text:
- Services
- We strive to provide complete care for our patients. Learn more about all the services we provide.
You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience.
Maximized Living believes that everybody who walks into our clinic deserves the full power of The 5 Essentials™. We have seen the results every day for people just like you who are committed to transforming their health. We will work with you to build your own story of Maximized Living success.
By Alecia J.
I started with the Maximized Living Program on June 13, 2010 after going to a Makeover on the 12th. I had spent the last 12 years of my life in a motorized wheelchair. I was 70-80 lbs. over weight. I was told years earlier not to go to a chiropractor because I would be wasting my money (I was born with Cerebral Palsy). So I pulled Dr. Osborne aside durring a break to discuss my concerns. During the conversation he told me that he was "making me his special project"… I could tell the difference after just the very first adjustment! I have been coming to see doc for 8 months now and he is adjusting parts of my body that I never knew would move because they were do tight, and have the pressure off of those joints is amazing! I was out of my chair within with in the first 2 months…two weeks after that I walked 1.5 miles! So far I have lost 44 lbs. That in itself is amazing… I feel great and am getting stronger every day!
By Sally G.
I walked bent over – I thought my hip bones were going out. My neck hurt so bad that only intense massage could relieve it partially. I tried walking my usual 2 hour walks & could barely last 17 min. The pain was so bad! I had been in a bad car accident in 2005 but the chiropractor I went to didn't even take x-rays, and it got worse. My sweet daughter refered me to Dr. Osborne & I am so glad! Through Dr. Osborne and his staff I have learned a new way to exercise and am able to get off medications that cost me so much money! Now I have been shown how to heal naturally! WHO-HA!
By Ron H.
Not since Hippocrates has anyone doctored as well as Dr. Osborne. Not since Vera Allen and Rosemary Clooney shared top billing in "White Christmas" have people been greeted and enterttained by lovelies such as Teresa and Megan. This chiropractic office is the tops! My nerves are now electric wires.My bones are sturdy as mighty Redwoods. I'm atleast a foot taller, and now I can play the violin. Come hither and be renewed.
By LisaMarie H.
For 15 years I had an undiagnosed neurological disability. I had intense pain and inflammation in my neck, and frequent migranes. I struggled to understand what was going on around me, and to respond to it…working part time was challenging, as were daily tasks like cooking and cleaning.I couldn't live on my own; it was a struggle just to survive…Doctors couldn't figure out what was wrong. All the tests came back "normal". One doctor found medications that helped with brain function, but it only addressed the symptoms, and the condition kept getting worse. I'd given up hope. 9 months ago I was introduced to Maximized Living. After the first adjustment, the pain in my neck was less and I could think a little more clearly. I decided to apply all 5 essentials. After 3 months I could work 5 days a week for the first time in year and the migraines disappeared! After 5 months I was off more than half my medications. In 7 months I was driving again and functioning normally with day to day tasks! I am living the high-energy, people-filled life I'd only dreamed of before. I have my life back!
By Janice E.
My name is Janice. I was diagnosed in 1996 with multiple sclerosis. It is a life changing disease. I was introduced to chiropractic care in early 2003. The doctor at that time was great. I was completely paralyzed. I could not hold a pen in my hand without dropping it and then I met Dr. O through Dr. Tim. Through their great care and positive reinforcement and positive thinking I am now walking with a walker and getting stronger each and every day. I thank god for allowing me to experience this miracle in my life. I thank the doctors as well as their staff. I no longer take any medications for my M.S. It's been a blessing!
By Trevor C.
Ever since I was 12 I have suffered from mild to bad constant headaches. Our neighbor told us about Dr. Osborne and gave us a free coupon for a check up and a follow up visit. For a long time all of my headaches would interfere with even the simplest things I would do. Sometimes the headaches would be so bad they bordered on migranes. After just 1 adjustment I felt instantly relieved. It felt like my head was floating. After about 4 or 5 adjustments my headaches were gone and this constant pressure where my skull connects to my spine is gone. I even find myself losing a lot of weight. In the first 2 months I lost 15 lbs. without trying. I make healthier choices without even realizing it (mainly portion control). I have also grown about 2 inches since I began treatment!
By Steve L.
I started seeing Dr. Osborne in June of 2010. I was in a lot of pain and wasn't ready to get help. My wife had starting seeing him in February of 2010 and always told me she felt so much better every time she was adjusted. I had cervical spine surgery in February of 2002 and didn't know if I would be able to get adjustments in my neck, but I can tell you Dr. Osborne put me at ease & I haven't felt this good in such a long time, better than I thought possible.Thanks to Dr. Osborne & his staff I tell anyone I meet about this office and if they want a better way of life they need to come & Check out Discover Chiropractic!
By Donna H.
When going in to see Dr. Osborne I didn't think I had any problems, although after a month I realized the pain in my left leg had gone away and the tension in my shoulder had reduced. I learned how to read and understand my personal x-rays and make better choices for myself and for my loved ones. I know more about eating the right foods and toxins that go into our bodies. My husband and four children are now also a part of the program plus more family and friends. Overall, I am so impressed with how well Dr. Osborne and staff care for our children, especially when they are injured due to sports. This means the world to me!!
By Angela C.
When I arrived here, I was suffering the debilitating effects of two whiplashes many years apart & Scoliosis for most of/all of my life. Hip & low back pain had grown so bad for me even just days before first coming here that I'd be in tears upon waking & getting out of bed. Hansen's Rods were reccomended for me at 17; thankfully my parents said no, freeing me up in later life for the terrific care I'm privledged to receive in this office. Improvements for me are astounding! Walking and rising now vary between manageable to PAIN FREE! The range of motion in my neck is expanding. The "Collar of Pressure", as I call it, occurs less often. And a happy byproduct of my adjustments has unexpectedly been weight loss, without even trying. At 53, I feel as if I'm getting younger! So instead of worrying about curtailing or stopping certain jobs & activities, as Dr. Osborne put it to me, "What can you start doing?"
By Alicia J.
I started with the Maximized Living Program on June 13, 2010 after going to a Makeover on the 12th. I had spent the last 12 years of my life in a motorized wheelchair. I was 70-80 lbs. over weight. I was told years earlier not to go to a chiropractor because I would be wasting my money (I was born with Cerebral Palsy). So I pulled Dr. Osborne aside durring a break to discuss my concerns. During the conversation he told me that he was "making me his special project"… I could tell the difference after just the very first adjustment! I have been coming to see doc for 8 months now and he is adjusting parts of my body that I never knew would move because they were do tight, and have the pressure off of those joints is amazing! I was out of my chair within within the first 2 months…two weeks after that I walked 1.5 miles! So far I have lost 44 lbs.That in itself is amazing… I feel great and am getting stronger every day!
By Rosie H.
I've been coming to TJ for 12 years now. I origionally came to him based on a referral from a friend as I was working in San Jose. I thought I was coming for maintanance related to some very challenging back conditions. However TJ said "why can't we improve on this?" When I said "It's bones" he just said "They are held up by muscles." I now live and work in San Mateo and travel over 45 minutes one way to come to see TJ because he is the ONLY chiropractor who has approached my back problems with a view to improvement! I refer anyone I know with any kind of back problems to him. PS – he's also helped with other injuries related to my dancing.
Nicole used to suffer from headaches every day, but after six weeks of chiropractic treatment, she is now completely headache free and enjoying strong overall health as a result of a Maximized Living doctor's care.
Instead of accepting that she would endure a lifetime of illness and pain, Anne began seeing a Maximized Living chiropractor and learned that how she could become her healthiest self.
After years of yo-yo weight left over from child birth, Krystal and her entire family is now healthier as a result of following the principles of Maximized Living.
Rachel had a myriad of issues, from chronic foot and hip pain to sleep deprivation, all which got significantly better or completely disappeared after coming to a Maximized Living chiropractor.
When Brenda's doctor wanted to double her medication, she switched to chiropractic care and is now completely off her medication, and her serious health issues have all but disappeared.
Suffering from issues like Type 1 Diabetes and a heart condition, Caela felt like she had nowhere to turn for help. After getting adjusted and learning how to care for her spine, Caela's issues have subsided and improved – and she can dance again!
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Sunday, August 4, 2013
Under the Sea
8 comments:
That sea snail looks terrific - I love the way you use Indyrella too.ReplyDelete
Paula (PEP)
Interested to see what happens with those colouring media together - hope the paper doesn't soak up the ink from your Copics - that's what I'd be wary of.
Paula (PEP)Replies
Thanks, paula! That sea snail is fun to draw! As for the bleed through on the paper, I'm not too concerned with that. I don't typically use the backside of the paper, so I'll just layer a sheet of parchment paper underneath. Although I doubt it will be a big issue. The zeta series is 180 pound paper, but I will be curious to see if - and how much - bleed through it has. Maybe that will be a new post :)Delete
Very nice. I love this idea Alice! Is that sea snail a pattern or just your rendering?ReplyDeleteReplies
Thanks, caren, it's a little bit of both. It's a combination of michelle beauchamp's spiral and a couple new patterns I'm working on. Glad you like it!Delete
Oh it feels like years since I came to visit you Alice.ReplyDelete
I've been so absorbed with moving that I've not drawn anything for months...I don't think I can last much longer. hehe
Now I'm so inspired by your work that I'm going to have trouble staying away from my pens!
I was wondering if my mojo was still hidden in one of the packing boxes but after seeing your patterns I know it's alive and kicking and ready to fly!
Thanks for that!!! LOL
I can't wait to see the colours appear...I'll be watching with interest :D
This is gorgeous, Alice. I really like the feeling of movement in it. Blessings!ReplyDelete
This is just lovely, it is so peaceful!!!ReplyDelete
Hugs, SheilaReplies
thank you so much! i love drawing this pictures - the sea/ocean has been in my blood since i was a little girl in newfoundland. my dad loved the sea and taught me to love it, too :)Delete

