Bob Lindwall, who has been coordinating the Arts Breakfast since 2011.
"For me it's been phenomenal getting to meet people," said Lindwall of the breakfast club. "So many of them have become friends."
The club originated through the now-closed Wickwire Fine Art/Folk Art, that was located on Main Street. At first, the club was for men only, with a separate women's meeting starting soon after. The two meetings soon merged, according to Harry Sparshott, who launched the breakfast club with his wife Joanne.
"It was a wild idea," said Harry Sparshott, who had been approached about starting the arts breakfast by a "gentleman" in the downtown area. After pitching the idea to Wickwire owner Shirley Palmer-Hill, the event was held in the gallery for about a year as a catered event, before moving to the upstairs event space at Mike's on Main.
"Our rule was no politicians, all artists, and limit (the speaker) to a half hour," said Harry Sparshott. "Word just spread, and it got too big." For a while the event was held at the Inn on Church before eventually moving to the Dixie Diner.
"So many interesting people with really diverse backgrounds have shared their story," added Sparshott. "We've met a lot of people that have relocated here from all over the world."
Some past Arts Breakfast speakers include photographer and publisher Rimas Zailskas, painter Jim Carson, folk art collector Ann Oliver, glassblower Jason Probstein, painters Kate Thayer and Cynthia Wilson, and photographer John Smith.
In a special holiday Arts Breakfast, Bob Reece, the technical director at Hendersonville Community Threatre, performed selections from David Sedaris' play "SantaLand Diaries" at the December meeting.
"We get the top-notch artists to come speak to the group. Bob gets a lot of people we've never heard of," said Joanne Sparshott, who noted her delight at the number of new faces she sees at each gathering.
Jefferson, who moved to Hendersonville in 2015, will present an overview of her varied career at the February Arts Breakfast. "I come from an artistic family," said Jefferson, who started taking photographs at age 10.
After witnessing first-hand the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks, just blocks from where she lived in lower Manhattan, Jefferson grabbed her camera and started chronicling what she saw on 12 rolls of film. Her photos were exhibited in venues nationally, including at the Women's Military Museum in Washington, D.C., at the Museum of Modern Art, and in galleries in Europe.
"Since moving here, I've photographed waterfalls, including Pearson's Falls," said Jefferson, who enjoys travel and takes photos extensively while away from home.
Jefferson, who describes herself as "more or less" self-trained as a photographer, studied with photographer Jerry Yulsman at the School of Visual Arts in New York. Her focus of study at that time was nude photography, something that continues to interest her.
"My challenge has been, how do you do it tastefully — and beautifully, but also comically?" said Jefferson, who also holds a master's degree through the Teacher's College at Columbia University.
Jefferson is also an inventor, with four patents to her name; she's a filmmaker, with two documentaries produced and a few short films currently in pre-production. Her screenwriting focus is on the mystery and crime story genres.
"Though I'm retired now I feel like I'm busier than ever," she said.
Jefferson is busy as co-producer for artist Tarah Singh's "Artists on Purpose" video production, which features interviews with area artists. She's also a co-producer for the Arts Council of Hendersonville's podcast on local musicians, which will be released in the next few months.
In 2015, Jefferson started studying painting with artist and Art on 4th Gallery & Studio owner Heidi Mayfield. "When I met Heidi a few years ago I started studying acrylic painting and found that really interesting," she said. "I enjoy painting for the freedom of expression."
Jefferson's work was recently exhibited at the "Asheville through Brown Eyes" exhibit at the Asheville Area Arts Council. Her artwork has also been exhibited in Hendersonville, Brevard and Tryon.
A group show titled "What is Love" that will open Feb. 9 at The Taylor Gallery in Asheville will feature seven of Jefferson's stylized nude photos, showing the influence she received from Yulsman. "My artistic credits are attributed to my mom, a fashion designer, (my) sister who's an architectural draftsperson, interior designer and painter — and another who was a sportswear designer," Jefferson said.
An RSVP is required for the First Wednesday Arts Breakfast, by no later than 5 p.m. on the Monday before the program. Email firstname.lastname@example.com or call Lindwall at 773-617-8649 to RSVP.
The cost for participants is $11 and includes a Southern-style breakfast buffet. The timing is kept tight, said Lindwall, with the buffet open at 9 a.m. and the speaker starting at 9:30 a.m. The event wraps up at 10 a.m.
To learn more, visit acofhc.org/first-wednesday-arts-breakfast-club.html. For more information about Noel Jefferson, visit noeljefferson.com.

subset: commoncrawl


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If at first you don't succeed, dust yourself off and try again. Just ask Weezy. The Cash Money CEO recently spoke with Sway on MTV about his desire to give marriage a second chance.
MTV's Sway asked Weezy if he would ever settle down and get married Wayne replied,
"Yup. Yeah, man, yup,"
"Happily married too."
"I'll probably slide into the preacher like it was home plate."
What do you think? Is Lil' Wayne marriage material?


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(VOV) -A cultural programme to promote the traditional handicrafts and culinary arts from three distinct ethnic communities is being held in the Mekong Delta city of Can Tho from January 30-February 1.
Traditional crafts such as weaving, carving and calligraphy will be on show, along with various types of food of the Viet, Hoa and Khmer ethnic groups.
Over 40 artisans will present pieces at the event, including Muoi Xiem, who represented Vietnam at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival in the US.
Participants can enjoy performances of Don Ca Tai Tu (Southern Amateur Music), which is currently nominated for UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, and take part in many unique folkgames such as singing Dong Dao (children's songs) and playing phao dat (earth firecrackers).
The event helps visitors understand more about the life of ethnic communities in the Mekong Delta.


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For a long time Holland's Hope was the only variety that could resist the Dutch rain.
Mould resistant, ideal for the northern hemisphere, mild stoned effect. Nice, easy smoke with a subtle, natural flavour.
Moby Dick is a Sativa dominant strain that got its name due to the massive yields it produces. The THC content can be quite high and the strain provides a very psychoactive effect. When smoked it first produce a cerebral effect that is sometimes described as psychedelic due to how it increases perception and awareness. After a while, these effects die down and the user will be met with a very pleasant body numbing that is good for relaxing.
Good for:


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Provisioning agents and repeaters with a SHA1 fingerprint of the Application Server self-signed certificate (Windows)
Use this procedure to create, or update, on each managed server and repeater a file named SYSTEM. This file contains the SHA1 fingerprint of the Application Server self-signed certificate. An agent or repeater uses this fingerprint to validate the self-signed certificate received from the Application Server during the TLS handshake.
To provision agents and repeaters with a SHA1 fingerprint of the Application Server self-signed certificate
Ensure that the secure file on all managed servers is configured so that
tls_mode=encryption_only. If necessary, generate this setting by running the following
secadmincommand on each agent:
secadmin -m rscd -p 5 -T encryption_only -e tls
You can also run this command using nexec from the Application Server (using
nexec <hostname> secadmin ...) or by using a NSH script job.
Before you can provision a managed server with the fingerprint of the Application Server's certificate, you must ensure that the secure file on the agent or repeater is configured correctly. If you prematurely set the rscd entry in a secure file so that
tls_mode=encryption_and_auth, the agent or repeater will refuse the incoming connection because it will not have the SHA1 fingerprint of the Application Server's self-signed cert. The secure file must have the rscd entry set as shown below when deploying the certificate fingerprint. The secure file is located in the /etc/rsc directory on a UNIX server and C:\<WINDIR>\rsc on Windows, where <WINDIR> is typically windows.
This is the default setting after a fresh installation of an agent, so in most situations there is no need to perform this step.
- Set up root or Administrator privileges on each managed server hosting an agent.
To provision an agent or repeater with the SHA1 fingerprint of an Application Server's certificate, you must have root or Administrator privileges on the server hosting the agent. To grant this privilege, update the exports file on a Windows server by creating the following entry:
* rw,user=Administrator
On a UNIX server, update the exports file by creating the following entry:
* rw,user=root
To be safe, you should replace the host wildcard ("*") with a more restrictive setting, such as the IP address or host name of the Application Server.
- Using a command line on the Application Server, cd to C:\WINDIR\rsc\certs\SYSTEM, the directory containing the id.pem file.
- Push the SHA1 fingerprint to managed servers by entering the following command:
putcert SYSTEM id.pem <agent1...agentN>
<agent1...agentN>is a space-delimited list of the host names or IP addresses (IPv4 or IPv6) of the managed servers hosting agents or repeaters.
This command creates or updates a fingerprint file on each targeted agent or repeater. On a Windows machine, the fingerprint file for a Window Application Server is C:\Program Files\BMC Software\BladeLogic\RSCD\certs\SYSTEM; on a UNIX machine, the fingerprint file for a Windows Application Server is /opt/bmc/bladelogic/NSH/certs/SYSTEM.
In environments where multiple Application Servers communicate with agents, you should provision each Application Server with its own self-signed certificate. Performing this procedure for each of those Application Servers generates multiple fingerprints in the SYSTEM file.
- Revert the setting in the exports file on managed servers back to a more restrictive user mapping. Otherwise, all users accessing those agents are mapped to root or Administrator.
Ensure that you keep a backup of the id.pem file. This backup file will enable you to restore communication between the Application Server and your RSCD Agents if the id.pem file is inadvertently removed or changed. See also Backup and restore of the BladeLogic environment.


