text:
The Yankees are making a strong push to make a trade before Monday's deadline to lock up their 40-man roster in order to free up some space to protect some prospects. One name that the Yankees are making a "surprising push" for is Jurickson Profar of the Texas Rangers, according to Joel Sherman of the New York Post.
Though the Yankees have a crowded infield with Chase Headley, Didi Gregorius, and Starlin Castro under team control for next year, Sherman suggests the Yankees would be willing to acquire a player with some upside to axe some of the current members of the 40-man roster. The Yankees also have a number of prospects in the mix for some infield positions next year, but with Profar's versatility, they would be able to move him around the diamond.
Once the top prospect in baseball, Profar, who will be 25 by next year's spring training, hit just .172/.294/.207 in 22 games at the big league level this season. However, Profar did hit well in Triple-A slashing .287/.383/.428 with seven home runs, 45 RBIs, and 25 doubles in 87 games. Profar also played five positions in the MLB last year with time at left field, shortstop, second base, third base, and first base.
The Rangers are seeking pitching, and the Yankees have an abundance of pitchers they will have to make decisions on in the coming days. Among this list, the Yankees could look to deal Bryan Mitchell, Chasen Shreve, Ronald Herrera, Jonathan Holder, and a few others.
Yankees GM Brian Cashman has noted that prospects Miguel Andujar, Tyler Wade, and Gleyber Torres could all see time at third next season, with Wade and Torres also likely seeing time at short and second. The Yankees also have a utility man in Ronald Torreyes, but Sherman writes that Profar could unseat him if the Yankees were to acquire him simply because of his experience in left field and first base.
Profar profiles nicely into the type of players that Cashman has prioritized over the years. Cashman has stuck gold in the acquisitions of Gregorius and Aaron Hicks, and he could look to light another fire if he were to acquire another former highly regarded prospect who has yet to prove himself as a big leaguer.


text: My wife was always dreaming to see me how I would be sucking penis of some other guy. She always keeps telling me how much it would arouse her if she will see the way my mouth will be filled with his cumshots. She starts talking approximately that every time as we start our fucking. Since couple months ago my wife started sucking me off & then feeding own cumshots to me myself. In our experience we received fucking in threesome sex with our usual friend before & during last time when were repeating it she asked him whether he will let me to such his cock or not. Of course he refused letting me suck his cock, yet my wife started sucking his penis & before he will be finished off she pulled it out, removing his condom & climbed on him. First thing that she have told in that position were begging him to fuck her like a dirty slut, as she loves to talk on a dirty language & uses it nasty as possible. Then asked to lick her ass & said to him fuck her cunt in the same moment. Seems like he didn't notice that she pulled of condom & pounded his penis into her vagina, diving it deep there where he immediately discharged his cumshots. She received up & ran to the bathroom, called me to come there. When I came in she was lying on her back & holding her pussy. There she asked me to lie on my back, to which I have obeyed & followed her order. She received just above my face, took away her hands & those white cumshots started being spilled on by face. I was ordered to open my mouth & taste his cumshots, while she was sucking my penis. I leaned back & started pleasing her pussy as in a minute their mixed cumshots started gushing into my mouth. I closed my mouth in a rush as it was already full, & I have never seen such massive pussy cumming of her pussy. As I finished her pussy out of cumshots with my tongue we agreed that we need someone else for doing similar things for the next time, as her vagina liked it so much. Well, to tell you truth, I can't wait for that!

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Deliver digital content that stands out with CYPHER
CYPHER has a reliable and innovative learning platform that makes it easy to distribute your learning content to a large audience.
Create a personalized learning experience from beginning to end and give your learners the freedom to learn anytime, anywhere with CYPHER.
Encourage your customers' learning by giving them access to professional content that they can access in their own time.
CYPHER makes it easy to make learning exciting and engage your learners with innovative features regardless of their age.
Create a community of experts such as teachers or trainers that help you spread valuable knowledge.
A modern learning platform for publishing companies
See how CYPHER can help your business grow
Seamless course creation
CYPHER makes content creation and launching a breeze. Whether you provide instructor-led, blended, self-paced, or micro learning programs, display them in a storefront where your customers can access them at their point of need.
Personalized content
Lay the ground for continuous learning with individual learning paths that consider learners' goals, preferences, and learning paces. CYPHER makes it easy to set up goals that are courses or certificates and string them together in a coherent path.
Interactive learner experience
The overall learning experience can be considerably improved through gamification features. The interactive leaderboard instills a desire to earn more rewards and get more points and badges. Your courses will create a buzz in the public space thanks to this feature.
Improve learning with automation
Ensure that all learners get a personalized learning program that is consistent with their preferences, goals, job title, and others. Set up automation rules for courses, groups, accounts, mastery, and other areas and let your learners go on an individual learning journey.
Organize customers
CYPHER makes it easy to deliver specific course content to each of your customers. Use organizations to create separate portals for them with their own users and catalog. Every portal is fully customized, looks professional, and provides high security.
Get insightful reports
Stay informed about course completion, group activity, users, and organizations by creating custom reports. Get insights delivered automatically to your dashboard so you can make better business decisions and change your strategy as you go.
See what others have to say about us
Genuine feedback from real users
Learning Specialists
We're very pleased with how the product has evolved, becoming one of the number one products in the market in our opinion and it satisfies all our needs. Whenever we design learning, we always develop bite-sized chunks: videos, pictures, words, tests – and that's where CYPHER's LMS is very powerful and a good fit for us.Read the case study
Our learners are able to access content in an easy and sequential manner.
We were able to organize our learning content more. This made our learners have a better and new way of experiencing taking classes.
CYPHER has allowed our team to create, host, and develop a full catalog of courses of multiple types and offer those to both in-person and virtual students.
We've used CYPHER's LMS to drive our entire digital community for two years now. We could not run our business and support our community of educators as effectively any other way. Our team has been able to focus on supporting our community engagement rather than heavy manual administration processes.Read the case study
Easily integrate your favorite tools
Our LMS for publishers integrates all your favorite tools, allowing you to easily design and provide content to your customers.