subset: commoncrawl


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500 Fifth St, NW
Washington, DC 20001
The latest news from HMD, including information about new reports, activities, meetings, and other noteworthy events.
Displaying: 21 to 30 of 30 News and Announcements
The passage of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) of 2010 marked a profound shift away from reactive care and toward a system focused on prevention, including a new provision that ensures preventive health services will be covered with no out-of-pocket costs. On August 1, 2011, less than two weeks after the release of Clinical Preventive Services for Women: Closing the Gaps, HHS adopted the IOM's recommendations outlining which services for women should be included.
A new report from the IOM recommends that eight preventive health services for women be added to the services that health plans will cover at no cost to patients under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 (ACA).
Every year, at least 116 million adult Americans experience chronic pain, a condition that costs the nation between $560 billion and $635 billion annually, says a new report from the IOM. Much of this pain is preventable or could be better managed, added the committee that wrote the report.
Relieving Pain in America: A Blueprint for Transforming Prevention, Treatment, and Research presents the findings and recommendations from an IOM committee convened to identify barriers to pain care and ways to overcome these obstructions.
The 2008 IOM/NRC report, Early Childhood Assessment: Why, What, and How?, determined important development outcomes for young children – such as social and emotional development, physical well-being, and language development – and made recommendations on how those outcomes should be evaluated in early childhood care and education. On May 25, 2011, the Departments of Education and Health and Human Services launched a new competition, Race to the Top-Early Learning Challenge, to spur states to improve the quality of early learning programs. Among other competition requirements, states will be challenged to increase the number of low-income and disadvantaged children enrolled in early learning programs and align any assessments with recommendations from the IOM report.
Lack of essential data makes it impossible to say whether "Blue Water Navy" veterans -- who served aboard deep-sea vessels during the Vietnam War -- face higher, lower, or the same risk as other Vietnam veterans for long-term health problems associated with exposure to Agent Orange and other herbicides, says a new report from the Institute of Medicine.
Researchers need to proactively engage lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people in health studies and collect data on these populations to identify and better understand health conditions that affect them, says a new report from the IOM.
Recent findings on the differences in heart disease among women and men and among blacks and whites show that characteristics such as gender and ethnicity matter when it comes to health research. A new report from the IOM, recommends steps to ensure that clinical researchers identify and address the needs of LGBT populations. The report will be released at an 11:00 a.m. public briefing on Thursday, March 31.
Healthy People 2020, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' master plan for improving the health of the American population over the next decade, covers 42 topics and nearly 600 objectives. A new report from the IOM singles out 12 indicators as immediate, major health concerns that should be monitored and 24 objectives that warrant priority attention in the plan's implementation.
The Institute of Medicine awarded the 2009 Rhoda and Bernard Sarnat International Prize in Mental Health to David Mechanic, University Professor and René Dubos Professor of Behavioral Sciences; and director, Institute for Health, Health Care Policy, and Aging Research, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, N.J. The Sarnat Prize, consisting of a medal and $20,000, was presented to Mechanic at IOM's annual meeting in Washington, D.C.


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| Recently found by viaLibri....
Wholly unrestored contemporary binding. IN WHOLLY UNRESTORED PERIOD BINDING
Sebastianum Cramoisy, Paris, 1652 1652 2 parts in 1 vol., 12mo., on laid paper, part II with 8 full-page tables in the text, wanting title to first part and part II E6-7, part 1 R3 with small marginal tear (not affecting text or marginalia), neat early eighteenth century ex libris inscription on blank preliminary verso, some negligible age-staining; original full vellum, yapped edges, backstrip lettered in MS, a remarkably bright, clean, tight copy in wholly unrestored contemporary binding. This is the complete work, comprising Part I Books 1-IX and Part II Books 1-IV, thirteen books in all. The two parts are separately titled and paginated, and each has its own (extensive) index. Part I retains the dedication to D. Ludovico Borbonio, ad Lectorem, indiculus auctorum, and the two 'summa' leaves. Part I pagination is mis-numbered from p.443 onwards. Effectively an abridgement of the great Jesuit scholar's masterpiece 'Opus de doctrina temporum' (1627). Denis [Denys] Petau (1583-1652) studied in Paris under Scaliger and later resigned his lectureship at Bourges to join the Society of Jesus. He spent the majority of his academic career as Master of Divinity at the College de Clermont, the chief Jesuit establishment in Paris. A splendid, if predictably imperfect, copy in wonderful contemporary binding. Extremely scarce.
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Department of Communication, Media & Film
The Graduate Program in Communication and Media Studies offers students opportunities to pursue their research interests in
such fields as critical media studies, policy and surveillance, feminist media studies, media history, and film and visual culture,
among others.
We offer a stimulating and dynamic environment, a community of students from around the world, and a faculty dedicated to
fostering an environment in which students can reach their full academic potential. We offer interdisciplinary scholarship
and rigorous theoretical and methodological grounding and we encourage students to develop unique programs of study
that reach beyond traditional topical boundaries.
This year we are also offering a special recruitment opportunity in Food Marketing, Policy and Children's Health for a
full-time MA or full-time PhD student to work with CRC Dr. Charlene Elliott. This position comes with a special
Communication & Health funding package of up to $30,000 for a PhD and $24,000 for a MA student in Year 1.
The MA (Master of Arts) is a thesis-based program that will allow students to apply for PhD programs or to pursue careers
in which research, writing and speaking skills are essential. Students are expected to complete the Master's degree in
2 years of full-time study.
> Learn more about our MA Program
The PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) is a thesis-based program designed for students who wish to pursue a research or
scholarly career. Students are expected to complete the PhD degree in 4 years of full-time study.