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Tue, 9 September 2014
A.J. Jacobs is a NY Times Bestseller, editor at Esquire, and a professional human guinea pig.
A.J. takes on these personal experiments in what he calls "extreme self improvement" and documents his struggles (and successes) in his books.
Keeping life fun and exciting through these personal challenges is exactly the reason that I wanted AJ to come on the show and share his experiences with us all.
AJ talks to us today about how he started on this journey to self-experiementation (hint: it involves the Academy Awards), how his family handles some of his more extreme projects, and his newest project that you can be a part of!
We're reminded that our changes don't all have to be huge, that viewing the world from another's point of view is always a good use of time, and the ideas are the lifeblood of entrepreneaurs.
Make sure to check out the site for A.J.'s next project : GlobalFamilyReunion.com so you can help him with his next project. You and A.J. are cousins after all, and family helps out family!
Check out more links & notes from the episode at www.ExtraPackofPeanuts.com/aj-jacobs
Direct download: 61_AJ_Jacobs.mp3
Category:Podcast -- posted at: 6:00am EDT


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AIR Time featuring Heather Ross & Edward Crafts from Opera in Concert
Season 8 of AIR Time kicks off as moderator David Fisher (Asst. Dir., Dallas Office of Cultural Affairs) interviews Heather Ross, General Director, and Edward Crafts, Artistic Director of Opera in Concert, a program that supports young singers and creates professional performance opportunities for singers in the Dallas area. Besides presenting seldom-heard operatic masterpieces, Opera in Concert also hosts an intensive study program in Italy, the birthplace of opera.
This special Season 8 opener for AIR Time is in partnership with the Richardson Reads One Book program where the focus is on encouraging an entire community to read the same book then come together to discuss it, share ideas and experience a presentation by the author. This year's selection is Sing for Your Life: A Story of Race, Music and Family by Daniel Bergner. This work of nonfiction centers on the tortured childhood of Ryan Speedo Green, a young African-American youth who faced many challenges. However, his salvation was found in the caring of one very special teacher who led him to one incredible audition with The Metropolitan Opera. The hit movie selection exemplifies the passion of opera patrons, 2016's Florence Foster Jenkins starring Meryl Streep and Hugh Grant.
Half Price Books will be in the lobby before the interview selling the RROB selection Sing for Your Life. This project funded in part by the City of Richardson through the City of Richardson Cultural Arts Commission and underwritten by Erik Wyse of WealthStar Advisors.


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Walk to the major touristic and heritage sites of Nepal with us. Our very experienced guide will take you to the inner city Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, Lalitpur, Bandipur and Pokhara and show you the daily life of the people and their culture. This is the most experiencial trip for the city and history loving people.
Day 1: Kathmandu - 1300m altitude
Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport at Kathmandu and meet, assist and transfer to the hotel by our representative. Welcome drinks on arrival and briefing of tour program by one of our representative from the company.
Day 2: Kathmandu Durbar Square and surrounding walk (B)
After Breakfast take a walking tour with intimacies of Kathmandu Durbar Square, its colorful bazaars; the back streets and lanes and bahals, shrines and more personal temples of the city. This walk takes you to the temples and monuments in and around the Kathmandu Durbar Square: Basantapur Durbar, Windows on the Square, Hunuman Dhoka, Kumari Ghar, Taleju Temple etc, The old city of Yangala, south Kathmandu: Freak Street, Om Bahal, Jaisidewal, Yangal Hiti, Sundhara/Dharahara etc, Streets of silver, North Kathmandu: Maru Hiti, The window beyond compare, Naradevi Temple, The kot, Itum Bahal, Kathesimbhu, Thahiti etc and The two thousand years old bazaar: Indra Chowk, Machhendranath Bahal, Ason Tol, Rani Pokhari and the Thamel street etc.
Day 3: Boudhanath and Pashupatinath walk (B)
Today after Breakfast take a walk to Boudhanath and Pashupatinath complex. Pashupatinath is among the holiest of Hindu pilgrimage places and the one of utmost importance for Nepal's Hindus. It is the principal residence of Pashupati, an important form of the great God Shiva. You will be fascinated by its large complex of temples, cremation platforms, bathing areas and scared images sits along the Bagmati River. We will begin our walk from Jayabageshwari temple, Deopatan, Deopatan Bazaar, Pashupatinath temple, Kailash hill, Kirateshwar, Guhyeshwari temple, Gorakhnath temple complex and many others. We take another walk to Boudhanath- world's largest stupa, during the hour before sunset. We take a parikrama or circumambulation around the stupa.
Day 4: Patan Durbar Square and surrounding walk (B)
We will begin our walk at mid morning to combines the walks Streets of gold, north Patan and A thousands and eight Buddha, south Patan. This city is full of Bhuddhist and Hindu shrines and monuments. The city has five gateways. It is noted for its handicrafts and Artistry works. We take a walk of the most famous and beautiful monuments, such as Kirat Palace, a little square called Patuka, Kwa Bahal and Hirnyavarna mahavihar ( Golden colour Monastery), Kumbheshwar Temple, Mahabaoudh Temple, Min Nath Temple, Manchhendra Nath temple, Patan Durbar Square complex: Krishna Temple and the famous five-storied ancient Royal Palace, Degutale, Vishwanath temple etc. We walk through the palace, garden, courtyards and shops of handicrafts of metal, wood, stone and paper; spices, flower and fruits.
Day 5: Swayambhunath and White Monastery walk (B)
This morning we are going to have walk to the famous Buddhist monument, Swayambhunath which is located on a wooded hillock. The sylvan surrounding is enchantingly lovely and beautiful. The place has such a serene and tranquil atmosphere that you may feel like meditation there. It is only about three km from the heart of Kathmandu city in Northwest direction. We will visit different monasteries built mostly in Tibetan style. We will take stair steps passing a peace pond Shantipur and reach the main shrine which is the splendid example of Stupa architecture. Visit the water mansion and the Tibetan Gumba, Harati Temple, Vasupur, Vayupur, Agnipur, Nagpur, Dewadharma Gumba, Karmaraja Mahavihar, Pratappur and Anantapur, Pwan Bhairava, Vajradhatu Mandala, Agam Chhen, Yogambara, Sakhwaga, Bevavatrara, Bahi and Manjushree and other Buddhist premier. You can have a spectacular view of the Valley from the hilltop complex.
Afternoon we take a 90 minutes walk from Swayambhu, uphill most of the way and reach the White Monastery (Seto Ghumba). You will be wondered by the views of the hillsides, agricultural village just behind the monastery and the charming Himalayan views all there. You will feel the freshness of air offering the spectacular views of Kathmandu valley.
Day 6: Bhakatpur Durbar Square and surrounding walk (B)
Bhaktapur is an actual mediaeval city also called the city of devotees. Today our walk starts with a visit to Indrayani temple. Take top of the steps and we will reach Bhaktapur Durbar Square. Begin your walk with a pair of extremely fine stone sculptures; the Goddess Ugrachandi Devi and to the right is Bhairab, a fierce God followed by the National Art Gallery, the Golden Gate, a forbidden temple- Taleju Bhawani, The royal bath, The Palace of 55 windows, Siddhi Laxmi Temple, Vatsala, Char Dham. Passing the flagstoned alley, filled with tiny shops catering to tourists you will reach The Pottery Square. Visit Til Mahdav Narayan Temple and the Taumadhi Square; Nyatapol Temple and Bhairab Temple. We also take the walk to Dattatraya Square: Bhimsen temple, Dattatraya temple, Pujari Math.
Day 7: Kathmandu - Bandipur (B)
After Breakfast drive from Kathmandu to Bandipur which is 148 km away and 5hrs drive from Kathmandu. Bandipur is the Newar Cultural Village, situated on a ridge above the highway town of Dumre and presents sighteers with a heavy mix of history, architecture, incredible views, awesome caves and unspoiled landscapes. You can take a view of beautiful chain of mountains Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, Langtang, Manaslu and Ganesh Himal from Tundikhel. Evening take a walk around the village, observe the house pattern, lifestyle of people and enjoy the beautiful views.
Day 8: Bandipur – Pokhara - 900m altitude (B)
You can explore the Bandipur village in the morning. After Breakfast drive to Pokhara. Pokhara is a remarkable place of natural beauty, situated at an altitude of 900m from the sea level and 200km west of Kathmandu valley. The enchanting town has several beautiful lakes and offers stunning panoramic views of Himalayan peaks. The serenity of lakes and the magnificence of the Himalayas rising behind them create an ambience of peace and magic. Check in hotel. Enjoy walking along the bank of Phewa Lake at evening, admiring the stunning reflection of the Fish Tail Peak in the blue Phewa Lake's water.
Day 9: Hike to Sarangkot and city walk in Pokhara (B)
Today early in the morning we head towards Sarangkot. The Sarangkot hill is very popular for its best mountains and sunrise views. We start our trip early in the morning at around 5 am. Normally the sun rise at 6 am. After the sunrise and the mountain views we walk down from Sarangkot along with the view of Pokhara city and Phewa lake with green forest, across charming villages, terraced farming and Himalayan view. We walk for 4 to 5 hours.
We walk through Pokhara's traditional old bazaar- is colorful and is ethnically diverse. Newar architecture and craftsmanship is expressed in its temple and windows. The past richness is expressed in its art and craftsmanship, Bindhyabasini Temple is the center of religious activities in the old bazaar. It is dedicated to Goddess, Bhagawati, and another manifestation of Shati. People sacrifice animals believing that the god will fulfill their desires and wishes. Evening enjoy walking along the bank of Phewa Lake.
Day 10: Hike to World Peace Pagoda and city walk in Pokhara (B)
Early in the morning we take a 20 minutes boating at Phewa lake with the visit of island temple (Barahi temple) situated in the middle of phewa lake and climb for 1 and ½ hrs through the forest grove. The top marked by world peace pagoda offers tremendous view of the lake and Pokhara city with the backdrop of Annapurna and Manaslu range. Walk down through Chore Patan for about 1 and ½ hrs. Visit Davis Fall, Gupteswor Cave and Tibetan Refugee Camp.
Day 11: Pokhara to Chitwan (B, L, D)
You can enjoy cooking with house mother. After breakfast, drive to Chitwan for 4 and ½ hours. You will see very nice sceneries, rivers, farm land, paddy field, typical houses and life style of the people on the way to Chitwan while you drive. All the way you will descend down along the winding road. After checking in to the hotel and getting refreshed you will be briefed about full nature programs by our naturalist guide. Then we head on for activities. There will be a guided Village walk which takes you through the local Tharu village, where you can learn about the culture and lives of the hardy Tharu people, who have adapted over generations to survive in the tough Terai climate. Expect to see traditional Tharu buildings, cooking and clothing. The walk continues through Sauraha, where we can stop to visit the National Park Visitor Centre, and a number of small shops that sell local honey (probably the best honey in the world!), wooden animals, elephant dung paper and other souvenirs. We end the walk on the banks of the Rapti River to watch the charming sunset views in the sub-tropical jungle. In the evening, there will be dinner with cultural program by ethnic tribal people with their stick dance and tribal drums. Overnight at Chitwan.
Day 12: Chitwan (B, L, D)
Wakeup call with cup of hot tea/coffee. After breakfast go for Nature Walk: This exciting walk with the nature will introduce you the main features of eastern Chitwan sal forest, open grassland and revering jungle. Our guides will help you identify some species of birds, plants and other wildlife that you may encounter, Canoe ride along the Rapti River. An excellent opportunity for bird watching and for seeing the 2 rare species of crocodiles; the Marsh Mugger and the only fish eating Gharial then you will be taken to real nature walk with different type's vegetation to see many different types of floras and faunas. Before lunch you can take a leisurely relax for a while. After lunch go for Jeep safari, an excellent opportunity to see four different kinds of deer, rhinoceros, monkeys, leopard, sloth bear, and if lucky, even the Royal Bengal Tiger. You will also encounter many other smaller mammals that have made Chitwan their home. Evening Slide presentation: One of our jungle experts will introduce background data and history of the Chitwan National Park as well as some other topics relating to wildlife. Overnight at Chitwan.
Day 13: Chitwan – Kathmandu (B)
Wake up call with hot Coffee/tea. After breakfast drive back to Kathmandu. (While you are leaning to village you can buy some souvenir or local product). Check in hotel. Rest of the day is free for rest and refreshment in the hotel. Evening you can walk around the Thamel street for last minutes shopping.
Day 14: Departure (B)
Approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight a representative from Aarya Village Travel will transfer you to the airport for final departure to your home country.