text:
Cusco and Machu Picchu are rightfully two of Peru's most popular and desirable travel destinations. I personally can't get enough of Cusco, nor will I forget the morning I arrived at Machu Picchu all those years ago. The clouds clearing to reveal Machu Picchu in all of its awe-inspiring glory is a memory that sticks with me to this day. However, between Cusco and Machu Picchu, there is a whole region rich in culture, history, and breathtaking views. The Valle Sagrado, or Sacred Valley of the Incas, is one of the most surreal regions I've encountered during my travels.
Aside from its natural beauty and abundance of activities, the best part of the Sacred Valley is that it is often neglected by short-term travelers. Most people might be strapped on time and prioritize Machu Picchu and Cusco. Even those that do find the time often opt for fast-paced guided tours that hardly give you any time to stop and smell the roses. Even my first foray into the Sacred Valley was on a guided tour to Maras and Moray. Eventually, I started taking longer and longer trips out here, bouncing around from village to village, exploring solely by word of mouth. My several trips to the Sacred Valley were among the best parts of my four month long trip to Peru. I would even find myself doing things two or three times just because they were that good.
For those of you that have time to spare, the Sacred Valley of the Incas is a region that can't be missed. Once you are here, you might never want to leave. Here are the best things to do in this gorgeous area.
And hey, if this post help you out, show some love and support for the blog and help keep my adventures going by buying me a beer! My adventures are entirely self-funded, so any show of support is greatly appreciated, and allows me to keep writing helpful travel guides and creating travel content to help you all travel the world on a budget.
This post contains affiliate links. That means that I may earn a commission if you make a purchase through one of these links.
Table of Contents
- The Best Things To Do in Cusco's Sacred Valley
- How To Get Around the Sacred Valley
- How Much Time To Spend in Each Place
- Where To Stay in the Sacred Valley
- Cusco's Tourist Pass: Is It Worth It?
- More on Peru
The Best Things To Do in Cusco's Sacred Valley
Explore Pisac Archaeological Complex
Situated above the small village of Pisac is the large archaeological complex of the same name. You can't see it from the village, so I didn't really know what to expect. Besides stairs. I knew there were going to be a stupid amount of stairs. Once you finally make it up those stairs, you are in for a treat. The hike takes about an hour or so, and is challenging at times, but it is so worth it.
The ruins of Pisac are easily among my favorites that I have visited in Peru. So much so that I ended up visiting them twice. Every time that I thought it couldn't get better, it would. You could spend hours upon hours exploring these expansive ruins. The combination of well-preserved structures and stunning scenery makes for one of the best adventures in Peru's Sacred Valley. Best of all, it has a fraction of the visitors that Machu Picchu has. One can explore the complex for hours and run into only a couple dozen other people along the way.
Explore Ollantaytambo Archaeological Site
The fortress of Ollantaytambo are easily among my favorite ruins that I've ever visited. Unlike Pisac, you can see the ruins straight from the town center, so you know what you're getting yourself into. That's right. More stairs. The ruins of the vast Incan fortress of Ollantaytambo are among the most jaw-dropping and awe-inspiring in all of Peru.
To up the wow factor even more, make sure to climb all the way up to the top of the hill. There, you'l find the ruins of Inka Watana and an absolutely incredible panoramic view of the Sacred Valley. With Ollantaytambo being the gateway to Machu Picchu today, one can imagine how crucial the fortress of Ollantaytambo used to be in defending the Inca capital of Machu Picchu.
Hike To The Ruins of Pinkuylluna
Situated on the opposite side of town from the Ollantaytambo ruins is the archaeological site of Pinkuylluna. Unlike Ollantaytambo which requires an entrance fee, Pinkuylluna is free to enter. Even if you aren't into history or ruins, you can get a beautiful panoramic view of the Sacred Valley, the surrounding mountains, and the cute little town and ruins of Ollantaytambo. This was one of my favorite quick activities that I did in the Sacred Valley. I even did it a second time because it was that flippin' good.
Go Hiking At Kinsa Cocha, Pisac's Three Lakes
A very little-known hike to do around the Sacred Valley is the hike to Kinsa Cocha, a Quechua word meaning "three lakes". Pisac is the ideal starting point for this laid-back hike. A taxi from here will cost you 150-200 soles, depending on how many of you there are. There were six of us, so for an off-the-beaten-path destination like this one, it was worth the money. It is around a 90-minute round trip drive from Pisac, while the hike itself takes about three hours. Unless you stop to admire every alpaca you see, in which case it took us a bit more than three hours. Pack warm because it gets chilly up here. Here's my complete guide to this lesser-known adventure in the Sacred Valley.
Salineras de Maras
The seemingly endless salt pools of Maras have quickly become one of the most iconic destinations of the Sacred Valley. Be warned though, there isn't much to do here besides look at them. You used to be able to walk along the pools themselves but too much gringo contamination in the salt has made that no longer an option. You can take a day trip here from Cusco or you can settle down in Urubamba and take a colectivo to the small town of Maras and make your way to the Salineras. The entrance fee is 10 soles, so it isn't too bad for a quick activity.
Moray Archaeological Site
Moray Archaeological Complex is another quick Sacred Valley trip, which is why it is often coupled with the Salineras de Maras by tour agencies. This archaeological site is unique due to the concentric circle styles of its structures. It looks eerily alien in nature, and is yet another fascinating glimpse at the rich history of the area. Like most ruins in the Sacred Valley, Moray also has no shortage of views. On a clear day, one can see the majestic snow-capped mountain ranges in the background.
Visit Chinchero Archaeological Site
One of the lesser-known archaeological sites included on the boleto turistico is Chinchero. You might not have heard of Chinchero but it turned out to be one of my favorite sites in the Sacred Valley. I almost considered skipping it but decided that I wanted to get as much of my money's worth from my tourist ticket as possible. I thought I would be tired of ruins by this point but Chinchero was seriously impressive. Located about halfway between Cusco and Urubamba, Chinchero is a great stop on your Sacred Valley circuit.
Hike From Chinchero To Urquillos
Aside from exploring the village and ruins of Chinchero, one can also make the hike from Chinchero to Urquillos. The mostly downhill hike boasts absolutely stunning scenery, making it one of the best day hikes in the Sacred Valley. On a clear day, this Qhapaq Nan (Inca trail) gives you unbeatable views of the snowy mountains that undoubtedly played a part in why the Inca viewed this region as sacred. It takes about four hours to get from Chinchero to the small village of Urquillos. This quiet town is easily one of the most scenic little villages in the Sacred Valley.
Go Shopping At Pisac's Sunday Market
Had enough of ruins? Pisac boasts my favorite market in all of Peru. It is vast and spreads out into every alleyway and corner of the village of Pisac. The vendors take a much less aggressive approach in trying to sell you things. Foreigners like me aren't seen as a nuisance or as a money grab. Each local person I spoke to met me with genuine interest and curiosity. I befriended a lot of the locals, from my favorite food stall lady, the waitress at my usual café, and the tattoo artist that really should have been giving me commission for how many customers I brought him.
I never saw myself as a small town kinda guy, but Pisac stole my heart in a very unique way. Walking through the market aimlessly was one of my favorite things to do in Pisac. On Sundays, the market expands even further. Every Sunday, people from the neighboring smaller villages would flock to the main square of Pisac to sell their goods. The grey cobbled streets explode with a sensory overload of colors as the locals in their vibrant garb make use of every square inch of the plaza.
Visit the Women Artisans of Chinchero
By now, you've probably realized that Peruvians have a storied tradition of artisanry. They are amazing at what they do and you might find yourself struggling to resist the call of a new jumper, blanket, or other knickknack from the local markets. The women artisans and weavers of Chinchero are among the most renowned community of craftswomen in the Sacred Valley. A visit here will give you a glimpse into things like how the white, brown, and black shades of alpaca wool are dyed into whatever color you can imagine. The ingredients that go into dying the wool will actually shock you.
How To Get Around the Sacred Valley
My first colectivo ride to the Sacred Valley was a lot more complicated than it should have been. Thankfully, that was the only time I ever struggled with transportation within the Sacred Valley. This region provides cheap, reliable, and incredibly scenic transportation between city to city. Seriously, it is so easy to travel between each village. Here's a quick breakdown of how to get from place to place.
- Cusco to Pisac: 5 Soles from Calle Puputi
- Notable stops along the way:
- Saqsayhuaman
- Qenqo
- Puka Pukara
- Tambomachay
- Notable stops along the way:
- Cusco to Ollantaytambo: 10 Soles from Calle Pavitos
- Cusco to Urubamba: 6 Soles from Calle Pavitos
- Notable stops along the way:
- Chinchero
- Maras
- Moray
- Notable stops along the way:
- Pisac to Cusco: 4 Soles from near the bridge
- Pisac to Urubamba: 4 Soles from bus stop on main street
- Notable stops along the way:
- Calca
- Urquillos
- Yucay
- Notable stops along the way:
- Urubamba to Ollantaytambo: 2 Soles from the Terminal Terrestre
- Ollantaytambo to Urubamba: 2 Soles from outside the mercado
- Ollantaytambo to Cusco: 10-15 Soles from the plaza
How Much Time To Spend in Each City
Pisac: 3+ days
Pisac is one of my favorite places to relax and take a breather. Dedicating a day to exploring the ruins, one to visit the three lakes of Kinsa Cocha, and one to just roam through the streets is the way to go. I've spent a lot of time in Pisac, and most of that time is spent eating, wandering, or doing nothing. If you are traveling long-term, you might find yourself enchanted by this quaint little town and staying far longer than you initially planned.
Ollantaytambo: 2 days
The small village of Ollantaytambo is surprisingly full of adventures for how tiny it is. Ruins and hiking trails flank the city in every direction. One could easily spend several days here. However, most people only stick around for Ollantaytambo Ruins and Pinkuylluna. Both of these can be done in a day or two depending on how proactive you are.
Chinchero: 1 day
Chinchero is usually nothing more than a quick stop to the rest of the Sacred Valley for most travelers. My first visit to Chinchero was just a detour en route to a guided tour of Maras and Moray. We stopped by to see the women artisans. This was before I knew of the archaeological complex and the stunning hike to Urquillos. I eventually returned to Chinchero on my last day in Cusco and was not disappointed.
Urubamba: 1 day
Urubamba is one of the bigger towns in the Sacred Valley, although I also found it to be less exciting than the others. It is a good home base for people wanting to visit Salineras de Maras and the archaeological complex of Moray. However, there's not much else to justify going all the way there just to be closer to these points of interest. One could easily visit them from Chinchero or Cusco, as well. Aside from Maras and Moray, Urubamba boasts a few beautiful hikes and the former Inca Palace of Huayna Capac. It is a beautiful city to lay low for a while, and significantly more local than Ollantaytambo and Pisac. However, if you are short on time, I'd recommend at most a day here.
Where To Stay In…
Pisac: Wolf Totem Nomad
I cannot recommend this place enough. The epic views, family of doggos, and laid-back vibe make it one of my favorite hostels in the world. It is about a 15-minute walk from the center of Pisac but it is well worth the extra journey. The scenery never gets old. Wolf Totem is far from your average hostel, and those looking for a bit more privacy have the options of choosing a private studio room or one of the incredible villas. Seriously, book Wolf Totem. You won't regret it.
Say hi to Jefe for me.
Ollantaytambo: Casa Quechua, Mama Killa
Ollantaytambo is a gorgeous small town. You'll find yourself wanting to stay longer and longer. I spent several nights here, despite there arguably being very little to do here outside of the ruins. The beautiful scenery, relaxed vibe, and plethora of food options made it an acceptable location for me to kick back for a bit. It also helped that Casa Quechua was very budget-friendly, at only 20 Soles ($6 US) a night with breakfast included.
The other option I looked at was Mama Killa, which always happened to be full whenever I actually wanted to book it. It runs at 30 Soles, also with breakfast included, and seems to have more amenities than Casa Quechua. There are tons of options that show up for hostels in Ollantaytambo on Hostelworld, ranging from budget dorms to affordable private rooms.
Urubamba: Luna Rumi (Flying Dog Hostels)
Only about 10 minutes outside of the center of Urubamba is Luna Rumi. It showed up on Hostelworld as Flying Dog Hostels so I booked it. However, when I showed up, I found out that it had transitioned to a hotel, but the owners gave me a private room for a small upgrade from a hostel dorm price. The grounds and gardens here are beautiful. At 38 Soles a night with a great breakfast included, it definitely was worth it to have a little privacy in a beautiful setting. Urubamba is a quiet town that few tourists seem to stay at, so finding a social hostel would be pretty rare, anyway.
There are other hostels in the area but most of them won't show up online. The ones that you will be able to find on Booking or on Hostelworld usually don't offer budget dorm accommodations.
Chinchero: Chinchero Backpackers
I did not actually spend the night in Chinchero, as I felt a day trip to the ruins followed by a hike would be more ideal. That way, I could leave my belongings in Cusco instead of having to drag them all the way to Chinchero for just a night or two. If you are interested in spending a night in this less-traveled-to destination, here are some accommodation options in Chinchero.
Oh last but not least, one of the most important things you should consider while traveling through the Sacred Valley…
Cusco's Boleto Turistico: Is It Worth It?
This was one of my biggest dilemmas while exploring Cusco and the Sacred Valley. To enter most of the archaeological sites that I've mentioned, you will need either the partial ticket or the complete tourist ticket. For the complete ticket which lasts 10 days and gives you access to 16 different sites, you will have to pay 130 Soles ($38 US). For the partial ones that last two days and give you access to four, you will have to pay 70 soles ($20 US). If you happen to be a student, you can get the complete tourist ticket for the same price as a partial one, which makes the dilemma much easier. If you are a student, trust me, it will be worth it.
However, most people, especially backpackers like myself, have a hard time shelling out $40 in one go. If you are in Cusco and the Sacred Valley for an extended period of time, then it's a no-brainer. Even if you visit just two of the sixteen sites, you will already be saving 10 soles as opposed to paying 70 soles each time to enter.
The only way I could justify paying 70 Soles for a partial ticket is if you wanted to bust out some combination of Moray, Pisac, Chinchero, and Ollantaytambo in two days. It will be hectic but it is doable. For most people, I would recommend spreading out the adventures over the course of 10 days and visiting as many of the 16 sites as possible.
Cusco's Sacred Valley is one of my favorite regions in the world. It is an incredible mix of adventure, history, culture, and relaxation. You can be content doing nothing or everything while you are here. The surrounding scenery feels otherworldly at times, and I guarantee that you will never get bored of it. Seriously, I implore you to avoid the fast-paced guided tour of the Sacred Valley and hop your way around on your own. The colectivos are cheap and you will want to enjoy every second of your stay here with no pressure or time limits. Life is bueno, here.
Oh, and before you go, make sure to have good travel insurance handy whenever you're out adventuring. I use SafetyWing to keep me covered throughout my travels for as low as $40 a month.
If this post helped you out, show some love and support for the blog and help keep my adventures going by buying me a beer! My adventures are entirely self-funded, so any show of support is greatly appreciated, and allows me to keep writing helpful travel guides and creating travel content to help you all travel the world on a budget.
More on Peru
The Backpacker's Guide to…
The Best Things To Do In…
Where To Stay In…
Attraction and Destination Guides
- Cordillera Huayhuash
- Salkantay Trek
- Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain
- Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain
- Laguna 69
- Colca Canyon
- Floating Islands of Puno
- Pisac Archaeological Site


