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This post was published originally on November 23, 2006. It's been updated to include data from Winter 2006 to Spring 2010.
Tamara up in Plano and I both have been eyeing these gorgeous October days with suspicion. It is after all November. As memory serves, Thanksgiving week is cursed with ice storms to frustrate all the Austinites trying to make it back to their parents in DFW or Houston or Lubbock. (Austin has a population of about 60,000 students from 5 universities. Many, like me, stay after graduation and make a trek out of town for holidays. The Friday after Thanksgiving, downtown Austin is so void of people you'd think the rapture had hit, except that this is Austin and if the rapture hit we probably wouldn't notice anyone missing.)
But does memory serve? or does it distort? I decided to troll though my garden journal and the KXAN Weather Diary for data. These go back only to 1997 not enough to make out any trends except the already known: Austin's weather is unpredictable. We get 8 to 15 days of freezing weather but rarely at one time. The all-time record low? -1F in February 1899. I'm glad I didn't live through that!
Typically we have a week of bad weather (yes, Kathy, just one) in mid-January or early February. But in 1998, the only pre-spring freeze was on March 10th. The peach growers weren't too happy. We also usually have a winter storm sometime in December.
A lot of our freeze dates are just light frosts with temperatures brushing 32F. Our hard freezes (28F or below) are the result of arctic fronts. Even then, freezing temperatures last only three or four days. It's unusual, even in our worst winters, for the daily high temperature to stay below freezing. (This happened in 1997 on January 13th and 14th). The record for consecutive hours below freezing at Austin was 140 hours from December 21-27, 1983. The water main on South 1st St near my apartment broke. Also the rubber connectors on the fuel line of my Spitfire cracked and a month later my car burst into flames as I was driving down Anderson Lane with my kid in the car seat.
Due to the general mildness of our winters, any time Austin does get freezing rain or sleet, the town shuts down. Schools and stores close. Hundreds of people get into traffic accidents. Airline flights are delayed. And the power goes out. Northerners are agog. The answer is simple. For a once-a-year winter storm, why invest in infrastructure? So our cars don't have chains or snow tires.
Our ground never freezes. Our plants don't go dormant. A bad freeze is often preceded or followed by record high temperatures.
Last Spring Freeze
Looking back to 1997, the last freeze before spring in Austin was March 10th, 1998.
If it's 81F in January, wouldn't you plant out your tomatoes? That's what happened in 2002. Then March brought the coldest mornings of the year (and two of the colder days in this little study) when it got down to 24F on March 3rd and 4th.
First Fall Freeze
As for the answer to the question that started this research–When should Austinites expect our first frost? Anytime now.
A Summary of Winter in Austin Over the Last 14 Years
Note: In 1999 the weather service begins reports from both Camp Mabry and the airport (ABIA). I stuck with the Camp Mabry statistics to be consistent. The weather in my garden is closer to Camp Mabry's than ABIA's. ABIA is often 3-5 degrees colder than downtown. As I've learned from my gardening friends, your results may vary. One part of Austin may freeze and another not. Even within your yard, the microclimate varies.
1997: 16 days freezing temperatures.
Austin gets all our winter in one week and then have ten frost-free months. The coldest part of winter was a week in January from 1/7 to 1/14: 1/7 (32F); 1/9 (30F); 1/10 (30F); 1/11 (25F); 1/12 (24F); 1/13 (23F) high (27F); 1/14 (26F) high (32F); 1/15 (30F); 1/17 (26F). 1/28 (27F); 1/29 (29F). Not another freeze until December: 12/13 (29F) and a few snow flurries; 12/15 (32F); 12/28(32F).
1998: 3 days freezing temperatures.
This is the kind of winter that lulls gardeners into putting out the tomato plants too early and peach trees into bloom. The first freeze of 1998 was in March, 3/10. It was also the last freeze until December when we got our one week of winter 12/21 and 12/26. The temperature dropped from 74 degrees at 5pm to 38 degrees at 8pm and continued to drop. The weather service notes, "Freezing drizzle creates early morning chaos. All area bridges and elevated roads become iced over. 400+ Austin accidents. 64 car pileup on I-35 at 290 kills 2. 1 other fatality in area, 16 total in Texas ice-related accidents. Many businesses open late or close. Occasional freezing drizzle continues through evening. A few snow flurries reported at airport. Winter storm warning thought tomorrow A.M. Christmas travelers stranded as many flights into and out of Robert Mueller Airport are delayed and cancelled, mainly due to delays elsewhere, including DFW." The lowest temperature of this storm was 25F on 12/26. The next day the high was 72F.
1999: 5 days freezing temperatures.
Cold the first week of January. For three days in a row the nighttime lows dip below freezing with the lowest temperature of 27F on 1/5 and then again on 1/10. However, we also have a record high of 81 on 1/17. (The tulips hate that!) The only other freezing day of the year is 12/6 when it drops to 32F.
2000: 11 days freezing temperatures.
Cold the first week of January: 32F on 1/4 and 27F on 1/5. Next freeze on 12/7 (31F). A couple of days later on 12/11 an arctic front moves in. 12/11 has a low of 31F. 12/12 has a high of 31F and the low for the year of 26F. Icy conditions result in more than 300 auto accidents. It continues to be really nasty on 12/13 "90,000 lose power in Austin as heavy freezing rain downs trees and powerlines. More than 288,000 without power statewide, mainly in Dallas-Fort Worth, Tyler-Longview, Waco-Killeen and Austin areas. Record daily rainfall at ABIA. It dips to 28F on 12/17; 31F on 12/22; 32F on 12/27 and 12/28 and 28F on 12/30. December was an unusually cold end to a year of warmer than average months through November.
2001: 12 days freezing temperatures.
The cold weather continues into January of the new year. 1/1 (31F), 1/2 (30F), 1/3 (32F) 1/4 (32F). We are teased with a chance of snow on 1/19 but it is much too warm. When the front moves through leaving clear skies it drops to 27F (1/20). February has two freeze dates: 2/3 (32F) and 2/17 (32F). Then Austin's frost-free until November: 11/28 (31F) and 11/29 (30F). December is rainy and fairly mild: 12/10 (32F), 12/24 (32F) and 12/31 (32F).
2002: 15 days freezing temperatures.
1/2 (30F); 1/3 (26F); 1/4 (28F); 1/13 (32F); 1/15 (31F) and then a record high of 81F on 1/29. A colder February than in recent memory: 2/2 (32F); 2/7 (30); 2/26 (30); 2/27 (25F); 2/28 (30F). And a cold start to March: 3/2 (29F); followed by the coldest morning of the winter 3/3 (24F) and 3/4 (24F); 3/5 (31F). That's it until Christmas: 12/25 (32F).
2003: 14 days freezing temperatures.
In 1999 Austin had a record high of 81 on 1/17. Four years later, we get our first freeze on 1/17 (29F), followed by freezes on 1/18 (27F) and 1/19 (28F), followed by a record high on 1/21 (82F). Two days later it's cold again: 1/23 (30F); 1/24 (26F). 2/17 (31F). Temperatures drop from 78F on 2/23 to 26F on 2/24. Camp Mabry report .6 inch of snow! Then the usual power outages, school closings and traffic tie-ups on 2/25 (24F) which posts a high of 30F. 2/26 (29F). No more freezes until November: 11/29 (30F). December: 12/6 (31F); 12/14 (31F); 12/20 (32F); 12/30 (30F).
Scenes from late February's winter storm.
2004: 14 days freezing temperatures.
January: 1/6 (29F); 1/20 (32F); 1/27 (29F); 1/28 (30F). February: 2/7 (30F). December: 12/1 (31F); 12/14 (31F); 12/15 (25F); 12/22 (32F); 12/23 (24F); 12/24 (26F). A historic Christmas Eve snowstorm drops snow to the north of us and 12″ of snow to the southeast of us and ZERO snow in Austin. I have never had a white Christmas. 12/25 (25F); 12/26 (27F); 12/27 (31F). We began the year with a high of 74F and ended it on a high of 78F.
2005: 9 days freezing temperatures.
January: 1/16 (30F); 1/17 (29F); 1/23 (30F); 1/24 (32F). November starts with highs of 88F on 11/7 and 11/8 before our first freeze on 11/17 (31F). Then it's back to record highs of 87F on 11/23. I think this is when I gave up gardening that year. And suddenly it's winter: 12/6 (27F); 12/7 (25F) and freezing drizzle and hundreds of car accidents.; 12/8 (23F); 12/9 (27F).
2006: 7 days freezing temperatures.
February: 2/12 (29F); 2/13 (31F). High of 82F on 2/16 preceding an arctic front: 2/18 (28F); 2/19 (28F) which results in more than 400 accidents as freezing fog ices up bridges and overpasses.
December: 12/1 (29F); 12/4 (29F); 12/8 (31F).
2007: 16 days freezing temperatures.
January: 1/15 (29F); 1/16 (29F); 1/17 (29F); 1/18 (32F); 1/29 (31F). A high of 81 on 1/5 is followed by some of our nastiest cold weather of the year. In the middle of a nasty 4-day storm, Austin has a rare day (1/16) where the temperature never gets above freezing. The low was 29F and the high was 31F. Bonus. Snow!
Austinites were excited by a dusting of snow.
February: 2/3 (28F); 2/4 (32); 2/14 (30F); 2/15 (29F); 2/16 (24F).
December: 12/16 (30F); 12/17 (30F); 12/23 (28F); 12/24 (29F); 12/27 (30F); 12/29 (31F). What's a gardener to do? December 2007 had four days in the 80s and 6 days at 32 or below.
2008: 12 days freezing temperatures.
January: 1/2 (30F); 1/3 (29F); 1/17 (32F); 1/19 (30F); 1/20 (25F); 1/30 (32F).
February: 2/1 (28F); 2/27 (31F). This month opens with a hard freeze but then temperatures soar to 92F on February 25th. Seven other high temperature readings this month were in the 80s.
December: 12/6 (29F); 12/15 (31F); 12/16 (29F); 12/22 (28F).
2009: 13 days freezing temperatures.
January: 1/12 (30F); 1/14 (30F); 1/21 (31F); 1/27 (32F); 1/28 (28F); 1/29 (28F). Two days of hard freeze on the 28th and 29th but by the 31st the high has rebounded to 71F.
February: 2/3 (30F). We're still in the drought and like 2008, this February starts with one cold day but ends with a temperature in the 90s: 91F on 2/27.
It starts raining in September 2009 and we have a much wetter winter than in the previous two years. The cloud cover and the soil moisture keeps the temperatures more constant and cooler. Winter begins with a hard freeze causing many trees to drop all their leaves in a few hours.
December: 12/4 (29F); 12/5 (25F); 12/9 (32F); 12/10 (31F); 12/25 (31F); 12/26 (28F).
2010: 17 days freezing temperatures in spring.
January 2010 brings the most miserable winter weather in most Austin gardeners' memories. We hope never to see its equal in our lifetimes. Five hard freezes in a row and temperatures in the teens! The official Camp Mabry temperature dropped to 17F but it was lower at ABIA and in many of my friends' gardens.
January: 1/2 (29F); 1/4 (32F); 1/5 (27F); 1/7 (28F); 1/8 (21F); 1/9 (17F); 1/10 (20F); 1/11 (27F); 1/29 (32F); 1/30 (30F); 1/31 (30F).
February: 2/13 (30F); 2/15 (32F); 2/16 (30F); 2/17 (30F); 2/24 (32F); 2/25 (32F).
December: 12/1 (32F)
We got a wonderful snowy day (but no freeze?) on February 23rd. The snow didn't stick and alternated with rain, sometimes freezing and sometimes not.
Although two freeze warnings have been issued for Austin, we're still waiting for our first freeze of this winter.
Update: December 1, 2010
This morning Camp Mabry registered its first freeze of winter 2010/11. Many Austin gardens already experienced light frost damage from cold temperatures last week.


