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Getting Started
Starting volunteering can be a daunting prospect for some, especially if you haven't volunteering before. No need to worry, staff at Volunteer Midlothian will provide the necessary information and support to get you started.
If you know what you want to do, you can access information about volunteering opportunties by searching our on-line database using the search function on this page.
If you would like to find out more about what's involved in volunteering and get some advice on the opportuntiiy that's right for you then call us on 0131 660 1216.
If you feel you would need one-to-one support to get into volunteering then see the information about our the additional support we can offer.
In deciding what type of volunteering is right for you it may help you to think through the folowing questions:
- What skills, qualities and interests do I have to offer?
- Am I able to take on a commitment to voluntary work?
- What would I like to get out of it for myself? Could this be achieved by doing voluntary work?
- Is there anything that would influence or restrict my choice of volunteering role?
- Would I need support? If so, how much and from whom?
- How much information about myself would I want to share with an organisation?
- How often would I want to volunteer and for how long?
Once you've found a possible placement it might be worth asking them the following questions:
- Ask for a clear description of the work you will be expected to do.
- Who will show you what to do and supervise and support you in your work? Will you get supervision sessions or will it be less formal than that?
- What about expenses? Volunteers should not be out of pocket for the work they do. Ideally, though it won't always be possible, an organisation should cover expenses such as travel, lunch and childcare.
- What about insurance? eg. If you are doing driving, do you need tell your car insurance company?
- How often will you be expected to do voluntary work and for how many hours each time?
- How long is the volunteering likely to last?
- Who do you tell if you can't make it that week?
Once you've been through these questions you may want to find opportunities straight away by using the search form on this page or contact us to talk it through with an advisor.
Volunteer now!
Search hundreds of opportunities in Midlothian. Find a volunteering opportunity that suits you.
Volunteering FAQ
Why get involved as a volunteer?
People volunteer for many different reasons. Making a difference to the lives of others is immensely rewarding, but the benefits don't stop there. Volunteering can give you the skills and confidence you need to get into work, climb the career ladder or expand your circle of friends.
Who can be a volunteer?
Anyone can contribute. For most of the work no experience is required – just a willingness to get involved and help. Training is usually provided for more involved volunteer roles.
What commitment do I have to make?
The time commitment you make to volunteering depends largely on the type of work you are interested in. Some organisations ask for a few hours per month; others a few days a week. It is usually up to you and the organisation involved to arrange suitable times for you to work.
Can I volunteer whilst claiming benefits?
Yes. You can volunteer for as many hours as you want, as long as you still meet the conditions to get your benefit or tax credit. The old rule that you could only volunteer for 16 hours a week or less no longer applies. Any out of pocket expenses you receive will usually be disregarded when it comes to working out your income. We advise that if you are receiving benefits that you let you Job Centre Advisor know before you start volunteering - they may ask you to complete a form which details where you are going to volunteer, how many hours you plan to do and what expenses will be reimbursed.
Will my expenses be paid?
It is good practice for organisations to pay volunteers' expenses to cover things like travel expenses and meal allowances. However not all organisations do, so it is worth checking before you start to volunteer.
I want to work with children or vulnerable people - do I need to join the PVG Scheme?
Volunteering that brings you into contact with children, or with people who are considered vulnerable will require a more stringent selection process which may include Protection of Vulnerable Groups Check. This involves completing a form detailing your previous addresses and provided proof of identity. You will not pay anything for this. Having a criminal conviction or contact with the police does not automatically bar someone from volunteering with children or vulnerable people – but it is worth seeking confidential advice from staff at Volunteer Midlothian before you go any further.
What support does Volunteer Midlothian offer?
Starting volunteering can be a daunting prospect, especially if you have never volunteered before. Our staff will be happy to make the initial contact for you and may be able to come with you on your first visit if you feel that will help. We will also keep in touch with you and the organisation you volunteer with to make sure things are going smoothly. We can also tailor support for those who feel they need a little more help to get started and to maintain their volunteering..


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subset: commoncrawl


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Gnarled, ancient cypress trees rise from the murky water that surrounds them. A swirling fog is slightly illuminated by the pale moonlight that casts faint shadows on the water's surface. The twisted branches of the trees stretch over the swampy depths like hundreds of bony witches' fingers offering up the lacy, webbed moss that clings to them. An alligator slips silently from the shoreline and disappears into the muddy depths, just as a high-pitched cry breaks the silence … is it the alligator's prey, or could it be the howl of the Rougarou?
Happy October! The above scene was inspired by Manchac Swamp near New Orleans, Lousiana – one of the creepiest places on earth. A Rougarou – a Cajun-style werewolf — is said to roam the swamp, looking for unwitting victims. Another legend involves a woman who practiced voodoo. She would sit in a rocking chair on her front porch and sing about taking everyone with her when she died. On the very day of her funeral, a hurricane struck and whole towns were decimated. The voodoo priestess, Julie White, is said to haunt the swamp.
With stories such as these, it is no wonder that New Orleans is considered one of the country's most haunted cities – rivaled only by Savannah, Georgia. The French Mississippi Company, led by Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne de Bienville, founded New Orleans on May 7, 1718, making it one of the oldest cities in the nation.
The history of New Orleans is fascinating. Before the French settlers arrived, the swamp that became New Orleans was used as a sacred burial place by Indians. Speaking of the settlers, they weren't exactly upstanding citizens. Because New Orleans was a swamp, the wealthy Parisians weren't keen on the idea of leaving their comfortable homes to settle in such a harsh environment. The King of France handled this small problem by hauling prisoners out of confinement and shipping them over to work as laborers. The criminals were faced with horrifying living conditions in their new home, ranging from snakes and alligators to disease and natural disasters. Yellow fever epidemics, hurricanes, major fires, and war killed many of the settlers.
During the Revolutionary War, New Orleans was a vital port that smuggled aid to the rebel troops and transported equipment and supplies up the Mississippi River. The Battle of New Orleans, the final battle in the War of 1812, occurred in 1815 on the grounds of Chalmette Plantation. Today, the battlefield is a national historic monument, along with the Chalmette National Cemetery.
With such a long and tumultuous history, it's no wonder New Orleans has its haunted reputation. One of the most famous locations is the Lalaurie House, which was built in 1831 by Dr. Louis Lalaurie and his wife Delphine. As respected members of high society, it was quite astonishing when, battling a blaze that erupted at their home, firefighters discovered slaves, beaten and malnourished, chained to the walls. The couple apparently had a "laboratory" used to mutilate many of their slaves. It is said that Delphine and several slaves haunt the house.
Marie Laveau, nicknamed the "Voodoo Queen of New Orleans," supposedly haunts the oldest cemetery in the city, St. Louis No. 1, which dates to 1789. Residents and visitors alike still visit her grave and leave candles, flowers, Mardi Gras beads, and other offerings. Laveau is said to wander the cemetery mumbling a voodoo curse to trespassers – a curse loud enough to sometimes be heard by those walking by on Rampart Street.
New Orleans is rich with history, culture, music, and historic architecture. As the cool sounds of jazz waft along the sultry air and street artists capture the city's beauty on canvas, it's easy to see why some may choose not to leave this amazing place … ever.
If you want to live in a gorgeous city wrapped in elegance with a hint of mystery, give a New Orleans apartment a try! From amazing restaurants and shops to the dazzling spectacle of Mardi Gras to the legendary iron balconies of the French Quarter, New Orleans glitters with unrivaled flamboyance.
Just don't wander out into the swamp alone …


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We are having a short cold front this week. It is in the low 30s but feel much colder here in SE Texas. It is suppose to go up to the 70s by tomorrow, only in Texas.
My busy season has started at work, as I work for a CPA and it is tax time. I have been tired and have not gotten as much stitching done on my WIPs as I would have liked. But, I always say any number of stitches is progress, right.
I did go with my daughter to Alvin, TX on Friday night and watched my granddaughter ride and compete in the YRA youth rodeo. She did really good this week. She placed 8th in pole bending and 11th in barrels. Always love watching her ride. I also enjoyed my Beta Sigma Phi Boots and Bling Valentine Ball on Saturday night. A number of us stay at the hotel on Saturday night after the ball and enjoy breakfast together before going home. The ball started off with a before party, then a cowboy vittles meal, dancing, and an after party. What fun.
Here are my pictures of the WIPs I stitched on this past week and a few from the dance.
1. The Button Up Birdies #2, January Tree Sparrow and February Whiskey Jack, designed by Cathy Jean for The Victoria Sampler.
Christmas Animals – Heaven And Earth
"K"-Knitting - Stitcher's Alphabet – Brookes Book-Stitched A B C D E F G H I J K


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Latest Weather Blog
Former Marine paddles from Minnesota to Louisiana
VENICE - A Marine has completed his trip in a canoe all the way down the Mississippi River, from Minnesota to Louisiana.
Two tours in Afghanistan took a toll on Joshua Ploetz. He was injured by a roadside bomb and lost friends to combat and suicide.
When the Winona, Minnesota, resident returned from the war eight years ago, he was coping with post-traumatic stress disorder, known as PTSD, the fallout from a minor stroke and other injuries.
But Ploetz says he found direction when he began his 71-day trek to the Gulf of Mexico. He spent 49 of those days paddling 2,300 miles; the remainder was spent resting.
The finish was bittersweet. He said: "I want to be done, but I want more river to paddle."