text:
Peace Arch
|Peace Arch
The Peace Arch from the US side.
|Blaine, Washington, US
Surrey, British Columbia, Canada
|49°0′7.66″N 122°45′23.49″W / 49.0021278°N 122.7565250°WCoordinates: 49°0′7.66″N 122°45′23.49″W / 49.0021278°N 122.7565250°W
|Harvey Wiley Corbett
|Architectural style(s)
|Classical Revival
|Governing body
|December 13, 1996
|Reference no.
|96001493 [1]
The Peace Arch is a monument situated near the westernmost point of the Canada–United States border in the contiguous United States, between the communities of Blaine, Washington and Surrey, British Columbia.
The Peace Arch, which stands 20.5 metres (67 ft) tall, was built by Sam Hill and dedicated in September 1921, and commemorates the signing of the Treaty of Ghent in 1814. The monument is built on the exact United States–Canada boundary, between Interstate 5 and Highway 99, in the grass median between the northbound and southbound lanes.
The Peace Arch has the flags of the US and Canada mounted on its crown, and two inscriptions on both sides of its frieze. The inscription on the US side of the Peace Arch reads "Children of a common mother", and the words on the Canadian side read "Brethren dwelling together in unity". Within the arch, each side has an iron gate mounted on either side of the border with an inscription above each gate: the one on the east side read "May these gates never be closed", while on the west side read "1814 Open One Hundred Years 1914".
About 500,000 people visit the Peace Arch each year.[2] The monument and surrounding park is considered an international park. As such, visitors do not require either a passport or visa to pass through their applicable border crossing so long as they stay within the boundaries of the park.[3]
Peace Arch Park consists of Peace Arch Provincial Park on the Canadian side and Peace Arch State Park on the American side of the border. Within the park is a major border crossing (between Interstate 5 on the U.S. side and British Columbia Highway 99 on the Canadian side). The Peace Arch symbolizes a long history of peace between the two nations. Because of the Peace Arch monument, the border crossing between Surrey and Blaine is popularly known as the "Peace Arch Border Crossing". In Canada, the crossing is officially named Douglas in honour of Sir James Douglas, the first governor of the Colony of British Columbia. It is one of the busiest border crossings between Canada and the United States, and the busiest such crossing west of Detroit.
In 1914, a Washington State lawyer named Samuel Hill organized international fundraising campaign to build the Arch. Internationally known architect H.W. Corbett from London, England donated his talents to design the Arch. International volunteers began constructing in 1920. It was dedicated on September 6, 1921 and was considered one of the first earthquake resistant structures built in North America.[2]
The Peace Arch Park has been the site of various international events and protests. In 1952, African-American singer and activist Paul Robeson, banned from international travel during the Red Scares, performed several concerts at the site. He sang from a flatbed truck on the American side to an audience in Canada.
One book extensively covers the history of the International Peace Arch. It bears the title, Sam Hill's Peace Arch: Remembrance of Dreams Past by Richard Clark (2005).
On 9 February 2010, the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch Relay visited the Peace Arch.
See also[edit]
- ^ National Park Service (2007-01-23). "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service.
- ^ a b "Peace Arch – City of Surrey Heritage Sites". www.surrey.ca. Retrieved 31 December 2016.
- ^ About Peace Arch Park
External links[edit]
|Wikimedia Commons has media related to Peace Arch.
- 1921 sculptures
- Boundary markers
- Buildings and structures completed in 1921
- Buildings and structures in Surrey, British Columbia
- Canada–United States border crossings
- Heritage sites in British Columbia
- Interstate 5
- Monuments and memorials in British Columbia
- Monuments and memorials on the National Register of Historic Places in Washington (state)
- Peace monuments and memorials
- U.S. Route 99
- Tourist attractions in Whatcom County, Washington
- National Register of Historic Places in Whatcom County, Washington


text:
As the founding partner at Neff Injury Law, I have the unique opportunity to lead a talented team in seeking justice for people who are seriously injured. Our goal is to obtain justice for everyday people and hold powerful individuals, corporations, and insurance companies accountable.
When you are fighting large companies with millions or billions in assets, you need a law firm that has the money to withstand a lengthy legal process, a track record for success, and the expertise to navigate a complex legal system. Without those three key elements, there is a good chance you will leave money on the table. Insurance companies and their lawyers know when they see Neff Injury Law on the case file, that we are going to fight for the maximum results.
In addition to collaborating with our team of attorneys on case strategy and approach, I serve as our firm's lead trial lawyer. Since starting Neff Injury Law in 1996, we have won more than $100 million in jury verdicts – including results in 2013 and 2017 that ranked nationally in the top 100 civil verdicts of the year. Additionally, Neff Injury Law's relentless determination in a 2011 sexual assault case and a 2012 grocery store fall case resulted in record-setting verdicts in the state of Georgia.
Beyond serving my clients directly, I am an active participant in the legal community and frequently share tactics and practice ideas with lawyers across the country. My articles and presentations cover topics including advanced tactics in handling trucking cases, trial techniques, negotiations, traumatic brain injury cases, complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), professionalism, chronic pain, and depositions. I also share trial reviews of some of our firm's cases including those resulting in a $2.79 million verdict, a $47 million verdict, a $35 million verdict, a $9 million verdict, a $7 million verdict, a $6.75 million settlement, and a $5 million settlement to name a few.
In 2017, my passion for justice drove me to share my approach with other trial lawyers in my first book, Premises Liability: A Guide to Success. The step-by-step guide documents my experience and advice in pursuing and winning premises liability cases. I'm currently finishing my second book, which takes an even deeper look at premises liability cases, and will be published by Trial Guides in 2021.
I am licensed as a lawyer in Georgia and a member of the Georgia Bar. I am admitted to the Georgia Supreme Court, the Georgia Court of Appeals, and all of the lower courts of Georgia. I am also admitted to the U.S. Federal District Court for the Northern District of Georgia and the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals.
As an active participant in the American Association for Justice (AAJ), I serve on the Executive Committee for AAJ's Traumatic Brain Injury Litigation Group and Inadequate Security Litigation Group. In 2014, I served as the Chair of AAJ's Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Litigation Group. I am recognized as an Advocate by the National College of Advocacy and have served on the Executive Committee of the Georgia Trial Lawyers Association (GTLA). I earned a law degree from the Pennsylvania State University Dickinson School of Law in 1993.
Outside of the law, I enjoy following sports and like to decompress with a quiet trip to the beach. I live in Atlanta with my wife and three children.


text:
Kidscreen Summit is renowned as the kids entertainment industry's most important annual event. In 2013, the conference welcomed more than 1,600 attendees from 47 countries. Top executives attend Kidscreen Summit to take advantage of the year's best business networking, and to engage in critical dialogue on issues that affect the industry.
1,600 delegates
47 countries represented
98% plan to attend again
99% would recommend the event to colleagues
400+ content buyers
900+ producers/distributors
You are not currently viewing the most recent Kidscreen Summit. Go to Kidscreen Summit 2024.
Executive Story Editor
Gordon Sorcery
The Godfather. The Wire. The Great Gatsby. Let It Be. These are all things that were written. Not by me of course. Not even close. Nope. I've written on dozens (baker's dozens even) of animated TV shows over the course of the last millennium. I started out wanting to write the Great Canadian (or insert name of country you are from) Novel. But, when I realized that would take a really long time, and I would likely be homeless by the end of it, I turned to writing something that might actually involve getting cash money. And is very rewarding and all that. From Gerald McBoing Boing, to Hot Wheels, to being Executive Story Editor of the new (and improved!) incarnation of Inspector Gadget, my neatly typed phrases and extremely witty dialogue, coupled with those of my writing partner, Doug Hadders, have found their way into the minds of small children everywhere. So, when they become Nobel Prize winning physicists, Cancer cure finders, and Middle East peace brokers, you can thank me. For all the other stuff, like anything remotely bad that a kid does, you can thank Doug.
Featured in: Comedy: The King of Kids TV


text: I want to try not to say too much pointless stuff on this blog, but after all, I feel that I am affected by every little detail that goes on. I spent about 5 hours at the library yesterday getting my Calc III homework finished. I had problems doing the first 5 questions of the 3D graphs that I was supposed to match with their respective equations. I managed to get the help I needed in class. I was told that the each function correlates with a particular curve, and that it can be found in the book. I also struggled on the "x, y z" equations. I took notes in class and everything, but I guess I skipped the important stuff. The best thing I can do is to try not to struggle too much on the little stuff. I have the option of emailing my teacher if I continue to have problems. He used to be a math tutor so I'm sure he doesn't mind explaining things in detail. I stayed after class to talk to him and I got all the help I needed, even though I swear that I'm missing something. Oh well. I can always contact him or just show up when he's in his office.