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Today's Job of the Day:
ROSS Distribution
Warehouse Associates
1st & 2nd Shifts
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Pay DOE
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With a number of locations in Central, Pa., Berks & Beyond is not far away for your next career opportunity. Looking for a long-term, short-term, full-time or part-time work, Berks & Beyond has branches in Camp Hill, Carlisle, Chambersburg, York, Reading, Harrisburg, Lebanon, Lancaster and Hanover to assist your needs.


text:
You May Also Like
After graduating from medical school in 1970, Arkadiy Stolyar, MD, spent the next twenty years as an emergency medicine physician and became interested in psychiatry after moving to the United States. Upon completion of his training, he began working in McLean Hospital as a geriatric psychiatrist in the geriatric psychiatry programs. He is currently the medical director of the Older Adult Program.
Dr. Stolyar also pursues his interest in forensic psychiatry and clinical research. He has participated in more than 90 clinical trials.
Belmont campus - South Belknap, Room 312
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Smarty Pants Balloon Olympics
Oak Park Public Library 834 Lake St., Oak Park, Illinois 60301
In this theatrical balloon stage show, audience members will become part of a hilarious "summer games" held right at the library. Things start off with an "opening ceremonies" and then audience members will learn all about the history of the Olympics, learn how athletes train to compete among the world's greatest and some audience members will even be chosen to compete in some wacky balloon events. This show features magic, comedy and Smarty's legendary giant balloon props. After the show, stick around to take your photo with Smarty and the show's giant balloons.
Event Cost: Free
Event times: 2-3 p.m.


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In recent years whale sharks have been sighted in Mexico's warm and tropical waters – returning yearly to the Yucatan Peninsula to feed and mate. On occasion more than 400 whale sharks have been spotted in one gathering. Whale shark tourism is booming – and snorkelling with these gentle giants is truly amazing. Here's a guide to 10 things you should know about swimming with whale sharks in Mexico before you take the plunge…
How long is a whale shark? This frequently asked question is answered by saying that a whale shark can grow up to 12 metres long. They can also weigh up to 20 tons and can live to be 100 years old.
Reaching up to 1.5 metres the mouths of whale sharks contain 300 to 350 rows of tiny teeth which are used to filter food. Approximately 3000 teeth aren't used to bite as the whale sharks are filter feeders.
Krill, plankton, and small fish that get scooped up into the giant mouths are the staple diet of the whale shark. The throat opening is about the size of a golf ball so only small micro-organisms are eaten by the ton.
Despite huge mouths and thousands of teeth whale sharks are extremely gentle creatures. They swim at an average speed of three mph – and are accustomed to swimming alongside people.
The only time you'll see whale sharks in large numbers is when they meet to feed on bountiful krill and mate. They spend most of their lives travelling alone migrating to where the food is to be found in plenty. Where do whale sharks live? In tropical waters and warmer areas such as the Mexican coast – with most of their lives occurring in the open seas.
The eggs of the female whale sharks hatch inside the mother – unlike most other fish. The female will give birth to about 300 baby sharks – at around the age of 30 when they become sexually mature.
The chemicals from shampoo, deodorant, perfume, and sunscreen can make the eyes of the whale shark sting. Use reef friendly bio-degradable sunscreen or wear full length wetsuits before you get into the water.
There are a few regulations you need to follow to stay safe: you must get into the water quietly, never touch the whale shark, and stay two metres away from the head and four meters away from the tail. Flash photography is strictly forbidden.
Whale sharks aren't classed as an endangered species but the International Union for Conservation of Nature has classified them as being a vulnerable species. The main reasons for their decline are the international demand for shark products and degradation of their environment due to over-fishing and oil spills
Swimming with whale sharks is an experience you'll never forget – taking part in the annual Whale Shark Festival will give you the opportunity to swim with the majestic whale sharks and help to raise awareness of the need to preserve the area's marine ecosystem.
The Koox Diving team will take you on a real adventure – diving with whale sharks from June through to September. You'll see whale sharks feeding naturally without overstaying your welcome – and you'll be given all the useful information you need to know about the swim before you enter the water. Get ready to be excited and delighted by this breath-taking experience.


text: From London's Hannah Strafford-Taylor to Byron Bay's Julia Ashwood – get inspired by our favourite mums in their go-to Bared kicks. If you're looking to treat mum this Mother's Day, we've got the perfect gift – see here. All smiles! Hannah Strafford-Taylor wears our peachy Kea. The woman behind The Vista, Julia Ashwood wears our Quetzal. In the details! Ft. our tan Quetzal boots. A touch of class. Hannah wears our velvety Corella heels. Just add glitter! Ft. our Corella heels. Pop of colour! Hannah Strafford-Taylor gets her Lorikeet heels on.


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Large Room & Linen Spray - Amber & Moss
PF Candle Co
- About
- Size
- Shipping
Brighten up any space with a simple spritz. These natural room sprays are perfect for creating a relaxing environment at home and can be used on linens, furniture, apparel and more. Each amber glass bottle contains 7.75fl oz of spring water from Mt. Shasta and a blend of body-safe fine fragrance oils.
Amber & Moss : Mossy and clean at the start, this fragrance's base of musk and amber evokes a damp, wooded forest floor layered with soft oakmoss. A hint of lavender and an infusion of sage and orange lend to this scent's brightness.
Fragrance Notes:
Top: moss, lavender
Heart : sage, lavandin, orange
Base : amber, musk
Contains a 7.75 fl oz (230ml) blend of body-safe fine fragrance oils and spring water, almost four times more than the original 2 fl oz (60ml) sprays!
Shipping Costs:
Netherlands: €2.95 (over €50 free)
Europe Zone 1: €4.50 (over €100 free)
We usually ship within 2 working days of receiving your order.
More info on Delivery and FAQs / Rest Europe & World Shipping here.


text: PAX East in Pictures By Daniel Imperiale • March 19th, 2011 Subscribe![slide] Tags PAX East 2011 Categories Games Social Follow @unwinnable Related Posts: PAX East First Impressions. Literally. Team Unwinnable Vs. Nintendo 3DS The 40 Most Impressive Displays of Facial Hair at GDC 2013 Jostle Bastard Developer's Notebook Previous Post Team Unwinnable vs. Giant Space Bugs Next Post Retro-Modernism


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Jack of the Wood Pub
95 Patton Ave., Asheville, NC 28801
(828) 252-5445
A cozy, Celtic style pub located in downtown Asheville, North Carolina, Jack of the Wood is a favorite of many locals. Great pub food, a fine selection of beers including locally crafted microbrews, and great live music draw a large crowd just about every night of the week. The entertainment offered up on the weekends is first-rate and up-close, getting started around 9:30 PM for a minimal cover. The club also plays host to three different jam sessions throughout the week. On Sunday nights starting around 5 PM is the Irish session, Wednesdays at nine is our Old Time mountain music jam, and on most Thursday nights is the highly popular Bluegrass jam starting around 10 PM.
View UpComing Shows