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Alisa says:
Or the loss of ...
Oh poor sweet innocent Buffy! That has got to be the worst feeling to have lost your virginity to the love of your life and for him to not be there when you wake up in the morning nor be contactable and when he does finally show back up ... well to be less than gentle, loving and kind.
Stilll.. mmmm yummy topless Angelus in black leather pants. Yummy.
The best moment in the episode is when Angelus rises, drains the hooker and then blows out the puff of smoke from the cigarette that she was smoking. Does it *get* any hotter? I ask you!
This is a contretemps episode - all the stakes (ha!) are raised and it represents a real pivotal point in the series.
We learn the essential catch in the Buffyverse - that if Angel experiences one true moment of happiness the curse the gypsies put on him is lifted and he loses his soul. Again. And how utterly romantic and beautiful that for him, that moment of happiness was making love to Buffy.
Our characters have all pretty much paired off. Poor Willow walks in on Xander and Cordelia and discovers what we have known for episodes now - that he would rather be with someone he hates than we with her. My heart breaks along with hers every single time! But, we see that even though Willow is not yet ready to give up Xander, the adorable Oz loves her anyway - Willow kissage!! And I'll wait! Awwww ....
Xander gets to show how he is useful and that he is an important and valuable member of the Scoobies in his own right. He comes up with the plan to destroy the judge and how to get the weapons they need to save the day.
Buffy: Thanks for my present.
Xander: Thought you'd like it.
I love the rewriting of old for new and the idea that old and mystical works should be read within the context and time in which they were written:
The Judge: No weapon has been forged to destroy me.
Buffy: That was then and this is now.
Yeah, an uzi will probably get the job done. The looks on Angelus' and Dru's faces when they realise whats in Buffy's hand is priceless as is the way they throw themselves out of the way.
But what I love most about this episode is how the stakes are so rapidly raised between Buffy and Angel. In one episode she goes from being in this starcrossed lovers type of innocent and deep and true love to suddenly finding herself in a highly abusive and somewhat twisted relationship. And how many of us don't have our own (perhaps scaled down) tales of the same woe. Or at least who hasn't had the "but I thought he liked me, why did her turn" experience in high school? Buffy's ex-boyfriend is going to torture and ruin her and enjoy it. She goes from this broken, soft and hurt little victim in the beginning of the episode (and understandably so, she just shared something so intimate with the one man she loves and who she thought loved her) to working her way up to killing him. Give me time And I love the way Giles switches from parent to friend in this episode, to reflect her passage, perhaps from innocent to young adult,
"You won't get guilt from me. You'll get nothing but respect."
Rachel says:
I get very angry at this episode. I know Whedon is only making his characters suffer because that makes for good television, but it still rankles that Buffy has sex and then must be punished. And killing a prostitute and smoking is hot for you, Alisa? It's an effective character moment, I'll grant you... but hot??
Gellar outacts nearly everyone in Innocence with her wailing and crying and gnashing of teeth. Boreanaz does not yet have the evil Angelus side quite up to speed, but we will see this more convincingly in later episodes.
Relationships are breaking all over - Willow and Xander, Giles and Jenny. It's really not a very great joy to watch, except that really, they are all getting together too - Willow and Oz, Xander and Cordelia. And then we get to the
Rocket Launcher.
Two things make it work - the dolly shot up to Buffy standing on the concession stand and Drusilla's reaction. Otherwise we would be paying more attention to the ridiculous layout of this shopping centre set, and notice that the launcher looks like a supersoaker on steroids.
I also think that the fight scene between Angel and Buffy after the Judge has gone down is kind of an anticlimax. Well, it's a post-climax because the best bit was the explosion, naturally. So why this petty bickering and groin-kneeing under the sprinklers?
"We're going to destroy the world. Want to come?"
Monday, November 24, 2008
BtVS: 2.14 Innocence
Posted by Rachel Holkner at 1:45 AM
1 comment:
- girlie jones knits said...
Yeah, see that's the thing. The killing of the prostitute is truly shocking, especially since she was actually coming over to help someone she thought was in trouble. But the way he does it - so cavalierly, and then the smoke ... he is really and truly bad. And that is kinda sexy, to me.
- November 24, 2008 at 5:49 PM
Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)


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Last week, at the second PandoMonthly event, Sarah Lacy interviewed Path's CEO and co-founder Dave Morin in front of a packed crowd at Mandrone Studios in San Francisco. The interview was enjoyable in its relaxed tone and Morin's willingness to speak frankly on a number of subjects, including Path's privacy issues. However, what I found interesting was Morin's perspective on how Path differentiates itself from Facebook, a subject regular UNTETHER readers might know we're quite fond.
In the interview, Morin equated Facebook to laying the foundation of the global social graph
– the cities and the town squares – while Path's intent was to build the homes – a place for your friends and family. All well and good, but what does this have to do with Britney Spears? Exactly.
To further set the context, I've posted Morin's verbatim comments below.
We've always thought of Path as a journal… I've always thought of it as your path through life.
We built Facebook to be this big, broad identity platform. It's a social network: a place where you go to socialize with friends. You socialize in some smaller groups and some bigger groups, but it's mostly a social network.
It's not designed for family, it's not designed to be something good for your neighbourhood, It's not designed to help you meet people that are near you. We built Facebook out to be a huge social network, and we know how everyone is connected.
I actually believe there's a huge opportunity to build things on top of that now. What we're trying to do is for family, and your closest friends, and that's sort of horizontal. We're not interested in acquaintances, we're not interested in building anything to help you talk to tens of thousands of people. We're only interested in building your family dinner table. Facebook built the cities and town squares, we're trying to build the homes.
Of course, Morin helped build the cities and town squares of Facebook, so his analysis of the social giant is spot on. His positioning of Path also makes sense in this context, and reinforces what my partner Rob Woodbridge claimed was the most compelling aspect of using the application on our Path podcast: building a mobile friendly document of your life that can be easily shared with your close friends and family.
Which is why Path's integration of Nike+ and the Gracenote powered Music Match feature are seamless and obvious additions to service. If Facebook is about seeing what your social graph is doing, Path is about what you are doing, and sharing that with the people that matter most. Which is why any service that adds more relevant personal information into your Path 'journal' is a useful addition, whether it's your latest run or your favourite new song. If Path can add enough compelling 'personal data' services, it may also solve the growth issue I highlighted on our podcast. Path may not be the app that you're forced to join because all your friends are on it (i.e. Facebook), and it may not be an app that does any one thing better than feature specific services (i.e. Twitter, foursquare, Instagram), but if it becomes the most compelling way to capture your social presence over time, people will use it.
Taking this into account, my mind was mildly blown when Morin confirmed that not only had Britney Spears visited the Path offices, they had talked about ways in which Spears could engage her fan base using Path (apparently, Spears is considering using her Path account as a 'VIP club' for fans). Now, in no way am I trying to disparage Mrs. Spears, or her social savviness and desire to better connect with fans. I also have to credit Path for its willingness to experiment with new ideas or engage with recognizable brands.
The problem is that, even if wildly successful (cut to Rob salivating over the prospect of following The Boss on Path), such a development goes against the core ideology behind Path, and is thus at best a needless distraction, and at worst a harmful dilution of the app's identity in the face of competition from Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Path is a highly personal experience, and the addition of elements outside of that personal experience is jarring and breaks the narrative of Path as one's social 'home'. I would no sooner expect my favourite celebrities to appear in my Path timeline than I would in my own home. Besides, as Morin himself notes, there are already places for those types of experiences.
So please Path, put a bullet in the Britney Spears experiment, and spend that time focusing on integrating better ways for your users to fill their journal.


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This post is kind of heavy. BUT believe it or not, it was not written from a place of hopelessness, but rather with a hope-filled-to-overflowing heart. I know with all my heart that God is on the move. I know with all my heart that nothing, no one is beyond His reach. I know with all my heart that He is opening eyes, turning hearts, moving mountains.
So, with that in mind.....you are free to read on. :)
Friday I saw this face for the first time. My heart broke and now I have to act.
Meet "Porter":
Porter is a 6 year-old little boy that has been listed on Reece's Rainbow since February 2011. It's strange, but I had never noticed his face until Friday when I found out the news. Porter has recently been transferred from his baby house to The Lost Boys institution. My heart is broken.
Here's what his profile on Reece's Rainbow says:
BOY, Born August 10, 2005
Don't mind this pink shirt, Porter is a BOY. He is HIV+, stage 3. He is mildly cognitively delayed as well.
From his medical records: HIV stage 3, without immunosuppression, delay of psychomotor and speech development, bacillosis
For more info and parent support on adopting and raising a child with HIV, please visit http://www.
Someone who met Porter in February said:
"...he is an absolute doll who uses his hands, stands, walks, plays, and feeds himself without difficulty. I don't know any more than that, but he certainly didn't "act" delayed. "
If you know Jed and I personally, or if you have read our blog for long, you know that the Lost Boys are extremely special to us. We LOVE them. God is up to something. Ever since I first read about the boys here I have loved them. Most of you probably remember the highlight of our trip in April when we got to see the Boys. Oh my word!!! God had to move mountains to get us in those gates. All of you prayed and prayed...and we got a few precious moments to touch the Boys, to look in their eyes, to pray silent prayers. It was a day I will never forget. How incredible it was to stand there face to face with the ones who God first used to prick our hearts for the least of these. I could go on and on about that day...but I won't. :) You can read about it here.
All that to say, the Lost Boys and their village hold a special place deep in our hearts. When I found out on Friday that there was a new sweet soul added to their numbers I wept. No child, no person should have to live in that mental institution. Yes the Boys are kept basically clean, they are fed, but they don't truly LIVE. They have nothing to look forward to, nothing to play with, nothing to hope for. Their days run in to each other, each one the same. Boredom, rocking, vacant expressions, childhoods wasting away. It is a place without hope. It is a sad place that feels desolate- physically and spiritually. This is Porter's new home. He is 6 years old and will remain there until he is at least 18 years old when he will be transferred to an adult mental institution.
Without a voice he is lost.
My Ezra is 6. I can not fathom it.
Well, guess what Porter? You are no longer without a voice. I'm going to scream my guts out about you until your Mommy and Daddy see your face and get on a plane to rescue you.
Look at that sweet baby! He is such a love. Please, please share Porter. We simply cannot let him waste away. We can not let his spirit be broken. He needs a Mommy and Daddy NOW.
(Porter is the one in the gray shirt)
Are you the one God is calling to rescue Porter?
What if??
If you are not his Mommy or Daddy you can still give him a voice. You can share his picture. You can donate to his fund at Reece's Rainbow so that when his parents do find him they can get to him as quickly as possible.
You can pray.
We can all do SOMETHING.
I watch that happy, carefree baby laughing and dancing....to think of where he is now is almost too much to bear. Please don't think "someone else will do it". What would God have YOU do?
Many of us doing our "something" will add up to a lot! That's how the Body of Christ works and it's beautiful.
And while you're at it, can you please remember Heath and Hanson? They are Lost Boys who are available for adoption as well. Hanson probably lives in a crib. He most likely never feels the sunshine on his face. Heath sits in boredom in a wheelchair and has waited far too long for his rescue.
These kiddos are real.
We have been to their home.
Donate. Pray. Go.
If not us, who?
If not now, when?
Check out other advocates who are also sharing about the Boys today. Sometimes it helps to have another perspective.