text:
Definitions for OCR Physics A – G482 Electrons, Waves & Photons
Quantum physics
Learn and practice your knowledge of these definitions using Quizlet:
Quantum physics
coulomb – the charge transferred by a 1 ampere current in one second
volt – 1 joule per coulomb
ohm – the resistance when 1 volt of potential difference produces 1 ampere of current
kilowatt-hour (kW h) – the energy transferred by a 1 kW device in a time of 1 hour
electronvolt (eV) – the energy transferred by an electron travelling through a potential difference of 1 V
electric current – flow of charge per unit time
number density – the number of charged particles per unit volume
power – work done per unit time
potential difference – energy transferred per unit charge from electrical energy into other forms (e.g. light or heat)
electromotive force – energy transferred per unit charge into electrical energy from other forms (e.g. chemical)
internal resistance – some energy is lost as heat in the battery; it behaves as if it has an internal resistance
terminal p.d. – the potential difference measured across the terminals of an e.m.f. source
displacement – distance moved from equilibrium of a point on a wave
amplitude – maximum displacement
wavelength – the distance between two adjacent peaks and troughs
period – the time taken for one complete oscillation of a particle
phase difference – the fraction of a cycle (measured in degrees) between the oscillations of two particles
path difference – the difference in the distances travelled by two waves from coherent sources at a particular point
frequency – number of wavelengths passing a point per unit time
speed of a wave – distance travelled by the wave per unit time
work function – minimum energy to release an electron from the surface of a metal
threshold frequency – the minimum frequency of electromagnetic radiation that will release an electron from the surface of a metal
conventional current – moves from positive to negative terminals of battery
electron flow – moves from negative to positive terminals of battery
Kirchoff's first law – sum of current into a junction equals the sum of current out; charge is conserved
Kirchoff's second law – sum of e.m.f.s around a loop = sum of p.d.s around the same loop; energy is conserved
mean drift velocity – the average speed of charged particles along the length of a conductor
Ohm's law – for a metallic conductor at a constant temperature, the voltage is proportional to the current
progressive wave – a transfer of energy as a result of oscillations
stationary wave – a wave which stores energy in pockets
longitudinal wave – displacement of particles is parallel to direction of energy transfer
transverse wave – displacement of particles is perpendicular to direction of energy transfer
reflection – the bouncing back of a wave from a circuit
refraction – the change in direction of a wave as it crosses an interface between two materials where its speed changes
diffraction – wavefronts spread out after passing through a gap or around an obstacle
intensity – power per unit area
plane polarised wave – a transverse wave that vibrates in one plane only
superposition – when two or more waves meet, the resultant displacement is equal to the sum of the displacements of each wave
interference – when two waves superpose at a point and there is a change in overall displacement
constructive interference – when two waves reinforce to give increased amplitude
destructive interference – when two waves cancel to give reduced amplitude
coherence – constant phase difference between waves
node – where the amplitude is always zero
antinodes – where the amplitude of the standing wave takes the maximum possible value
photon – a packet of energy
photoelectric effect – emission of electrons from a metal surface when photons are incident on the surface
line spectrum – light emitted from atoms to produce a series of lines against a dark background
Approximate wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation
Gamma – to
X-rays – to
Ultraviolet – to
Visible – (violet) to (red)
Infrared – to
Microwaves – to
Radio waves – to


text:
Anne Arundel man claims $31,320 prize
A Severna Park man's memory of his late son propelled him to the biggest Maryland Lottery win he has ever enjoyed – $31,320 on a Racetrax Superfecta bet.
The 70-year-old school custodial contractor's son died in a construction accident more than 30 years ago. He regularly uses his son's birth year – 1965 – when he plays Racetrax and the Lottery's Pick 4 game. When he placed a 1-9-6-5 Superfecta bet at Quik Mart in Annapolis, he didn't know July 20 would be his lucky day.
"I was watching the 9 horse, and it was last," the lucky winner said. "Then, he made his move. I kept watching the screen and I see the 1 and the 9 and the 6 … and then the 5 pops up. So I knew I won, but I didn't know how much."
He still didn't know the size of his win until he arrived at Maryland Lottery headquarters in Baltimore to claim his prize. The staff delivered the great news!
"$31,000!" he kept repeating as he met with Lottery officials. He was so excited that he made a call to his fiancée to tell her the good news.
"I'm really excited," said the Anne Arundel County resident, adding that his only previous wins were for small amounts. "I'm elated. We can go on a little vacation, pay some bills, help a couple people out."
The Quik Mart located at 2042 West Street is a winner as well. For selling a winning Racetrax ticket over $10,000, the retailer will receive a bonus of $313.20 from the Lottery. Racetrax is available at Lottery retailers across the state, with races starting approximately every five minutes.


text:
These little sippers are wheel thrown then glazed with foodsafe glazes. Because they are hand made, each one is a little different in exact size and shape, so I'll pick my favorite to send you. They are great as a set, or for a solo sip! Each cup holds about 2oz. and is illustrated with an image of a bug that might be the state bird of half the states. Order is for 1 cup. Fun fact- while many insects get called bugs, only those with a piercing proboscis are truly bugs!
Mosquito whiskey cup in butterhoney


text:
Flowing 3 Emerald & Baguettes Diamond Lariat
Discover our Flowing Diamond Lariat, skillfully crafted with a delicate ultra fine baguettes and emerald diamonds set on an 18kt gold chain. A dreamy luxury piece that captivates the eye and embrace the chest perfectly.
18kt Gold
3 Emeralds 1.50 cts
7 Baguettes 0.55 cts
Category: Necklace
Collection: Flowing Diamond Collection
Product Number: SKU- FCN223200
Please allow 2-4 weeks for production.
Flowing 3 Emerald & Baguettes Diamond Lariat
How long will my order take?
All of our pieces take 2-4 weeks to be produced.
Is my order insured in transit?
Yes, it is fully insured and will be added to our shipping cost.
Is custom engraving possible?
Yes, engraving is complimentary and are final sale.
Do you ship internationally?
Yes we do ship internationally. The following countries we ship to are: The United States, The United Kingdom, Italy France, Spain, Switzerland, Canada, Brazil, Dubai United Arab Emirates, Luxembourg, Australia, etc.
Fast shipping
Good things take time. Great things take a little longer.
Your Loraida jewelry is custom made in the USA. Custom pieces like ours can take 2-4 weeks days to produce. Once produced we choose the fastest, safest shipping methods available.
Order tracking
Know where your jewelery is at all times.
At any point in the production process you can reach out to us via email to get an instant update on your order. We track every piece from sourcing to production and eventually delivery.
Get in touch
We are available 24/7.
If you have any questions at all concerning an order you have placed or are going to place, reach out to us by email or one of our socials and we'll respond as quickly as possible. Transparency and communication are the keys to your journey.
About us
Family owned and operated through 3 generations.
Loraida, at its heart, is a family business. We are entering our third generation of ownership and operations and cannot wait to see what the future holds. Trust, hard work and an eye for quality have been instilled in every generation of our family.


text:
The concept of inter-store transfers can put any business on edge, however, Lloyd Fraser takes the hassle out of the entire process putting our customers at complete ease.
Through our established logistics channel, Lloyd Fraser can eliminate the need to send store transfers back to a storage warehouse before distributing out to another store. We handle thousands of inter-store transfers a day, collecting and delivering products to clients throughout the UK. Our drivers collect items from the store before taking them to a local Lloyd Fraser depot. They are then re-issued to the required stores quickly and cost-effectively. We use cutting-edge technology to provide product visibility from collection through to the end delivery point. Our IT systems, in conjunction with our reliable inter-store transfer solutions, offer an effective way to move stock from store-to-store, ensuring our customers have the right product in the right place in the quickest time.
"It's rare that you come across standout services like Lloyd Fraser. I have been working with them for over a year. Above all I am particularly impressed by Lloyd Fraser's ability to handle the toughest job - effortlessly. Lloyd Fraser earns my highest recommendation."
or call to speak to an expert...or call us on... 01788 826500
or simply call to speak to anexpert today... 01788 826500