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Tea Monogatari is a bullet hell doujin PC game which pays homage to the Touhou Project series. Players take on the role of Cha, a young mage in training, and set out on a quest to pick Common Lophanther tea leaves at Mount Emei in Sichuan. The game features a unique Mahjong bonus system and elements of traditional Sichuan culture.
Check out these games from the IndieCade database!

subset: commoncrawl


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Travis County and World War I
The Austin Veterans Day Parade organizers and committee are proud to partner with the Travis County Historical Commission to highlight this area's contributions to World War I. Texas' contributions to World War I were important and Travis County sent many troops and welcomed them home after.
Other Texas displays of the centennial are at:
The Texas World War I Centennial Commemoration
On the poppy
Backroads featured a nice article on Texas poppies this time last year:
Poppies are sprouting up again as Texans observe the centennial of "The War to End All Wars," as it was called back then. According to the Georgetown Texas Red Poppy Festival held annually in late April, seeds from wild poppies in Europe were sent to Georgetown right after World War I.
Read the whole article on the Temple Daily Telegram site.
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
From Wikipedia: The remembrance poppy is an artificial flower that has been used since 1921 to commemorate military personnel who have died in war, and represents a common or field poppy, Papaver rhoeas. Inspired by the World War I poem "In Flanders Fields", and promoted by Moina Michael, they were first adopted by the American Legion to commemorate American soldiers killed in that war (1914–1918). They were then adopted by military veterans' groups in parts of the British Empire.


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"Gratitude turns what we have into enough." – Melody Beattie
Was I pregnant?
20 October 2014 was the day we would find out if I was pregnant.
In my mind – and probably Bren's too – I was already pregnant. There was no doubt in my mind that it was God's will and desire for us to have children, and His Word will always be fulfilled.
So I went for the blood test in the morning and was told to wait for the call which would most likely happen sometime in the afternoon.
Just like the day of results for the fertilization process, I played worship songs and tried not to think about the results. We even managed to watch a few episodes of my favorite Gilmore Girls (aff.)!
I love that show so much, and it always puts me in a super-cheery mood. 🙂
When the call finally came, I remembered jumping off the sofa and going into the bedroom so I could hear the words well.
And so those words came, "The test results show that you are not pregnant."
*deep breath*
In my mind, there was a very real confusion going on.
What do you mean I am not pregnant? After everything that we went through, all the confirmation and affirmation from God, and all for nothing? But God says He will make me fruitful and increase in numbers! What He says, He will do! What do you mean I am not pregnant??
Bren was right beside me, trying to read my facial expressions, and I could tell he was shocked too.
She went on telling me about what to do next, and some bodily changes to observe, but I honestly was not in the right frame of mind to listen, nor did I have any capacity to do so. I was completely shocked and devastated. It seemed so unreal.
I could only cry. Holding my pillows close, I just burst into tears.
Bren cried too.
The most painful day
We hugged each other and cried so much, it was truly a horribly heartbreaking day.
I wondered what happened to that cute little embryo.
What was God putting us through?
I wondered if we would ever have children.
It was the most painful day I'd ever experienced, and I still remember it clearly even today.
We prayed, and I just wallowed in bed the rest of the day. I knew I had to inform my bosses and colleagues on the IVF results, so I slowly texted a few, and they helped to spread the word.
I'll never forget the kindness of my boss, who immediately made arrangements so I could take a few days to rest and work from home instead. This act was the sweet grace that I desperately needed, and her love filled my thirst from that very dry and bitter day.
From then on, it was a FIGHT every day to be able to give thanks.
Finding things to be grateful for became something that was not just a good thing to do, it became literally my lifeline to surviving the pain of it all.
It was never easy, but little thanksgiving with another little thanksgiving…I took back more joy than I ever thought possible.
I realized that God is still good – even when we do not understand His plans.
[Click here to see all posts for this 31 Days Writing Challenge]


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Purdue University Northwest
Return to: Programs of Study
Any Natural Sciences with Lab
Any 10000 level History course
Choose from French, German, Japanese, or Spanish. Must complete 4 semesters of the same foreign language.
Choose 1 course from:
Any 10000 level PHIL course except PHIL 15000 .
Any English Lit course


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On August 25, Netflix revealed the episode titles for "Black Mirror" season 4, as well as the casts and crews involved. Watch a sneak peak above, and scroll down for the episode details.
"Black Mirror" is an anthology series created and written by Charlie Brooker, who tells a new story in each episode examining the dark side of technology. The British program was picked up by Netflix in its third season, resulting in an Emmy breakthrough: three nominations including Best TV Movie and Best Movie/Mini Writing for the episode "San Junipero." That season featured pedigreed talent including directors Joe Wright ("Atonement") and Jakob Vebruggen ("London Spy," "House of Cards") and stars like Bryce Dallas Howard, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, and Kelly Macdonald.
The fourth season sounds just as impressive, with episodes directed by Oscar winning actress-turned-filmmaker Jodie Foster ("Orange is the New Black"), Toby Haynes ("Doctor Who," "Sherlock"), David Slade ("Hannibal," "American Gods") and Emmy winner Tim Van Patten ("Game of Thrones," "The Sopranos"), among others.
Appearing in front of the camera are actors including Rosemarie DeWitt, "Westworld" alum Jimmi Simpson, Emmy nominee Jesse Plemons, Tony nominee Cristin Milioti, and BAFTA nominee Andrea Riseborough, just to name a few.
Does the new season look promising to you? Check out the episode list below, and discuss this and more with your fellow TV fans in our forums.
Cast: Rosemarie Dewitt ("La La Land," "Mad Men"), Brenna Harding ("A Place to Call Home"), Owen Teague ("Bloodline")
Director: Jodie Foster
Written by: Charlie Brooker
"USS Callister"
Cast: Jesse Plemons ("Black Mass," "Fargo"), Cristin Milioti ("The Wolf of Wall Street," "Fargo"), Jimmi Simpson ("Westworld," "House of Cards"), Michaela Coel ("Chewing Gum," "Monsters: Dark Continent")
Director: Toby Haynes ("Doctor Who", "Sherlock")
Written By: Charlie Brooker & William Bridges
Cast: Andrea Riseborough ("Birdman," "Bloodline"), Andrew Gower ("Outlander"), Kiran Sonia Sawar ("Murdered By My Father")
Director: John Hillcoat ("Triple Nine," "Lawless")
Written By: Charlie Brooker
"Hang the DJ"
Cast: Georgina Campbell ("Flowers," "Broadchurch"), Joe Cole ("Peaky Blinders," "Green Room"), George Blagden ("Versailles," "Vikings")
Director: Tim Van Patten ("The Sopranos," "Game of Thrones")
Written By: Charlie Brooker
Cast: Maxine Peake ("The Theory Of Everything," "The Village"), Jake Davies ("The Missing," "A Brilliant Young Mind"), Clint Dyer ("Hope Springs")
Director: David Slade ("Hannibal," "American Gods")
Written By: Charlie Brooker
"Black Museum"
Cast: Douglas Hodge ("The Night Manager," "Catastrophe"), Letitia Wright ("Humans," "Ready Player One"), Babs Olusanmokun ("Roots," "The Defenders")
Director: Colm McCarthy
Written By: Charlie Brooker
Be sure to make your Emmy predictions so that Hollywood insiders can see how their TV shows and performers are faring in our Emmy odds. You can keep changing your predictions until just before winners are announced on September 17. And join in the fierce debate over the 2017 Emmys taking place right now with Hollywood insiders in our TV forums. Read more Gold Derby entertainment news.