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Walt Marcyan exemplifies what barbell training should be; something entwined in your life that makes you a better man...
Here is Walter Marcyan's obit from his son Parker:
Dr. Walter (Walt) Marcyan, age 94, formerly of Glendale and founder of Marcy Fitness Products, died on September 6 of natural causes at his home in Escondido. For his eighteenth birthday his mother gave him the money to buy his first barbell/dumbbell set, from that point forward Dr. Marcyan became an avid weight lifter and committed himself to a life dedicated to exercise, physical conditioning and agility. His early career combined competitive weight lifting, hand-to-hand balancing and adagio routines. He was one of the early Muscle Beach fitness advocates and magazines at the time referred to him as "one of the strongest men in the world".
He began competitive weight lifting at 19 and at 165 lbs. won his weight class in the Illinois State Championship and the Central AAU Championship in both 1933 and 1934. He went on to win the Pacific Coast Championship in 1937, and the California State Championship and the Golden Gate International Exposition Championship in 1939 with official totals of 775 lbs and 785 lbs respectively. Other Marcyan lifts included a 300 lb pullover and press, 400 lb clean to the shoulders, and a 205 lb one arm snatch. His personal best on the three Olympic lifts, at a body weight of 190 lbs, were Military Press 282 lbs, Two Arm Snatch 262 lbs, and 330 lbs Clean and Jerk – totaling 874 lbs.
During the late years of the Great Depression Marcyan and three friends developed a hand-balancing act and entered show business as The Three Sizes. With a succession of partners, he performed around the country and with his then partner, Roberta Roberts, was booked to perform a private hand balancing, adagio and tumbling exhibition for the Shah of Iran at the Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco. Their big break came with an invitation to perform at Europe's most prestigious theater, the Scala, in Berlin. Confident that they had finally reached the big time, the pair found themselves a week later fleeing Berlin because Hitler had invaded Poland. While his partner was able to borrow enough money to buy passage home, Marcyan worked as a mess boy on the freighter to earn his way back. He returned to California and took a job at Consolidated Aircraft at sixty cents an hour throughout the war years.
Marcyan trained for competitive lifting, not as a bodybuilder, yet as a contestant in the first "Mr. USA" contest sponsored by Vic Tanny and Bert Goodrich at the Shrine Auditorium in 1949, he placed sixth. The event was complete with a full orchestra and celebrities ranging from Shirley Temple to Van Johnson, the competition marked the beginning of professional bodybuilding.
Marcyan opened his famous "House of Health", the first of seven Los Angeles area gyms in 1946, and also began manufacturing exercise benches and machines. He was the first to offer personal trainers to assist members, the first full amenity gym complete with juice bar, sauna, wet steam, and game room. The facility also included the first complete women's training program as a separate gym run by the famous Abbye "Pudgy" Stockton. Stockton was the first recognized female weightlifter and strength athlete and a regular at Muscle Beach.
In 1960 he began publishing Physical Power magazine to promote weightlifting to athletic directors and high school and college coaches. An early advocate, he was one of the pioneers who helped convince athletes they could substantially improve their athletic performance through weight training. On youth fitness, he wrote, "The primary goal of our physical education and athletic program should be; that every American boy and girl should be stronger and healthier and that they should have attained the knowledge to maintain these blessings through later life". By the time President Kennedy introduced the first President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, Marcyan had the laid the groundwork for future physical fitness programs in schools throughout the nation.
In order to further his understanding of physical conditioning he enrolled in the Los Angeles School of Chiropractic Medicine, graduating in 1965. Seeing a need for more sophisticated equipment, he began developing machines for use in professional gyms and institutions. Dr. Marcyan introduced the Circuit Trainer in 1965 a multi station weight machine that allowed as many as sixteen people to work out simultaneously moving from "station" to "station" and exercising all the muscles in the body after making the complete circuit. Marcy Circuit trainers were used at universities, military bases, high schools, police and fire departments and professional gyms through the United States and around the world.
Marcy Fitness Products was the leader in the home gym equipment in the late 1970's and 1980's. The company brought innovative quality exercise equipment into the home. Compact multi-station machines that fit easily into the average size room. The first home gym "The All-In-One" was developed in 1960. In 1969 the company introduced the Master Gym with the patented "automatic barbell" offering dozens of exercises, the convenience of pin weight selection and safety in a compact home unit. Numerous inventions followed that elevated the market in home equipment. After the assassination attempt on President Reagan, Dr. Marcyan equipped a state-of-the-art gymnasium at the White House and also at Reagan's private home in California to aid in his rehabilitation.
Along with other early pioneers and friends like Jack LaLanne, Bill Pearl, Vic Tanny, and Joe Weider, Dr. Marcyan helped establish the field of physical fitness. According to LaLanne, "Walt was a very modest man with big talents and he made major contributions to weightlifting and physical fitness. It was a pleasure and a privilege to know him, he helped a lot of people".
He was a charter member of the Northwest Lions Club of Los Angeles and the recipient of the Lion's Club International Melvin Jones Fellowship Award. An entrepreneur who believed in the American system of free enterprise and individual liberty, he actively supported the National Heritage Foundation, Hillsdale College, The Pacific Legal Foundation, The Ludwig Von Mises Institute, and the Cato Institute. He was dedicated to traditional American values and supported charities that help families in need, especially those that provide assistance to help people gain self-sufficiency.
Dr. Marcyan and his wife Betty, who pre-deceased him by twenty-two hours, were married for 51 years and leave four children, Parker (Margie) Mahnke; Betsey (Dennis) Lutge; Gary (Carol) Marcyan, Susan Marcyan; and sixteen grandchildren and great grandchildren.


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- Home / LeapSuite
LeapSuite is the first solution to deliver on the promise of intelligent, integrated and simpler applications for growing and midsize businesses. All our products are meant to fulfill the requirements of our costumers for compliance, management, quality and effective processes in their business activities. In a unique way, BigLeap gives great importance to deliver quality products and assure the best after-sales service.
The system holds all corporate data in a single database, giving you access to your key performance metrics on a customizable, real-time dashboard. As a result, LeapSuite enables you to make better, faster decisions.
Within a single, powerful application, it combines complete customer-facing CRM and Ecommerce capabilities with back-office Accounting/ERP and self-service portals for partners. As a result, it allows companies to unite fragmented data and automate processes from end to end.
Why LeapSuite?
Get Everything well Processed
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Customizable Dashboards offer real-time access to key performance metrics, supporting intelligent, timely business decisions. In addition, full visibility into unified customer records results in more efficient and highly personalized sales, fulfillment, and service processes.
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LeapSuite offers selfservice portals that enhance both B2B and B2C collaboration.
Yield Profit using an Affordable Solution
LeapSuite offers affordable pricing, accelerated implementation, and comprehensive support packages that results in unbeatable TCO.
© 2013 Bigleap Solutions Pvt Ltd. All rights reserved.


text:
Rites of Passage
A rite of passage is a ceremony and marks the transition from one phase of life to another. Although it is often used to describe the tumultuous transition from adolescence to adulthood, it does refer to any of life's transitions (Births and Beginning; Endings and Deaths). There are many passages in our lives if we choose to mark and celebrate them.


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|Lynchburg, Va.
|High School:
|Liberty Christian Academy
|Exercise & Sport Science
|Last School:
|Liberty Christian Academy
2015-16: Appeared in all 34 games as a junior and made 32 starts…Finished 10th in the ASUN in minutes played (1,012) and steals (44)…averaged 9.4 points per game and 4.6 rebounds per game…scored a career-high 23 points in ASUN Tournament quarterfinal against North Florida (March 4)…finished with 20 points for the first time in her career against North Florida (Jan. 26)…set a career-high with five 3-pointers made in both home contests against North Florida…pulled down a career-best 11 rebounds against Western Carolina (Jan. 2)…set a career-high with seven assists against Southern Wesleyan (Nov. 19)…played 40 minutes for the first time in her career against Jacksonville (Jan. 19)…made five free throws in three games.
2014-15: Appeared in all 30 games as a sophomore and registered 25 starts…Finished the season 10th in the A-Sun in steals with 38 for a 1.3 steals per game average…Scored 6.5 points per game while pulling down 3.7 rebounds per contest…Recorded eight double-digit scoring games highlighted by a career-high 20 points at Florida Gulf Coast (Jan. 22)…Set three more career-highs in rebounds with nine at Stetson (Jan. 24), six assists versus North Florida (Jan. 31) and six steals against Brevard (Nov. 30)...Compiled five assists twice against Lipscomb (Jan. 14) and Jacksonville (Jan. 29).
2013-14: Led all players with 29 starts as a freshman and appeared in all 32 games…Poured in 4.5 points and 2.8 rebounds per game, and averaged 20.4 minutes of playing time…Shot 36.3% (58-of-160) from the field and 37.3% (19-of-51) behind the three-point line…Finished second on the team in steals with 34…Scored in double-figures six times…In her first collegiate game, scored 14 points and grabbed five rebounds while going 5-of-8 shooting in the season-opening win at Maryland-Eastern Shore (Nov. 8)…Tied her season-high of 14 points on 6-of-8 field goal attempts versus Stetson (Feb. 6)…Grabbed a season-best six rebounds three times against Furman (Dec. 21), Kennesaw State (Jan. 25) and Northern Kentucky (Mar. 6)…Had five steals in a home victory over North Florida (Feb. 27), and two blocks twice at Furman and the regular season finale at Lipscomb (Mar. 8)…Recorded four steals versus Stetson in A-Sun Tournament semifinals (Mar. 15).
High School: Attended Liberty Christian Academy…Also spent one year at Oak Hill Academy where she averaged nine points per game as a junior…While at Liberty Christian, earned varsity letters for basketball and track…Played for head coach Tom Brown…Was ranked the 194th best high school player in the country by Peach State Hoops director Brandon Clay…Earned numerous accolades including Most Valuable Player, Defensive Award, First Team All-State and First Team All-Conference…Played in the state championship game as a junior…Named Second Team All-Blue Ridge Conference as a freshman...Surpassed 1,000 career points during her high school career.
Personal: Born January 14, 1995…Parents are Clarence and Barbara Jefferson…Has two sisters, Kimberly (27) and Breanna (19), and one brother, Eric (25)…Is majoring in exercise science …Hobbies include watching TV, shopping, outdoor activities and being with friends and family…Lists her favorite food as salmon…Favorite movies are Glory Road and Remember the Titans…Her favorite TV show is Martin and favorite actor as Denzel Washington…Favorite singer is Beyonce…Favorite season is fall…Her favorite sports figure is Michael Jordan…Dream job is to be a physical therapist.