text:
Word has just arrived of the death of Jean Millay, a splendid pioneer who worked with states of consciousness, healing, and subtle energies. Jean died in August at the age of 88.
Her cousin Edna St. Vincent Millay's lines can be used to describe Jean's energetic brilliance,
"My candle burns at both ends;
It will not last the night;
But ah, my foes, and oh, my friends –
It gives a lovely light!"
But her bright life was long and filled with decades of adventures and accomplishments. More about that lovely light can be found in the obituary written by her nephew, Scotty Millay King: https://obittree.com/obituary/us/hawaii/Kahului/ballard-family-mortuary/jeanmillay/3073485/
Here, though, I'd like to include a story from her handbook, USING BIOFEEDBACK AND ELECTROMAGNETISM TO TEACH A SCIENCE OF CONSCIOUSNESS: Suggested Lesson Plans for Grades Five Through Twelve. With R. Timothy Scully, Jean built the first Stereo Brainwave Biofeedback Light Sculpture that allows us to see the four main brainwave frequencies (beta, alpha, theta, and delta) as colored patterns. They later added sound to provide additional information (feedback) about the workings of the brain.
Jean wrote,
"We found that fifth grade students responded very enthusiastically to the brainwave light sculpture as well as to other types of biofeedback machines. (Seventh and eighth graders, however, seemed to resist getting electrode paste in their hairdos.)"
Jean described an experience with "Gary"(as she called him), a hyperactive fifth-grader who was able to read only at the third grade level and who filled the role of class prankster. Once, after he was given a reading assignment, she went with him to the library to choose a book,
"…(T)he only book Gary would consider choosing would be a story about a sports hero in large type. When I suggested another sort of story, he refused, saying 'No! Sports have to be my life. If I'm not picked up by the majors by the time I'm out of school, I'm gonna commit suicide.' It was clear that he felt already branded as dumb, and his only chance of 'success' in life would be as an athlete."
Later, "… it was Gary's turn to see his brainwaves in the sculpture. I sat beside him and softly suggested this to him, 'If you could learn to focus your attention, you could become a genius. Do you believe that?' He shook his head for 'No.' So I pointed to one of the dials on the brainwave analyzer (which was continuously fluctuating widely as one might expect of the EEG of a hyperactive child). I tuned the machine to provide a feedback tone in the faster beta rhythm…. The percentage of beta rhythms showing was about 30%. I said to him, 'See if you can raise the number on this dial by focusing a lot of attention on it.' After that I had to turn my attention back to the rest of the class."
"When his turn was over, Gary returned to his seat and began his reading assignment. Eventually, one of the children spoke up and asked, 'What happened to Gary? Ever since he was on the brain machine, he's been quiet all afternoon.'"
Gary had raised the percent time of his beta rhythms (that reflect focused thinking) to 60%. The next day, with great excitement and pride, Gary reported finishing a book in only two hours. Jean wrote,
"For the first time in his life he discovered that he could gain voluntary control over his mind. No one could convince him again that he was just born dumb and he couldn't do anything about it. He was still hyperactive, but he was developing an inner strength to expand his ability to focus attention."
Jean Millay was an artist and a scientist, a lively rebel, and a warm, enterprising, generous person who was a great delight to know.
She lived a brilliant life.
* * * * *
Jean Millay was the author/editor of three books:
MULTIDIMENSIONAL MIND: Remote Viewing in Hyperspace (1999)
RADIANT MINDS: Scientists Explore the Dimensions of Consciousness (1993)
and, with co-editors Beverly Kane and Dean Brown, SILVER THREADS: 25 Years of Parapsychology Research (1993)
(I do not know where you can find the Handbook – my copy was a gift from Jean.)


text:
Three Poems by David Groulx
The towns people made enough donations
To buy a house with all the ramps and
hallways wide enough for a wheelchair
after he came home from Afghanistan
his arms and legs still there
he was twentythree
It was the least they could do
Crowds gather on the bridges
That cross over the 401
waving flags and saluting
crying even
as the hearse goes by
His mother is not here
They take picture with their phones and sing
Oh Canada
Oh Kandahar
another soldier from across the world
they believe the body inside is a hero
dead soldiers always seem to be
inside is only the torso
Tonight and for the rest of her life
his mother will be without a son
There is a man on my tv
selling holy water
20$ a vial
It will make you rich, it will saaave yur lifea
It will maa-ake miracleaza
These things are not miracles
and I already know
Water is sacred
Author's Bio: David Groulx was raised in the Northern Ontario mining community of Elliot Lake. He is proud of his Aboriginal roots – his mother is Ojibwe Indian and his father French Canadian.
After receiving his BA from Lakehead University where he won the Munro Poetry Prize. David studied creative writing at the En'owkin Centre in Penticton, B.C. where he won the Simon J Lucas Jr. Memorial Award for poetry. He has also studied at The University of Victoria Creative Writing Program. He has written six poetry books – Night in the Exude (Tyro Publications: Sault Ste Marie,1997); and The Long Dance (Kegedonce Press,2000). Under God's Pale Bones (Kegedonce Press,2010), A Difficult Beauty is due out in Autumn 2011 (Wolsak & Wynn:Hamilton), Rising A Distant Dawn (BookLand Press:Toronto) is due out in the Spring of 2012 as well as Our Life Is Ceremony (Lummox Press: California).
David is a member of the League of Canadian Poets, as well as a member of The Ontario Poetry Society. He recently won the 3rd annual PoetryNOW Battle of the Bards. His poetry has appeared in a 115 publications in England, Australia, Germany, Austria, Turkey, New Zealand and the USA. He lives in a log home near Ottawa, Canada.


text:
Mort Subite (3:42)
Recorded on 4-track cassette around the same time as General Belgrano (above). The piano is a rich-toned, late 19th Century Steinway grand upright that belonged to my late mother Beatrice. Tother instruments are digital: drum machine, plus samples from a MIDI keyboard that Katie won in a Japanese caligraphy contest.
home • books & publications • essays, tales & sounds • web appearances & links • bio • wtc: a living archive • contact


text:
A little girl with a heart condition died in a public pool as she waited for a swimming lesson, an inquest heard.
The parents of nine-year-old Michaela-Clare Gonda today paid tribute to their 'lovely, sporty' girl.
The youngster was retrieved from a pool as she waited for her swimming lesson to start.
Her devastated parents described her as a fun, active, loving child who lived a full life despite her heart condition.
"We just miss Michaela so much, she was a really lovely girl, she loved singing and she loved her swim classes," the child's father Michael Gonda said.
He was speaking after an inquest found the child did not drown but suffered a cardiac arrhythmia while swimming.
The inquest further heard that the navigation system used by Dublin Fire Brigade is not compatible with the Eircode post code system.
Michaela-Clare was born with the congenital heart condition Tetraology of Fallot and underwent a corrective procedure at age four months.
In 2015 she had further surgery and it was noted that her heart function was not perfect but she was doing well.
Michaela was about to begin her third swimming class at Tallaght Community School Sports Complex in Balrothery, Dublin 24 at 7pm on May 12 2017 when she lost consciousness in the water.
Her parents Michael and Yvonne Gonda, who relocated to Tallaght from the Philippines in 2000, were chatting on a bench beside the pool.
"Michaela kept coming up to us saying, 'I know how to swim now Mammy,'" he said.
A minute or so passed when he noticed she hadn't been back to talk to them.
"I saw her underwater. I jumped straight in," Mr Gondo said.
Staff began chest compressions and brought the defibrillator but could not use it because the battery was low, the court heard.
Emergency services were called at 7.12pm and arrived at 7.19pm. Responding to questions about directions, Dublin Fire Brigade Station Officer Dominic Taaffe told the coroner the Eircode system is no use to fire brigade staff unless they use their own personal mobile phones.
The facility's general manager Padraig Kenny said new visitors regularly confuse the Tallaght Community Schools Sports Complex with Tallaght Leisure Centre but the two are separate complexes.
The child was rushed to Crumlin Children's Hospital where she was pronounced dead shortly after 8pm.
A postmortem found substantial damage to the heart muscle.
"Michaela did not drown, something happened to her heart in the water that caused her to lose consciousness," Coroner Dr Myra Cullinane said.
The cause of death was dis-rhythmic death secondary to pronounced myocardial pathology in a nine year old child with a history of Tetralogy of Fallot.
Returning a narrative verdict, the coroner recommended that facilities with defibrillators have a system of ensuring the equipment is functioning. The inquest heard that the defibrillator at the Tallaght Schools Complex is being checked daily since the child's death.
"Michaela had done so well and come through so much, it must be devastating for you to have lost her," Dr Cullinane said to the family.
How to follow the Irish Mirror on social media
You can like our main Facebook page here.
Our Irish Mirror Sports page - which brings you all your Irish and UK sports news - can be found here.
You can also check out our Irish Mirror GAA sports page.
The Irish Mirror Twitter account is @IrishMirror while our sports account is @MirrorSportIE.
Our Instagram account can be found here.


text:
Get Better Conversion Rates with A/B Testing
Using what is known as A/B testing is a powerful way for digital marketing agencies to increase their clients' conversion rates – that is, their ability to turn visitors into customers – and given that many of the Internet's most significant entities, including Amazon and Google, utilize this technique, it should almost go without saying that every marketer should be taking advantage of it as well. Here, we're going to talk about increasing conversion rates using A/B testing methods for the purpose of aiding digital marketing agencies with their own efforts to grow their clients' businesses.
What Does A/B Testing Do?
In the marketing and business intelligence sectors, A/B testing refers to a randomized experiment boasting two variants, A and B, which are the "control" and "treatment" in the controlled experiment. In online environments such as email, the goal is to identify changes to email campaigns that increase or maximize, an outcome of interest such as a click-through rate for a banner advertisement. As its namesake implies, two versions – A and B – are compared, which are identical save for one variation that might affect a user's behavior; version A may be the currently used version (control) while version B is modified in some way (treatment).
An e-commerce company's "purchase funnel" through an email campaign is a good candidate for A/B testing because even marginal improvements in drop-off rates can represent a significant gain in sales; significant improvements, meanwhile, can sometimes be seen through testing elements like copy text, layouts, images and colors, but not always.
Bringing Conversion Rate Optimization Into the Picture
As any marketing expert will tell you, increasing a conversion rate is absolutely critical, as boasting a good conversion rate is a foundation for high sales volume. In the world of real estate, it's about LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION… but in the world of conversion optimization, it's all about TESTING, TESTING, TESTING.
A/B testing can be used as a technique to increase a business' conversion rate. How? Well, for example, let's say a marketing agency is drawing up two possible headlines for an email campaign and can't decide which one to use. The marketer, or marketers, could run an A/B test to determine which one works better for the client, creating two alternative versions of the email (campaign "A" and campaign "B") each with a different headline. By utilizing specialized A/B testing software, marketers can direct 50 percent of the incoming interest to campaign A and 50 percent to campaign B, with both campaigns including a call-to-action; the email campaign with the most conversions – more people taking action – "wins."
There's no such thing as "perfect" when it comes to marketing sites, but the only way marketers can learn about what works and what doesn't for their clients is to continuously test.