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DOJO's mission is prevent veteran suicides linked to PTSD and end the stigmas related to mental health.
DOJO is operated by a single vet with PTSD.
Your contribution will help build a better DOJO and connect you to a global support community!
Thank you for your support!
Founder | DOJO


text: To end all upcoming 'omg i cant save' threads. In order to save your game, you must change your save type manually at the game select screen. you must change the save type from AUTO to FLASH 4Mbit. you can do this by highlighting the game, holding select, then right or left on the dpad to choose the right save type. If you have chosen the right save type, then all should be fine. after you changed your save type, the next time you create a new character will take a couple minutes, so do not turn off your ds while it is doing so. Hope everything works out well for you guys, if you are unclear of anything, i will try my best to answer your questions or maybe someone with more experience will.


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Tuesday, 7 November 201712 pm (EST) / 11 am (CST) / 9 am (PST) / 17:00 (UTC) 60 minutes 1 CPE (Members only)
In Part I, we discussed governance of enterprise IT and how a framework can be used to address stakeholder requirements. Governance, risk management and compliance (GRC) applications automate many of the functions of governance and serve as document management systems. In Part II, we will discuss how enterprises use a GRC application for managing their governance framework.
Peter Tessin, Sr. Manager, BT Risk and Compliance Discover Financial Services, CISA, CGEIT, CRISC, MSA, PMP(Ret)
In his role at ISACA, Tessin was the project manager for COBIT 5 and led the development of other COBIT 5-related publications, white papers and articles. Tessin also played a central role in the design of COBIT online, ISACA's latest web site that offers convenient access to the COBIT 5 product family and includes interactive digital tools to assist in the use of COBIT.
Prior to joining IASCA, Tessin was a senior manager at an internal audit firm, where he led client engagements and was responsible for IT and financial audit teams. Previously, he worked in various industry roles including staff accountant, application developer, accounting systems consultant and trainer, business analyst, project manager, and auditor. He has worked in many countries outside of his native US including Canada, Mexico, Germany, Italy, France, UK and Australia.With more than 20 years of global business and IT experience, Tessin is able to address topical issues in business leadership.
Chris Swift,Product Manager, LockPathChris Swift serves as a product manager at LockPath, where he supervises partner integrations with the Keylight Platform and leads the content development team. Chris is also skilled in applying the role of the platform in an integrated risk management context. Previously, Chris held positions as a delivery, and later advisory, consultant at a GRC provider. Chris holds a GRCP certification from the OCEG trade organization, and has a B.S. degree in Finance from the University of Kansas.


text:
Avail the Advantage of Hifly ICU Air Ambulance from Mumbai to Delhi Anytime
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International & Trade
"My Government is creating new export opportunities for Australian farmers, services, businesses and manufacturers that supports economic growth and creates new jobs."
Malcolm Turnbull
The Turnbull Government is creating new export opportunities for Australian farmers, services businesses and manufacturers to support economic growth and to create new jobs.
Australia is party to 11 Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) - international treaties that reduce barriers to trade and investment. Australia's FTAs provide:
- better Australian access to important markets
- an improved competitive position for Australian exports
- more prospects for increased two-way investment, and
- reduced import costs for Australian businesses and consumers alike
Free trade and open markets are a big part of Australia's 26 years of uninterrupted growth. The Turnbull Government is facilitating trade and trading opportunities for Australian businesses, and for foreign businesses to have trading opportunities with Australia. Free trade has delivered jobs in services, tourism, education, professional services, and the export of goods. Wherever the Turnbull Government can open the door for Australian exports and create more Australian jobs, we will do it.
That is why we are progressing an ambitious trade agenda, helping Australian exporters capitalise on opportunities created by our Free Trade Agreements with China, Japan and Korea; launching new negotiations with important markets in Asia, Europe and Latin America; and working hard to conclude agreements with Indonesia, India and the 16-member Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership. In November 2017, Australia and Peru finalised a comprehensive trade agreement that will generate exports, income and jobs. The conclusion of the Peru-Australia Free Trade Agreement (PAFTA) will create new opportunities for Australian exporters in one of the fastest growing economies and regions in the world.
Under the Turnbull Government, record numbers of tourists are visiting Australia and they're staying longer and spending more. Tourism spending for the year ending March 2017 was $101.6 billion. This growth in spending and visitor nights means more jobs, more economic growth and more prosperity for all Australians.
Key Initiatives:
- Exports are booming to our three largest Asian export markets, China, Japan and Korea, with whom we have FTAs.
- The Peru-Australia FTA was finalised on the 10th November 2017. This is the fastest trade agreement Australia has ever concluded after negotiations were launched in May earlier this year.
- Launched trade negotiations with Hong Kong and the Pacific Alliance (made up of Mexico, Chile, Peru and Colombia), and working to conclude a trade agreement with Indonesia. With a population of more than 250 million people on our doorstep, the Indonesian-Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IA-CEPA) promises to open a new era in our economic relationship with this important neighbour.
- The Turnbull Government is seeking to conclude negotiations with the 16-member Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership and is committed to harvesting the benefits of the Trans-Pacific Partnership.
- We have successfully concluded a joint scoping exercise with the EU and are moving towards launching negotiations. With the UK, we have established a bilateral Trade Working Group to work towards an eventual FTA following Brexit.
- The Turnbull Government delivered the Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations (PACER Plus), which will help drive economic growth and raise living standards in Pacific Island Forum Countries.
- The level of total foreign investment in Australia rose $153.3 billion (or 5.0 per cent) from $3.0 trillion at the end 2015 to $3.2 trillion at the end of 2016, funding more opportunities for Australian growth and demonstrating confidence in the Australian economy.
- The Government has provided Tourism Australia with record funding because we recognise that tourism creates jobs and supports jobs.
- Through the Tourism Demand Driver Infrastructure program we are providing $43.1 million over four years to drive demand, improve quality and increase tourism expenditure across Australia.
Under the Turnbull Government
Responsible Ministers
Prime Minister of Australia
The Hon Malcolm Turnbull MP
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This is a new way to think about global lightning
Andover, MA (PRWEB) July 14, 2009
WSI (Weather Services International), the leader in weather-driven business solutions, today announced the introduction of the Global Lightning Network (GLN), a source of high quality real-time lightning detection data for clients throughout the world. The Global Lightning Network is comprised of advanced lightning stroke detection sensors strategically located at international hosting partner sites. Data from the GLN has the timeliness, coverage, and delivery to support critical business operational requirements in key areas, without compromising quality, accuracy, and efficiency. Real-time data from the network is provided seamlessly via the Internet in less than a minute of event detection. The current key deployment areas include North and South America, Southeast Asia/Australia, and Europe, including many areas where lightning has significant economic and safety consequences. Data is also available for oceanic and other continental regions.
The Global Lightning Network uses the same lightning sensor and processing technology that has been proven in the United States Precision Lightning Network (USPLN). Like the USPLN, the GLN is a partnership of WSI and TOA Systems, a preeminent manufacturer of integrated lightning location and detection systems. "This is a new way to think about global lightning," said Mark Gildersleeve, President of WSI. "WSI and TOA are the first to bring to market a commercial global lightning network addressing the diverse needs of consumer, business, and government clients. Our mission is to create the highest quality unique weather content for the entire globe, and lightning is a key component of this strategy."
Kim Rauenzahn, WSI's Lightning Product Manager, noted, "While lighting has significant value as a supplement to radar for identifying and evaluating convective activity, it is an essential source of information where radar is not available. There are many instances where disruptive weather events put people and property at risk, and additional weather coverage can be vital to improving the outcome of these events. For example, our airline clients with global routes have been asking for enhanced weather information to enable better decision making both en route and on the ground. Data and services from the Global Lightning Network are a major component of the solutions meeting these weather information needs."
For more information, contact Kim Rauenzahn at (978) 983-6648 or visit: http://www.wsi.com.
About WSI Corporation:
For over 30 years, WSI Corporation has focused on predicting, detecting, and visualizing disruptive weather. The US Government and top aviation, media, energy, and risk management companies trust WSI to supply them with easy-to-use, timely and expert weather information to help them take action to minimize the impact of such weather on their operations and the public. WSI is a member of The Weather Channel Companies and is headquartered in Andover, Massachusetts, with offices in Birmingham, England. The Weather Channel Companies are owned by a consortium made up of NBC Universal and the private equity firms, The Blackstone Group and Bain Capital. More information about WSI can be found at http://www.wsi.com.
About TOA Systems
TOA Systems, Inc. is a uniquely capable manufacturer of integrated lightning location and lightning hazard warning systems. TOA has revolutionized the complex thunderstorm monitoring and forecasting tasks faced by government and industry worldwide. Their time-of-arrival based Lightning Location System (LLS) technology has been proven in operational networks throughout the world, and forms the basis for the United States and North America Precision Lightning Networks. TOA is located in Melbourne, Florida. For more information, please visit http://www.toasystems.com.
For more information, please contact:
Kim Rauenzahn
WSI Corporation
(978) 983-6648