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Friday, July 31, 2009
Another week comes to a close..
So, another week draws to a close; it was a amazing one for me. We celebrated my mom's birthday and I was able to spend some time relaxing because I didn't have any appointments. That allowed me some time to recharge for the weeks ahead. Although, I have to admit I haven't done very well when it comes to exercise and stretching my muscles. There just doesn't seem to be enough time in the day to do it all, as I have explained in previous posts.. I guess I have to set new priorities.
Today, I had a interesting morning. Previously, I had set the 6: 30 am episode of Joni and friends to tape on my TiVo. Surprisingly, I woke up just as it started to tape. This episode featured a new hero of mine, Robin Hiser who up until today I didn't really know her. You see, Robin was born with down syndrome and like some friends I know, she is doing some remarkable things despite her disability.
But first, let me ask you a question.. What do you honestly think of when the word Down Syndrome comes into question? Mental retardation, low IQ, are some of the common responses when asked such a question. But like most people with disabilities, Robin strives to break down said barriers within minutes of meeting someone.
When she was born, doctors immediately brought up the idea of putting her into an institution. This was the typical recommendation of the times, considering that most people with down syndrome wouldn't be able to contribute to society. Her parents disagreed.
Please take the time to view this story.. I know you will be truly blessed. In fact, I know I was. So much so that I tried to paraphrase her story. But I just couldn't. It's better if you hear it straight from her mouth
I encourage you to visit the website and watch this video
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Encouragement: Just Be Yourself
Over the years, I continue to be amazed at how much God has blessed me in my life. All too often, people go through their life wondering what their to do in this world. I am very grateful that God allowed my gift for writing to surface right away; that way, I was able to harness my craft as well as see my personal growth through it all. I am not the only person to be blessed with this gift. A recent article highlights the remarkable story of a 12-year-old boy with cerebral palsy who undergoes art therapy. During this process, not only does he discover a God given talent, but realizes the importance of being yourself.
A basic note:Typical art therapy consists of a therapist helping the patient maneuver through the strokes and movements required to complete the drawing. The trouble with this is the therapist finds themselves doing most of the work, while the patient is along for the ride!
Take a look at this story here: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09204/985720-58.stm?cmpid=news.xml
Monday, July 27, 2009
My reflections: Time
So, I've been thinking a lot about my use of time lately. My daily routine consists of checking Facebook, feeding my virtual pets and then I often get sucked into playing some new game my friends passed on to me. By the end of the day, I am left wondering where the time went. No one is promised tomorrow.. That's why we should value the time we are given.
Just my thoughts for today.. I promise there will be something disability related tomorrow.
Friday, July 24, 2009
Simple Lesson in Humility: Seeing beyond a Disability
Even though it's not Friday, I thought this post was perfect for a simple and sweet lesson on humility. It's quite an eye-opener.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Encouragement: How Far Would You Go to Tell People about CP?
Hey Guys~
I know it's been a while since I've regularly updated this blog, I'm sorry! I'm just now starting to get a hold on things. Maybe just me, but I seem to be having a hard time getting back into the routine of real-life and I don't know why. It's not like I have these amazing pressures coming back right after the cruise. Oh well.
Now that I have a lot of links that I can feature on the blog. Things should return to normal soon enough!
But back to the question I posed earlier. How far would you go to get people more involved in learning or helping out with your disability causes? According to a recent article, some people would go to great links. Ben Dobson is one such individual. Recently, he participated in the annual Benjamin Franklin Memorial Poker Run. During this event, hundreds of motorcycles gathered and drove around town, stopping at several pubs along the way. This event was put together in a effort to help people with CP as well as other physical disability.
So what makes Ben so special?
He actually rented a Harley-Davidson motorcycle to attend the event!
To find out more, please go to:
Monday, July 20, 2009
Interesting Piece of News.
So I am not usually one to post news articles on my blog. But I thought this one was quite interesting. Usually, someone can tell if you have autism- unless they are high functioning. So, I don't really see the problem. Maybe it can be controlled. Second of all, why would a higher up officer tell him to lie?
Friday, July 17, 2009
Finding Hope in Desperate Times
So I know it's been a while since I posted. I've been sick and trying to figure a lot of things out in my life lately. But now I'm back.
Sinc the cruise, I've been thinking a lot about getting a job. I know my dad really wants me to finish writing my book and I do too. But that seems to be a second priority for me now. I just need to find a way to gain and maintain the motivation I once had for my life. I need to feel useful again to someone besides my family. In a effort to change things, I will do my best to write on this blog regularly. But I will be doing other things as well- such as submitting my resume to monster.com etc.
In times like these, I realize I'm not the only person struggling with employment. God must have realized this, because as if just by luck I came across these websites. The first is an introduction to the second website, a site that offers people with disabilities advice and tips on getting the job.
They look pretty helpful to me!
I thought I would pass them along..
http://specialchildren.about.com/b/2009/07/20/site-of-the-day-hire-disability-solutions.htm - a introduction to the website
http://www.hireds.com/index.php- the website itself
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Encouragement: The Desires Of a Young Heart
So my last post made it pretty obvious to me (as I'm sure it do to you) that I had a fabulous cruise with my friend. Although at times it left me tired and frustrated, I wouldn't have changed a thing. I met some amazing people on the Carnival Pride. Soon, it was back to reality though. I was once again reminded how much energy it took me to get through everyday. The training, having the patience to deal with my personal assistant. This was- and always will be - a part of my life. While surfing the web today, I decided to check on the recent updates of one of my role models, Joni Erickson Tada. Boy, am I glad I did.
Joni may be best known for her motivational speaking and radio shows. But, she should be recognized for her use of other people's stories to show the reality of the the glory of God. That's the main goal of her television program Joni And Friends. In one past episode, she features in the life of Renee Bondi- a woman paralyzed by accident after falling from her bed. Despite all this, she married her fiancé and had a son by natural childbirth. Doctors even told her she may never be able to sing again, but here she sits singing the praises of God everyday. Like me, she has the desires of every woman- to be married and with child someday. Like me, she asks God for the patience to deal with complete strangers everyday.
Hear her story story in her own words at:http://www.joniandfriendstv.org/
It's under Yours for A Song
Monday, July 13, 2009
Carnival Pride Experience: My Third Cruise
As you may remember, I said this summer was going to be full of adventure. So far it's turning out to be so much more than I imagined possible. Recently, I returned home from a wonderful cruise to the Bahamas; this one was my third cruise. What made this one so unique, you may ask? Well, for one this was going to be my first cruise without my parents - I invited a college friend, Bethann Bennett instead. This allowed us with a very unique opportunity. Not only could we spend some quality "girl" time together; but my parents were given the chance to go on a vacation by themselves, which they haven't been able to do in a long time.
So it was settled... We would travel the Bahamas on the wonderful cruise ship Carnival Pride and they would travel to Alaska. Looking back, I can't believe the irony of it all. Bethann ("BA") arrived in Virginia on Wednesday, July 1 to ensure that last-minute preparations went smoothly. We spent the next day shopping for last-minute supplies as well as looking at bridesmaids dresses for Bethann's November wedding.
On Friday, July 3rd, we traveled to the Port in Baltimore to catch the Carnival cruise ship "Carnival Pride", which we lovingly called "a floating hotel" for the next few days. Being a former cruiser, I was amazed at the improvements the ship had made .Pride was much more accessible than all the others - I could actually turn my wheelchair around in the bathroom! After settling in, we did a little shopping on board and enjoyed The Carnival's opening show, which included songs with the word "fun" in them. This show is unique to Carnival because they are known as The Fun Ships. As we exited the Chesapeake Bay, you could see blasts of color in the distance. What a wonderful way to start the best vacation of our lives! The dinner was great, and we had the melting chocolate cake . We went to see the opening show in the evening; it was GREAT as always.
Saturday the Fourth of July was another day of calm seas and beautiful weather. I went shopping and got gifts for my nieces, Elizabeth and Rebekah! We enjoyed the day sunbathing on the deck and relaxing. The PRIDE is THE PLACE to be with a wheelchair. Our cabin was amazing, much more accessible than the cabins on my earlier cruises. We began getting to know the nice staff and shipmates. Tonight we listened to some karaoke and I actually got BA to go up to sing -- the only catch was I had to sing with her (I hope you dance - LeAnn Womack). And the lovely Donna from London was the karaoke hostess. It was also formal night and we got some nice pictures taken, including a picture of us with the American Flag for the Fourth!
Sunday July 5th was our 2nd day at sea, and we got to know more people and had a relaxing day at sea. Each day we would email my parents in Alaska and they would tell us about their adventures, and we would tell them about our adventures on the ship – the wonderful Internet.
Monday July 6th we landed at the Port of Canaveral for our shore excursion – but it did not go as smoothly as planned. We had to get up way early to leave at 9:30 am, and that was hard because we stayed on deck Sunday evening until 11:30 doing the Congo line. Then, the excursion company did not have a handicap accessible bus when we got ashore! So they quickly called aup another bus and we made it to the excursion – a canal boat trip, but a little late. We got back to the ship and set sail for Nassau Bahamas!!!!! I sang Karaoke on Monday night again. I think it is in my blood now. I even got an encore performance on Lido desk singing with my IPod! Go figure...not sure how that happened!
Tuesday July 7th – We went ashore (in spite of too many people blocking the stairways) and since I realized this was the trip of the lifetime, I had a HUGE shopping day in Nassau!!!! I got some great deals and tips from Luigi (the Cruise ship's professional shopping counselor). We shopped at Del Sol for changing color shirts, then on to Diamond International, where I bought some wonderful jewelry. We came back aboard and went to the pool; it was neat. We were both really, really tired; so we relaxed watching a movie in our room and eating pizza.
Wednesday July 8th – was ANOTHER busy day. We went ashore at Freeport. Unfortunately we we're able to access the Caribbean beaches. But we could go shopping and shop I did! I bought a few more things, and ran out of cash. I am trying to make the best of my last days here. But I have to say that THERE IS NO PLACE LIKE HOME!
Thursday, July 9th – was our last day sea and it is was much more windy and choppy than usual. We spent the day relaxing and catching some sun. We have taken a lot of photos. Including some wonderful sunsets! This has been a vacation of a lifetime for both of us !
Friday, July 10th we arrived back at the Port of Baltimore and my dad met us and took us back to our home. BA and I unpacked our souvenirs and BA began a scrapbook while I place pictures on my FaceBook page.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Encouragement: Patrick Henry part three
Hello Again~
In reality, this will be my fourth post about Patrick Henry and his book. But my third installment using his book as my topic of "Encouragement". For those of you that have been following, Patrick Henry has explored why we should be grateful in whatever circumstance we are in, do what we can to change what we can, and their definition of "coping". In the next chapters, we will continue to learn about his take on pursuing your passion no matter what it takes.
Patrick Henry has never felt left out when it comes to playing sports like his brothers. He understands that everyone has their talents and should use them. For him, music is his passion. "Music is my key to life. The more I play, the richer my life becomes," Patrick says. Playing music allows him to interact with a world he hasn't seen, as well as transcend the limits of his disability.
A talent developed purely by accident..
As a young father, John Henry remembers the struggle he often had dealing with his firstborn son on his own. It wasn't until his father playing music on the piano that the baby would quiet down. Looking back, he realizes that his own love for music was more than just a way to put himself in the spotlight, but prepared him for this special role with his son. "Preparation to help me raise a special child, a child who would be limited in many ways, except when it came to music.".
Miraculously, at a young age, Patrick Henry was able to find notes simply by hearing them. "After a while, I think dad gave up trying to figure it all out and just accepted that God had given me a wonderful gift," he says. At two years old, he was able to play simple melodies and harmonies along with his father on violin
"This was our our baseball pitch and catch, a father and son enjoying each other. We would never play football, go golfing, or do any of the other sports I have longed for. But that was okay because God had another plan- a bigger and better version of anything I could have imagined," . John Henry says