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Jon Favreau, and the rest of the cast, stopped by the SXSW Samsung Blogger Lounge to discuss his new film, "Chef," cooking culture, and writing the one script that's hit him "really since I wrote Swingers 20 years ago."
"I wrote the thing in about two weeks and then set out to find somebody who could help me with the authenticity of the writing and the depiction of chef culture," Favreau said, which is how he got hooked up with Kogi food truck's Roy Choi.
As for long-time collaborator and "Swingers" co-star Vince Vaughn, Favreau said he's soon headed to Atlanta to act with Vaughn in a film called "Term Life" earning excited woos from the crowd.
Favreau said he's psyched to get back to his indie comedy roots with "Chef."


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Bangalore is known for its fabulous beer and breeze and when you combine the two, you have the recipe for a perfect evening. Here is a list of 10 rooftop restaurants & bars in Bengaluru that offer good food, great drinks and an experience of a lifetime.
Table of Contents
1. Persian Terrace, Rajajinagar
If you're looking to spend some quality time with your companion while enjoying a romantic roof top ambience with touches of Persian hospitality adding to the evening's elegance, the Persian Terrace is the place for you.
Located on the rooftop of the Sheraton Grand Bangalore Hotel at Brigade Gateway, its glittery drapes and intricate lanterns transport to you a different world all together.
Enjoy a hookah along with Lebanese classics like kebabs, hummus, falafel and kabobs and focus your attention on one thing – spending time with the special someone you are here with! They also have pretty glass huts for private dining if you plan to go there with a big group.
2. Om Made Cafe, Koramangala
If you are planning a casual candle light dinner under the starry sky, this is the place to be. The peaceful setting combined with its quirky décor makes this restaurant one of our top picks for rooftops. Even when it comes to food, there is no compromise and you can choose from their menu of European and Mediterranean dishes.
They earn extra brownie points with their plentiful of delicious healthy options on offer. Do note that they serve only wines. But that also means they are good at what they do! You can also check out their fabulous Sunday brunch.
3. The Tao Terraces, MG Road
Dim yellow lighting, gorgeous wall décor adorned with Asian motifs, the cool Bangalore air and the star lit sky. A perfect recipe for a date night or a long due catch up with friends.
The Tao Terraces though set in a mall transports you to another world as soon as you step in. With scrumptious Pan-Asian food and a well-stocked bar to give you company, this is a roof top restaurant you have to visit if you live in Bengaluru!
4. Brewsky, JP Nagar
Whether you choose to have their signature beer or the heady Long Island Iced Tea, you are sure to have a good time here. For that matter even their mocktails can get you grooving for their music is awesome, crowd is good and the view from the rooftop is well, always a big hit!
With colour and funk added in good measure, Brewsky is a rooftop you can visit anytime and with anyone! Apparently they also do some great bhajji's. Fried pakoras and beer, we're sold!
5. Ebony, MG Road
If you are looking for a romantic roof top dinner with not too many frills, just fabulous views, then Ebony is a good bet. Their Khao Suey is to die for and they have everything from a Biryani to a prawn curry to a Pad Thai to tickle your taste buds. So whether it's a quiet date night or a family outing you have planned, there is something for everyone at Ebony.
6. High Ultra Lounge, Malleshwaram
Considered to be the highest lounge in all of South India, the stunning views from the 430 feet above the ground High Ultra Lounge is worth a visit just for the experience. To tell you that it has views to die for, might not be necessary. But to tell you that their drinks are a height of awesomeness is an absolute must! Let's get high!
7. Skyye Bar, Lavelle Road
Located on the open terrace of the 16th floor of UB City, a sky full of stars and a lit up dance floor is the highlight at Skyye. It's highly recommended to get here soon to get a couch. Else you're welcome to stand or land a bar stool. Either case, right from their drinks to their bar snacks to their service, you'll have nothing to complain about. Add to that great crowd for company and you are sure to come out swaying happily.
8. Barleyz, Koramangala
A fountain on the rooftop adds to the exhilarating experience at Barleyz where the microbrewery cheers you up with their excellent freshly brewed beers. It's a great place to hang out with a bunch of friends and enjoy the Bengaluru weather and vibe.
9. Float, Marathahalli
A rooftop restaurant with gorgeous gazebo seating adorned with breezy white drapes and colourful cushions, Float is a perfect place to go in a group. Enjoy their hookah, heady cocktails and scrumptious food and if you want to take a break from the eating indulge in their fish spa. All that while enjoying the cool Bangalore breeze.
10. The 13th floor, Barton Centre
One of Bangalore's favourite rooftops, The 13th floor has maintained its quality of ambience, crowd and food over the years with guests pouring in in large numbers to enjoy the stunning views it has to offer. With a full-fledged menu ranging from Thai to India to European delicacies, people go here for date nights, family celebrations or just to catch up with friends.
Start making your reservations. The season for rooftop dining begins now! And if you are one of the romantic types, you might also want to check our pick of top 10 restaurants in Bangalore for a date night.


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Acreage - NORTHPORT, WA
Truly a remarkable find!! This property boasts almost everything on most people's wish list. At the end of a dead end County road, complete southern exposure, fruit trees, pasture, heavily treed, creeks, springs, as well as being private and secluded. This will be the property you compare everything else to. Your biggest dilemma will be trying to decide which of the numerous building sites to choose. This property is located in the heart of the northern Stevens County recreational Paradise. Whether your passion is hunting, hiking, ATVs, water or snow skiing northern Stevens County can provide the opportunity to enjoy the lifestyle you've dreamed of.
Would you like more information regarding this property?
Please call (509) 732-6269.
Data Provided by:
Northeast Washington Association of Realtors MLS


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Unemployment Compensation Awarded for Quit Over Higher Insurance Deductible
- Details
- Created on Tuesday, 01 April 2008 12:18
Click here to download a pdf copy of this article
The Connecticut Superior Court recently affirmed a decision of the Board of Review of the Employment Security Appeals Division granting unemployment compensation benefits to an employee who quit her job after her employer raised the health plan deductible to $2,000 per year. Yellow Cab Garage Co., Inc. v. Administrator, 2007 Conn. Super. LEXIS 3268 (Conn. Super. Ct. Dec. 7, 2007). The employee worked as a part-time bookkeeper for over three years and earned $17.50 per hour. Approximately nine months before she quit, Yellow Cab informed all employees that it was changing its health insurance plan.
Following the announced change, the employee unsuccessfully complained to her supervisor about the increased deductible. She continued working for some nine months, quit, and then filed for unemployment compensation benefits. The Administrator found she quit for good cause attributable to her employer and awarded benefits. The company appealed and the Referee reversed. Following the employee's appeal the Board of Review reversed and found the unilateral increase in the deductible was akin to a reduction in wages, and constituted good cause for quitting for reasons attributable to the employer. Therefore, she was entitled to collect unemployment compensation.
The Board also dismissed the company's argument that her nine month continued employment following the deductible increase amounted to acquiescence, thereby waiving her right to claim her quit was for good cause attributable to her employer. Normally the Board follows a three month acquiescence rule, but in this case found her continued employment was necessary to support herself and test the financial impact of the new deductible.
In affirming the Board, the court found there was sufficient evidence in the record to conclude the claimant quit for good cause attributable to her employer and was eligible for benefits. This case points out the unintended consequences that increased employee benefit costs may have on an employee's right to quit and collect unemployment compensation.