text:
By U of MMA Staff
Known for its picturesque Oceanside panoramas and idyllic, Sunday afternoon disposition, Santa Barbara is a college town that hosts both a youthful party community and an intellectual community of academics. Including the nearby Ojai and Montecito, Santa Barbara County has hosted a who's who of Hollywood celebrities, including Brad Pitt, John Travolta, Charlize Theron, Kirk Douglas, and Oprah Winfrey.
Despite this pace of life, Michael Mac Donald's Valhalla ETC (Elite Training Center) sits proudly in town as a place to learn a myriad of styles, from traditional martial arts like Kung Fu to the elements of MMA (Brazilian jiu-jitsu, kickboxing) and full-on cage fundamentals.
Raised in nearby Oxnard, CA, Mac Donald trained in the martial arts since childhood, and became a pro kickboxer in 1992. By that point, he was going to school at the University of California Santa Barbara, earning a degree in psychology. Upon graduation, however, rather than going down the clinical or academic road, Mac Donald chose to continue building on his martial arts and fighting career, and in 1995 he opened up Santa Barbara Martial Arts.
"I just decided to finish up at UCSB with a psychology degree and I said 'I want to open up a martial arts studio.' I was fighting at the time, so it wasn't really that big of a deal. The Valhalla name came about in 2009. We've been Valhalla ever since," he says.
Although MMA (then known as 'shootfighting' and/or 'NHB' (No Holds Barred') was in its infancy at the time, it was during the mid- to late-90's when martial artists started opening up to the idea of experimenting with different styles and pioneering techniques. MMA wasn't yet a discipline or style itself, and as such, no single martial art reigned as the standard.
As a kickboxer, Mac Donald had built an impressive 9-0 record. In wanting to expand his fighting repertoire, he started training in Russian sambo wrestling. He applied to enter one of the UFC's tournaments and got 'the call' twice, though neither opportunity worked out. He was invited to enter UFC 5, but was sidelined at the time with a broken hand, and again for UFC 7, when they offered him a rising Brazilian fighter named Marco Ruas."
"They weren't offering any money. They said 'you'd be seeded against Marco. You gotta get your own guys out there,' he explained. "At the time, I just couldn't see it working for me. So I just stuck with my kickboxing locally."
Mac Donald eventually fought five MMA matches, including several undocumented underground fights, but by 2004, just before the first 'boom period' for North American MMA, he was making the transition from fighter to coach. His final bout was as a last-minute replacement for the original incarnation of the WEC.
"The one thing I can brag about, MMA and kickboxing, win or lose, I've never let a fight go to decision," he reflects. "I've never heard a judge's scorecard in my life, when it came to an actual match."
Mac Donald is adamant that Valhalla ETC is not a 'fight gym,' but a martial arts training center that includes a fight team. The website establishes this first and foremost, as visitors are forced to select 'Family Martial Arts' or 'MMA' options on the homepage. The gym's schedule reveals classes designated for women and traditional martial arts classes for three different kids age groups, in addition to their individual and combined striking and grappling classes. Not that any of this is particularly unique to a martial arts studio, but especially in a place like Santa Barbara, an openness to the public is key.
"[I tell] every single person that wants to become a fighter, 'If you want to work in this quality environment, you will make sure not to scare people away. Because the people who are just doing this as a hobby are the ones making sure that you have a great facility to train in,'" explains Mac Donald
That said, advertising MMA was also an important part of Valhalla's growth.
"I had a lot of guys who wanted to turn this thing into a fight gym," he recalls. "I was kind of steering away from it, because I came from a traditional side."
"One of the guys who was helping me pick up the mats here was the one who convinced me to teach," recalls Mac Donald. "[He said] 'tell everybody that you teach MMA, and that you've fought MMA, and they'll come.' I thought I was going to scare everybody away. I went from a facility that was about 1,200 square feet to what you see now. Double the size and a second floor. I was like 'wow.'
Clearly, in Mac Donald's view, there is more to martial arts than just fighting. So it shouldn't come as any surprise that his approach to coaching is more laissez-faire and organic than someone with a structured curriculum, mandatory classes, and team tryouts. Game plans are unique and customized to every fighter, and not even necessarily fully designed by him. Sparring and training partners are called upon based on the fighter's needs. The only tenant Mac Donald applies in each instance is to accentuate the strengths, protect and defend the weaknesses. Or, in his words, "don't let your opponent at your weaknesses."
"I'm a watcher. I like to watch my guys fight," he explains. "I like to see what they're getting into mentally," he explains. "I tell my guys that I don't care what kind of skill level you have, what kind of strength you have. What I need to see is heart. I can always give you the skill level, but if you're going to quit on me, I can't work with you."
Mixed martial arts is generally considered a combination of boxing, kickboxing, wrestling, and jiu jitsu, although there's a myriad of other martial arts that some would argue are even closer cousins to caged combat. Among those styles is Russian sambo wrestling, which Mac Donald feels is under acknowledged in it's resemblance.
"I'm truly surprised about this, because all anybody has to do is Youtube 'combat sambo.' And you're going to watch it and you're going to go 'wait a minute. This is MMA.' Combat sambo is exactly that. There's punches, there's kicks, there's knees, there's throws, there's striking on the ground. It's pretty much MMA with a jacket and shinpads. "
Russian sambo was created in the 1920's by the Soviet Red Army, based on Japanese judo and several styles of wrestling. Originally developed to improve the troops hand-to-hand combat skills, sambo (an acronym of the Russian translation for 'self-defense without weapons') evolved into three different styles. One style in particular, combat sambo, includes striking, grappling, chokes, and locks.
Years ago, Mac Donald trained in sambo under Vince Ornelas, a Tae Kwon Do instructor who is credited as one of a handful of trainers who imported the style to the West Coast. The sambo community was always small, but Mac Donald was one of the few to adopt the style into his own repertoire. In his opinion, the big difference between Brazilian jiu jitsu and sambo is in its explosiveness.
"Jiu jitsu is great about establishing a position, not allowing you to dominate in a very specific position. It's position, position, position. Sambo is like 'ooh, there it is. Let's go get it.'"
To date, only one Valhalla fighter has appeared on a U of MMA show, Drew Michealsen, who took a fight on last-minute notice (approximately 48 hours) at the U's 'Champions of Tomorrow!' event in May. Despite winning the match in stunning fashion by uma plata submission in round two, Michealsen, who had his first child a week later, has vowed not to return to the cage. However, that match also opened the door for more Valhalla fighters to compete at the U.
Among the team is lightweight Ryan Sowma, who's shown great potential and growth in his two matches. Heavyweight Emilio Sanchez is another budding prospect, whom Michealsen describes as 'inhumanly strong.'
"We're in a city where it's more of a college town than anything else. I have a lot of fighters that come to me, in, out, so on and so forth," says Mac Donald.
Despite the town's noncommittal nature, Mac Donald is at home in Santa Barbara, mixing traditional and modern martial arts together, and letting his loose band of fighters congeal organically. Fighting isn't for everybody, but for those who do want to go down that road, there's Valhalla.
Valhalla ETC is sponsored by Dr. Isreal Trujillo, M.D. His family practice is located at 27 W. Micheltorana Street in Santa Barbara.
Valhalla Elite Training Center is located at 1113 State Street in Santa Barbara, CA. For more information, visit www.sbmartialarts.com or call (805) 687-1514.