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A few weeks ago, my company took a project to redesign a major charity's website. After the initial documentation and planning stages was completed, we were ready to move into the visual design phase of the project. We decided to try a new approach, at least for website design, and show the client a series of mood boards to establish the overall atmosphere and emotional impact of the site before we plunged into the actual layout phase of the design.
The idea was to show the client a variety of color schemes, patterns, photography, typography and illustrative elements to see what their responses were and to ultimately establish a visual tool set on which we would eventually develop our visual prototypes. We decided that it was important to establish a "mood board template" to standardize the way we presented the information to the client. The purpose behind the template was to allow the client to focus on the desired elements rather than getting distracted by a variety of different layouts.
A mood board helps establish the branding, design components, typography, imagery, and color palettes that will be incorporated in the design. Much the way an interior designer will initially put together a swatch panel showing the fabrics and colors that will be used in designing a room, the mood board establishes the aesthetic direction of the site up front without negatively impacting the flow or structure of the site.
After a short period, we received all of the designs (12 in all) from the various designers and when we met for an internal review session, we were all extremely satisfied with the results of the exercise. As part of the template, the designers were given an area in which to write a couple of small paragraphs describing their vision and choices for the mood board. We found this to be extremely helpful in understanding and appreciating the designer's choices.
While very difficult, we pared the choices down to 3 versions we wanted to present to the client.
After just a short meeting with the client's representatives, we realized just how valuable the mood boards were going to be in the design process. They took just a short time to decide on the overall look and feel without a lot of the distractions that usually come when presented with the first round of visual prototypes or "comps". Everything was clear, well presented and easy for the client to get the overall "mood" of the site with just a glance. Again, a great success for us all the way around.
Now that we have the visual toolkit for the site, the colors, type styles, photo and illustration styles established, it's much easier to begin the visual prototype process with those in hand. We're free to focus on layout and other details now that these other elements have been established.
Just a few thoughts here on the value of mood boards.
1. Mood boards don't only have to apply to the web. If the client hasn't already established branding and identity, these same elements could easily translate into print or multimedia design as well as for the web. In fact, mood boards can even be used to indicate writing styles if so desired.
2. Mood boards help clients narrow their focus to specific elements. By separating these visual elements from presentation, it helps guide the client through each step of the process without any additional confusion. After all, most of us developers have been through the full prototype process just to have the client tell us at the end that they don't like the colors or other visual styles we've selected. By using mood boards, we seek to minimize the chances of this happening.
3. Mood boards facilitate more rapid visual prototyping. As mentioned earlier in this post, by having already established many of the visual styles, more attention can be focused on layout and presentation and can ultimately streamline the entire visual "comp" process.
One final note on our mood boards. This exercise gave us some incredible insight into the different designer's styles and thought processes. As mentioned, each designer offered a brief explanation of their choices and by doing so, really enhanced our understanding of the designers skills and vision and ultimately the client's understanding of the emotions and mood they were trying to create. While mood boards may not be necessary for every job, I can see them becoming a part of our processes for many in the future.
Mood Board Samples : updated 07.18.08
note: all mood board designs by Kevin Flahaut.
11/03/08: mood board template added for download. Thanks to Roman Bercot for the reminder.


text: When selecting a firm to sell a company to or partner with, the right fit is important. Pricing is a key element in the decision process but other factors must be considered. 1847 offers many unique and positive attributes that improve the probability that the transaction will close as scheduled with positive long-term benefits.


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Lorrac Associates are a specialist security solutions provider to the Film, Television and Events industry throughout the UK.
Since 2009 we have been providing licensed, qualified, professional security operatives to major film productions, large scale festivals and a diverse range of events.
By focusing on our area of expertise we are able to meet the needs of Film, Television and Event companies in sourcing reliable, capable and experienced security operatives to meet their requirements, however large or small.


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Of course of instruction you're familiar with victimisation *headlines* to phone up publicity to Web copy, brochures, articles, or documents. But *subheads* can be retributive as trenchant in delivery out key points for your readers. And they too lend a hand get any document easier to read, because they happening up drawn-out blocks of manuscript into easy-to-digest bits. (Hence my "edible" statute title. Hmm.)
Subheads Break It Up
Subheads are by and large viewed as intangible gestures toward your readers, since they're peak habitually utilised to disagreement long-drawn-out articles into consistent breaks. They may stand for a translate of content or simply splintering up a large-scale of class. Placing subheads all four paragraphs or so allows readers to nonfat finished your nonfictional prose or writing and gait sections minus losing their engine of deliberation.Post ads:
how to record phone conversations on iphone4 / phone 2 screens / there any cheating devices ps3 / cell phone spyware that actually works / vtech cordless phone baby monitor / women who want affairs / public affairs ireland conference / virgin record from phone / get current record number vba / phone anti spyware / telephone monitoring in the workplace / vcr for surveillance / uninstall cell phone spy software / best home wireless surveillance system reviews / nokia x2-00 call recorder software / phone records trace
The adjacent example you vault finished any magazine, become aware of how its editors use subheads throughout the longer articles. Readers are severely loth to linguistic process rangy blocks of text, so subheads crack it all up into bite-size chunks.
Subheads Have "Idea Power"
Because subheads detain readers' eyes, you should use them to your benefit! Read through your text or nonfiction for your key subject matter points, consequently reiterate the concept as subheads. This way your readers occupy your largest points in honourable a few seconds by remotion through with all the mimic.Post ads:
spy technology etf / surveillance broadcast services / is it cheating before marriage / support groups spouse cheaters / wireless outdoor video surveillance / how to add gadgets in new blogger / surveillance recording software free / mobile phone call voice recorder / 10 signs my boyfriend is cheating / signs my spouse cheating / veterans affairs senior executives / verizon text messages from email / best cell phone tapping / software programs for mobile phones / surveillance dvr software review / spy tools cheating spouse
For good results, subheads should *not* publication same a array of table of contents. To manufacture your subheads engaging, it's significant to consider exploit or commercialism weather.
BORING SUBHEADS: "Our Story," '50 Years in the Business," "Our Department's Success."
ENGAGING SUBHEADS: "Five Clients Who Saved $10K With Us," "The Most Creative Solutions in the Industry," "Let Us Do All the Work for You!"
BONUS TIP: These types of subheads as well donkey work brilliantly for *sales letters* and *proposals*. Experiment the subsequent juncture you make up a extended dispatch - try sounding at it both near and short subheads. You'll absolutely see the difference!
Subheads Rule on the Net!
When you're authorship mock-up to be announce online - either in an electronic mail or on a Web location - it's even much very important to use subheads! People don't like-minded to devote a lot of instance linguistic process online - it strains the view. Subheads lend a hand readers skim over your principal points and pick up your accepted wisdom apace. And if they're sounding for a individual bit of information, subheads assistance them identify it faster.
If you're caption an electronic communication that's long than one peak length, try inserting subheads both two or iii paragraphs, if decorous. It solely takes a minute, it helps you make plans for your information, and your readers will be passionate about you for it!
Subheads Add Interest
Even if your written document is a achromatic quality newspaper that's about as tingling as light rice, don't be aquaphobic of using 'sum-it-all-up' subheads to contain the reader's zest and intrusion up the model. Remember, you want ancestors to be raddled to language your work - very when it's a formalized document!
Examples: "Great Forecasts for Next Quarter," "Improvements Needed in Management," and "30% Sales Increase Forecasted."
So reckon subheads your new fastest person - whether you're lettering an e-mail, Web copy, brochure, or report!
(c) 2000-2003 Alexandria K. Brown. All rights unforthcoming.