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Use this natural whitening and oral care powder twice a week, and you will notice a difference in your overall oral health. Your smile will feel better and certainly look better. Get even 10 times shade lighter with regular weekly use.
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When storms are coming, there are different ways to be safe. This is especially true when you are experiencing the cyclone season of Australia, typically around early June onwards until the next summer. Having storm shutters to take care of your home helps to keep things from flying away with the wind, saving your windows from any untoward damage.
A new style of window treatments has become useful add-ons to keep not only strong wind and rains away but also make sure that your windows are fully protected. A polycarbonate window shutter is a clear fitting for your window's outer frame. What this does is close the arch windows fully, removing any chance of debris breaking your precious glass windows. There's a lot of upside to using them as well and here are some:
• First and foremost, the best out of the advantages that polycarbonate treatments give you is their unobtrusiveness. Since they are clear, you have unparalleled vision using the plastic body as a cover. This is a good way for you to survey your surroundings, especially in the event of storms and cyclones that are hitting your general area directly.
• Since this acts as a storm canopy, they are weather-proof and highly durable. They are known to be able to stand up to heavy rain, hail storms, strong winds and even debris from cyclones. If you need to eventually evacuate, you can leave these shutters on to reduce any chances of further damage to your home.
• Whilst a polycarbonate storm shutter is not designed to protect you from sunlight, it does, however, reduce heat and some are even UV treated. Since it does not transfer heat like other types of storm shadings like aluminium or metals, you get reduced heat in your home, which then further saves you money since you spend less on electricity for cooling.
• The material is made from high strength plastics that act as hard caps for your window area, most specifically the outdoors. They're designed to stand up to 210 km per hour of strong winds, together with the ability to keep hail and projectiles away.
If you're looking for some modern shutters, get the best from Dolomite Awnings. They have many choices of quality shutters that you need.


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The Top 10 Mistakes in Indoor Cycling
Do you know how to train safely and effectively?
I came across an article in the L.A. Times recently that covered a cycling studio that uses weights while on the indoor bikes. I began to wonder how far we will go with indoor cycling to make it so different and unique that it suddenly becomes unsafe and dangerous. Indoor cycling is an amazing cardiovascular workout and is extremely popular among all fitness classes offered around the world. However, as with all group fitness classes, there is concern that instructors try new and 'exciting' ways to do certain exercises on the indoor bike and some of these moves can cause injury.
Jillian Micheals techniques on The Biggest Loser, as well as some new cycling techniques, remind me that less is more when it comes to indoor cycling. Many instructors use moves that may be dangerous in the name of creativity. Indoor cycling can be very safe, but make sure you are aware of the following mistakes that instructors make while teaching class or while using your indoor bike at home. When it comes to designing and planning an indoor cycling workout: less Is more! Focus on the beats of the music and try to keep it to a simple cycling routine so that everyone in class can follow no matter what level you are.
1) Make Sure Your Instructor is Certified
The instructor should be certified as a group fitness instructor by a nationally accredited organization. There are many indoor cycling programs offered as cycling continues to dominate the group exercises classes around the nation. Nearly every bike has a certification and anyone who teaches classes should be well informed of proper cycling technique and coached on safe riding rules.
2) Mind Your Hearing
Music is going to be the most important aspect of a cycling instructors indoor cycling routine. Most instructors like to play the music very loud so be sure to be cautious of everyone else in class. Music is an integral part of indoor cycling, and the classes are notorious for cranking up the volume. You can try to speak to the instructor about lowering the music, but if that doesn't work keep yourself out of hearing aids by wearing ear protectors in class. You can purchase inexpensive silicone or foam earplugs that will reduce the volume while allowing you to hear.
3) Properly Adjust Your Indoor Cycle
Adjustments to the indoor cycling bike are very important in setting up an indoor cycling class. Making the proper adjustments can make a huge difference in comfort and overall calorie burn during class. The seat is typically as high as the individuals hip height where you would wear a pair of pants. To make this adjustment, make sure you are standing by the side of the bike and use your hip as a reference point in order to get the right angle for pushing down into the pedal. The seat should also be more fore than aft while riding in order to get the best possible push and power straight down into the crank. This will burn more calories and will create less back tension and injuries.
The handlebars should always be higher than the seat position in order to create a relaxed position and avoid any lower back injuries. Refrain from grabbing the handle bars too tight. Relax the arms and shoulders as much as you can while riding. If someone is a competitive rider or is used to cycling with a lower handlebar setting then make sure you tell them it is an aggressive position and warn them of possible back soreness before letting them have that body position during class. Outdoor cyclists or triathletes tend to train with the handlebars lower than the seat in order to practice less wind resistance and be more efficient while taking that riding technique outside. A cyclist's seat and handlebar adjustments and good form are keys to a safe ride. If you are unsure of the correct fit, ask a certified instructor before the class begins.
4) Always Control the Resistance Yourself
Make sure not to let anyone, including your instructors adjust the resistance on your bike. No one can know how much resistance you are feeling except for yourself. Ride at your own pace and level and hold yourself to your own goals and accomplish them at your own pace. Make sure to avoid turning the tension too high where you find yourself barely able to turn the legs or even stopping the pedal rotation because the resistance is too high. This is bad for your knee joints and also the bike itself. If you were turn up the gear on an outdoor road bike while climbing uphill, the chain would actually snap (I've actually done this twice before :/ .. so it's not realistic or effective strength training).
5) Leave the Weights on the Rack
Do not use or hold weights while on the bike. Not only is it ineffective, but it is unsafe. You need your body and core stabilized to lift weights. Your instructor may tell you it will increase your heartrate, but any increase is caused by the "pressor effect." Instead, you will probably slow down your legs, reducing the actual intensity of the ride while you try to remain balanced on the bike.
6) Keep Your Hips in Motion
Always move your hips and use your core while riding and never isolate them to put more emphasis on the quadriceps and hamstrings. By isolating the hips into one position, it actually puts extreme pressure on the knees and joints.
7) Watch Your RPM
Refrain from going faster than 120 RPM at any point during your ride. The typical indoor cycling class should try and hold anywhere from 80-120 RPM while pedaling. Anything faster than 120 RPM (or what some programs like to call "Free-wheeling") and you run the risk of literally flying out of the pedals with your shoes or clips and can cause serious injury with hyper extension to the knee joints or just by being hit by the crank while a 50lb flywheel moves the crank forward with tremendous momentum.
8) Indoor Cycles are for Indoor Cycling
Push ups on the bike are unsafe and not effective for core and upper-body strength building. If you want to do some arm-toning calisthenics hope off the bike and do your workout on solid ground. If you want to combine your indoor cycling with your upper body training workout, you'll need a more capable indoor cycle like the Evo Fitness Bike. The pivoting motion of this indoor cycle allows you to work your core and upper body with each pedal. It also promotes a more natural, full body pedaling movement.
9) Indoor Cycles Have Two Pedals for a Reason
Never take a leg out and pedal with just one leg at a time. If an individual has a leg out of the pedal while cycling to work on a one-leg push, they will run the risk of hitting their leg with the pedal as it comes around the back end. If you want to work the one-leg push on the indoor bike just power down one leg at a time while still tied in to the pedal and increase power with the opposite leg to get the same effect.
10) Bring the Proper Gear for a Proper Workout
Wear the proper equipment in a proper indoor cycling room setting. Cycling shoes with the standard indoor cycling SPD clips, athletic shorts, towel, light-breathable dri-fit clothing to promote cooling body temperatures, and water in a room at home or fitness center. Make sure you have access to proper air circulation! You do burn more calories in the heat, however you can run the risk of overheating and dehydrating or even get heat stroke. Always have the option to cool down as your body heat rises. Outdoor cyclists typically do not run into this issue because the wind usually cools your body while you sweat. With indoor cycling, there is no wind so it can get hot quickly, especially with 30 people or more in a cycling class.
Author Information:
Jack created Powerhouse Fitness after winning numerous medals in various events on the international stage. He was a gold medalist in 2007 at the first ever Concept 2 Team Indoor Rowing challenge, held in Essen, Germany. In 2006, he took silver at the Masters Nationals Open Single Event. As a member of the US Rowing National Team from 2001-2004 he placed second at the 2003 Pan American Trials in double sculls and had an outstanding 2002 that saw him claim a gold medal in Senior 8 and a silver medal in the Elite Double at the US Nationals. He was also a silver medalist in 2001 in the Nations Cup (now the U23 World Championships) 8 in Ottenshiem, Austria. Find out more.


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Your kitchen appliances covered from £5.49 per month!
We help to make sure you are protected against large repair bills. Our comprehensive appliance warranty will give you peace of mind that you are protected if your kitchen appliances should breakdown.
Why choose CoverCloud Multi-Appliance Cover?
- Protection against breakdowns (including parts, labour and call-out)
- Like-for-like replacement if appliance cannot be repaired.
- Cover of up to £1,000, £2,000 or £5,000 depending on level chosen
- Experienced and qualified repairers
- UK based customer care team available 9am-5:30pm Monday to Friday
- Your no claims bonus on other insurance not affected
- Cover is subject to the terms and conditions of the policy
Kitchen Appliances Covered:[return to top]
Free Standing Cooker, Oven, Hob, Dishwasher, Refrigerator, Freezer, Fridge/Freezer, Microwave Oven, Tumble Dryer, Washer/Dryer, Washing Machine
Significant Exclusions or Limitations
As with all insurances of this type there are exclusions. Importantly items which are more than 8 years old at the date of claim are not covered. Other significant exclusions include but are not limited to:
- fire, lightning, explosion, flood, rusting or corrosion
- theft or any attempted theft
- the item not being installed or operated in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions
- use other than domestic use by you or your family permanently living with you
Cover is subject to the terms and conditions of the policy.
All premiums are inclusive of Insurance Premium Tax (IPT) which is 12%.