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(IM) Ingram Micro Buys Promark Technology
Technology distribution company Ingram Micro (IM) has acquired value added technology distributor Promark Technology. The latter particularly focuses on data storage, data management, and products and services related to electronic document imaging.
The acquisition, which was closed on November 30, is a prudent move by Ingram. Not only will the acquisition strengthen Ingram's position in the premium products and solutions market, but it will also help the company to strengthen its leadership position at public sector organizations.
The company is especially gaining from increased orders from Small & Medium Business (SMB) organizations in Europe, particularly in Germany and the U.K. This sector continues to spend on IT even as macroeconomic headwinds continue to impact overall business in Europe. Ingram is now targeting the SMB segment in a more comprehensive way, not just in Europe but across all regions. Moreover, following the acquisition, Ingram will be able to offer better services at competitive prices.
Cost benefits of cloud computing are pushing different companies toward massive information technology restructuring and upgrades. This is one of the reasons that SMBs have been investing in the area despite the weak economic conditions that have led to a slump in overall IT spending. We expect this to continue working in favor of distributors like Ingram. Again, the company's partners and associates of Promark will offer a vast array of business opportunities that were previously unavailable.
Acquisitions have always been the preferred strategy for Ingram's growth. A couple of months back, Ingram closed the acquisition of Brightpoint Inc., a leading distributor of wireless devices, for a cash consideration of $840.0 million.
We remain optimistic about Ingram Micro's strategic relationship with network giant Juniper Networks Inc. (JNPR) as well as with tech giants such as Hewlett-Packard Company (HPQ), IBM Corp. (IBM) and Microsoft Corp. (MSFT).
However, the company's significant European exposure, debt burden, and low order volume from government companies may have a negative impact in the short term.
Currently, Ingram Micro has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).
HEWLETT PACKARD (HPQ): Free Stock Analysis Report
INTL BUS MACH (IBM): Free Stock Analysis Report
JUNIPER NETWRKS (JNPR): Free Stock Analysis Report
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Acoustic shock
Acoustic shock (AS) is an involuntary trauma reaction, which can occur following exposure to a sudden unexpected loud sound, causing a specific and consistent pattern of neurophysiological and psychological symptoms.
What is AS?
With the rapid growth of call centres around the world, increasing numbers of call centre employees have been reporting an unusual cluster of symptoms following exposure to a sudden, unexpected, loud noise (acoustic incident) transmitted via the telephone line.
These neurophysiological and psychological symptoms are different to those occurring with a traditional noise injury, and have become known as acoustic shock (AS). AS becomes an Acoustic Shock Disorder (ASD) if symptoms persist.
Call centre staff using a telephone headset or handset are vulnerable to AS because of the increased likelihood of exposure, close to their ear(s), to an acoustic incident. More generally, AS can occur following exposure to any sound which gives a severe fright, is perceived as threatening or associated with a highly traumatic experience.
Westcott, M: Acoustic shock injury (ASI), Acta Oto-Laryngologica, 2006
Acoustic shock and TTTS Guide for Medical Professionals
Acoustic Shock Symptoms
Typical descriptions of an acoustic shock include "like being stabbed with an icepick in the ear", " like being electrocuted in the ear". For those using a headset, the immediate reaction is to pull it off.
The initial symptoms can include a severe startle reaction with a head and neck jerk, in extreme cases, falling to the floor; a stabbing pain in the ear; tinnitus; hyperacusis; sensations of burning, numbness, tingling and feeling of blockage in the ear; vertigo (dizziness, head spinning); nausea; a hearing loss or distorted hearing; and a shock response with shaking, crying, disorientation, headaches and fatigue.
Symptoms generally fade within a few hours or days. In some cases, some of the symptoms can persist for months or indefinitely. Persistent symptoms can include pain in and around the ear, pain in the neck/jaw/face, tinnitus, hyperacusis, balance problems or unsteadiness, headaches, facial numbness, a burning feeling in the ear or face, tingling, a feeling of pressure or fullness in the ear, an echo or hollow feeling in the ear, and a hearing loss.
AS symptoms are involuntary, so they cannot be readily controlled, and subjective, so they cannot be easily measured. The unusual symptoms may be misunderstood or not believed. As a result of an inadequate understanding of the symptoms, and if they persist or escalate, secondary and long term psychological symptoms can develop. These can include auditory hypervigilance, anxiety, depression, post traumatic stress reaction/disorder, fatigue, and anger.
Acoustic incidents
An acoustic incident is any sound which is perceived as threatening or highly traumatic. It is usually a sudden unexpected loud sound, usually heard near the ear. It may be a sound which becomes threatening because it persists and cannot be avoided. Acoustic incidents through a telephone line can originate as feedback oscillation, fax tones, signalling tones, or even malicious whistle blowing by dissatisfied customers. If the background noise level is high, call centre operators need to turn up the volume of their headset, increasing their risk of exposure.
A Proposed Mechanism of ASD - Tonic Tensor Tympani Syndrome
The primary cause of AS is considered to be excessive middle ear muscle contractions (stapedius and tensor tympani), in particular tensor tympani contractions, following exposure to a loud, unexpected sound. While the stapedial reflex is an acoustic reflex triggered by high volume levels, the tensor tympani reflex is a startle and protective reflex with a variable threshold to sound, which can be reprogrammed downwards.
Persistent ASD symptoms are consistent with a condition called tonic tensor tympani syndrome (TTTS). With TTTS, the tensor tympani muscle is spontaneously active, continually and rhythmically contracting and relaxing. This appears to initiate a cascade of physiological reactions in and around the ear without objectively measurable dysfunction or pathology. Symptoms consistent with TTTS can include: tinnitus; rhythmic sensations in the ears such as clicks and tympanic membrane (ear drum) flutter; alterations in ventilation of the middle ear cavity leading to symptoms in the ears of a sense of blockage or fullness, frequent "popping" sensations and mild vertigo; minor alterations in middle ear impedance (stiffness) leading to fluctuating symptoms of "muffled" or "distorted" hearing; irritation of the trigeminal nerve innervating the tensor tympani muscle, leading to pain, numbness and burning sensations in and around the ear, along the cheek, neck and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) area.
Our ASD program
Our Audiology practice provides unique expertise in the evaluation and management of ASD clients and in AS workplace consultancy. Ms Myriam Westcott is an audiologist with extensive experience in ASD and the rehabilitation of tinnitus and hyperacusis, dominant symptoms of ASD.
ASD evaluation and management
Our program involves:
- A detailed medical history to provide a definitive diagnosis of ASD. Malingering or symptom exaggeration is generally rare in ASD clients, with many bewildered by their symptoms and desperate to recover. However, as the symptoms are involuntary and subjective, and generally a third party will be funding the evaluation and treatment of the injury, a careful and considered diagnosis needs to be made.
- A hearing assessment needs to be carried out with care. For clients with severe ASD many sounds are painful, potentially leading to a temporary exacerbation of their TTTS symptoms. Additionally, clients with severe ASD are unable to tolerate anything placed in or over their ears without temporary exacerbation of their symptoms. As a result, an audiological assessment, requiring the client to listen to sounds via headphones/earphones, is threatening and can lead to a significant temporary increase in symptoms. Suprathreshold audiological testing, including loudness discomfort testing, and in particular acoustic reflex testing due to the high volume levels required, should not be carried out with ASD clients.
- An evaluation of the emotional impact of ASD is carried out, which screens for clinically significant levels of depression, anxiety and post traumatic stress disorder or trauma reaction.
- To provide understanding and reassurance, we give a detailed explanation of ASD to our clients. This includes a personalised explanation of the peripheral and central auditory system, including TTTS; hearing test results; the neurophysiological basis of hyperacusis, tinnitus-related distress, and auditory hypervigilance.
- A detailed report is provided to evaluate ASD, including fitness for work place duties, recommendations for a personalised rehabilitation program and onward referral for further evaluation and management of medical and psychological symptoms as required.
ASD Rehabilitation
Symptoms are individually managed as follows:
- We provide therapy for the dominant symptoms of tinnitus and hyperacusis
- We provide audiological management of hearing loss, including hearing aid fitting if required
- We recommend medical management of symptoms such as pain and vertigo
- We provide management of psychological symptoms. These can include stress and sleep management strategies; and the personalised development of cognitive behavioural strategies to manage auditory hypervigilance. For severe ASD, psychological/psychiatric evaluation and treatment for anxiety, depression and post traumatic stress disorder may be required and referral will then be recommended.
AS Workplace consultancy
The potential severity and persistence of ASD symptoms has significant clinical and medico-legal implications. Call centres in Australia are starting to become aware of the risk of AS and the need for AS workplace management. To provide effective AS protection in the workplace, the following factors should be considered:
1. We provide an AS Audiological Workplace Program, which includes:
- A workplace AS risk assessment.
- A hearing assessment for employees and supervisors.
- An AS education program for employees and supervisors.
- An AS protocol to be followed if an employee develops symptoms consistent with AS, which includes an AS assessment and rehabilitation for the employee. Rapid referral of affected staff can help to control persistence or escalation of symptoms.
- An AS reporting protocol to ensure that the employer can manage risk consistently and meet insurers' needs should a WorkCover claim arise.
- The protocol to be followed should an employee be considered potentially unfit to perform their usual workplace duties.
2. Workplace environment: Ambient noise management. The higher the levels of ambient noise, the higher the required volume level of the telephone headset amplifier for the caller's voice to be clearly audible, increasing the risk of AS. An acoustician will be able to measure ambient noise levels and teach effective communication strategies to minimise ambient noise levels. We do not provide this service, but can recommend companies who do.
3. Telephone headset protection to acoustic incidents. A number of output limiting devices have been developed to restrict maximum volume levels transmitted down a telephone line, and are of benefit to help reduce the probability of acoustic incident exposure. Technicians are available to evaluate and recommend appropriate devices. We do not provide this service, but can recommend companies who do.
The dominant factors leading to AS appear related to the sudden onset, unexpectedness, impact quality and threat response to loudish sounds outside the person's control, rather than to high volume levels alone, so output limiting devices are not able to provide total protection against acoustic incidents. Employees with persistent ASD symptoms remain vulnerable to an escalation of their symptoms following further acoustic incident exposure and for this reason should not return to headset use even with output limiting devices in place.


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Now you can get all the I Hate My Inlaws stories without the trouble of visitng the site's front page. RSS and Atom feeds are now available for the I Hate My Inlaws stories. The feeds are available at the following locations:
RSS: http://www.ihatemyinlaws.com/feeds/stories_rss.xml
Atom: http://www.ihatemyinlaws.com/feeds/stories_atom.xml
These feeds should be able to be used with any news reader. If you do not have a news reader, I'd recommend trying Google Reader (http://www.google.com/reader/).