text:
Guest Blogger, Patricia Montouchet from Walli-Kids
We would like to share with you the Walli-Kids products which are on their way to becoming a child life specialists' best friend.
The medical environment is not where a kid would like to be and yet… for so many, it could be a long-lived stay, a transition or for most of them a brief stop, but nonetheless it will always be an intimidating source of stress and anxiety.
Kids need to remain kids in any situation. How can we help them sail through hospital hardship?
Young patients are very sensitive to their environment, it should be colorful and playful because, after all, laughter is the best sound to hear in medical surroundings. We believe that hospitals decoration is often rich and tasteful but not always to the children's register.
Take a look at our colorful, playful and detailed oriented wall decoration…
When creating our designs, we always keep in mind that vivid colors are vital in a child's universe and also that art is a proven morale and recovery booster in a medical environment.
Everything in our wall art helps a kid step into another surrounding…
Can he or she help Myrtle the Turtle find her friends?
With the child life specialist's help and attention, a kid will smile again and for a while forget the "misfortune".
Our numerous designs are reverse printed on a 1/8 inch thick clear acrylic material for a sharp, colorful and durable product.
Every child life specialist who shares a child's world knows the importance of playful activities and how to help a child focus on any of them.
In any situation where stress, anxiety, and pain are likely, our activity posters can help:
- Change a child's attitude in a positive way
- Offer the child life specialist a canvas for questions, make-believe stories…
- Initiate an easy communication between the child and nurses, doctors, caregivers
- As the child is busy spying the artwork, the caregiver's task is easier and quicker.
- Bonding between the young patient and his family while looking together for hidden objects or animals in the poster.
This is why Walli-Kids offer Lap-Posters which are a small, lap size (12" x10") of our large activity-posters. They come in a set of 4 assorted pieces and are printed on rigid styrene which makes it a cinch to wipe them clean when done.
For more information check our website at www.wallikids.com and follow us on Facebook and Twitter. To make a purchase contact us at firstname.lastname@example.com or give us a call at 770-361-3778.
Choose one or more ways to enter to win 4 Walli-Kids Lap Posters.
- Sign up for email notifications at ChildLifeMommy.com and leave a comment on this post.
- Facebook: Follow Child Life Mommy, leave a comment and tag a friend on the post.
- Facebook: Follow WalliKids, leave a comment about the giveaway.
- Twitter: Follow, Like and RT the post to @ChildLifeMommy.
- Instagram: Follow @ChildLifeMommy, Like and Tag a friend in the post.
Winner will be chosen on 9/17/17.


text:
Tradinghouse Design Co.
Reclaimed Tin Chicken Ornament
Regular price $8.50
This ornament is handmade in our shop located in Waco, TX. It is made from reclaimed barn tin. Due to the nature of reclaimed materials, each ornament is truly one of a kind.
Approx dimensions are 3.5" and is complete with a jute twine hanger.


text:
Wind pioneer Henrik Stiesdal has been laurelled the 2019 Recharge Floating Wind Power Player of the Year, in an award ceremony yesterday in Montpellier, France, on the eve of the world largest sector conference, FOWT.
Stiesdal, who invented one of the 'Danish Concept' turbines that went on to dominate the industrial landscape through the 1980s, as well as 175 inventions and more than 650 patents in various areas of the on- and offshore wind power sectors, won the prize for his paradigm-shifting floating wind turbine design, TetraSpar, a prototype of which is now on track for installation off Norway next year.
Recharge Editor-in-Chief Darius Snieckus praised Stiesdal as a "boundless creative force" in the wind power industry who with the TetraSpar, being developed with Shell and Innogy, was helping the sector "completely re-think" floating wind as it moves toward commercialisation in markets around the world.
To say the wind industry is indebted to Henrik is a truism that grows truer by the day.
"When Henrik 'retired' from his role as CTO of Siemens Wind Power [now Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy] in 2014, he set to work on a number of new projects, one of which was the TetraSpar, which will has gone from back-of-envelope sketch to full-scale floating wind prototype in some five years," said Snieckus announcing the award, now in its second year.
"The TetraSpar is extraordinary not only its new-look design with a retractable floating keel that will allow it to be built in shallow-water quays but installed in deep offshore waters, but also for the fact that it has been designed with industrialisation at its heart, with all component parts able to be fabricated in just about any factory, the whole unit assembled in port, and then floated out to site serially.
"To say the wind industry is indebted to Henrik is a truism that grows truer by the day – and the TetraSpar, which is in the frame for projects from South Korea to the US West Coast and most maritime regions between, along with a prototype project off Norway, is the latest evidence of this."
Accepting the award, Stiesdal said: "I'm grateful and honoured by this award. I'm also grateful to be able to be part of something so meaningful [in floating wind power]. When you look at the news about climate change, there's nothing more meaningful than what we are all doing."
Walter Musial principal engineer and manager of the offshore wind department at the US National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Paul de la Guérivière, CEO of French floating wind pioneer Ideol, and Yoshinori Ueda, general manager of the Japan Wind Power Association, were the other nominees for this year's award, sponsored by Ideol, Senvion, Seaway 7 and Le Béon.
Commercial-scale floating wind projects are today being advanced off Europe, Asia and the US, next-generation designs moving toward testing, and even the World Bank aiming to underwrite projects in emerging markets such as Brazil, South Africa and elsewhere, while Ireland has its flagship prototype project underway, and Greece is considering a first industrial-scale development.
Expectatations that the world's floating wind fleet could expand from is current prototypes and array-scale projects to a global industry with 15GW of installed capacity by 2030 are thought to now be potentially under-ambitious.
Last year, Finn Gunnar Nielsen, who led the R&D team at Norwegian oil & gas group Statoil (now Equinor) that designed the world's first industrial-scale floating wind unit, the Hywind Demo, was awarded the inaugural Recharge floating wind prize at a ceremony in Marseille.
The FOWT conference and exhibition, now in its sixth year, takes place for the first time in Montpellier from 24-26 April.