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Southern Maryland Words to live by:
If you want to live and be well, then you should be generous, calm, and virtuous.
Being generous can be difficult for those of us who have the virtues of the squirrel, storing up food for the winter by burying our acorns. It's good to save some of what we earn, but it's also important to be generous with what we have. It can be difficult to be calm in the noisy, jangling disarray of modern life. We live in a technological pandemonium of buzzers and bells that
seem designed to sabotage our equanimity. There are many ways to cultivate calmness, from prayer and meditation, to time management and a firm resolve to practice patience. And while we have to cultivate and practice that inner quietude of spirit in order to be truly calm, it really does help to quiet the outer bells and whistles. Turn off the television and silence the cell phone, and you will begin to understand why
"silence is golden." Finally, the surest
and most direct route to living well and truly being well is by living virtuously. Only those who are kind, and generous, and genuinely trying to be the best that they can be are truly living well. – Christopher Simon
"One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed."
—Proverbs 11: 24-25 NIV


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The elderly man whose car smashed through a California outdoor market, killing 10 people, has made his first public comment, saying "my heart is broken over the extent of the tragedy".
Russell Weller released the statement on the day two victims, a woman and her seven-month-old grandson, were buried. Hundreds sobbed and wailed as Molok Ghoulian Nabatian, 63, and Brendon Davidi Esfahani were buried at a memorial park in Mission Hills.
Witnesses said Weller's car sped down the length of the open-air Santa Monica Farmers' Market on Wednesday, injuring dozens of people. The 10 dead were aged from seven months to 78.
A joint effort
BRITAIN, France and Spain are to set up a police network in the Caribbean to "wage war" against Colombian drug traffickers and try to stop their drugs reaching Europe.
French Interior Minister Nicolas Sarkozy said today that he will lead a delegation of representatives from the three countries.
Boy crushed
A THREE-year-old boy died after a stone fireplace fell on him, police said today.
The boy was at his home in Forum Place in Motherwell, Lanarkshire, when the fireplace came free from its fixings and fell on him yesterday morning, said a police spokesman.
Nuclear denial
SOUTH Korea's president Roh Moo-hyun dismissed a report today that North Korea had built a second plutonium production plant and said unreliable media accounts on the North's nuclear programmes could hurt his country's economy.
Bush attack
US Democrats were launching a new television ad today, accusing President George Bush of misleading Americans on the threat from Iraq.
Republicans warned broadcasters not to air the ad, due to start in Wisconsin, calling it "deliberately false and misleading".
Forensic tests
POLICE searching for a missing prostitute were waiting for the results of tests being carried out today on human remains found in an alley.
Pauline Stephen, who worked the streets in Liverpool, was reported missing after she failed to return home last Saturday.
Body parts were found in the Everton area of the city.


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The Navigation Protection Act is meant to ensure we have access to healthy waterways by limiting development. But 99% of Canada's waterways lost this protection in recent years and it needs to be restored.
Right now, the Canadian government is reviewing the Navigation Protection Act, giving us a once-in-a-generation opportunity to make sure kayakers, canoers, hunters, fishers and Indigenous communities can access the healthy waterways that make Canada unique. Let's get it right!


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Maximise Your NAV Investment with the New TrueCommerce EDI Integration Module
Free Webinar
TrueCommerce recently launched its EDI integration module for Microsoft Dynamics NAV to the European market. With seamless integration TrueCommerce's EDI for NAV solution enables the exchange of messages to be fully automated, removing the need for error-prone manual processes; whilst delivering complete end-to-end visibility.
This webinar examined the key functionalities and benefits of our new integration module, whilst providing a live demo of the platform. We were joined by BlueStar who is already live with the new integration module and is benefiting from increased efficiency and reduced costs as a result of the new solution.
A recording of the webinar can be found here.


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Thursday, May 23, 2013
Stranded on an Island {3 Makeup Products I LOVE!}
2 comments:
Nice picks!ReplyDelete
The three products I can't leave without are:
1. Eyeliner...I feel the same way you do; I just look asleep without eyeliner on. So far the only ones I've found that stay on are UD's 24/7 liners.
2. Tinted lip balm, I don't like how bland I look without any color on my lips. Current favorite is Burt's Bees Tinted Lip Balm in Red Dahlia.
3. Lotion! My hands and face tend to dry out easily so I always carry something I can use on both. My HG product for this is "Ultimate Aloe Gel." You can buy it online but I've gotten it through my Gram for years, I think through Market America...whatever that is!Replies
I haven't tried the UD pencils, but I have heard a lot about them. And I am so with you on the lip balm as well. I usually look like I have been out in the sun for hours with how dry my lips are.
Thanks for the products suggestions :)


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This article in the SMH, tells of a shocking discovery made during a house inspection. Two potential buyers and a real estate agent were looking at a empty house in Milwaukee, USA. The house was empty having been put on the market due to foreclosure a couple of years ago. Upon randomly opening one of the cupboard doors, they found the body of a deceased male in his 50s. He'd died alone in a cupboard, lying under a blanket, having broken into the abandoned house trying to find a warm place to sleep away from the freezing night air.
So very sad.
But it wasn't that sad fact that gripped me as much as something mentioned later in the article.
Apparently, this gentleman had been without a fixed address for many years and had been suffering from schizophrenia for most of his life. His brother had been looking for him and trying to track him down. He had been treated for his schizophrenia on and off but he often stopped taking his medication. When asked about that he told a psychologist, "I'm so lonely, and sometimes the voices make me feel not as alone."
And that, my friends, is beyond words. To feel so alone.