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The furore surrounding Real Madrid's manager Jose Mourinho has reached boiling point over the last six weeks. With the reigning champions falling further behind league leaders Barcelona and the relegation of club captain Iker Casillas to the bench the Portuguese leader's time at the Spanish capital looks to be coming to an end.
It is hard to decipher whether Madrid's collapse this season is solely down to the players or the manager. Both pulled together magnificently last year to win the title but the physical and mental demands have clearly taken their toll.
This season the players don't appear able to repeat their levels of performance and Mourinho clearly recognises this. However, his decision to drop Casillas to the bench for the game against Malaga just before Christmas appears to have rocked the boat a little more than expected.
Last week though the story took an unexpected twist when Casillas broke a bone in his left hand during a cup tie against Valencia. The captain now faces three months on the side lines and will miss the domestic cup semi-final against Barcelona and the Champions League first knock out stage against Manchester United.
Despite some of Mourinho's recent backing of the back up keeper Antonio Adan there is a feeling that games against some of the best sides in Europe may be a step too far.
The club has therefore moved quickly to bring in some cover for their captain and have purchased Diego Lopez from Sevilla. The former Madridista left the club in 2006 after falling behind Casillas in the pecking order but is now delighted to return to the club he grew up at. Having established himself as one of the best keepers in the league during his spell with Villarreal he has struggled to hold down a first team place at Sevilla this season so a move suits both parties.
It is very difficult not to see a sense of irony in Casillas' injury this week. It is not the first time in recent memory that a Madrid player has held a majority sway within the dressing room and questions were raised about the legitimacy of Casillas' relegation to the bench when it initially happened.
Power struggles are a common theme at the club and although Mourinho may have wanted to make a point by dropping his captain he would have wanted him fit to face Barcelona and Manchester United.
However, it is now the situation he finds himself in and with Madrid desperate to win their tenth Champions League trophy this season it is time to focus. There should never be a player in any side who is an automatic selection and this is clearly what Mourinho wanted to underline.
However, he now finds himself without the best goalkeeper in the world for the most crucial part of the season.
Written by Andy Hunter
Follow him on Twitter @hunter67980
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'Controlled Mass Media – Sometimes the media is directly controlled by the government, but in other cases, the media is indirectly controlled by government regulation, or sympathetic media spokespeople and executives. Censorship, especially in war time, is very common.' (1)
The Dalai Lama and Central Tibetan Authority (CTA) are able to apply censorship to the information conveyed by Exile Tibetan Community's media through the following 3 methods:
1. The Dalai Lama's position as a Buddhist spiritual leader
As explained in 'The Gilded Cage – Part Two Religion and Politics,' (2) 'Governments in fascist nations tend to use the most common religion in the nation as a tool to manipulate public opinion.' In the Exile Tibetan Community this is particularly easy to do when it is the Dalai Lama himself at the Head of the political community. Part Two explains clearly how it has become possible that, "The Dalai Lama's power, and by association therefore, the power of the Central Tibetan Association (CTA), is absolute within the exile Tibetan community: 'As most Tibetans see the Dalai Lama as a living Buddha, they are culturally inhibited against speaking out to condemn someone who is seen as semi-divine.' (3) 'Whatever he says will not be criticized by anyone—a tradition that has become ingrained for all Tibetans since the institution came into existence.'" (4) The Dalai Lama's position as Spiritual Guide for many Buddhist practitioners has the effect of censoring any criticism against his, and therefore the CTA's, instructions or actions, his position within the Buddhist community is, in effect, a form of censorship. 'Because the Dalai Lama is perceived to be the incarnation of a Buddha it is not permitted to criticise him. Social prohibitions against criticising him extend also to the exile government. Even secular critiques of the government are controversial and widely avoided….The furthest most people will go is to criticise the Dalai Lama's senior advisors, family members or exile government officials.' (5)
Even though the Dalai Lama has officially stood down as political Head of the Exile Community a clever move by the CTA has turned criticism of the TGIE leadership into disloyalty to His Holiness. 'In recent a speech to Parliament, (September 2012) Speaker Tsering further elaborated: "Instead of doing their duties, a small group of Tibetans have engaged in making groundless claims on matters concerning the general meeting, special parliament session and His Holiness the Dalai Lama's devolution of political authority to the democratically-elected CTA leadership, to create discord in the community". Thus, in a neat rhetorical move, Speaker Tsering brought Parliament's decisions under the umbrella of His Holiness. Criticism of Parliamentary decisions are now attacked for creating "discord" and hurt to His Holiness. (6)
Tenzin Nyenjey, a former bureaucrat in the exile community's administration, talks about how this culture has led to an exile community that is passively silent, 'We have been brought up within a system that injects in us passivity and obedience to leadership. Indeed, most of us, having been brought up with a belief in the infallibility of our leadership, faithfully followed whatever course Dharamsala charted for our future. We rarely imagined that the leaders in Dharamsala were human beings, with all the possibilities of making mistakes, and thus blindly placed our destiny in their hands. So, our leaders are not to be blamed alone—we all share a collective responsibility in this.(7)
2. Funding by the West
As explained in 'The Gilded Cage – Part Three Corporate Power (8) 'In reality it is the funding of the NED that props up the power elite of the CTA, under the leadership of the Dalai Lama, and creates a 'mutually beneficial business/government relationship.' 'In a statement of January 19, 1996, Mr. McGehee described the post-1991 activities of the NED as "political action operations targeting China and Cuba." Another NGO of the US has said: "NED engages in much of the same kinds of interference in the internal affairs of foreign countries, which were the hallmark of the CIA. The NED has financed, advised and supported in many ways selected political parties, election campaigns, unions, student groups, book publishers, newspapers, other media, even guerrillas in Afghanistan and, in general, organisations and individuals which mesh well with the gears of the globalised-economy machine…. Allen Weinstein, who helped draft the legislation establishing NED, and also founded the Centre for Democracy, one of NED's funding middlemen, was quite candid when he said in 1991: "A lot of what we do today was done covertly 25 years ago by the CIA." The NED, like the CIA before it, calls what it does supporting democracy. The governments and movements whom the NED targets call it destabilisation."'(9)
NED funding has poured into communication projects chosen and monitored by the Dalai Lama's regime. Because there has been no funding of independent media sources this has had the effect of ensuring the Exiled Tibetan community's mass media is completely controlled by the Dalai Lama's regime. These projects are all affiliated with Dalai Lama and therefore only give his religious and political views:
The funding of these projects by the NED are fully explained in an article by Michael Barker. (10) The first example given is the Tibet Fund, who first received NED aid in 1990 to "produce audio cassettes that will bring world and Tibetan news into rural communities in Tibet." They then received continued NED support for this work in 1994 and 1996, whereupon the distribution of the audio tapes was extended to Tibetan exile communities in India and Nepal as well as those in Tibet. In 1996, the Tibet Fund also received NED aid on behalf of the Tibet Voice Project, "for an educational initiative based in Dharamsala, India, aimed at raising the social, political, economic and environmental awareness of Tibetans through audio-visual media." The NED notes that: "Particular emphasis will be given to speeches of the Dalai Lama on the topics of democracy and human rights."
The Tibet Fund's work with the Tibet Voice Project was continued in 1998, and the Fund also received NED aid to run "an electronic media workshop for Tibetan journalists, and to introduce a bi-monthly Chinese language news magazine about Tibet." Voice of Tibet was established as an independent radio station, starting its Tibetan language short wave radio service on May 14th 1996. It was founded by three Norwegian NGOs; The Norwegian Human Rights House, The Norwegian Tibet Committee and Worldview Rights. Voice of Tibet has been airing daily programmes in both Tibetan and Chinese on short wave to Tibet and China as well as India, Bhutan and Nepal. The accompanying picture on their website makes it clear that it speaks with the voice of the Dalai Lama. (11)
Another group that has received strong NED backing is the London-based Tibet Information Network (TIN), who between 1999 and 2004 received annual NED grants (excepting 2000) to "provide comprehensive, accurate information about political, social, and economic developments in Tibet to Tibetan audiences, the international community, human rights groups, and the media." These media articles are deemed to be above criticism or censure: 'TIN acquired an almost iconic status within the Tibetan movement. Beyond critique and examination to some, to speak-out against it risked being charged with a form of blasphemy.'(12) This article describes how, seemingly as a result of the funding it received, the TIN completely changed the way it presented information to the public: 'Having established a reputation for accuracy, and independent reportage TIN acquired an almost iconic status within the Tibetan movement,' in its early days. However it then began 'a careful policy of glossing-over, marginalising or ignoring.' The writer clearly believes the shift in policy was a result of funding received; 'Could such influences have taken root within TIN's administration? There was considerable speculation surrounding its rapid elevation, questions were asked about its seemingly overnight transformation, from voluntary initiative into a functioning and seemingly funded organisation. The late Tsering Wangyal, former editor of the Tibetan Review, commented in 1990 that there "was a lot of money sloshing around the Tibetan scene". Notwithstanding such conjecture although the merciless scepticism it previously demonstrated at one stage appeared to have softened, its general coverage remained characterised by tentative and extenuating terminology. This did not change under its last acting Director, Mr Thierry Dodin.'
The Tibet Times is a Tibetan-language newspaper founded in 1996 and published every ten days from Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh, India, the seat of the 14th Dalai Lama.
The underlying philosophy of the newspaper centres on 'the need for an independent press to an exiled community,' however the blurb on the website also indicates this newspaper is far from independent: 'The highlight of the paper's short life span is that it was personally blessed by his Holiness the Dalai Lama.' (13) One wonders how people would react to say the British 'Independent Newspaper' bragging that it had been personally 'blessed' by the leader of a political party?
The following 'are the details of the grants distributed by the NED during 1999 – either directly or through its associate organisations such as the International Republican Institute (IRI), the National Democratic Institute for International Affairs (NDI), the Centre For International Private Enterprise (CIPE) and the Free Trade Union Institute (FTUI) – ostensibly for the promotion of democracy and trade union and other human rights in Asia…. the main focus continues to be against the military regime in Myanmar and the Chinese administration in Tibet and on Cambodia. Their activities are so designed and implemented as to be in consonance with the foreign policy and strategic objectives of the US Government in this region. It has been mainly active against those countries/areas and regimes which are perceived as unfavourable or detrimental to US interests and not against those considered essential to US interests. After the reversion of Hong Kong to China in June, 1997, they have been looking for surrogates in India who could help them in their activities against the present regime in Myanmar and against the Chinese Administration in Tibet.
The following 1999 grants were distributed through India-based organisations:
Tibet Times Newspaper
To provide in-depth coverage of news about Tibet, the exiled Tibetan community, and Chinese and international affairs, through a Tibetan-language newspaper published three times a month in Dharamsala, India.
Tibet Multimedia Centre
To support a four-part programme of democratic civic education and information dissemination that addresses the struggle for human rights and democracy in Tibet. Based in Dharamsala, India, the Centre produces print, audio, and video materials for distribution to Tibetans in India, Nepal, and Tibet.
Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy
To translate into Tibetan, publish, and distribute 10,000 copies each of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights. The programme is based in Dharamsala, India.
Tibetan Review
To continue publishing Tibetan Review, an English-language monthly news and opinion journal based in New Delhi, India.
It is the funding of all these forms of communication by the NED that has enabled the Dalai Lama to keep a firm grip on anything that is published or conveyed within the community and to the wider world. Because there is presently very little industry within the exile community, there is little opportunity for individuals to develop independent media sources that are not controlled by the CTA. If the United States really does want to support democracy through NED funding then it needs to ensure that all people in the exile community have a voice, not just the Dalai Lama and the CTA. 'Clearly several Western states are supporting Tibetan Diaspora communities' efforts to spread massive information…truth barely seems to matter in this contest of propagandas.'(14)