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I spend my free time playing games, either on my xbox 360 or PC, I'm really into RPGs as of late but still play the classics like Age of Empires II which I'm still addiected too. Just watched LvlGrind ep 5 and I'd be happy to have my videos up on this site as my idea behind making my videos was to build a tight comminity within the game and expand from there.
Any questions feel free to ask,
Nice to see you here Weba as you can see the forum is a little on the empty side, but we know people will come. You make great videos and we hope you like your stay here at this site. I will work on a special section on the site for you. When ever you make more videos I'll add them to the site as fast I we can. This is not a big site YET. Only my brother and I are working on this. I will add new things to the site soon.


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It's a dancing elephant of a movie. It has a few decent moves, but you'd never call it light on its feet.
It's a dancing elephant of a movie. It has a few decent moves, but you'd never call it light on its feet.
Lithgow and Danner show us characters who may qualify for Medicare but are every bit as vulnerable and as eager to matter to someone as…
Roger Ebert on James Ivory's "Howards End".
"The Ballad of Narayama" is a Japanese film of great beauty and elegant artifice, telling a story of startling cruelty. What a space it opens…
An article about the reissue of "Two Weeks in the Midday Sun."
An article about Champ Clark's one-act play,"Wild Son: The Testimony of Christian Brando," currently running at Santa Monica Playhouse through May 26th, performed by John…
An article about the reissue of "Two Weeks in the Midday Sun."
Return now to those thrilling days of yesteryear.
One of our foreign correspondents looks at Cold War.
A Far Flung Correspondent takes a look at the Paul Newman classic The Hustler.
A review of three Cannes premieres.
A fourth video dispatch from Cannes 2019.
"Bel Ami" adds to the aura of mystery that has enveloped Robert Pattinson since the "Twilight" (2008) films. That mystery involves why this actor, whose default mode is passive brooding, has been cast as a man irresistible to women. One can barely accept that a naive high school girl might fall to his strong, silent vampire, but in "Bel Ami," he successfully seduces three of the most powerful beauties in Paris society despite having no talent, no money and no conversation.
The movie, set in 1890, is based on a Guy de Maupassant novel about Georges Duroy, son of an illiterate peasant who serves in the French army in Algeria and then finds himself in Paris. The opening shot shamelessly lifts from Chaplin and countless other sources, as the penniless outcast stares hungrily through a restaurant window at the rich people dining inside. In his cramped garret, all he has is a crust of bread, a candle stub and resentment. To make sure we get the point, the movie contrasts shots of a steamed lobster and Georges' resident cockroach.
Good luck strikes the next day, when in a bordello he encounters an old army buddy, Forestier (Philip Glenister). This man is now political editor of a Parisian daily. He invites Georges to dinner, and when Georges confesses he has no evening-wear, he gives him two gold pieces to buy some. This grants him entry into a dinner party of power couples. Not only Forestier and his comely wife, Madeleine (Uma Thurman), but the paper's editor, Rousset (Colm Meaney), and his influential wife, Virginie (Kristin Scott Thomas), and the married Clotilde (Christina Ricci), whose husband does not attend but is also high and mighty.
In the course of the film, Georges will seduce all three women, marry one and the daughter of another and prove himself to be a thoroughgoing rotter, cad and bounder. The women are all elegant and intelligent, they know the ways of the world, and they know Georges' history. Why do they find him attractive? We don't, and that failure is the downfall of the film.
His first conquest is Madeleine, who not only comes up with an idea for an article he could write for her husband's paper but even writes it for him. She is a honey-lipped charmer who prefers to write in a scoop-necked negligee while sprawled on her bed. Georges sells the article (which Forestier surely knows his wife wrote), sees it published and permits himself the first of several self-satisfied smiles. Pattinson, alas, is an actor who hasn't mastered the art of smiling convincingly. He smiles as if saying "cheese!" In this world of sophisticated decadence, he needs a sardonic smile. Imagine Jeremy Irons or Ethan Hawke.
The plot essentially involves only Georges' affairs, although lip service is paid to intrigue about whether the French government plans to invade Morocco. Georges has been informed that in Paris, it is not the men who have the power, but their wives, and he sets out to climb the social ladder via their beds. He so enraptures Clotilde (Ricci) that she establishes them in a cozy little love nest. His next victim is the distinguished Virginie (Scott Thomas), who he has the effrontery to invite to the love nest for some quick rumpy-pumpy, hurrying her away just in the nick of time before Clotilde arrives.
The actresses do what they can with this sad sack. The surprise for me is Christina Ricci, who I think of as undernourished and nervous, but who flowers here in warm ripeness. Her character makes the mistake of actually loving Georges. This involves pure acting skill on her part, since Pattinson gives her so little to work with. "Bel Ami" ends with Georges' marriage to a young woman I haven't yet mentioned, and as the new couple walk down the aisle, they pass those who Georges has betrayed and savaged through the years. It is good to see a poor boy from the provinces make good.
This message came to me from a reader named Peter Svensland. He and a fr...
A tribute to Doris Day.
A review of the newest film by Quentin Tarantino.


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'Hidden Memories' Exhibit Sampler
November 1st, 2013
(updated December 17th, 2013)
Important Photography Milestones
November 1st, 2013
(updated December 17th, 2013)
Coming soon to Veith Street Gallery!
(updated December 17th, 2013)
Coming soon to Veith Street Gallery!
Coming soon to Veith Street Gallery "Hidden Memories"! It's an exhibit by Creative Spirit East Artist Justina Dollard and Photographer Chris Jackson. The show will consist of 6 of my photographs, with images painted onto them by Justina plus 4 of her own paintings,and 12 of my own rural/abstract landscapes, taken this year.
Check out "My Photography Journey 2010 -" page for a sample of what works of mine appeared during the exhibit, which went up November 7th and is still showing at Veith Street Gallery until the new year.
Check out "My Photography Journey 2010 -" page for a sample of what works of mine appeared during the exhibit, which went up November 7th and is still showing at Veith Street Gallery until the new year.
Image Courtesy http://newancientsecrets.com/wisdom_store.html#upcoming
April 23rd, 2013
(text revised with suggestions from Dr. Bara H. Loveland May 2nd, 2013)
Find my Pictures in an eBook!
Collaborating since 2012 with the author Dr. Bara H. Loveland on the upcoming ePublication, Your New Self-Help Kaleidoscope, two of my photographs and my bio will be published in this eBook! When I receive a copy of this publication I will share with you parts of this book referring to my work.
This is getting exciting!
Stay tuned!
May 8th 2012
(Revised October 11th, 2012)
My Photography and bio to be published a self-help e-Book by Dr. Bara H. Loveland!
Since I began my digital photography journey, I've managed to see some of my work published in the Community Herald, the EDN newsletter, Mentality magazine, and the Spiritspeak newsletter for Veith Street Gallery, but never in my life had I had an opportunity to be published in an e-book, even better, one written by Dr. Bara H. Loveland tentatively titled "Self Help", which is planned to be published on no less than three websites: www.earthcommunityresearch.org, www.biochakra.com and www.colormedicine.com or similar!
It all started, funny enough, where where it all began for me, at Webshots, one of the first photography upload sites where I published my photography on and an e-mail request I received from Dr. Bara H. Loveland to use what was supposedly one of my raccoon pictures on that upload site. We communicated back and forth and through research, determined that the picture was not mine and I directed her towards my new website "Chris Jackson's Digital Journey" suggesting she could use any of pictures on this site she liked there for her book.
To my surprise, she soon took me up on my offer and picked out a sunset photo of mine where the sky is obscured by dark tree branches and sent me an e-mail with her proposed presentation of my picture and the message that it was to convey (that of the dangers of global warming) through sky pollution and even included a link to the picture on my website. Being honoured by the opportunity, I gave her permission and it was a done deal.
Not soon after this, Dr. Bara Loveland sent me a "surprise" a proposed bio of me taken from various Chris Jacksons on the Internet, which I modified to reflect the facts about me and sent back. This went on until both of us were satisfied with the information, which also included a link to my Portraits By Chris page and a contact e-mail address!
Publication has not happened yet (due to problems the webmaster has with updating the system of the three websites) but as soon as any of her websites are up and running, I'll publish the links in my "Published Photography" page for all to see!
Update: October 11th, 2012
Recently, I have had 4 pictures of mine published in a mental health awareness book of poetry, painting and pictures called "Burning Fog" . See my "Photo Publications" section for more information.
Just yesterday I was contacted by Dr. Bara H. Loveland about another one of my pictures that she found on my website when she was looking at the link that included my recent publications (referenced above) and found a cute picture of a squirrel on a tree that I took earlier this year. So now that makes two pictures of mine that will be published in her e-book when it's ready!
Here's the picture she choose:
This picture will be featured below the "Table of Contents" notation of Dr. Bara H. Loveland's Self-Help E-book.
May 4th, 2012
As of this date "Abstract Photos by Chris" becomes "Creative Spirits Photography" the new official website website for the newly named CSE Shutterbugs photography club I started in February 2012 at Veith Street Gallery.
If you haven't seen it yet, why not journey over to creativespiritsphotography.weebly.com and check it out?
February 17th, 2012
Hello Everyone!
Just wanted you to know that we've sold out of all our copies of the CSE 2012 Calendar, but there are still a few left over at the Pedway Picture Gallery at Alderney Landing in Dartmouth.
If you haven't bought your copy yet, don't hesitate as this is a one-of-a-kind calendar that you won't see anywhere else! All money goes to Veith Street Gallery to sponser future projects of this and other kinds.
January 31st, 2012
Hello Everyone!
Just wanted you all to know that copies of the 2012 CSE photography calendar are also available at:
The Universalist Unitarian Church http://uuch.ca/
It's only $10 and all money goes to Veith Street Gallery. Get yours before they're gone!
January 18th, 2012
CSE and Veith Street Gallery present their 1st Photography/Concept calendar, on sale now!
The cover of our first Photography calendar
Our very first CSE Photography concept calendar is now on sale at the following locations:
Veith Street Gallery -- Sold out as of February 1st, more on the way!
3115 Veith Street, 3rd floor of Veith House
Pedway Picture Gallery
2 Ochterloney Street
Alderney Landing
Check it out!
The calendar is only $10 and all proceeds go to Veith Street Gallery to offset printing costs and sponser future projects of this kind.
Buy yours today!!!
January 9th, 2012
Introducing "Abstract Photos by Chris"!
A sister site and expansion of my Facebook site "Abstract Photography By Chris Jackson" created to showcase my Abstract photography from an exhibit called "Seeing the Eyes through Different Worlds" from the 2011 Photopolis Fesstival which ran from October 1st to 31st at Veith Street Gallery.
You can find the new site at:
I have recently added albums on this website of which feature some of my featured pictures in the exhibit and hope you enjoy them!
January 2nd, 2012
Introducing "Spotlight On... "!
A new feature I'm starting this year on my website devoted to showcasing websites created by my friends at Creative Spirit East (CSE) at Veith Street Gallery using Weebly.com.
This feature is an extension of what I have done as a Project Curator at Veith Street Gallery, which was collaborating with CSE and non-CSE artists in a photography project for a group exhibit called "Gallery of Horrors". Originally planned to be just one exhibit at the end of "Seeing the Eyes Through Different Worlds" during the 2011 Photopolis Festival, a second exhibit called "Macabre" at the Pedway Picture Gallery during the Nocturne At Night festival, was added in order for each photographer to showcase works that didn't fit the "Horror" element of the main exhibit. Following the "Gallery of Horrors" project, I collaborated with some of the same members who worked on the earlier project in a concept photography calendar for 2012.
Our first recipient of "In the Spotlight" is Sean Dewitt, to check out his website, go to
Stay tuned for more Spotlight on... websites as people create them.