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Enchanted Waters Hotel - Reader Reports & Opinion
These reports are a combination of questions and comment posted in our Enchanted Waters Hotel forum and visitor reports added via the 'Add Report' tab above. The votes awarded are weighted by volume and date to give a truer representation of reader satisfaction [more details].
Reader Satisfaction Ranking: Weighted ranking based on 33 votes = 3.4 (max 5)
Guest Report
Joan And Caron Walwyn from Trinidad visited in August 2014 and awarded
My daughter and I overnighted here, from our short stay we both found it quite comfortable. The owners were extremely friendly and helpful. Would I stay there again? Yes. But I hope longer than one night. To the owners thank you. We reside in T'dad and the UK.
Guest Report
Laura from Trinidad visited in February 2014 and awarded
I stayed at this hotel for 3 days. At first I was a bit skeptical about staying at this place because of the bad reviews I had read. However the room was equipped with 2 double beds, was extremely clean and in good condition. I heard that it was recently refurbished. The kitchen is actually built on the balcony, is very small but adequate, once you don't plan to do a whole lot of cooking. The kitchen has a 2 burner counter top stove ( no conventional oven) but a microwave oven. The fridge, though small ( under the counter) held quite a lot, but the freezer did not work very efficiently.
The pool was very clean and the grounds were nicely landscaped with ponds filled with colorful fish, and the pleasant sound of continuously flowing water.
The only complaint I had is that the owners need to be a bit more professional. This is a family run hotel. We were given our room key and told where to find the room. The better thing would have been to accompany us to the room and make sure that we were comfortable. Other than that they were quite pleasant and hospitable.
I would stay here again.
Guest Report
Judith Blackman from Trinidad visited in September 2012 and awarded
This hotel was very clean and cosy. The kitchen facilities were good, so was the bathroom and bedroom facilities. The restaurant was not open, I understand it is to come on stream later this year. This will surely make this hotel more attractive.
To note: The water in the shower was not heavy enough and the pool(the most integral part of the customer's stay) needs quite a bit of work. The lighting in the area where cars are accommodated at night should be much brighter.
Other than that, I quite enjoyed my stay at this hotel as the host was very helpful and accommodating.
Guest Report
Hazel from Trinidad visited in August 2010 and awarded
My husband and i decided to take short vacation for 5 days. We were getting problems finding a place and eventually called Enchanted Waters. Mrs Patino told us they were booked but they have another place "Patino's Place" not to far that would suit us. The pictures on the site had to be that which was taken when they had just completed and furnished the place. When we reached it was a different picture....really scary. the yard was not kept,the burgular proof and door was sticking .....added to that two areas of the ceiling had water stains and one of them belly out...then there was a termite line running from the ceiling to the light fixture in the bathroom..... We try to over look it as everything look else looked ok.....But the truth was revealed.....Firstly the house service only changed the towels...(Friday)...they did not even change the sheets (thursday - monday). Then the rains came and showed us what we really paid for with our hard earned $. The roof was leaking and soaked the kitchenette as well as the bedroom and bathroom floor. We called the Patino's and their response was very disappointing. " We can't come right now, most of the workers are either Jehovah Witnesses or Seven Day Adventist so they don't work on weekends". Her son later arrived with "fresh towels" as we had to use the ones we had to mop up. We told him about the door and the burgular proof..he had no clue of those problems. Upon opening the towels he brought to hang in the bathroom we discovered that they were filled with holes...yes big shreaded holes. Are these people serious. Thank God we had packed towels and left on the first flight out that morning. The son insisted we leave the keys on the kitchen table ...was it so we would not have to go to their office and complain.....the only thing that was good about the place was the air-condition......what a waste of money..I'm sorry this site does not have the space for me to share the pictures with you..PEOPLE IF YOU GO YOU GO AT YOUR OWN RISK!
Guest Report
James Baird from U.K. visited in August 2010 and awarded
We stayed at the enchanted waters for our honeumoon and it was very nice, the restaraunt was great and staff quite friendly. some areas of the hotel could do with being done up a little but in general its a beautiful location, especially the pond with huge fish in it and the nice garden area.
In a nuttshell was a nice well kept hotel
thank you Enchated waters
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Mashomack Preserve is a 9 mile loop trail located near Shelter Island, New York that features a lake and is good for all skill levels. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round.
cross country skiing
paddle sports
no dogs
On Shelter Island NY, Mashomack Preserve has five land trails for easy hiking, walking, and XC skiing. There is an accessible 1 mile trail; and 1.5, 3, 6, & 12 mile loops. There is also a marine water trail. Open daily July & August, closed Tuesdays in Sept-June, and open weekends only in Jan.
Nice easy trail. We just did the green trail today and will do the blue trail next time. Nature Conservancy does a nice job of keeping up the trail and the staff are informative.
Nice! Stay on trails to avoid infestation of ticks!
Ive done the 9 mile loop a few times...it's closer to 10 depending on how you walk it. What stands out each time is the birding, passing deer, and the beach. The center of the park is always my favorite spot...swallows and blue birds can be seen flying / zig zaging in the air around these really nice fields. There are good water views. Watch for ticks as I do see them each visit during warmer months. Down the road is the Shelter Island Brewery which is a relaxing place to stop after hiking/walking for a few hours :)
Absolutely beautiful
beautiful and easy winter hike. not crowded at all. saw only 2 other parties in the trail. scenery by the water was breathtaking
Beautiful fall day
Edward S.
Nice and relaxing trail. You can do up to 5 different trails with Blue bring the longest at 10 miles. We elected to stay on the green trail of up to 6 miles. Only disappointment? Didn't see much wildlife except for chipmunks and some birds. But very easy trail to walk
A great spot. Friendly staff, magnificent water views with some hills and wetland bridges. Please use caution for ticks in summer.
Nice loops. Many choices for distance. Good seaside views. Good wildlife. Nice place for a picnic.


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Chicago police today asked for the public's help in finding a 56-year-old woman missing from the Wrightwood neighborhood on the city's South Side.
Norala Woods, who might be mentally confused, was last seen Saturday on the 2900 block of West 82nd Street, police said in a missing person alert.
Woods is described in the alert as a black woman, 5-feet-5, 146 pounds with brown eyes, black hair and a dark complexion. She wears her hair parted in the middle with French braids.


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**(Calls cost 7p per minute plus your phone company's access charge)
Find where you're going and take the most convenient route with our GPS Navigation System.
Keep your baby supported and comfortable (up to one year old).
Make sure your child is comfortable on your journey.
The town of Flensburg in the north of Germany is situated in the state of Schleswig-Holstein, around four miles from the Danish border. Hiring a car in Flensburg lets you take a trip to watch the town's most well-known sports team SG Flansburg-Handewitt, which is the town's handball team. Flensburg is also famous for its Naval Academy at Murwik which trains all of the German Navy Officers. The town is also home to an impressive 13 museums; given the town's links with the sea many of them cover ships, ship building and fishing.
Rent a car in Flensburg and drive from our pick up location on Europastrasse 7 which is just to the southwest of the town, to the Flensburg Rum Museum. The Rum Museum can be found in the basement of the Maritime Museum so you have the chance to view both attractions while you're visiting. The basement still smells of rum to this day, as the barrels that came over from the West Indies were stored there. Learn all about the different types of rum, how it was cultivated, distilled and transported at the only rum museum in Germany.
With a wide range of travellers passing through our locations every day, we've got a wide range of vehicles on offer to suit your needs - from smart executive saloons to compact family hatchbacks. ***
***Specific cars may not be available when booking
Please note that from 15 Nov to 15 Apr many cities are required by law to restrict the circulation to only vehicles equipped with snow chains or winter tyres. For a summary of the orders, please visit www.poliziadistato.it. To comply with the regulations, in specific locations subject to this requirement, vehicles are equipped with snow chains - the price is included in the rental charges through the cost of "Winterization Fee". At pick-up if you decide to bring your own snow chains or do not intend on driving on the roads subject to this requirement, you may decline the equipment by signing the appropriate release form. This change will be reflected in the rental charges. For more information on the fees, please click here. In all other regions, we recommend that you check before renting if your journey includes one of the roads subject to this requirement and therefore request the snow chains, if necessary.


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Linda Navedo - Chair - Ernie Pietroburgo
Youth Leader Advisors:
Amanda Brickley - Tom Garrett - Scott Tice - Patsy Wedding
State Tournament Workers:
Dalia Keyes - Tournament Director (D/S) - Scott Tice (D/S)
Patsy Wedding (Team) - Celeste O'Neill (Team)
Hall of Fame:
Dalia Keyes - Chair - Patsy Wedding - Scott Tice - Joe Minarik - Anna Sapio - Jack Lowman - Sandy Combs
Anna Sapio - Secretary - Cliff Hartsfield - Dianna Rose - Don Shaw - Linda Navedo - Scott Tice - Patsy Wedding
Linda Navedo - Chair - Mirium Andrus
Jack Lowman
Celeste O'Neill
Site Selection:
Dalia Keyes - Scott Tice - Patsy Wedding
Tournament Rules:
Dalia Keyes - Chair - Dianna Rose - Don Shaw
Pepsi Tournament:
Allen Solomon - Tournament Director - Tim Anderson - Karen Schaffer - Bradley Hartsfield
Youth Leader Hall of Fame:
Youth Hall of Fame - Scott Tice - Chair - Amanda Brickley - Charlotte Brillinger - Terrance Reeves - Rebecca Solomon -
Dan Gatlin - Linda Navedo
Propreitor of the Year:
Miriam Andrus - Chair - Kathryn Auton - Cliff Hartsfield
Merger Committee
Patsy Wedding - Scott Tice - Dalia Keyes - Allen Solomon - Celeste O'Neill
NOTE: The President and Association Manager ar ex-officio members of all committees, except the nominating committeee and are to be notified of all committee meetings.
Please notify your committee of all meetings.
If you are unable to serve on the committee assigned to you please notify Patsy as soon as possible.


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Opportunities to share ideas about services and help which would assist in supporting a family member or friend who is living with dementia at a younger age; meeting peers to work on short-term projects to influence change and developments that are of importance to you; working together on time limited projects which aim to educate others and influence service developments.
Support group
Please contact the service provider for details of any costs.
Information provided by Alzheimer's Society for the period of 03/08/18 to 21/09/18


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Your service is top class.
Please forwards this to your manager.
I am the first to complain and I was bragging to my wife the owner of the company of how amazing your service is.
Im really impressed, this is a rare thing to experience in South Africa, thank you for setting the bar….
Have a blessed week.
Thanks Monrico you guys did an excellent job it looks great!
Thank you so very much for your super super fast service!!!!!
Good Day, I would like to compliment and thank Monrico Sampson for the great help and advice that he has given me with my website. He has been friendly, professional and patient and helped me every step of the way. Thank you.
Thank you very Much, I really appreciate your service !!
100%, I regret not coming to you earlier! Thank you very much :-)
Gillian Kureva
Thank you so much for the speedy service
HI Again, Let me start by saying thanks to you and your team. Its been great working together and I appreciate everything. Thanks
Peter Sekhoto
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Marisa Kruger
Thank you Monrico, I call always count on your efficiency.
Ronel Marais
Hi daar Ek wil net asb bevestig dat Jokama se webtuiste gelaai kan word . Baie dankie vir goeie werk ! Groete
Peter Sekhoto
Thank you very much Monrico for efficient services.