3. Through Aggressive control
The final way that the Dalai Lama and CTA control and silence the media is through direct and aggressive intervention against those that are seen to be critical of them.
Intimidation by Dalai Lama followers
The silencing may be carried out on behalf of the Dalai Lama by his loyal followers; 'Individuals or groups who publicly express political critiques are often themselves criticised, if not silenced by other community members. My field notes include stories of individuals verbally and physically attacked in Dharamsala by other Tibetans for their political views…Familiar logics of serving the Dalai Lama undergird such community disciplining of perceived transgressions. If to defend the Dalai Lama is one of the highest forms of religious service, to transgress him is one of the most serious charges one Tibetan refugee can make against another, the risks and tensions inherent in expressing critique or dissent.' Carole McGranahan (5)
This method, of exploiting the profound loyalty of the Dalai Lama's followers, to turn them against and silence the CTA's chosen scapegoats is explained fully in The Gilded Cage, Part 4 –The Shugden Scapegoat. (15) By creating the myth that Shugden practitioners are working against the Dalai Lama and the exile government to harm the health of the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan cause, the Dalai Lama's followers are thereby encouraged to exclude, threaten and intimidate the Shugden community. Without access to any freedom of press in their own community, the Shugden practitioners are forced to give up their practice, or move out of the area, in what appears to be a form of religious cleansing.
Controlling Radio Free Asia
In his article 'Free Radio Free Asia,' (16) Jamyang Norbu gives an excellent description of the aggressive strategies used by the CTA to silence those they perceived to be criticising the Dalai Lama's Middle way policy in the media. He describes how 'the largest independent Tibetan language newspaper, Mangtso (Democracy) was finally pressured to close when his Holiness publicly expressed his displeasure with its reporting.' He also describes tactics used by the CTA to silence Radio Free Asia (RFA):
1. Complaints began circulating from Dharamshala about the political correctness of those speaking on RFA programs.
2. Then two important CTA officials paid a formal visit to the RFA office and gave a talk to Jigme and the Tibetan staff. The two VIP's deplored RFA's policy of allowing people on its programs who were opposed to the Dalai Lama and the exile administration
3. RFA's editorial independence continued to annoy the exile government, and during his entire tenure prime-minister Samdong Rinpoche refused to grant RFA any interviews or meetings, and instructed cabinet ministers and secretaries to do the same.
4. Samdong also conducted a low-profile but relentless crusade against RFA for allowing those "opposed" to the Tibetan government opportunities to express their views on its program.
5. Finally one of the 'offending' Radio presenters was sacked and humiliated. 'Then on the morning of 5th November, RFA president Libby Liu, precipitously fired Jigme Ngabo in humiliating circumstances. He was escorted out of his office by Security personnel. Liu then summoned staff members of the Tibetan Service for a meeting and after giving them all a stern dressing down, announced that Jigme Ngabo was dismissed. One of the staff members asked the reason for the dismissal but was told that it was "personal" and not any of their business. This came as a big shock to the Tibetans at RFA who liked and trusted Jigme Ngabo, and appreciated his respect for their professional integrity and independence.
News of the intimidation tactics spread to America, leading to Congress issuing a warning:
November 19, 2012
Contact: Tara Setmayer
Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Dana Rohrabacher (CA-46) sent a letter to Lobsang Sangay, the Prime Minister of the Tibetan Government-In-Exile to express outrage that he and other Tibetan leaders are attempting to manipulate the news that is being reported by the Tibetan service of Radio Free Asia. Representative Rohrabacher wrote to Sangay, "actions taken by you and other Tibetan leaders … are eroding support within the US Congress for the Tibetan cause. You and your cohorts must immediately cease making disparaging remarks and taking harmful actions aimed at the Tibetan Service of Radio Free Asia and its loyal, hard working Tibetan-American staff."
It appears that pressure from the Tibetan Government-In-Exile is responsible for the recent firing of the long time Director of the Tibetan Service within Radio Free Asia, Jigme Ngapo. Ngapo is well respected within the Tibetan community and known for encouraging open discussion about Tibet's future, including independence, a position not advocated by Sangay and some other individuals in the Tibetan Government-In-Exile.
Congressman Rohrabacher emphasized to Sangay that "I will not tolerate any machinations by you or your associates to deprive the Tibetan people of the joys of open debate and the free exchange of information that Radio Free Asia has provided." The letter continues that "the 75 Tibetans who have selfimmolated did not do so for the right to become a minority group within Communist China; the policy you are advocating. They are killing themselves for their right to freedom and self-determination and the end of the illegal Chinese occupation."
Representative Rohrabacher added that he is "also aware of serious accusations that US funding meant for Tibetans may have been misspent… If US assistance has been misspent and perhaps even goes into the pockets of the Communist Chinese and Tibetan power brokers I will learn of it and action will be taken." In 2012 the US Government granted $7.5 million dollars in support of the Tibetans.Rep. Rohrabacher is Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations." (20) Jamang Norbu was so dismayed by the behaviour of all those involved in the sacking that he called for a full investigation: 'Everyone connected with Libby Liu and the dismissal of Jigme Ngabo should be subpoenaed to appear and testify at the hearing: this would not only include the main players Sikyong Lobsang Sangay, Dhonchoe Lobsang Nyendak and RFA staffer Kalden Lodoe, but even such supporting characters as Special Envoy and ICT chairman Lodi Gyari, speaker Pemba Tsering and Kalsang "Kaydor" Aukatsang, the Sikyong's self-described "David Axelrod". This investigtion never took place.(21) Interestingly in this same article Norbu is investigating the involvement of Libby Liu, RFA President, in the whole affair, questioning her motives for carrying the sacking of Ngabo. Norbu believes the reason could be Liu's ambition: 'Ms. Libby Liu of RFA appears to have ambitions of becoming the supreme boss of all the combined networks, and has been cultivating the friendship of important people to ensure her bid for the top position.' This strategy appeared to work for Liu who is seen here seated very close to the Dalai Lama : 'In a meeting today with His Holiness the Dalai Lama, a member of the Broadcasting Board of Governors and the president of Radio Free Asia discussed the BBG's plan to strengthen U.S. international broadcasting through the Voice of America's Tibetan service and RFA.' (22)
Norbu explains that it is Sikyong Sangay that appears to organise all Liu's frequent appearances at the Dalai Lama's public appearances and he rebukes Sangay for apparently putting the Dalai Lama in a position likely to cause some scandal: 'I think it is outrageously irresponsible of Lobsang Sangay to allow this woman to meet His Holiness so many times in order to gains some political advantage from her. Shouldn't he have been aware of her background? Before she was RFA president she was a deputy DA in San Francisco where she was involved in a sex scandal with another DA (two days before her marriage to another man) in what was well known as the "Office Whoopee Case", and which became the butt of jokes in "Late Night With David Letterman." Just Google "Libby Liu San Francisco Chronicle" for the news reports. Of course His Holiness's conduct in this matter is beyond reproach. We all know he is affectionate and holds hands with everyone he meets in the most natural and compassionate way. But misunderstandings can happen.' Norbu is always quick to defend the Dalai Lama's part in any dubious political activity in the exile community, presenting him as an innocent bystander only, some may think this somewhat naive.
Other Media Control
Jamyang Norbu references two more articles that speak out against the censorship of the media. The first is by the Editorial Board of the Tibetan Political Review, in which they express their deep concern about the aggressive language used by the CTA towards those who would consider being at all critical of government policy. (17)
'Speaker Tsering also issued a challenge to the Tibetan media. He warned the media not to be "a medium to spread discord within the community". Specifically, he said that "some people write under pseudonyms articles and comments in websites to destabilise the community and denigrate His Holiness the Dalai Lama". He called on the media to "properly verify the contents of and intentions behind such articles and comments". The Speaker sounds (intentionally or not) uncomfortably close to authoritarian regimes that seek to control popular opinion by controlling or intimidating the media. This is unacceptable in a genuine democracy. The media should be a "Fourth Estate" that investigates and challenges any powerful institution and holds such power accountable.
In a related development, a new group has suddenly formed called Tsokpa Chukchik (Eleven Associations -including the Shopkeepers Association and the Restaurants Association), made up of eleven rather small associations based in Dharamsala, some of which are quite new. Its ostensible goal is to defend the TGIE's controversial name change but with the threat to "strictly deal[] with" any person making "baseless" claims against His Holiness, even challenging to take those who hurt His Holiness to court. In a press conference held on this issue, when a journalist asked who are these persons hurting His Holiness, the Eleven Associations told the reporter to go and ask His Holiness.
It is almost incomprehensible that this campaign of attempted intimidation is now being carried out by top Tibetan politicians in the name of His Holiness.'
In the second article Tenzin Nyinjey also gives an example of how the exile government sacked someone who they felt was criticising their policies. 'Writers like Lukar Jam observed these ominous changes and criticized them in their essays (Lukar was later forced to resign from his work at the Department of Security)' (7) Tenzin also explains the effect the government's propaganda has to silence critics, 'My gut feeling is that this is due to the genius of the Middle Way propaganda that has now fully succeeded in pacifying the Tibetan people's innate desire for independence, so much so that they don't bother even when their leaders are openly found engaging in nasty acts of Orwellian censorship.'
Those few who are brave enough to speak out are clearly deeply disturbed by the blatant censorship of the media and call for it to be ended immediately if the government wants to be considered democratic, rather than portraying such clearly fascist characteristics; 'Criticism is turned into disloyalty to His Holiness, the media is chastised, and a mysterious Tsokpa Chukchik begins making threats. These tactics create a chilling effect among Tibetans who may fear that they will be wrongfully labelled anti-Dalai Lama simply because they disagree with policies of the TGIE leadership or hold different political views. There is now reportedly an air of "us and them" hovering in many Tibetan communities and especially Dharamsala. The only threat to Tibetan unity that we see here is the threat posed by those who (intentionally or not) exploit His Holiness's name to stifle free speech and democratic debate. Such anti-democratic actions run counter to His Holiness' dedication to democracy and civil rights. These actions are an embarrassment that should end now. The broader Tibetan cause is harmed when the leadership uses tactics that are associated in most people's minds with systems other than democracy: equating disagreement with disloyalty, condemning an unnamed "small group of people" for stirring discord, demanding that all legislators uphold the party line, intimidating the media, etc. The TGIE leadership's experimentation with such tactics is not a proud moment for them, for the Tibetan people, or for His Holiness's inspired democratic vision.' (18)
For Shugden practitioners living within the exile community the press censorship has left them without a voice; they are unable to describe how they have been persecuted, nor ask the wider community for the help they need to end the Dalai Lama's religious discrimination. This is a direct infringement of two basic human rights; the right to freedom of speech and the right to religious freedom. Both of which are written into the constitution as legal rights, to deny these means the government are breaking their own laws.
(1) 'The Fourteen Characteristics of Fascism.' Lawrence Britt
(2) https://www.facebook.com/dalailamatruth/posts/994636580547248:0
(3) https://www.opendemocracy.net/johanne…/lesson-for-dalai-lama
(4) 'The Tibetan Government in Exile.' Stephanie Romer
(5) 'Truth Fear and Lies.' Carole McGranahan
(6) http://www.tibetanpoliticalreview.org/…/arethespeakerandkal…
(7) http://www.rangzen.net/…/censorship-and-the-struggle-for-ti…
(9) http://www.c3sindia.org/us/681
(10) http://www.globalresearch.ca/democratic-imperialism-ti…/6530
(11) http://www.vot.org/about-us/
(12) https://tibettruth.files.wordpress.com/…/tinbetraysthetruth…
(13) http://www.rangzen.org/arc…/…/06_india/days/timesdetail.html
(15) https://www.facebook.com/dalailamatruth/posts/1000777316599841:0
(16) http://www.phayul.com/news/article.aspx?id=32537
(18) http://www.tibetanpoliticalreview.org/…/arethespeakerandkal…
(19) http://tibet.net/about-cta/constitution/
(20) http://www.rangzen.net/2012/11/20/rohrabacher-warns-tibetan-political-interference-in-radio-free-asia-not-acceptable-erodes-congressional-support/
(22) http://www.bbg.gov/blog/2012/04/26/dalai-lama-discusses-bbg-and-tibet-with-meehan-liu/