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The selected candidate will live in the community of Gesgapegiag and work with Wejgwapniag School to engage elementary students in learning on a daily basis – both inside and outside the classroom. This project aims to develop school spirit, self-esteem, and well-being among the elementary school students, and to contribute to creating a more positive and engaging school atmosphere. The position entails working with the school administration, teachers and other partners such as the Youth Council.
Youth Fusion is a registered non-profit, non-partisan organization that tackles increasing absenteeism and drop-out rates in Quebec by engaging students in motivating extra-curricular activities. Youth Fusion has been working in the James Bay Cree Communities since January 2010 and Nunavik Inuit Communities since January 2012. It will be our second year working in Gesgapegiag. In this region, we have 3 main areas of activity:
- Organizing extra-curricular activities;
- Working with teachers to develop and animate classroom activities that help make school learning more relevant for children;
- Working with local organizations to help create links between the school and community.
- Contractual position from September to December, and between January and June (possibility of a 4 month contract or a 10 month contract, renewable)
- 30 hours/week.
- This position takes place in the Mi'gmaq community of Gesgapegiag in Gaspésie.
- Salary of $435/week.
- Housing (possibility of sharing a house with other Youth Fusion coordinators or school staff), phone, Internet and transportation provided. Unfortunately, we cannot provide accommodations for partners or children at this time.
- Can be recognised as an internship in some cases.
- Must be able to relocate to Gesgapegiag for a period of 4 to 10 months.
Apply online, or send your CV and a cover letter to firstname.lastname@example.com Please indicate the position(s) that you are applying for and highlight your relevant experience.
The project coordinator will be responsible for organizing and facilitating some or all of the following activities:
- You will plan and animate extra-curricular activities for students in Grades 3-6 and in secondary 1 and 2 on a daily basis with the aim of creating a more positive and engaging school atmosphere. You are encouraged to collaborate with teachers and school partners to create incentives for positive attendance and behaviour. Activities may include:
- Healthy cooking class;
- Physical activity such as sports or outdoor activities (fitness, hiking, snowshoeing, swimming, etc.);
- Creative activities such as arts & crafts, photography, music, dance etc. (according to project coordinator's skills);
- Girls' group (self-esteem, healthy relationships, etc.);
- Science club;
- You will oversee the election of class representatives for Grades 5 and 6, or recruit student volunteers; organize weekly student council meetings including activities to foster teamwork, communications skills, and leadership among the student council members; assist the council in organizing events for the student body such as a school recess games, snack program, sports tournaments, holiday activities, etc.; and help the Student Council to develop as role models for their fellow students – for instance through being involved in anti-bullying activities. You may need to assist the Student Council with fundraising activities as needed and will also be responsible for organizing a delegation to Youth Fusion's Regional Elementary Leadership Camp.
- You will work with the Student Council and school staff to help organize and animate anti-bullying activities, with a focus on building confidence and healthy relationships. Training and resources on this topic will be provided. The coordinator will also be in charge of the "Love is Louder Week".
- In collaboration with teachers may include: Healthy cooking & nutrition workshops, poetry, music, science, communications skills, etc., depending on the project coordinators skills & interests.
- Supervise and animate recess activities and/or manage a welcoming space where students can spend time between classes or after school. This responsibility can be shared with another Youth Fusion Project Coordinator.
- Youth Fusion organizes an annual youth leadership camp in June. You will help organize a delegation of youth who were involved in the leadership activities throughout the year; accompany them to the leadership camp; and animate leadership activities
- In order to successfully organize these activities and maintain regular communication, the project coordinator should:
- Recruit participants and encourage students to actively participate in elementary engagement activities;
- Collaborate with school administration, teachers and local organizations (such as the radio station, youth center, cultural department) to promote greater participation of community members;
- Manage the Youth Fusion blog.
- Attend Youth Fusion training week;
- Fill-out and submit bi-weekly timesheets, reports and expense reports;
- Managing a small budget for the project and the material inventory;
- Communicating with Youth Fusion and the school principal on a weekly basis;
- Taking part in the monthly phone call with Youth Fusion coordinators from the same program;
- Surveying students and local partners to get feedback about activities;
- Submitting a mid-term and final report, including a full list of activities and participants.
Our mission at Youth Fusion is to engage at-risk youth in projects that motivate them to attend school. You will be working closely with school administration, local staff, and Youth Fusion's Director of Educational Programming to ensure that this project meets its objectives. We are looking for a candidate who is open to learning about Inuit or Cree culture and adapt our program to the realities of a Northern community. You are encouraged to become an active participant in school life and are welcome to propose additional activities based on your abilities and interests.
- Must be a university student or graduate in a relevant discipline (education, social work, youth work, communications, human relations, community development, etc.).
- Must have experience working with youth;
- Experience with First Nation and Inuit communities and knowledge of Indigenous issues in Canada is an asset;
- Experience working in a cross-cultural context is an asset.
- Must have a strong desire to be a role model for the school's students, and act as an agent of social change;
- Must be able to take initiative and work independently;
- Must be able to work in English. Ability to work in French is a strong asset for this position;
- Motivation, initiative, persistence, communication skills, vision and imagination are essential.
- If you are local to the Mi'gmaq community were our projects are located, we encourage you to apply.
- Some of the above requirements can be waived for local applicants
- We cannot offer housing for local hires. However, the phone and internet allowance will still be granted.
- Local hires must be available to travel to Montreal for one week in the beginning of the semester to attend training. We will provide transportation to/from Montreal, lodging, and a food allowance for the week of the training.
- Verification is required to work with a vulnerable clientele. This check is done when hiring.