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iOS WiFi Camera App Captures Images on Your iPad Using Another iPad Camera
A smartphone's appeal, more often than not, lies in its camera. Any wannabe photographers and those who like to spend each second of their lives clicking away, tend to get smartphones with good shooters.
With a whole array of smartphones sporting high-end cameras, it isn't much of an issue. And with each operating system and updates, we are seeing a lot of photo apps snake their way in to make snapping easier and more enjoyable.
I think the most photography apps that have struck home is for iOS 6. We have a new one now, from the hands of developer Daniel Amitay.
The new applications bring in WiFi camera- a new remote-photography tool. For the app to work, you need to link up two iOS devices, either your iPhone or iPad, through WiFi or Bluetooth.
You can send an invite from one device to another, and after accepting, you can stream the image of what the other device's camera is looking at. When the app is all set, you can take a picture from either of the device, thus effectively capturing the image from the other device's camera.
Even though you get a blurry stream, the image you take will be having its full clear resolution. The application is particularly useful if you need to take a group photo and no one else is around to take it.
All you need to do is setup your friend's camera and then take a picture using your iOS device. The application, when activated, will start to search for any devices that are running WiFi camera, and the options will be displayed at the top of the screen.
Just select one and start linking. Quite a useful and cool app to have on hand!
You can get one for free from the App Store. Download it and tell us how you used it.


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Life Insurance
Your family is your responsibility and your life, and there is nothing better than watching them succeed and sharing in their ambitions, dreams, and conquests. But should something unexpected happen to you, you will want to be prepared for providing the assurance your family needs to keep their futures safe and sound. At the KJIA, we will work with you to keep your family protected in the event of your untimely death.
A proper Life Insurance policy can give you peace of mind knowing that your finances and beneficiaries are secure – from temporary to permanent coverage. At the KJIA, we understand that as things in your life change, so will your financial and insurance needs. That is why it is important to review your Life Insurance options with a specialist you can trust.
Protect what matters most
Whatever your situation, we offer Life Insurance options, such as:
- Individual Life
- Group Life
- Long-Term Care
- Mortgage Protection
- Disability
- Second-To-Die Policy
- Key Person (Key Men)


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|Surrender of US troops at Malinta tunnel in May 1942
Approximately 6km long, it was named because it translates as "to correct" because Spanish used it as a customs port for "correcting" documents. Later, it was known as Fort Mills by the Americans, and had several facilities for officers, a 1 mile long barrack for soldiers, a small airfield, as well as the all important lighthouse from 1853 onwards. It was incredibly important for both losing and gaining the Philippines to the Japanese invaders during World War II with brutal battles May 1942 and January 1945 respectively, being the losing battle when the Japanese blocked Bataan from supplying them with food and fresh water and one of the first to be liberated. It was very heavily bombarded and its ruins remain a memorial to the many that died during the war, with several memorials to Filipino and American solders and a Japanese Garden of Peace.
|The ruins of the mile-long military barracks.
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corregidor_Island


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Hyderabad, Mar 8 (PTI) A 23-year-old woman was allegedly assaulted by her husband after she turned off the wifi router at their house in Dundigal area last night, police said today.
The woman was admitted to a hospital after her grandmother lodged a complaint with the police, who have recorded her statement, said Punjagutta police station inspector S Ravindar.
He said the accused, identified as Umar P, a driver, lost his cool after his wife turned off the wifi router connection last midnight and thrashed her mercilessly.
"The alleged incident occurred at the house of the womans in-laws. Umar dropped his wife to her grandmothers house in Somajiguda after the incident," said the officer.
Police booked Umar under sections 324 (voluntarily causing hurt by dangerous weapons or means), 341 (wrongful restraint), and 498 A (husband or relative of husband of a woman subjecting her to cruelty) of the IPC, the inspector said.
As the offence took place under the Dundigal police station limits, the case will now be transferred for further investigation to that police station, he said.
No arrest has been made so far.
Speaking to reporters, the woman said she was beaten up continuously for switching off the Wifi of his phone.
"He hit me on my neck, head, chest. He also thrashed me near my ear and lower part of the eye. After being hit below my eye,�I ran out of the house after which he stopped hitting me," she claimed.
Further investigation is on. PTI VVK NSK


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Bernie Sanders Is Going To The Vatican
April 8, 2016
Bernie Sanders is making a trip to the Vatican before the New York primary later this month. He'll speak at the annual Pontifical Academy of Social Science conference about "how we create a moral economy that works for all of the people."
And while Sanders is "not particularly religious" himself, he's also called himself a "big, big fan" of Pope Francis. In making the trip to the Vatican, Sanders is drawing comparisons between his views and those of the pontiff.
"[Francis] is talking about the idolatry of money, the worship of money, the greed that's out there," he told MSNBC Friday morning.
While the April 15th conference is hosted by Pope Francis, it's unclear whether Sanders will personally meet him.


text: Since the early days of the Innovation Program we've been researching makerspaces (see this short article about one opening in DC). Makerspaces can take many forms and the Innovation Program felt it was important for ours to take the feel of a fabrication laboratory, or Fab Lab for short. We took an important first step in that direction yesterday when we kicked off the KIDMuseum Makerspace in the Davis library in Bethesda. This temporary home will act as prototype space until the KIDMuseum finds a permanent residence. The Innovation Program has been very pleased to work with the Montgomery County Department of Public Libraries (MCPL), the Department of Recreation and other county departments as we moved this initiative forward. The Innovation Program will be funding the Fab Lab component of the makerspace by providing equipment and resources such as 3-D printers. The space will not only be available for residents and students, but will also serve as an Innovation Lab for this program. We plan on using the site for the development of future technology projects, such as our SmartAmerica project.The kickoff was attended by many county elected officials who have been supporting the project from the beginning, including County Executive Ike Leggett and Councilmembers Riemer, Berliner, Leventhal, and Elrich. Also in attendance were Superintendent Josh Starr and school board member Shirley Brandman. For a full write up of the event click here and for future updates of the build out of the space check back at this website. The Innovation Program and MCPL are also in the midst of planning another makerspace in Rockville for later this year. Stay tuned!