text:
Cancer Prevention and Treatment
One hundred years ago, cancer was the #5 cause of premature death. When we began our conventional "WAR on cancer" in 1971 (almost 50 years ago) it was #3. Today it is #2 (unless you count the total of medication side effects, medical mistakes, hospital acquired infections, etc. which would push cancer back to #3). Some of that rise is due to some diseases moving down the list. What they call "survival" (still alive at 5 years), has improved. That is due mostly to folks giving up cigarettes and excessive sun exposure, plus earlier detection of cancers. However, a shocking number of people still must be treated for cancer and because conventional treatment so damages the immune system, the rates that cancer returns after 5 years (plus one day or more) are alarming. And, there has been a 250% increase in breast cancer since 1980.
If we were looking at the situation objectively from another planet, we'd have to conclude that Americans must be doing something(s) to generate more cancer and that the current treatment approach is not all that effective…in spite of the near $100 billion spent on research and a like amount spent every year on treatment! The "war" strategy has been mainly chasing some silver bullet (translate that as "drug") to kill cancer after it has become established—i.e. we've been fighting the forest fire. We should be telling people how to blow out the match before it starts the fire—i.e. prevention. Science continues to discover genes linked to certain cancers and big pharma invents sophisticated (and horrendously expensive) drugs to tell the immune system what to do regarding a single gene that affects a particular cancer. Side effects abound.
However, I think the really exciting research is into how nutrients and other natural substances can change how many genes behave to avoid and even cure cancer. Although there are many kinds of cancer, the basic causes and nutritional support for them are very similar. So, don't be afraid to read about "pancreatic cancer" or "breast cancer" even if that is not what you are worried about. Also, what is good for prevention should also be considered during treatment.
You may wish to read my blog "Dr. Google Tackles Cancer".
Cancers develop when something in the original plan has gone wrong—the body isn't getting everything it needs for optimum function and/or is being sabotaged with excesses it can't handle. By now, we all know that smoking causes cancer. But, some other causes may surprise you. For example, don't underestimate the impact of teeth on immune function. (Many experts believe that root canals can contribute to cancer because of the bacteria and toxins that leak out of the miles of tiny tubules that are not sterilized in the dead tooth.)
Avoiding smoking and other causes as much as possible makes sense. Here are a few:
- Vitamin D is crucial but doesn't always work. Read this groundbreaking article to understand why and also how to safely energize macrophages which are important immune cells. Bill Sardi explains all this on the June 29, 2022 HBN show.
- BPA, BPS and other plasticizers in plastic bottles, packaging, cans, cash register receipts and medical tubing all mimic hormones and cause trouble.
- Household and consumer products contain toxicants such as fire retardants.
- Some chemical ingredients (such as parabens) in skin care products also act like estrogens that can promote some cancers.
- Fungus like black mold (but internal yeast which create poisonous mycotoxins. See diet section below how to starve them out.)
- Pesticides, herbicides, fungicides and antibiotics in food are issues. Eat organic as much as you can. Follow the Environmental Working Group for updates on the best and worst produce.
This article on cancer has great information about early detection and natural support for treatment.
Keep in mind that mammography detects only breast cancer; catches it pretty late in the game; and the radiation it uses is a cause of cancer. Consider thermography. Even the photographic type of Infrared Thermography is a better choice. Read some of the studies on this approach. For an even better type that offers a stats report on all body parts and systems, look for "regulation" or "whole body thermogaphy". One of the best is The Thermography Center of Dallas.
Natural Supportive Steps:
The following steps are not in order of importance because all are important and any one of them might be the key item for a particular person. Also see the Related Pages and Resources linked at the bottom of this page.
1. Optimize your diet. Of course, we should eat lots of nutritious foods such as fruits and vegetables (see item in the list below), clean proteins (e.g. wild fish, pasture-raised beef, pasture-raised eggs) and healthful fats like fish oil and the monounsaturated fats (macadamia nut oil and olive oil). Also avoid Trans fats which are usually present when the label lists "partially hydrogenated" oils. For quick review, watch a TED Talk by William W. Li, MD ""Eat to Starve Cancer". A critical factor is to be fussy about carbohydrates:
- Avoid sugar. Research shows that a substantial dose of sugar disables important immune cells for several hours. Refined starch (e.g. flour) turns quickly to sugar in the system. These refined carbs feed yeasts that produce poisons called mycotoxins and dump them into blood circulation.There they can cause joint pain, boggy brain, and cancer.
- A study showed that a diet high in starches and sugars was shown to increase breast density which is a risk factor for breast cancer.
- In one study, restricting carbs even two days a week was more helpful than a low calorie Mediterranean diet for reducing the risk of breast cancer (as well as diabetes and obesity which are risk factors for other cancers).
- In another study or two, excess carbohydrate, especially starch, was shown to increase the risk of breast cancer re-occurrence.
- Fruits and vegetables are in the carbohydrate category but, with much different effects than starches and sugars. Diets higher in plant foods have been shown to be protective. It is possible however, that some of the positive effect in studies may really have been from the elimination of and bad fats (e.g. Trans fats and other damaged fats) and meat that is processed, smoked, or cooked at high heat. Green vegetables and cruciferous vegetables like broccoli have an especially good reputation. It appears that part of their magic comes from what our good, probiotic bacteria make from them. See next item.
2. Support the team in your gut. Roughly 70-80% of our immune system is in the intestinal track, so it is crucial to support the beneficial bacteria it contains.
- If there are not sufficient good bacteria (as noted above under sugar) yeasts can overgrow and crowd out the good guys.
- Avoid killing the good guys with chlorine in tap water, unnecessary antibiotics (both as pills and 2nd hand antibiotics in animal products that are not organically produced).
- Support your good guys (probiotics) with fermented foods and a supplement that contains live bacteria and the helpful postbiotic substances created by of those bacteria. (Dr. Ohhira's)
Coffee and Tea Consumption and the Risk of Invasive Breast Cancer in Postmenopausal Women
3. Supplement and use remedies wisely.
(I do not sell any supplements—I just recommend what I believe in. Be sure to read the page "Basic Program" and in it information about a multivitamin which is a good place to start.):
- Make sure you have sufficient vitamin D. The evidence is mounting that a low blood level of vitamin D is a significant risk factor for many cancers. Conversely, a recent STUDY shows that women with Vitamin D blood levels of 60 ng/ml have nearly 80% lowered risk of breast cancer than those at only 20ng/ml! Higher blood levels = even lower risk. Folks with higher vitamin D levels have more neutrophils (a type of immune cell) and less cancer. Approximately 70% of Americans and even higher rates of African Americans, are deficient in D and therefore at greater risk. Vitamin D does not interfere with conventional medical treatments for cancer! Given the wide range of other benefits from vitamin D and its safety, it seems foolhardy to wait decades until the scientists stop studying the relationship and so they can call it "proven". Study on vitamin D and GI cancer. Also, lean more about life-saving vitamin D in general.
- Selenium. A large randomized trial showed that the mineral selenium (from yeast—methylselenocysteine) dramatically cut the incidence of various cancers (e.g. prostate reduced by 63%, colon by 58%, etc.). Overall deaths from cancer were cut by 50%!
- (Sadly, when the National Cancer Institute tried to "replicate" the original research, but used the wrong kind and gave up.) Current research affirms this form of selenium's anti-cancer effects and that it helps chemotherapy work more effectively. Other selenium supplements (e.g. selenomethionine and sodium selenite), while perhaps useful, have not been shown to have this dramatic effect. A typical dose is 200 mcg / day. The right form of selenium plus some broccoli seed extract are in Selenium Synergy by Jarrow Formulas
- Vitamin C — Read about vitamin C and cancer on this site. Antioxidants (such as vitamin C) are very important for prevention of cancer, but oncologists often mistakenly caution against their use during chemo. Please read this article and learn what the science actually says. The only supplement I know of that helps the blood levels of C stay high around the clock and appears to even boost the level when we need more–like when the body is under stress either physical or emotional–is Formula 216.
- Resveratrol blocks cancer at all three stages of development (initiation, growth and spread/metastasis). If you enter the search term "resveratrol cancer" in the government science database, PubMed, as of this writing it lists over 3,400 studies and articles. Resveratrol boosts production of natural killer cells (a type of immune cell). Longevinex capsules are the best way to get resveratrol and synergistic compounds.
- Lily of the Desert brand Aloe vera has research to prove that it boosts immune function, increases antioxidants and helps with detoxification. It is a nice bonus that if you take your daily supplements with Lily juice, you absorb much more of them–e.g. 20 times more vitamin C.
- Consider the benefits of Flax. This study indicates that "Lignans [a component of flax seed] reduce breast cancer and all-cause mortality by 33%-70% and 40%-53%, respectively, without reducing tamoxifen effectiveness."
- Green tea and its components have been widely studied for cancer. There is more information about green tea on this linked library page.
- Zinc is crucial for immune function. For one thing, Zinc helps thymus gland keep from shrinking and so the gland can better make immune T cells. A superior amount and form of zinc is one reason that I recommend Molecular Multi.
- Thymus extract may help boost immune function. (See Sardi article)
- Magnesium is magnificent.
- Enzymes. The correct type of enzymes (between meals) digest the outer coating of cancer cells so that the immune system can recognize them. Read Wellness Against All Odds by Sherry Rogers, MD and her 2013 newsletters. She knows people who have survived decades after stage 4 cancer, so be encouraged.
- Glutathione. Read an article about a supplement that reduces breast cancer aggressiveness by up to 80%. LINK The supplement it discusses (NAC) gives the body the raw material it needs to make the master antioxidant, glutathione. One of my favorite products, Reg'Activ, contains a friendly bacteria that implants in the gut and becomes a little glutathione factory.
There are many more natural substances with encouraging records of helping with cancer and even some science. Research DHEA, Poly-MVA (example study), Gc-MAF, Avé (Avemar, a fermented wheat germ extract), Haelan, and Essiac. Bill Sardi discussed a interesting alternative, fenbendazole. Conventional oncologists often pooh-pooh anything other than what supports the oncology practice: surgery, chemo and radiation. As mentioned above in regard to vitamin C, they may even spread fear of interference with treatment. If you have a good feeling about supplemental approaches, demand proof of those negative claims—it may be their dogma and livelihood, but it is your LIFE at stake.
These substances work by different mechanisms. Although none of them is dangerous and it probably wouldn't hurt to take all of them, I don't think a person would need to. Nutrients listed in bullets at the beginning of the section are likely the most important foundation. Or for a conservative start, Bill Sardi has outline a basic cancer supplement plan. Most importantly, remember that supplements and remedies are no substitute for taking care of the other basics listed on these cancer pages, especially diet, stress and anger.
4. Achieve normal weight.
- Fat cells produce inflammation, which is a risk factor for most chronic diseases including cancer and has a negative effect on survival.
- Especially breast and prostate cancers are affected by hormones. Fat cells make estrogen.
- A huge analysis of studies found that adding about 4 inches to the waist measurement would increase risk of obesity related cancers (like "postmenopausal female breast, colorectum, lower oesophagus, cardia stomach, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, endometrium, ovary, and kidney") by 13%. Adding 3″ to hips raised risk of colorectal cancer by 15%.
5. Reduce toxic burden. Cut down on the incoming toxins listed above under "Causes" while working to get rid of those you've already accumulated.
- Our lymphatic system is an important way the body removes toxins. So, avoid antiperspirants. The aluminum they contain is under suspicion because it shows up in breast tissue (and in Alzheimer brains), but antiperspirants also keep toxins trapped in the chest by blocking their natural flow out of lymph glands under the arm. (Deodorants don't do that.) Avoid tight clothing in general because it stops lymph flow. Listen to an interview with Sydney Ross Singer, author of Dressed to Kill—The Link Between Breast Cancer and Bras. Apparently some types block lymph drainage. Website he recommends: BrasAndBreastCancer.org, or BraFreeStudy.org. Dry brush massage helps.
- The Far Infrared Sauna is a great way to get rid of accumulated toxins. Read my article and please avoid the cheap imitations.
- Read the item in the supplement list above about glutathione which is a great detoxifier. So is resveratrol. Read an article on that.
- My DVD series on Digestive Wellness covers all aspects of gut health and detoxification.
6. Limit alcohol
- The latest 2017 research says that any level of alcohol consumption can increase the risk of many types of cancer. Read more.
- How does that square with the advice you've heard that red wine is good for your heart? The benefit seems to come from the plant antioxidants (polyphenols), not the alcohol. In fact, those plant compounds may be more effective without the alcohol. See "resveratrol" in the supplement list above.
7. Exercise. Of course! Movement seems preventive for virtually every disease. Don't forget strength training. For one thing, muscle burns calories. It also adds to resilience. The latest research shows that exercising during cancer treatment is very helpful.
8. Reduce stress and anger.
- We may not be able to easily control the source of stress, but we can change the way we react to it for example with prayer and meditation. This page has some ideas for de-stressing.
- Integrative cancer specialists like Gus Kotsanis, MD point to anger and resentment as controllable risk factors for cancer. Actress Carrie Fisher made this great observation: "Resentment is like drinking poison and waiting for the other person to die."
9. Use hormone replacement therapy safely.
- If you need to supplement hormones, be sure that your doctor bases dosage on your test results and monitors periodically to make sure you stay in a normal healthy range.
- Use only hormones that are identical to the ones that your body makes. For example, use progesterone, not synthetic progestin. Use estrogen that is identical to humans, not those like Premarin® which is derived from pregnant horses.
10. Sleep well and avoid the night shift and blue light.
- Shift work and exposure at night to blue light like that from cell phones, computers and TV's not adjusted to suppress that color emission. A large human study showed a link with breast and prostate cancer.
- Working late (even if it is at home updating your Facebook page) interferes with restorative sleep but also reduces the body's ability to make the hormone melatonin. Melatonin helps with our body clock, but is also a powerful antioxidant and immune booster that is associated with lower rates of breast cancer for example.
- It isn't the same as getting to bed early, but it is certainly possible to supplement melatonin. As a bonus, this supplement is being extensively researched as a help in fighting cancer. Check out this study.
11. Stem Cells. Current research is looking into positive indications for umbilical cord stem cell therapy for gastrointestinal, lung and ovarian cancer. Journal article. Healthy by Nature Show archived interview with patient recovery from stage 4 metastatic breast cancer. Also, read my article.
Parting thought. True prevention is obviously ideal. Although a cancer diagnosis can be scary, survival is actually excellent with early detection, calm action and optimism. I'm quite annoyed with doctors that patients what amounts to a "death sentence"! There is no such thing as "false hope". Our brains and emotions exert tremendous control over our bodies. Having both a positive outlook and determination absolutely do help achieve health even under the most extreme circumstances. It is easy to find stories of folks who have had "miraculous" recoveries even when the medical profession had only given them just weeks to live. (It is a very sad commentary that in those cases the oncologists typically do not learn from what the patients did to facilitate those "spontaneous remissions".)
For breast cancer patients it may be little comfort, but a lot more women die from heart disease than from breast cancer. Happily, the points above reduce the risk of both diseases. I would "throw the book" at the problem immediately. But, certainly when the doctors give up, what does a person have to lose by trying the natural approach?
Related Pages:
- Library page on building immune function
- This page on Pancreatic Cancer has lessons for other types as well.
- An Inspiring Survivor's Story
- Ten steps recommended by Gus Kotsanis, MD
- Kotsanis Institute
- It seems a very good idea to get tested for which treatment (and even alternative ones) work best for you as a one-of-a-kind person. Dr. Ray Hammon in Rowlett, Texas is associated with an excellent service that does such tests and I believe even tests for cancer seeds (cancer's own stem cells) to make sure it is not coming back.
- Cancer Treatment Centers of America
- One professional's interesting use of sodium bicarbonate
More Information
- A listener, Tricia, highly recommended this website. (Her brother was only given months to live and after following this blogger's experience with lung cancer now has had clear scans.)
- Bill Sardi's Knowledge of Health website has excellent articles on cancer.
- Jenny Hrbacek's video course, Cancer Free University, contains interviews with top experts around the world and invaluable information. Use the code HBN20 for a 20% discount.
- GreenMedInfo has a database with many thousands of abstracts covering hundreds of natural substances with research-backed therapeutic potential.
- Cancer and Fungus
- Risk factors for breast cancer
- Pictures of skin conditions that may or may not be cancerous
News tidbits:
- Study on tamoxifen use and reduced brain function
- A recent study (and others) showed that Bitter Melon Extract significantly reduced the number of human breast cancer cells by apparently interfering with their communications and encouraging them to self-destruct. The research is preliminary, but because of its known safety and usefulness for blood sugar management, researchers suggest it might be used for prevention. I found 2 respected companies that sell the herb by itself: Nature's Herbs and Solaray. Jarrow Formulas uses Bitter Melon in a combination called Glucose Optimizer
LINK to HBN Radio Interviews on Cancer
LINK to Recommended Books on Cancer
LINK to Cancer Charity Information
LINK to home cleaning helpers for patients undergoing treatment
This information is provided for general educational purposes only. It is not intended to replace the advice of a healthcare professional. For best results seek healthcare advice from a professional who knows nutrition and mind/body medicine as well as oncology.
Copyright 2014-2020 by Martie Whittekin, CCN