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The Pension Protection Act of 2006 ("Act"), which so radically redefined the rules for supporting organizations, has also transformed the rules relating to donor advised funds (DAFs). For the first time, the Act accords DAFs express Internal Revenue Code ("Code") recognition, a tribute to the recent rapid success of DAFs and the charities and commercial firms which sponsor them. DAFs are given this recognition merely in order that they can be subjected to new taxes and restrictions, however, and the Act imposes more than its fair share of these. There is a new tax imposed on what are called "taxable distributions" from DAFs. There is a new tax imposed (at the sobering rate of 125%) on what are termed "prohibited benefits." The excise tax on "excess benefit transactions" is made expressly applicable to DAFs and their controlling charities, which Act terms "sponsoring organizations." The excise tax on the "excess business holdings" of private foundations is stretched to encompass DAFs. Changes are made to annual returns and applications for recognition of tax-exempt status by sponsoring organizations. Rigorous new restrictions and limitations are imposed on the deductibility of contributions to DAFs under the income, gift, and estate tax provisions. Even more alarming for donors and their advisors, the future deductibility of any contributions to DAFs has come under a cloud.
While DAFs certainly vary widely in their provisions and particulars, in general a DAF is a fund or account held by a charitable organization, to which contributions are made by donors who enjoy the privilege of "advising" the sponsoring organization as to what use it may make of the income or principal of the DAF, including what charities may ultimately receive distributions from the DAF. Though they have been utilized since the 1930s,1 and though collectively they now hold "billions of dollars in assets,"2 DAFs have managed to accumulate very little law in these seven decades, at least until the Act. Though they have been considered in a handful of decisions and rulings,3 and are given some discussion in the Treasury Regulations,4 surprisingly before August 17, 2006, they were not even mentioned in the Code itself. Despite their widespread use by community foundations and, more recently, by other charitable organizations as well as commercial firms, given the earlier dearth of law, DAFs may be said to have been relatively untested, even aggressive, charitable tools.
Among the many reasons for the great success of the DAF is its simplicity; a donor who might otherwise have created a private foundation or a supporting organization, with their attendant costs and hassles of establishment and compliance, can instead contribute assets to a DAF with a simple check or wire transfer. If the sponsoring organization qualifies as a public charity, then the donor enjoys the highest deductibility thresholds for the contribution: 50% of adjusted gross income (AGI) for cash gifts, 30% for gifts of appreciated assets, with a 5-year carryover of excess deductions (in contrast to 30% for cash contributions to a private foundation, 20% for gifts of appreciated publicly traded stock, and a harsh "reduce to basis" rule for appreciated nonstock contributions).5 DAFs have been particularly attractive for year-end gifts, for which donors lack the time and often the information to make a careful selection of charitable organizations to receive their contributions. Gifts too small to justify the creation of a private foundation make much more sense in a DAF setting. And while donors sacrifice the control they would have exercised over investments and distributions in a private foundation, the ease, simplicity, and flexibility of contributing to a DAF often more than make up for this loss.
So successful had been community foundations' experience with DAFs, that eventually other traditional charitable organizations created DAFs as a means of attracting new donors and expanding gifts from existing donors. In the 1990s, a number of commercial investment firms, including industry giants Fidelity and Vanguard, formed their own DAF-holding charitable entities.
Mounting Concerns
As is sometimes the case for charitable tools,6 the stunning success of DAFs carried within it the seeds of the new restrictions and limitations now imposed by the Act. Perhaps most provocative of scrutiny and reform was the fact that DAFs were openly marketed as, in effect, substitutes for private foundations. If DAFs permitted donors to avoid the hassles of private foundations, at the same time they avoided the protections against abuse which were rather painstakingly drafted as part of the Tax Reform Act of 1969. Indeed, DAFs were attractive precisely because they avoided these protections. When the large commercial institutions entered the fray, concerns arose as to whether a DAF created by such an institution might be said to inure to the benefit of the founding enterprise.
The proper characterization of the ownership of the DAFs, too, became something of a sticky business. Should contributions to a DAF be considered contributions to the sponsoring organization, as part of meeting its "public support" test requirements?7 Or should the contributions be attributed to the ultimate recipient charity, to meet its own "public support" test requirements? Should both charities be allowed to garner the "public support" test benefits of these DAF contributions?8
And what about the advisory rights and powers retained by the donor? Were they sufficient to constitute an effective limitation on the sponsoring organization's dominion and control over the DAF assets? Were they essentially a form of prohibited private inurement9 to the donors and their family members? Worse, could donors and their advisors find the means to retain effective donor control over the DAF assets, which were supposed to be controlled by the sponsoring organization? And just how real was the charity's dominion and control over the DAF assets, when many sponsoring organizations repeatedly assured their donors that the donor's advice would be followed in virtually all cases (except where a donor advised a grant to a nonqualifying recipient)?
These growing concerns began to spill over into IRS pronouncements. Increasingly strongly worded warnings found their way into the IRS Exempt Organization CPE Texts.10 In the IRS CPE Text for 2001, for example, the Service expressed concerns as to whether the fact that in many DAFs, "distributions from donors may only be triggered by donor recommendations" meant that the charity "lacks dominion and control or 'ownership' over the property." Similar concerns were expressed in the document as to the lack of minimum payout requirements in many DAFs, with the suggestion that a 5% payout, similar to the requirement applicable to private foundations, should be applied to DAFs.
GAO Report
Ultimately, while Congress considered the legislation which emerged as the Act, the General Accounting Office issued its report to the House Ways and Means Committee on DAFs.11 The Report noted a number of abuses associated with DAFs. In one instance, a fund was found to have been offering what it called a "loan program," under which donors to the DAF were able to repossess their donations, with no obligation for repayment.12 In another case, a DAF donor was able to achieve control over the DAF funds by virtue of his control position at the charity which was the ultimate recipient of DAF grants.13 In that situation, the Report noted that, if the DAF form did not exist, the recipient organization would likely have been classified as a private foundation, as it probably could not have met the "public support" tests.14 The preparers of the Report were troubled by examples of websites describing DAFs "as a giving option with all the benefits and advantages of a private foundation, which may mislead potential donors into believing they can retain control over their donation."15
The Report noted the difficulties the GAO had had in attempting to gather information and data about DAFs in preparing the study, noting that "donor-advised fund data are limited because organizations that maintain the funds are not required to separately report fund data from other financial data on Form 990."16 The Report also complained that the "IRS faces challenges gathering evidence or addressing activities that do not seem to benefit charities, but do not violate any law or regulation".17 The Report continued, "[p]romoters, who are inliiduals or entities who facilitate abusive schemes, further complicate IRS's examination efforts."18
The concerns raised in the Report and in the earlier IRS pronouncements and positions, and the solutions these materials proposed, are often reflected in the Act, and provide a basis for understanding what might otherwise be fairly opaque provisions of the Act.
Deductibility Study
The very deductibility of future contributions to DAFs may be imperiled by the Act. Section 1226 of the Act provides that Treasury is to undertake a study on the organization and operation of DAFs, which shall specifically consider whether the income, gift and estate tax deductions for contributions to sponsoring organizations of DAFs are "appropriate," considering the use of the contributed assets (including the type, extent, and timing of such use), or the use of sponsoring organizations' assets for the benefit of the donor or related persons.19 Might the study conclude that contributions to DAFs are no longer deductible? That would certainly be within the province of the Act provision, though perhaps the study may draw a distinction in this regard between "commercial" and noncommercial DAFs. It would seem unlikely that the study would recommend some sort of retroactive disqualification of deductions for contributions to DAFs, beginning August 17, 2006, but that, too, is at least a remote possibility. Of course, Congress may not reflect all of the study's recommendations in new legislation; then again, Congress might go farther than the study recommends. In any event, this "study" provision in the Act is not very encouraging for donors, and contributions to DAFs may well drop in coming months, as advisors come to understand the unpleasant implications of the provision.
The study is also to consider whether DAFs should be required to distribute a specified amount, based on income or assets, to ensure the sponsoring organization is operating consistently with its exempt purposes or function.20 There may well emerge from this aspect of the study a minimum annual distribution requirement similar to the private foundation requirement under Code Section 4942, under which at least 5% of the value of the assets of a particular DAF may be required to be distributed each year to public charities.21
Yet another goal of the study will be to consider whether donors' retention of "rights and privileges" as to donated amounts, "including advisory rights or privileges with respect to the making of grants or the investment of assets," is consistent with treatment of donations to DAFs as completed gifts which qualify for the charitable deduction.22 If a donor's retention of a "right and privilege" to advise with regard to a DAF is to be enough to deny the donor a charitable deduction, then rather clearly this would spell the end of DAFs as we know them. Perhaps the statutory provision is intended merely to give the widest scope and berth for the Treasury's study and recommendations, rather than suggesting that the study draw this conclusion. Given the Service's sensitivity on the issue of DAFs in recent years, however, Treasury could well interpret this provision as a mandate to recommend changes which reach to the boundaries of the "study" provision.
The study is to be submitted to the Senate Finance Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee by August 17, 2007.23 Until the submission of the study and the resultant Congressional action, it must be observed that contributions to DAFs will remain under something of a cloud, and for this reason this "study" provision is arguably the harshest aspect of the new DAF legislation.
New DAF Excise Taxes
The remaining DAF provisions are gathered into Title XII, Subtitle B, Part 2 of the Act, which is pointedly entitled, "Improved Accountability of Donor Advised Funds". The first provision of this Part 2 adds two new Code Sections, Section 4966, relating to taxes on a DAF's "taxable distributions," and Section 4967, taxes on a DAF's "prohibited benefits".
Tax on "Taxable Distributions": New Code Section 4966 officially adds a number of new terms to the DAF lexicon, including, for the first time, a statutory definition of a DAF itself. A "donor advised fund" is defined as a fund or account which: (i) is separately identified by reference to contributions of one or more donors; (ii) is owned and controlled by a "sponsoring organization" (another new term); and (iii) with respect to which a donor (or a donor's appointee or designee) has, or reasonably expects to have, advisory privileges as to the distribution or investment of amounts held in the fund by reason of the donor's status as a donor.24
Expressly excluded from the definition of a "donor advised fund" is any fund or account which makes distributions only to a single identified organization, or to a governmental entity.25 Similarly, a fund or account is excluded from the "donor advised fund" definition if the donor (or the donor's appointee or designee) advises as to inliiduals who are to receive grants for travel, study, or other similar purposes, if: (i) the advisory privileges are performed exclusively in the donor's capacity as a member of a committee appointed by the sponsoring organization; (ii) no combination of donors or related persons directly or indirectly control this committee; and (iii) all grants from the fund or account are awarded on an objective and nondiscriminatory basis following a procedure approved in advance by the sponsoring organization's board of directors,26 the procedure being designed to ensure that all grants meet the requirements of Code Section 4945(g).27 The referenced Code Section 4945(g) describes grants made by private foundations to inliiduals which are awarded on an objective and nondiscriminatory basis under a procedure approved in advance by the Service, and which meet other specified criteria.28
Treasury has the authority to exempt a fund or account from treatment as a "donor advised fund" if the fund or account is advised by a committee which is not controlled, directly or indirectly, by the donor (or the donor's appointee or designee or related parties), or if the fund benefits a single identified charitable purpose.29
The new term "sponsoring organization" is defined as any organization described in Code Section 170(c) (other than Code Section 170(c)(1)) which is not a private foundation, and which maintains one or more "donor advised funds."30 The term "fund manager" is defined as an officer, director, or trustee of the sponsoring organization (or a person with similar powers or responsibilities).31 The term also includes, with regard to a specific act or failure to act, the employees of the sponsoring organization having authority or responsibility as to such act or failure to act.32
This new Code Section imposes a tax of 20% of the amount of each "taxable distribution," which is to be paid by the DAF's sponsoring organization.33 In the familiar pattern of the private foundation excise tax provisions,34 a secondary tax is imposed on "the agreement of any fund manager to the making of a "taxable distribution," if the manager knows that it is a "taxable expenditure."35 This tax of 5% of the amount of the "taxable expenditure" is imposed on the fund manager "who agreed to the making of the distribution." In cases in which more than one fund manager is responsible, the Act provides for joint and several liability,36 to help ensure collection. The maximum amount of tax imposed on fund managers with regard to any one "taxable transaction" is limited to $10,000.37
New Code Section 4966 goes on to define a "taxable expenditure" as "any" distribution from a DAF to a natural person, or to any other person if the distribution is for any purpose other than a Code Section 170(c)(2)(B) purpose,38 or if the sponsoring organization does not exercise "expenditure responsibility" as to the distribution, in accordance with Code Section 4945(h).39 "Expenditure responsibility" consists of seeing that the expenditure is spent solely for the purpose for which it was made, obtaining full and complete reports from the recipient as to how the funds are spent, and making full and detailed reports with respect to such expenditures to the Service.40 The term "taxable expenditure" does not include a distribution from a DAF: to any organization described in Code Section 170(b)(1)(A), other than a "disqualified supporting organization"; to the DAF's own sponsoring organization; or to any other DAF.41
A "disqualified supporting organization," in turn, is defined as any Type III supporting organization (other than a "functionally integrated" Type III supporting organization).42 Hence, it will now be crucially important for a DAF to determine the precise nature of its intended grant recipients, in order to avoid the new Code Section 4966 tax. Briefly stated, a "Type III" supporting organization (SO) is a Code Section 509(a)(3) organization which is "operated in connection with" one or more supported public charities. While many Type III SOs are essentially grant-making organizations, which support their supported public charities through direct grants, other Type III SOs support their public charities by carrying on their own charitable activities which, but for the supporting organization's involvement, would normally be carried on by the supported charity itself. These "activities" Type III SOs are now termed "functionally integrated" Type III SOs in the Act, and it is this variety which is exempted from the definition of "disqualified supporting organizations" under new Code Section 4966(d)(4)(A)(i).43 However, Type III SOs have long been permitted to vary their operations from year to year from grant-making to carrying on their own activities. So how can a DAF and its sponsoring organization determine with any certainty whether a Type III is of the "not so good," grant-making variety, or the "good," activities variety? Well, this is not clear from the Act, and a further complication is that IRS letters of determination which are issued to SOs do not usually specify whether a supporting organization is a Type I, Type II, or Type III SO, let alone whether a Type III is an activities Type III versus a grant-making Type III. Perhaps the DAF's sponsoring organization can attempt to secure a statement from the Type III SO, or from counsel, as to which variety of Type III it is. Faced with these difficulties, it may well be that sponsoring organizations may simply opt for the easier alternative–declining as a matter of policy to make gifts to any Type III SOs, though that is a more conservative procedure than is called for by the Act.