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Back in the day I seem to remember living not far from a wonderful Middle Eastern market. It was just beyond the limits of the Italian Market, so it was in good company. They had the tangiest Greek yogurt, the most flavorful Kalamata olives, the creamiest hummus and the absolute best, best, best pita bread. This pita was a work of art, it was large, twice as big as your basic super market pita and a beautiful irregular shape. It was super fresh and tender, but the bestest part was that this large, tender pita was smothered, totally smothered in zahtar. The first time I bit into that sour sumac pungency I was hooked for life. Unfortunately we moved and I've never come across a pita like it since.
So this time I fed my starter, waited about an hour till it got goin and took out a good cupful. As you can see my dough doubled up no problem! Of course I could have really used this insight when I was making Babka Brioche instead of a flat bread! Hello learning curve...
Anyway, these were a big hit served warm from the oven with fresh hummus and Greek olives. They aren't exactly as I remember the ones from the old market but they're a good starting point for further experimentation.
sourdough pita with zahtar
1 cup freshly fed sour dough starter (100% hydration)
2 cups white whole wheat flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon white sugar
2 tablespoons olive oil, plus some for brushing
1/4 cup warm water
1/4 cup zahtar
In a stand mixer, combine flour, salt and sugar. Add oil to warm water and add along with starter to the flour mixture. Beat on low until everything comes together. Turn the speed on medium and beat for a minute or so. Turn the dough on to a clean surface and knead it a few turns, it should fell a bit tacky. Form a ball and place it into an oiled bowl. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and a clean towel and put it in a warm, draft free place until it doubles in bulk, mine took about 3 hours.
Turn out the dough and knead it briefly. Divide into 5 equal portions. Keep the dough balls covered as you roll one at a time, I found that I didn't need any additional flour. Roll out to roughly 5 or 6 inches, cover and let sit for an hour.


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President of FEE in Burlington – Putting Vermont Back on Track
The Ethan Allen Institute presents…
Putting Vermont Back on Track
How the Power of Ideas Can Make Change Happen
Featuring: Lawrence Reed
Sheraton Burlington Conference Center
Thursday, October 15, 2009 – 5:30pm
Lawrence Reed is the founder and for twenty years President of Michigan's Mackinac Center for Public Policy, long considered the most influential free-market state think tank in the nation. His address, part of the ongoing Sheraton Economic Series, will focus on how the ideas of individual liberty, private property, limited government and competitive free enterprise can be packaged to promote increased economic opportunity and prosperity for Vermonters. Reed is now President of the Foundation for Economic Education in Irvington-on-Hudson NY. In the past twenty years, he has authored over 1,000 newspaper columns and articles, 200 radio commentaries, dozens of articles in magazines and journals in the U. S. and abroad, as well as five books. His articles have appeared in The Wall Street Journal, Christian Science Monitor, and USA Today, among many others. Reed?s most recent book is Striking the Root: Essays on Liberty. Reed holds a B.A. degree in Economics from Grove City College (1975) and an M.A. degree in History from Slippery Rock State University (1978). He taught economics at Midland (Michigan) Northwood University from 1977 to 1984 and chaired the Department of Economics from 1982 to 1984. He designed the university?s unique dual major in Economics and Business Management and founded its annual, highly-acclaimed ?Freedom Seminar.? "Larry Reed 's commitment to principle, his passion for liberty, and his vast practical experience have made him a much sought after speaker on four continents. This is a program EAI members and all friends of liberty and prosperity will not want to miss." – John McClaughry, EAI VP
The Sheraton Economic Series is hosted by the Sheraton Burlington Conference Center and cosponsored by the Vermont Economy Newsletter, Vermont Business Magazine, Vermont Tiger, and the Lake Champlain Regional Chamber of Commerce.
(Reservations not necessary; no admission charge.)
Posts written by various volunteers of the Vermont Libertarian Party


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Changes to Current Law
Possession of narcotic drugs on Schedule III, IV or V, such as cocaine, heroin or methamphetamine is a felony in California, punishable by up to three years in prison. Possession of non-narcotic drugs on Schedule III, IV or V can also be charged as a felony in California, also punishable by up to three years in prison. In addition to serving prison sentences, after their release those with felony drug convictions need to register with local law enforcement within 30 days of becoming residents, as well.
SB 1506 would change the law so that possession of all drugs for personal use would be a misdemeanor, with a punishment of up to one year in jail. SB 1506 would also exempt people with possession convictions on their records from the registration requirement.
Support From Many Groups
The bill has backing from many groups around the state, including the California NAACP, the ACLU of California, several drug treatment groups and other human rights groups. California voters seem to be supportive of the idea of lowering penalties for drug possession, as well. An April 2011 survey conducted by Lake Partners revealed 72 percent of respondents favored reducing drug possession convictions to misdemeanors. California voters also passed Proposition 36 in 2000, allowing some drug offenders to seek treatment rather than go to jail.
Benefits to the State
Supporters of the measure believe the change would save the state a significant amount of money because prison space would be reserved for more serious crimes, rather than non-violent drug offenders. Sen. Leno estimates that the bill will save the state $160 million annually.
Additionally, the bill's proponents argue those convicted of possession would have more opportunities to seek treatment if they are not in prison for as long, which would be better for the state. Furthermore, people with possession convictions would not have to deal with the problems finding work and housing that accompany having a felony conviction, and they would have more opportunities to thrive — creating a healthier economic environment in the state.


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Motion is the word that I have chosen as my Key Word this year. It is a word that applies to every single portion of my life at the moment: physical, spiritual, educational, financial, etc. Today, I want to start with physical.
For the past twopointfive years I have been letting chronic hip pain interfere with my life. I will not go into all the details of the doctors, physical therapists and chiropractors that I have seen during this time, nor will I bore you with a list of the diagnoses I have received. I will tell you that I have let the pain get the best of me, and I stopped moving. When you stop, worse things than injury happen to you! I won't give you that long list either, but, I will share with you what I believe is the solution!
Pain Free: A Revolutionary Method for Stopping Chronic Pain is a program that both my Father-in-law and my Brother-in-law have used to become free of debilitating back pain. When they first told me about it I thought that it might be something that would help me with my neck and back problems that have plagued me since having babies, but never considered it for my hip. Then, I visited a chiropractor who took a couple of x-rays and showed me how out of alignment I was. My memory of this book was sparked.
Pain has one and only one function: to alert us to danger. Chronic pain in not telling us that we are frail, or that our bodies have lost the ability to cope with the physical demands of life on earth. It is warning us of danger; and the danger is acute motion starvation. ~~ Pete Egoscue
Something about Pete's approach really appeals to me. He does not ask us to sit down, ice up or take more medications. He tells us to get up off our duffs and to move. This rings so true to me.
This year will be my year of motion. My year of becoming pain free through motion! Watch me!


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A Feast for the Senses
Two ongoing programs invite visitors to explore the farm in new ways.
When we experience a place through all five of our senses, a more whole, more complete picture of that place is formed. Taking in the farm—its tastes, but also its sights, smells, sounds and textures—generates a holistic connection to the land that grows our food. And from that connection can bloom the spirit of stewardship and conservation.
This summer and fall, Stone Barns Center is offering two unique programs to pique our senses.
One Sunday a month, through October, Foraged: A Wild Edibles Walk and Taste, takes visitors on a journey through the farm's natural landscape. Stone Barns Gardener Laura Perkins acts as guide and interpreter. Laura highlights the areas where our farm and natural ecosystem intersect. She encourages new ways of seeing, pointing out seasonal edibles for our own tables and those for pollinators and migrating birds as well. Knotweed, onion grass and garlic mustards go from invasive weeds and groundcover to appealing ingredients for lunch. Guests learn how to identify forgeable food through sight, smell and touch. The program is completed with a recipe demonstration and tasting that incorporates the season's finest wild foods.
This summer, along with the baaa-ing sheep, the wheeling of tractors and the rustling of wind through the crops, bells can be heard on the farm. Stone Barns has partnered with Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts as one location of their multi-site sound art exhibition In the Garden of Sonic Delights. Led by curator and artistic director Stephan Moore, 16 established and emerging sound artists have chosen distinctive locations in Westchester and the mid-Hudson Valley for their works. The artists were inspired by their surroundings, creating artworks that take a diversity of forms – sculptural, environmental and ephemeral.
All around the farm visitors can interact with "Seven Bells for Stone Barns", the sound installation by artist Bruce Odland running through November 2. Working closely with Stone Barn Center's farmers, Bruce has crafted an original installation of bell systems that highlight the intricate workings of the farm's ecosystems and take visitors on a sonic treasure hunt. Each bell system responds to life on the farm. One heightens the listeners' awareness of how much water it takes to irrigate a sweet potato bed. Another creates melodies based on the flight paths of our bees. And they all give visitors an aural access point to understanding the many factors that contribute to a sustainable, regional food system. The installation runs during regular visiting hours, Wednesday through Sunday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Everyone is encouraged to stop, listen and think awhile.
Programmatic offerings like these are part of our initiative to create public awareness and meaningful connections among people of all ages and the sources of their food.