text: Grand Central Park | New Home Community in Conroe | Christy Buck Team Are you ready to find your home in Grand Central Park? Get excellent service and contact the Christy Buck Team at (832) 331-9643 or send an email to email@example.com. We'll be more than happy to turn your dream into reality!


text:
Dear Friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us. [1 John 4:11-12]
Today is a day of love and what greater love than the love of God. Valentine's Day is not about who is single, dating or married. It is not about getting gifts and spending money. It is about showing and receiving love. There is no greater love than one who can lay down his own life, and God showed us how great His love is when he sacrificed His one and only son, Jesus. Let's remember how loved we are by our Father in Heaven and share that love with others. We are God's hands and feet on this earth and He works through us to reach those in need.
"And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose" – Romans 8:28
When we love one another, we are showing the God in us. God is love and His love is made complete in us. Let's go out into this dark world and be the light. Love on your friends, family, co-workers or complete strangers.


text:
Young Digital Leaders Training of Facilitators
In the framework of the Young Digital Leaders project, Action Synergy has organised in its premises a training of facilitators. The training was organised by ISD, the organisation which has developed the curriculum and is responsible for the organisation of the project. The participants were staff members of Action Synergy as well as school teachers (including two school headteachers) who are going to be responsible for the delivery of the curriculum in secondary school students, other teachers and parents.
Kick-off Meeting of the DIVET project


text:
The Urban Patch began in 2011 and operates out of New York City and Indianapolis. Our primary work is in the "North Midtown" neighborhoods that are at the core of the Indianapolis metropolitan region, and will look to work in other similar contexts in the future. As communities like these move forward and revitalize, we believe it is important that they do so with a careful balance of economic, social and environmental considerations.
America's inner cities have had years of disinvestment and neglect. This resulted in a high incidence of vacant property, depressed property values and foreclosures, and other issues. The map below shows the high concentration of vacancy and low assessment in the North Midtown neighborhoods in Indianapolis. It is illustrative of the scope and scale of the challenges that our cities face.


text:
One of the more esoteric films premiering this weekend at the digital Salem Horror Festival is director Ryan Glover's debut The Strings. I'd call the film a slow-burn, except The Strings doesn't burn at all. Instead, it's a deeply unsettling film that sticks to your bones like a deadly winter chill, seeping under your skin before you realize what's happening. By the time you do, it's too late. It has you.
The movie centers on Catherine (Teagan Johnston) who is spending some time at a remote house on Prince Edward Island, a chilly, windswept patch of land with, it seems, no one else around. The Strings unfurls its story slowly. Deliberately. For much of the film, we are asked simply to watch Catherine exist without realizing exactly why; exact machinations of plot are unimportant until we get to know who she is in the quiet moments, when no one needs anything from her. She seems introspective and tortured, unable to sleep and unhappy with how she fills her waking hours.
What people do want from her, it turns out, is gossip and music. Catherine is in a band. Or was, anyway, until she broke up with her partner, causing the band to go on hiatus. Now, she's working on a solo album. It's a little stranger, a little less guitar-heavy than what she's known for. She's inspired by the shadows and the swirls in the paneling of her house, and by the panic inside her mind. She also strikes up a relationship with Grace (Jenna Schaefer), a local photographer she hires to shoot moody snapshots of her. Perhaps they'll be album artwork someday, a reminder that she was here.
You're probably thinking that this doesn't sound like a horror film. For most of The Strings' runtime, it's not. But the longer Catherine spends cooped up in this cottage, surrounded by her pedals and her drum machine and her piano, she starts to lose it a bit. Unusual things start to happen. First it's a painting on the wall that seems to vibrate a bit. Then it's a shadowy figure down the sand, staring. And then he's in her house.
By the time the tension in the film escalates, it's nearly unbearable. The quiet, slow pace allows Glover to get away with using typical horror movie tricks — a figure at the end of a hallway, or a chair that moves on its own — and have them land like crashing thunder or jolts of electricity.
The Strings pulls one of my least-favorite screenwriting tricks, which is having a character watching something that turns out to be resonant to their lives, purely so the audience gets clued in on a particular theme or some essential background information. In this case, Catherine has a habit of putting on physics lectures as white noise when she tries to sleep, filling the silence with explainer videos about parallel realities, introducing the idea of string theory into the film. It's a relatively minor quibble, though, because everything else is excellent. The film looks great; the shots of the snowy, lonely shores of Prince Edward Island are stunning, as are the claustrophobic shadows that choke the cottage where Catherine creates her music. Teagan Johnston is utterly captivating in the lead role; she's a musician herself rather than an experienced actress, but you'd never know it from how natural she seems on camera.
The Strings won't be for everyone. When I say it's slow I mean slow, and some viewers will understandably not have the patience for how long it takes for the action to pick up… especially as part of a film festival with buckets of blood and gore drenching so many other selections. But for those willing to stick it out, willing to engage with the sly nods to theoretical physics and to try to unravel the obscure, obfuscated haunting at the film's core, it's a rewarding experience.
By Eric Langberg
The Strings has its world premiere at the Salem Horror Festival, watch from October 2nd-11th with an All Access Pass, or during Weekend I from October 2nd-4th.