text:
George's Guardian's of Grace Projects
Friday, January 21, 2011
Emotional Break Down
His mom has been calling him this past week telling him that he needs to get a haircut and that she already made an appointment for him. Personally I like his hair longer and the way it is but he just can never tell her no. She surely means well and has a heart of gold but often times she can be demanding and want things done right away without giving much warning or takes it upon herself to do what she wants done(she has rearranged my house on numerous occasions when she didn't like where things were even though they worked for me) I love her dearly but she has admitted that she does these things on purpose and knows she will get her way because people won't be rude to her or tell her no(words from her mouth). Normally I just suck it up knowing I have to take the good with the bad and deal with it but for whatever reason, today just came and hit me like a ton of bricks.
We had to go to Michael's school for a gathering they were having since the kids had made soup and baked bread. Hugh took off so we both could go to this event and my parents watched Gabrielle for us. It went well and they made wonderful soup! We got done and went to my parents house to pick up Gabby and as soon as we walked in the door his mom called and told him he needed to come over early so he could watch his brothers wedding video with her. Being who he is, Hugh said fine and hung up the phone but looked at me knowing he had to tell me that there were yet again more unexpected plans(I've not been dealing well with anything out of the ordinary lately, kind of like I have no control over anything and right now that just isn't good for me. I know logically I shouldn't feel this way but right now logic is out the window!)
For whatever reason sitting in my parents house and these plans just sent me over the edge and I felt as if I was reliving the days leading up to George's death. My mother in law had insisted that Hugh drive her to Atlantic City the days prior to his death. It was snowing so she was not comfortable driving but had comps that she needed to use that would expire. He tried to tell her he was busy but that didn't work and he had to drive down there and drop her off and then come back only to drive down again the next day to do the same thing. That put me in a bad place since I was working and had tons of docs appts with the kids earlier that week and was already behind on hours. I was forced to try and find a way to juggle the hours so he could take her, which left me almost no time with George that week at all. I had planned things for Hugh's birthday that had to be juggled and canceled because of it and I was quite resentful at the time.
In order to help me try and finish up my hours, my parents took George for me. My mom is not a big baby person and prefers the toddler and up ages. That was huge for her but I had no choice and while Hugh went back down to pick his mom up my parents watched George. I think the boys went with Hugh for the ride but I am not 100% sure, that part is a little fuzzy to me. Once I was done my work, I remember vividly going over to pick George up from my parents house. He was sitting there with my mom and dad who were sitting in their recliners(that is exactly where they were today) and he was all smiles sitting there. My mom even said how good he was and how they had to take him a little more often. Hugh came back late that night and I was still working to make up hours I had missed so that I could spend his birthday with him the next day.
The next day I worked hard all day so we could all spend the night together for Hugh's birthday. Part of me was irate the whole time that I had to work so hard over a trip to get a comp from Trump and that my plans had been altered without me having a saying. I spent the day working with a break to make dinner, only to work again that night. There were still hours left but I had worked hard enough that I was going to be able to finish working my hours Friday by the early afternoon so that I could just finally spend time with my little family and was looking so forward to it. I was exhausted when I came up to take a shower but heard my little monkey crying as I was taking my shower.
After I got dressed I came back upstairs to find him still crying, which was not norm for him so I headed to his room. Hugh gave me a dirty look telling me he just needed to cry himself to sleep but I had missed him so much that whole week I had to go in. I picked him up and he quieted down so I brought him out to the couch to play a little bit. Hugh of course gave me a look and then said "I thought you were tired?!" With that I ignored him and just smiled and continued to spend time with my little boy. Never did I think it would be the last time I would hold him alive! He was playing with his ear(he had an ear infection that was found on his autopsy) and had a little odd behavior that made me tell Hugh,"if he is still fussy and doing this tomorrow I am taking him to the doctors." Tomorrow never came and I never finished those hours of work for the week.
These things cause flashbacks that I cannot control. It is good to know I am not alone in this and many parents who have gone through this do the same thing and have many of the same feelings. There are times I am mad at myself for not spending that time and saying the hell with the money or that I am mad that my mother in law couldn't give up that comp or that Hugh couldn't tell her no but I know in the end it was no ones fault even though there is some internal need for someone or something to blame. Having no answers at all leaves you scrounging for answers that you will just never have and I think in some ways makes it harder to find some sort of peace with all of it.
In the end I have been told by many mom's that all of these things are par the course since it falls along the same lines as post traumatic stress disorder. I try to tell myself that it is only a year and there are mom's that have had to live with this for years by no fault of their own. Somehow I need to give myself some sort of leniency and allow myself to fall apart from time to time. I hate that there is nothing I can do to fix this and that there really is no end to any of it. I get impatient and want and end to it but then again I don't. I want it to be back the way it was and I want my son back and in my arms alive not in ashes in a box. Unfortunately I can't change any of it so I have to live with it and try to give myself some sack and tell myself it is ok to feel this way and not have it together all the time.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
"Ask My Mom How She Is"
(Author unknown)
My Mom, she tells a lot of lies,
She never did before
But from now until she dies,
She'll tell a whole lot more.
Ask my Mom how she is
And because she can't explain,
She will tell a little lie
because she can't describe the pain.
Ask my Mom how she is,
She'll say"I'm alright."
If that's the truth, then tell me,
why does she cry e...ach night ?
Ask my Mom how she is
She seems to cope so well,
She didn't have a choice you see,
Nor the strength to yell.
Ask my Mom how she is,
"I'm fine, I'm well, I'm coping."
For God's sake Mom, just tell the truth,
Just say your heart is broken
She'll love me all her life
I loved her all of mine.
But if you ask her how she is,
She'll lie and say she's fine.
I am here in Heaven
I cannot hug from here.
If she lies to you don't listen
Hug her and hold her near.
On the day we meet again,
We'll smile and I'll be bold.
I'll say,
"You're lucky to get in here, Mom,
With all the lies you told!"
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
My Heart Breaks
Come To Jesus - Chris Rice (Lyrics)
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Take All Of Me- Hillsong United
"Love Song" By Hillsong & Third Day
Hallelujah by Echoing Angels
Video Tributes/Celebration of Life Footage
Here is a link to a video tribute that was made by Richard's dad in memory of George. Get out your tissues!
We Finally have footage from the service up and running:
It is in 4 sections running about 17 mins each. If you were unable to attend, you can now see what you missed. We were so blessed to have everyone there with us in person and in spirit!


text:
Create a Ning Network!
Our 2nd annual walking tour in the Boston area. Here's a link to our post-event survey of last year's event. This year covers areas beyond but ends again at Copley Square.
This 12+ mile walk has it all - ocean, marsh, beach, harbor, river, and ethnic and downtown neighborhoods. Start with a visit to the annual Sand Sculpting Festival on Revere Beach, the nation's fir…
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As life-long animal advocates with a deep concern for the thousands of animals abandoned to shelters each year, Tony and Elaine La Russa were inspired to create ARF (Animal Rescue Foundation) in 1991. Their goal was to find caring homes for these animals and educate the public about the importance of controlling pet over-population through spay and neuter programs. Since then, ARF's mission has been expanded to include many community outreach programs. It is only through a comprehensive approach that includes public education, early spay/neuter, and community involvement that ARF will achieve Tony and Elaine's ultimate vision of no more homeless, unwanted pets. www.arf.net.
Daphne's Headcovers is a long time friend of ARF and is proud to be able to help with ARF's wonderful work.
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