Grantmaking Type III SOs are not the only types of SOs which fall within the new Code Section 4966(d)(4) "disqualified supporting organization" category. Type I SOs44 and Type II SOs45 also fall within this category, if: (i) the donor (or the donor's designee with regard to advising on distributions) or related parties control the SO, directly or indirectly, or the Secretary determines by regulations that a distribution to an SO is otherwise inappropriate.46
The new Code Section 4966 tax applies to taxable years beginning after August 17, 2006.47
Tax on "Prohibited Benefits": New Code Section 4967 imposes a tax on what are termed "prohibited benefits" involving a DAF. This new provision imposes a very steep tax on "the advice of" certain persons to have a sponsoring organization make a distribution from a DAF which results in a direct or indirect benefit to a noncharity which is more than an incidental benefit. This new tax is imposed at the rate of 125% of the benefit, and is imposed on the person who advises as to the distribution, or who receives the benefit as a result of the distribution.48 The category of persons subject to the tax are the persons described in Code Section 4958(f)(7), a new subsection of the "excess benefit transaction" provisions which also is added by the Act.49 The category consists of persons described in new Code Section 4966(d)(2)(A)(iii), namely, "advising" donors (or their appointees or designees). Also included in this category are members of the family of the "advising" donors or their surrogates,50 and entities which are 35-percent controlled entities with regard to the "advising" donors.51
A lesser tax of 10% of the benefit is imposed on the agreement of any fund manager to the making of the offending distribution from the DAF in circumstances in which the fund manager knew that the distribution would confer the taxable benefit, and the tax is to be paid by that fund manager.52 No tax is to be imposed under this new provision if a tax has been imposed on the benefit distribution under Code Section 4958, the "excess benefit transaction" provision.53 Joint and several liability is applied to the "advising" donor and related parties, and to the fund managers who agreed to the distribution.54 The tax imposed on any one distribution upon fund managers is limited to $10,000;55 there is no equivalent limit for the "advising" donor category, however.
This new tax applies in taxable years beginning after August 17, 2006.56
Note that new Code Section 4967 offers precious little guidance as to exactly what sorts of DAF distributions may be treated as conferring a taxable benefit upon the "advising" donor or related parties, or precisely what sorts of benefits will be treated as involving a direct or indirect benefit which is more than an incidental benefit. While this might be said to be a drafting oversight, it is probable that the danger category was intentionally left vaguely defined. Presumably, the purely psychic rewards to a donor who feels good about advising a DAF grant are not enough by themselves to trigger the new tax, and are "incidental." Would the benefit of being able to brag to friends, neighbors and business associates be sufficient? Probably not, though it is conceivable that a business owner's use of the DAF distribution to boost the business's goodwill or prestige, and to help it in the marketplace in general or in a pending transaction specifically, might just possibly be enough. Hopefully, authoritative guidance will emerge quickly on this key issue; without it, virtually any DAF distribution might conceivably trigger the new tax, and this uncertainty could prompt some DAFs, their donors, and their sponsoring charities, to refrain from making DAF distributions altogether, a stance which would defeat other goals of the new legislation.
Application of Excess Benefit Transactions Tax to DAFs
Section 1232 of the Act extends the Code Section 4958 tax on "excess benefit transactions" expressly to DAFs. Two new subsections are added to the Code Section 4958(f) definition of the term "disqualified person." The first new subsection adds the category of DAF "advisor" donors (and their surrogates), as well as family members and 35-percent controlled entities.57 The second new subsection adds the category of "investment advisors," their family members, and 35-percent controlled entities.58 An "investment advisor" is defined as any person, other than an employee of a sponsoring organization, who is compensated by the sponsoring organization for managing the investment of assets held in the sponsoring organization's DAFs, or providing investment advice with respect to such assets.59
Code Section 4958(c) is also amended to add 'Special Rules for Donor Advised Funds.'60 These new provisions define "excess benefit transaction" to include any grant, loan, compensation, or other similar payment from a DAF to an "advisor" donor or surrogate, family members, or 35-percent controlled entities.61 Similarly, the term "excess benefit" is defined to include the amount of any such grant, loan, compensation or other similar payment.62
Code Section 4958(f)(6) defines the terms "correction" and "correct" to mean, as to any "excess benefit transaction," undoing the excess benefit to the extent possible, and taking any additional steps needed to place the organization in a financial position not worse than had the highest fiduciary standards been observed. Under an amendment to this provision, in the case of a "correction" of an "excess benefit transaction" involving a grant, loan or compensation to an "advisor" donor and related parties, no amount repaid in a manner prescribed by Treasury may be held in any donor advised fund.63 Despite the relative lack of clarity of the drafting (the term "repaid" in the amended language has no referent in the older language in Code Section 4958(f)(6)), this appears to mean that, if an "excess benefit" in the form of a grant, loan or compensation is repaid to the sponsoring organization, it cannot be placed back into the DAF (or any other DAF). This is presumably designed to help avoid the temptation to repeat the "excess benefit transaction" by the same donor from the same (or another) DAF, at least as to that particular amount which is "repaid."
These new DAF "excess benefit transaction" provisions apply to transactions occurring after August 17, 2006.64
Application of Excess Business Holdings Tax to DAFs
Code Section 4943 imposes an excise tax on the "excess business holdings" of a private foundation. Briefly to summarize, a private foundation's ownership interest in a business enterprise which, when added to the holdings in that enterprise owned by disqualified persons, exceed 20% of the ownership of the enterprise, constitute "excess business holdings."65 A de minimis safe harbor is recognized for a private foundation's holdings of up to 2% of the enterprise.66
The Act amends Code Section 4943 to treat DAFs as private foundations for purposes of the tax on "excess business holdings."67 Consequently, DAFs must now determine whether or not their assets include "excess business holdings," and if so, must liest themselves of such holdings down to permissible levels. In applying Code Section 4943 to DAFs, the term "disqualified person" is defined as an "advisor" donor or surrogate, a family member, and a 35-percent controlled entity.68 Some relief to the severity of this extension of the tax on "excess business holdings" is afforded by the provisions relating to the 5-year period to dispose of certain holdings, under Code Section 4943(c).69
These changes apply to taxable years beginning after August 17, 2006.70
Charitable Deductions for Contributions to DAFs
Anticipating the Treasury's deductibility "study" discussed earlier, Section 1234 of the Act adds new restrictions and limitations on the deductibility of contributions to DAFs under the income, gift, and estate tax provisions. For income tax purposes, Code Section 170(f) is amended to add new Code Section 170(f)(18), under which deductions for contributions to DAFs are allowed only if certain conditions are met. First, the DAF's sponsoring organization must not be a type of organization described in Code Section 170(c)(3), (4), or (5).71 This eliminates the deductibility of contributions to DAFs operated by posts or organizations of war veterans or affiliated organizations, by fraternal lodges and similar organizations, or by cemetery companies. Second, the DAF's sponsoring organization must not be a grant-making Type III SO (but may be an "activities," or "functionally integrated" SO).72 In addition, the taxpayer seeking the deduction must obtain a contemporaneous written acknowledgment from the sponsoring organization that it has exclusive legal control over the assets contributed to the DAF.73 Similar new changes are made to the estate tax charitable deduction provisions,74 and to the gift tax charitable deduction provisions.75
These changes to the deductibility of contributions to DAFs apply to contributions made after 180 days following August 17, 2006.76
Returns and Applications of Sponsoring Organizations
The Act amends Code Section 6033 to provide for additional requirements relating to the annual returns filed by sponsoring organizations. The returns must meet these new requirements: (1) they must list the total number of DAFs owned by the sponsoring organization at the end of the taxable year; (2) they must indicate the aggregate value of assets held in the DAFs at the end of the taxable year; and (3) they must indicate the aggregate contributions to and grants from the DAFs during the taxable year.77
These changes apply to returns filed for taxable years beginning after August 17, 2006.78 Presumably, the Service will revise Form 990 accordingly before 2007.
Finally, as to applications filed for recognition of tax-exempt status of sponsoring organizations, such organizations are now required to give notice to Treasury (in the manner Treasury is to provide) as to whether the organization maintains or intends to maintain DAFs, and the manner in which the organization plans to operate the DAFs.79
These changes apply to organizations applying for tax-exempt status after August 17, 2006.80 Form 1023 will be revised to request this additional information.
How can the many thousands of existing DAFs most effectively cope with these sweeping new changes? A number of action steps should be considered at once. First, the DAF should begin making annual distributions of at least 5% of the value of its assets; for while the payout requirement ultimately to be adopted following the Treasury "study" is not yet clear, it will be safer for the DAF to adopt a temporary minimum payout requirement now. Limiting donor's "advice" to matters of distributions, as opposed to investments, might also be prudent in light of the "study" provisions, at least through August 17, 2007 when the "study" is to be presented. As for the cloud on deductibility posed by the "study," it would be impractical as well as overly conservative for sponsoring organizations to decline to accept contributions to DAFs for a year, though some may opt for this approach to provide maximum temporary protection against the possible defeat of donors' expectations.
Beyond the still somewhat nebulous "study" penumbra, DAFs and their sponsoring organizations should promptly adopt policies to ensure they handle distributions in such a manner as to avoid triggering the new tax on "taxable distributions." While the related tax on "prohibited benefits" is nearly as elusive as the "study" provisions, DAFs should strive to eliminate the incidence of anything which might look like a "prohibited benefit" to a donor or related party, at least until firmer guidance emerges. No payments to a donor or related party of a grant, loan, compensation, or similar payments should ever be made, to avoid triggering the tax on "excess benefit transactions." The DAF's assets should be reviewed quickly to determine whether they have "excess business holdings," and if so, should be liested. DAF grants should not be made to grantmaking Type III SOs, and DAFs and their sponsoring organizations will need to adopt a protocol to enable them to identify the precise nature of the exemption of grant candidates. Finally, annual returns and applications for new sponsoring organizations should conform fully with the Act's requirements, even if the Service is not able to develop new forms within the deadlines imposed by the Act.
1"Tax-Exempt Organizations: Collecting More Data on Donor-Advised Funds and Supporting Organizations Could Help Address Compliance Challenges," US Government Accountability Office Report to the Chairman, Committee on Ways and Means, House of Representatives (July 2006), p. 6 (hereafter, "GAO Report").
2GAO Report, p. 1.
3See, e.g., Fund for Anonymous Gifts v. IRS, 194 F.3d 173 (DC Cir. 1999); PLR 200037053; GCM 39875.
4See, e.g., Treas. Reg. §1.170A-9(e)(11).
5See Code Section 170.
6For example, charitable remainder trusts and, more recently, supporting organizations, come to mind as having fallen within this unfelicitous category.
7See Code Section 170(b)(1)(A)(iv).
8For a good discussion of these and other DAF concerns, see Bruce R. Hopkins, The Law of Tax-Exempt Organizations (8th ed. 2003), at pp. 307-17.
9See Code Section 501(c)(3).
10See, e.g., IRS Exempt Organizations CPE Text for FY 2000, Part P, 2C, pp. 143-44; IRS Exempt Organization CPE Text for FY 2001, Topic G(3).
11GAO Report.
12GAO Report, p. 26.
13GAO Report, p. 27.
14GAO Report, pp. 27-28.
15GAO Report, p. 35.
16GAO Report, p. 1.
17GAO Report, p. 1.
18GAO Report, p. 1.
19Act, Section 1226(a)(1).
20Act, Section 1226(a)(2).
21See I.R.C. §4942(e).
22Act, Section 1226(a)(3).
23Act, Section 1226(b).
24New Code Section 4966(d)(2)(A).
25New Code Section 4966(d)(2)(B)(i).
26Presumably in the case of a sponsoring organization organized as a charitable trust rather than as a nonprofit corporation, it is the trustee or trustees which are to approve of this procedure.
27New Code Section 4966(d)(2)(B)(ii).
28Under Code Section 4945(g), these grantmaking procedures are to be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Service to constitute either: (1) a scholarship or fellowship grant to be used for study at an educational institution described in Code Section 170(b)(1)(A)(ii), a prize or award subject to Code Section 74(b) if the recipient is selected from the general public, or a grant made to achieve a specific objective, produce a report, or improve or enhance a literary, artistic, musical, scientific, teaching, or similar capacity, skill or talent of the grantee.
29New Code Section 4966(d)(2)(C).
30New Code Section 4966(d)(1).
31New Code Section 4966(d)(3)(A).
32New Code Section 4966(d)(3)(B).
33New Code Section 4966(a)(1).
34See Code Sections 4941-4945.
35New Code Section 4966(a)(2).
36New Code Section 4966(b)(1).
37New Code Section 4966(b)(2).
38Code Section 170(c)(2)(B) lists "religious, charitable, scientific, literary, or educational purposes, or to foster national or international sports competition . . ., or for the prevention of cruelty to children or animals".
39New Code Section 4966(c)(1).
- 40Code Section 4945(h).
41New Code Section 4966(c)(2).
42New Code Section 4966(d)(4)(A)(i).
43For a discussion of these and other aspects of the treatment of supporting organizations under the Act, see Gerald B. Treacy, "What's Left of SOs?", Trusts & Estates (October 2006), pp. 28ff.
44A Type I SO is one which is operated, supervised or controlled by one or more supported charities; typically this variety is characterized by the right of the supported charities to designate a majority of the members of the SO's governing body.
45A Type II SO is one which is supervised or controlled in connection with one or more supported charities; this variety is often characterized by having common control exercised by the governing bodies of both the SO and its supported charity, and is relatively uncommon.
46New Code Section 4966(d)(4)(A)(ii).
47Act, Section 1232(c).
48New Code Section 4967(a)(1).
49Act, Section 1232(a)(2).
50See new Code Section 4958(f)(7)(B).
51See new Code Section 4958(f)(7)(C).
52New Code Section 4967(a)(2). Apparently this secondary tax would not apply to a fund manager who did not actually know, but reasonably should have known, that the distribution would confer the taxable benefit.
53New Code Section 4967(b).
54New Code Section 4967(c)(1).
55New Code Section 4967(c)(2).
56Act, Section 1231(c).
57Code Section 4958(f)(1)(D), added by Act, Section 1232(a)(1). See Code Section 4958(f)(7), added by Act, Section 1232(a)(2).
58Code Section 4958(f)(1)(E), added by Act, Section 1232(a)(1). See Code Section 4958(f)(8), added by Act, Section 1232(a)(2).
59Code Section 4958(f)(8)(B), added by Act, Section 1232(a)(2).
60Act, Section 1232(b)(1), adding new Code Section 4958(c)(2).
61New Code Section 4958(c)(2)(A).
62New Code Sectoin 4958(c)(2)(B).
63Code Section 4958(f)(6), as amended by Act, Section 1232(b)(2).
64Act, Section 1232(c).
65Code Section 4943(c).
66Code Section 4943(2)(C).
67Code Section 4943(e)(1), added by Act, Section 1233(a).
68Code Section 4943(e)(2), added by Act, Section 1233(a).
69Act, Section 1233(a).
70Act, Section 1233(b).
71Code Section 170(f)(18)(A)(i), added by Act, Section 1234(a).
72Code Section 170(f)(18)(A)(ii), added by Act, Section 1234(a).
73Code Section 170(f)(18)(B).
74Code Section 2055(e)(5), added by Act, Section 1234(b).
75Code Section 2522(c)(5), added by Act, Section 1234(c).
76Act, Section 1234(d).
77Code Section 6033(k), added by Act, Section 1235(a).
78Act, Section 1235(a)(2).
79Code Section 508(f), added by Act, Section 1235(b).
80Act, Section 1235(b)(2).