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Braeburn Pharma to stay in NC despite HB2 qualms
A New Jersey specialty drug maker that had threatened to cancel a planned expansion in Durham County over House Bill 2 said Tuesday the expansion will go on.
In the process, the 29-employee startup strayed into the political crossfire of North Carolina's gubernatorial campaign.
Braeburn Pharmaceuticals, which develops pill-free drugs for psychiatric disorders, said it will "advocate for progressive public policy" and fight social injustice from within North Carolina, in reference to HB2. The company had said in March it was reconsidering its plan to invest $19.9 million in a new facility in Morrisville and create 52 jobs.
"We seriously considered moving our manufacturing facility to another state to send a clear message about the depth of our commitment," said Braeburn CEO Behshad Sheldon in a statement. "Ultimately, however, we concluded that abandoning Braeburn's job creation plans in Durham County would unfairly penalize a community that shares Braeburn's commitment to equality."
The company issued a statement criticizing HB2 and applauded Durham County's support of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights. HB2 prohibits local governments from creating their own anti-discrimination laws and and requires transgender people to use the bathroom that corresponds to their sexual anatomy rather than their gender identity.
Braeburn's 34,000-square-foot manufacturing and research facility is scheduled to open in early 2017.
The company is eligible to receive a $100,000 grant from the One North Carolina Fund if it meets investment and job-creation milestones. The grant is to be matched by $50,000 from the N.C. Biotech Center, $50,000 from Longfellow Real Estate Partners and $75,400 from the N.C. Community College System for workforce training.
In the company's statement, Sheldon said that she elected to keep the company in North Carolina after meeting with Attorney General Roy Cooper, the Democratic gubernatorial candidate who urged Braeburn to stay in the state and fight discrimination.
"The Attorney General argued that Braeburn could help more by advocating from within North Carolina than by protesting through departure," the statement said.
After HB2 was challenged by the U.S. Department of Justice, Gov. Pat McCrory also lobbied Braeburn to move forward with its North Carolina project.
"As North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory explained in a recent meeting with Sheldon in which he also encouraged Braeburn to stay in North Carolina, it now appears that federal courts will move swiftly to rule on the legality of HB2, which means that the issues presented by HB2 are now national in scope rather than unique to North Carolina," the company said in its statement. "Braeburn expects that the DOJ will ultimately prevail and that eventually all states will be prohibited from enacting and enforcing laws like HB2."
Both the McCrory and Cooper campaigns later issued dueling statements about Braeburn's decision.
"Today's announcement by Braeburn shows that Roy Cooper is doing everything he can to protect our economy against Pat McCrory's job killing law," the Cooper campaign said.
"Whether they were really ever serious about pulling their investment or not, Braeburn Pharmaceuticals made the right decision not to follow through on their threats while this national issue works its way through the courts," McCrory Campaign Manager Russell Peck said.
Braeburn is developing implantable and injectable treatments for neurological and psychiatric disorders, such as addiction, pain and schizophrenia. The company is expecting a decision from the Food and Drug Administration on May 27 whether Braeburn's implant, probuphine, can be marketed and sold to treat opioid dependence.
If approved, probuphine would eventually be manufactured in the planned Morrisville plant, but in the interim the drug would be manufactured in Texas.
John Murawski: 919-829-8932, @johnmurawski


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Accurate Combustion Simulations Require Accurate Fuel Models
To develop low-emissions, high-efficiency engines, designers need to be able to count on the results of their combustion simulation. Combustion modeling can be used to produce substantial savings in engine development cost and improved product quality. But, challenges in achieving these benefits often arise due to inaccuracies in the fuel model. Using Reaction Design's Model Fuel Library, designers can take advantage of the most complete and thoroughly validated set of fuel kinetics models and still achieve fast Time-to-Solution.
Use the Model Fuel Library with CHEMKIN-PRO's Reaction Workbench to:
- Blend different fuel components to create a multi-component surrogate fuel model that matches real fuel properties.
- Reduce fuel models for use in Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) while controlling the impact on the accuracy of desired results.
Industry Validated Model Fuel Library
The Model Fuel Library comprises more than 40 fully validated, self-consistent components that can be used to simulate fuel effects in virtually all types of automotive, aircraft and power-generation engines. The model fuel components in the Library can be combined to model a large variety of alternative or conventional gaseous or liquid fuel formulations.
Subscribers to the Model Fuel Library Subscription Service can visit the Model Fuels Library Downloads.
Mechanism Reduction with CHEMKIN-PRO Reaction Workbench
Putting to use the mechanisms in the Model Fuel Library is easy with CHEMKIN-PRO Reaction Workbench. The Surrogate Blend Optimizer capability of Reaction Workbench enables the creation of an optimized mechanism that matches real multi-component fuel physical properties.
Reaction Workbench can then be used to automatically reduce mechanism size using a combination of reduction techniques.
- The user controls the reduction process by selecting target parameters and acceptable error tolerances.
- Reaction Workbench automatically generates the smallest skeletal mechanism satisfying these specifications.
Product Literature
|File size
|Last modified
|Model Fuel Library Overview


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This is a rare novel – a piece of crime fiction in which the crime does not feel like a device. So many crime novels present various grisly murders solely so that their detectives can dance, the characters often feeling like puppets. The puppeteer can continue writing until he or she runs out of crimes to think of, when at last their detective can retire, or be killed off themselves.
Child 44 is different, because the crime is almost a secondary thread of the novel, which is set in Soviet-era Russia and revolves around the charismatic survivalist, Leo Demidov. Leo's confidence in the Soviet state is gradually worn down as he is forced to confront the evidence that a series of tragic accidents are all connected – and the state's refusal to accept that a crime has been committed. By daring to investigate the crimes, he himself comes under both suspicion and threat, alongside his whole family.
Inspired by a true case, this novel is a fast-paced thriller, packed full of dark secrets and twists which leaves the reader wholly satisfied at the end. Leo is not an entirely likeable character, but his personality quirks are not stock 'maverick' features we come to expect of fictional detectives; they are the product of the cruel environment which he had grown up in, and has learnt to survive in – but his chances of survival dwindle increasingly as he inches closer to the secret behind the death of child 44.


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Lunch and Learn: Your Health Insurance Coverage
Mundelein | Website
This event occurred in the past.
Map | Find Parking
Get answers to help simplify the confusion of choosing individual health insurance coverage and plans. The presenter is Joanne Elster, Mesirow Financial. This program is offered in conjunction with the GLMV Chamber of Commerce. Bring a lunch and dessert is provided. To register, call the library or click on events calendar at the website.


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iPad Pro 12.9-inch Cases
Narrow Your Results
Looking for a great new protective case for your 12.9-inch iPad Pro? TAGreat.com offers you the lightest and thinnest smart cover leather case for iPad Pro. Slim, form-fitting cover designed by TAGreat to perfectly fit your iPad Pro and provide full front and back protection. The cover is easy to securely attach and remove, and folds back for easy one-handed reading. Wake your 12.9-inch iPad Pro or put it to sleep by simply opening and closing the cover, secured with a magnetic closure.
Apple's latest iPad Pro is beautiful and elegant, but also slightly unwieldy due to its massive 12.9-inch display. If you're looking to protect your iPad Pro, then the smart cover is the first choice, crafted from durable synthetic leather to perfectly fit your 12.9-inch iPad Pro, with a microfiber interior to protect your screen, get protection from drops, dust and scratches with below best iPad Pro cases. Don't leave your giant iPad Pro naked.


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We are often asked for more information on various savings providers that are less well-known or new to the savings market. In this regular series of articles, we aim to turn the spotlight on these providers to give you more information about their background and history and why they are of particular interest in today's savings market.
Alongside these articles, you may also find our Guide to Challenger Banks useful for more information on some of the banks that are seeking to break the monopoly of the big high street names.
We hope that you find this information useful and as always, if you have any feedback or suggestions as to who should appear in a future article, please let us know. You can call us on 0800 321 3581 or email [email protected].
The provider chosen this time is RCI Bank, following a number of requests for information from our clients and the fact that the provider has maintained competitively priced savings accounts since it launched in the UK last year.
Background Information
RCI Bank is the UK arm of RCI Banque and launched in June 2015. RCI Banque was formed in 1974 as the internal bank of Renault, the car manufacturer and is still privately owned by the Renault group today. The RCI Banque group has four online savings banks across Europe; in France, Germany, Austria and now the UK.
RCI Bank is the only bank in the UK savings market owned by a car company and its UK offices are located in Watford and Newcastle.
The key thing to be aware of with savings accounts from RCI Bank is that the provider is not part of the UK Financial Services Compensation Scheme, although savers are protected under the French guarantee scheme, the FGDR, up to the value of €100,000. Anyone looking to open one of the provider's accounts will need to consider this before proceeding
Today's Savings Market
When launched in June 2015, RCI Bank offered a highly competitive easy access account, the Freedom Savings Account which is still market leading, currently paying 1.55% gross/AER.
Not long after, RCI Bank launched new 1, 2 and 3 year fixed rate bonds to complement its easy access account. Currently paying 1.75% gross/AER for 1 year, 2.15% gross/AER for 2 years and 2.40% gross/AER for 3 years, each bond appears in our Fixed Rate Bond Best Buy Tables.
If you would like further details on these accounts, please contact us on 0800 321 3581 to talk to one of our savings experts.
Application Process and Customer Service
All accounts from RCI Bank must all be applied for online, so this will not suit those who prefer not to use the internet. However, the application process appears to be straightforward.
Since its launch, the provider has regularly featured in our best buy tables and therefore has attracted plenty of interest from savers and we certainly have not been made aware of any negative experiences so far. Of course, as mentioned earlier, your thoughts and experiences about providers' customer service are invaluable for us, so please get in touch to share any feedback you have.
A final word…
As mentioned earlier, it is important to be aware that deposits held with RCI Bank are not covered by the UK Financial Services Scheme (FSCS), but by the French equivalent. Therefore, you need to ensure that you are comfortable with this before placing funds with the provider. Please get in touch if you would like any further information.
It is tempting to stick to the well-known brands when it comes to savings accounts, but in doing so, you may be missing out on some of the best rates on the market. Whilst there are some exceptions, for example High Interest Current Accounts, you can no longer rely on the larger brands and high street names to offer the best interest rates. Providers like RCI Bank and other, less well-known providers continue to drive competition in the savings market and offer some of the best rates available at the moment. The best strategy is to look at all options and take each provider on its own merits, considering alternative providers to get the best returns for your money. As long as you do your research (or ask us for more information!) and are comfortable with the provider, there is no reason not to consider them in future.
As mentioned earlier, if there is a provider that you would like to see featured in a future article, please let us know. We are also keen to hear from you if you have any feedback about any provider's customer service, good or bad! Please contact us at [email protected] to share your experiences.