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In addition to Julia Murney and Sarah Rice (Johanna in the original Sweeney Todd), the performance roster included Telly Leung, Tituss Burgess, Lisa Asher, Natalie Douglas, Larry Hamilton, Joe Iconis, Trent Armand Kendall, Phyllis Pastore, Marybeth Purdy, Anne Runolfsson, Niki Scalera, Stephen Wallem, JoAnn Yeoman, Karen Mack and Jonathan Whitton.
Len Cariou, who was previously announced to perform at the concert, was not present due to a last-minute filming schedule conflict.
Each concert has featured an actor who originated a role in a Sondheim musical. Previous guests included Danielle Ferland (Louise in Sunday in the Park…, Little Red in Into the Woods), Pamela Myers (Marta in Company) and Annie Golden (Lynette "Squeaky" Fromme in Assassins).
Here's a look at the concert:
Julia Murney, Sarah Rice and More Present Sondheim, Unplugged


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Audi currently has a range of models that carry a lower case 'e' as part of their title to denote their fuel-efficiency prowess, but a new report has revealed the carmaker is planning a new family of eco-friendly vehicles, codenamed E1 to E5 and spanning everything from minicars to performance models. Unlike the existing e designated cars, which were based on standard models already in production, the new E range will consist of unique standalone vehicles. According to CAR, the first vehicle of the new E range has been given the green light.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Report: Audi working on five new ecological models
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I called this 'looking after your mouth' rather than 'looking after your teeth' for a reason. Dentists don't just look after your teeth! Continue reading "Looking after your Mouth – Part 1 – Brushing"
I called this 'looking after your mouth' rather than 'looking after your teeth' for a reason. Dentists don't just look after your teeth! Continue reading "Looking after your Mouth – Part 1 – Brushing"
I don't think anyone needs me to state the obvious by saying that modern life is hectic. It seems that there are more demands on our time than ever before. I'm sure I'm not the only one that frequently finds themselves frustratedly saying, "I just haven't got the time !!!" Continue reading "I'm Sorry, I Haven't Got Time…."
My son had a dummy. I am a dentist and my son had a dummy. Dummies are not evil. They are not wrong. Some babies take to them and others do not. My little girl never had a dummy and has never sucked her thumb or fingers. Every child is different. Continue reading "Ditching the Dummy!"
I know it's only one day. I know it's lovely to celebrate as a family and yes, chocolate eggs are traditional at Easter but do we definitely need to be overloading our kids with sugar? I think it's perfectly okay for children to have a small chocolate Easter egg but why not mix things up a little and do an Easter Egg hunt with different prizes for a change? Continue reading "Chocolate Free Easter Egg Fillers"
I previously wrote a blog post about how I wasn't going to potty train my 2 year old and I am now happy to say that our lovely little bundle of fun is not wearing nappies during the day any more. He is 3 and a half years old and due to start school in September shortly after he turns 4 so it does come as a welcome relief.
Continue reading "No More Nappies (an update on developing toilet use habits)"
A new Change4LIfe campaign has been launched in the UK regarding the choice of healthier snacks for children which aims to help combat childhood obesity and reduce the daily intake of sugar.
From a dentists point of view this is great! We really want kids to have less sugar, especially as the number of tooth extractions on children under the age of four is steadily increasing (further info)
So how much sugar is too much?
Have you made your New Years Resolutions yet? Are they along the lines of 'I should lose weight', 'I should exercise more', 'I should spend more time on myself', 'I should start a cleaning routine'? If so, then stop!!! Read this and I hope it will give you a new way of thinking about what you want to achieve this year. Continue reading "The New Years Resolutions we Should Avoid"
I am a dentist as well as being a mum and as such I will not be denying my son any involvement in the fun of Halloween. I'm not likely to take him out 'trick or treating' this year purely because I won't get back from work in time but it is definitely something he will be able to take part with in the future.
Does that shock you? Continue reading "5 Tips to stop Halloween Treats from playing A Trick on your Children's Teeth"
We booked our trip to Bluestone early in 2017 having heard from some friends about it's existence and about how good it is for families. They have returned to Bluestone with their son for the last 3 years and after hearing of their recommendation we decided to book a break in October 2017 which happily coincided with their next stay.
Part of the reason we wanted to go in October was to tie it in with my husbands and my birthdays at the start of October and with Z having another year before starting school we thought we would take advantage of an out of school holiday break.
At the time of booking we didn't know I would be 34 weeks pregnant when we stayed at the resort.
Continue reading "Bluestone Resort: Our Free Range Family Adventure"
Children's teeth fall out don't they? So why do we need to look after them? Kids get a second set, a second chance to have clean and healthy teeth so why do we need to invest our valuable time looking after baby teeth that will be replaced anyway?
Trust me!
Those baby teeth are precious and a whole host of problems can develop if they are not looked after from birth.


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(Bahria Town Lahore Branch) Plan and execute all SEO activities. Carry out On-page & Off-page activities: On-page/Off-page analysis, strategies & execution.
• Content Strategies & content requirement monitoring for SEO.
• Responsible for optimization of the blog post.
• Regular keyword ranking checking. Create SEO monthly reports.
• Researching & making SEO proposals. Regular SEO audits and website sanity checks.
• Keep up to date with the latest trends in SEO and informing the team on a weekly basis.
• Monitoring SEO results for the clients and reporting to the assigned line manager.
• Contribute to website/SEO audits/keyword research/strategies for pitches. Daily to Project Manager/Digital Marketing head-on tasks finished before EOD.
• Keep up to date on the latest SEO tactics.
• Ability to handle multiple clients and deliver results (get them on the 1st page of Search Engines Google)
• Work on tools to streamline the internal process for execution and deliver the best for the company.
• Motivate and manage the team effectively towards SEO goals and company objectives
Required Skills:
SEO, SEM, Search Engine Optimization, Internet Marketing, Online Marketing, Digital Marketing, eMail Marketing, Link Builder, Google Ads, Facebook Ads


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I partnered with America to do a series of sidebars, looking through the data in the survey of 1500 Catholic women in America that the magazine produced in partnership with the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate. Here are links to my four short pieces: The Prayer Lives of Catholic Women We asked women about… Read More
The couple that writes Star Wars takes together…
My husband and I enjoyed seeing The Last Jedi, and we both wrote up appreciations of the film. At Aleteia, I wrote "Kylo Ren: The Star Wars not-quite-villain whose temptations are familiar" The combination of great power and great irresponsibility would be enough to make for a challenging antagonist, but Kylo Ren is more than just… Read More
Mary McCarthy, Masks, and Identity
I read Mary McCarthy's The Company She Keeps, after reading B.D. McClay's Commonweal essay in appreciation of her work. This novel of linked short stories what what Barbara recommended I begin with. (I had forgotten I'd read McCarthy's The Stones of Florence). Here's one passage I particularly enjoyed: Perhaps at last she had found him, the one she kept… Read More
Books I Plan to Read in 2018
This year, I read all but one of the books on my Books to Read in 2017 list. Spiritual Letters by Dom John Chapman is in progress (so it doesn't have its checkmark yet), but I didn't read The Intellectual Life: Its Spirit, Conditions, Methods by A.G. Sertillanges, O.P. for the second year in a row, so it's coming… Read More
Origen on "Lead Us Not Into Temptation"
The internet (and the Pope) are discussing the Lord's Prayer plea that God "not lead us into temptation" which brings up the obvious question: why would God lead us into temptation—is it a trap? It's not a new question, and, when our monthly spiritual reading bookclub picked up Tertullian, Cyprian, And Origen On The Lord's Prayer, Origen… Read More
My Favorite Books of 2017
Nonfiction about prisoners and dead bodies, just one work of fiction (alas!) about tiny dragons, lunar tipplers, and attack oragami. These were my favorite books I read for the first time this year, or, technicallyDec 2016-Nov 2017. I like to put the list together a little early each year, in the hopes of getting some… Read More
Consent isn't the Opposite of Louis C.K.
Consent, as the primary criterion for sexual ethics, thinks too small. The careful, consent-seeking lover seeks to use his own strength correctly and responsibly. If a lover of this type finds that his strength is a little too daunting, a little too hard to wield cautiously, the solution is to find ways to limit his… Read More
The Friedmans' Crypto Dinner Parties
Several years ago, I read William and Elizebeth Friedman's The Shakespeare Ciphers Examined and had a blast. Two crypto experts, in their spare time from beating the Nazis, wrote a witty, elegant guide to why most conspiracy theories about Shakespeare's true identity are wrong (and they teach you a lot of the logic of crypto along… Read More
The Dangers of Keeping Sorrow Secret
Douthat's column suggest that it's a mistake to assume that misery is always an imposition, something that can't be "anything but terrifying." If nothing else, he writes, sharing misery is a kind of truth-telling. The more pressure we feel to keep it private, the more warped our view of the world becomes. [...] Sharing sorrow… Read More
Destroying Marriage, a Diptych
From the New York Times, a feature on the new Argentine trend of throwing fake weddings to enjoy the spectacle and the celebration. In case there was any doubt, as the couple (hired actors) left the stage, colored lights flashed, the disc jockey started the music pumping, and the announcement was made to the paying guests:… Read More


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Ever imagined that you would think about ironing with a smile on your face? No? And we are not surprised at all. Everything has changed since we invested in a Bosch iron with a steam generator.
Until now, when it was necessary to iron something using a regular iron, we treated it as one of Sisyphean works. It is not known how much we would not iron, the creases were visible anyway. Apart from the fact how many times blouses or shirts after ironing had shiny marks on them. We have described the iron for a long time (one and a half years). After such a long time, we can objectively present its pros and cons that we have experienced with a clear conscience.
The power of the iron is very important. The absolute minimum is 2800W, and 3200W is enough for us to be completely happy
The purchase of this iron was preceded by a period of long searching for the perfect device. We mainly paid attention to the iron's power so that it was not too weak. The absolute minimum is 2800 W, and 3200 W is enough for us to be completely happy. Another important factor for us when choosing ironing equipment was its resistance to iron foot scratches. It is important that the foot was ceramic, come on now it is a certain standard. Especially if we choose an iron from the so-called top price shelf. We can confirm that the iron we have purchased has not even the smallest scratch so far. The self-cleaning function will help us keep the soleplate in perfect condition. When choosing an iron with a steam generator, it is important that the iron has the right parameters. And so ours Bosch Sensixx'x iron can produce 65g g / min. This guarantees pleasant, accurate and most importantly fast ironing. In addition, if we are not enough, we can generate additional steam bursts with power 200g / min. Believe it or not, but the creases, even the most persistent ones, have no chance at such a steam shot.
See also the post about what water to use for the iron: click
Before buying as important as the above factors was the fact that this iron has an anti-lime system. If you have hard or very hard water like us, this system will protect your iron from damage. Here is a little digression, learn from our mistakes! To fully protect the iron against damage, follow the instructions in the manual and descale the iron using the preparation once a quarter and once a month with water only. In addition, it will be better to invest in hard water demineralized water. The cost of such water is about 3 PLN / 5l. An additional advantage of the iron is the vertical steam output. This is very helpful when ironing items such as jackets or dresses. Another plus of the device is the drip stop. The iron has several programs.
We most often use iTemp (a program that automatically adjusts the iron temperature to the ironed fabric) and AntiShine (preventing shiny clothes, especially dark and delicate. I use this program when ironing silk blouses). As for the soleplate, we confirm that this function works. However, the problem of running water appears after using the so-called washer. I use it very rarely because the couple does their work.
If we are with defects in the iron, then certainly with a large amount of ironing at once, filling the tank can be a hassle. We met with opinions that the iron is loud. Yes, but if the water tank is already empty. Then the steam generator works louder. The device cable is long enough and flexible. It rotates around its axis, so using the iron becomes even easier. And something else for forgetful. When you forget to turn off the iron, don't worry about it. Unused it will turn off after a few minutes.


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New Jersey, Long Island, and Brooklyn are all very different places, especially if you're from these parts. People outside the tri-state area might not care, but it matters to us. Hometown pride is next level around here, but we are deadass about our team pride. Maybe you came up with Erving in the 70s, Williams in the 80s or Kidd in the 00s- it's not important. The Nets are your team, no matter what. Carry a symbol of that love wherever you go by sliding a Brooklyn Nets Snap onto your hat.
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-Eco-friendly zinc base + colored enamel facing
-Debossed PU leather pad on backing
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Length: 85.2 mm
Height: 24.4 mm
Depth: 17 mm
Weight: 32 grams
Orders ship within 1 business day.
100% Money back guarantee. Return it in as-new condition within 30 days for a full refund if you don't love your Snap.