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Season 2014
Chasing Whitetails: Here Comes The Master (#215)
A cold front comes through southern Missouri so Grant and his 83 year old father go on a muzzleloader hunt. The deer come out early giving him his choice of several nice bucks in the food plot. He gets his Nikons on the first buck then says, "Here comes the master!" It's a mature 5 1/2 year old buck on the hit list! Watch to see which buck he pulls the hammer on! (1:00 to 7:25). Grant shares some trapping techniques he uses in our continued effort to balance the predator/prey populations. Join us for another great week at The Proving Grounds!
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How to Find Cruise Annapolis
The nearest airport is BWI (Baltimore Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport), which has plenty of ground transportation options. Your personal charter concierge can help you make arrangements.
Our address is 312 Third Street, Annapolis, Maryland 21403.
- Take Route 50 East to Aris T. Allan Blvd.
- Exit right and keep to the left.
- Continue through light at Chinquapin Round Road, Aris T. Allan Blvd becomes Forest Drive.
- Stay in left lane, make left turn at Hilltop Lane, stay in right lane of Hilltop Lane.
- Continue straight through lights at Spa Road and Primrose Road.
- Make a left at the light on turn on Bay Ridge Road.
- Follow straight down to left turn on Sixth Street (Royal Farms on Left).
- Make first right turn on Severn Ave, follow straight down to 1st left on Third Street.
- Find parking from instructions provided by your personal charter concierge.
Weather Forecasting
We recommend Weather Underground or Windfinder for weather forecasts. Please be sure to check tidal charts.
Respectfully, we cannot forecast nor guarantee the weather for you. Please keep a vigilant watch on weather prior to, and during your charter. Cruise Annapolis will be happy to assist charter guests, but will not take any responsibility for weather conditions.


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After Builders Cleaning Chelsea SW10
Zipy Cleaners Chelsea has worked on many after builders construction sites in London and we understand that our cleaners always must work hard and maintain high quality cleaning service. We have worked with many construction companies in Chelsea, Battersea, Clapham, Pimlico, Belgravia, Fulham and Wandsworth. Our company has professionally trained and fully insured cleaning staff. We offer after builders cleaning service for residents, estate agents, landlord and construction companies.
Home improvements like painting, plastering, plumbing, carpeting always cause a lot dust and dirt. At Zipy Cleaners Chelsea we have a team of cleaners who originally deals only with builders clean. Zipy Cleaners Chelsea will transform your messy and dirty construction site into spotless and clean place just only for a few hours. We have developed a thorough builders cleaning service. The exceptional standard and the real quality gave us a chance to serve hundreds of satisfied clients and to spread our cleaning service in many more areas in South-West London. With our wide range of cleaning services we know that only exceptional work and quality will keep our company among the leading cleaning companies in London.
Having worked for many big construction companies you can rely on us to to get the job done right the first time. Our cleaning staff is professionally trained in all aspects of builders clean and strictly adhere to health and safety procedures and trained in the use of chemicals that are required to carry out after builders cleaning. Zipy Cleaners Chelsea uses heavy duty cleaning chemicals and performs professional after builder and construction cleaning jobs in South-West London every day. The results achieved by our after builders cleaning staff are excellent according to the specific needs of your house/site or office. Home decorating always causes a lot of dust. We can help by sending an experienced team of cleaners to attend your house and ensure that your living and working space is returned to fine and clean state.
Our cleaning service schedule includes:
Professional after builders cleaning service.
Full public liability insurance.
Easy billing, pay by phone option.
Supervised cleaning teams


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Family Photo Session || The Stepanuik Family
October 29, 2014 • Leave a Comment
I must admit that I am a little behind in my blogging. I joined the Stepanuik Family for a photo session at the beginning of September! Last year I was able to join this great family while they were camping at Otter Falls (check out some of the photos from that session here) and this year we decided check out Assiniboine Park! Jen's mom joined us for the photo session and it was a great morning, lots of laughs and lots of running around and exploring the park. Here are a few photos from our session.
Keywords: Assiniboine Park, Fall, Family Portraits, Portraits, Winnipeg
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BUFFETS and CANAPÉS
Apex offers you an exciting range of buffet ideas to suit all tastes and all occasions. You may decide that one of our set menus is just right - if not, the choice to create a spectacular buffet is yours. Apex gives you the flexibility to 'mix and match'. Disposable plates and napkins are included in the price. See below for menu options and prices.
"Dear Mia & The Team! Thank you all so very much for the superb spread at Mike's party, everyone commented on the food ... My nerves were so very unnecessary, I'll be in touch for another." Tina, Mike & Boys, Cardiff.
What We Offer
We offer a high quality service, based on the best locally sourced produce, cooked to exacting standards using knowledge gained from over thirty years in event catering.
Our Buffet foods are fresh on delivery with disposable plates and napkins included in the price. Finger Buffets are presented on serving trays, delivered to your venue for the time specified and laid out for you. We collect the trays at an agreed time.
If a collection proves inconvenient to you, then sturdy disposable platters will be used instead.
Crockery supplied on request.
We can cater from 50 to 5,000 people all tailored to your needs.


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Our private boat tour of Cayo Arena Island makes for an unforgettable day filled with incredible beaches, amazing reef, and great typical Dominican food. This hidden gem was recently named #34 out of the 100 most beautiful beaches in the world by CNN Travel. Located a 20 minute boat ride from the lovely Punta Rusia beach will take you to the tiny island of "Cayo Arena" also known as "Paradise Island" where you can spend your day taking in the sun or enjoying the company of an amazing variety of beautiful and colorful tropical fish by the reef. This is a place that can be truly be described as a Caribbean paradise. Once off the island, we take a peaceful and scenic boat ride through the second largest mangrove forest in the Caribbean, which are part of the nearby Montecristi National Park. Finally, we enjoy a delicious fresh seafood lunch in the sleepy fishing village of Punta Rusia, one of our favorite places in the country. This will undoubtedly be a day in paradise you will never forget.
(Approximately 2 hours from the Puerto Plata area)
FULL DAY NATURE TOUR (Approximately 8 hour tour)
Nature Tour Includes:
-Experienced, English speaking nature guides
-Transportation in comfortable private vehicle to and from Puerto Plata or Sosua
-Boat ride to Cayo Arena (Sandy Key)
-Visit and snorkeling in one of the most amazing reefs in the Caribbean
-Full snorkeling equipment
-Free time at the beach
-Boat ride through a beautiful mangrove forest in Montecristi National Park
-Delicious Fresh Seafood Lunch at Punta Rusia Beach
-Refreshments and snacks: Water, Juice, Cookies
Private Tour Pricing from Puerto Plata or Sosua:
*Kids age 10 and under travel free. (2 adult minimum)
2 person private SUV tour: USD $290 per person
3 person private SUV tour: USD $215 per person
4 person private SUV tour: USD $180 per person
5 person private SUV tour: USD $150 per person
6 person private tour: USD $130 per person
7 person private tour: USD $120 per person
8 or more person private tour: Contact us


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By Raymund P. Reyes
Four weeks before Christmas, 1984
Mama herded the entire family into the living room. Papa opened the paper and plopped down on the couch. Flor turned on the television to watch cartoons. That morning I wanted to practice on my ukulele for my grade-school Christmas program, but Mama knocked incessantly outside the bedroom door until I gave in. Only for an hour, she said. I knew better. It was time for Mama's Christmas list, a holiday tradition that had become as sacred for the family as the nine-day misa de gallo, the noche buena, the parol, and the nativity scene in the front lawn. Going through the list usually took an entire morning to finish.
"Now that everyone's here…turn down the TV volume, Flor, so you can hear me," Mama tapped my sister on the shoulder with her pen for attention. She then took out a little black planner from her skirt pocket. It contained a list of names of her every godson, goddaughter, special friend, and anyone she thought deserving of a Christmas gift. She started rattling off names, pausing at each one, asking questions, and coaxing for our opinions. The list was updated every year. Some names were added, some crossed out.
"Ricky, your Aunt Nena's son. Should I give him a gift or a card?" Mama asked.
"Card," Papa grunted. "He's gotten rich from the stock trade, he won't need another shirt, book, or fancy pen that he can well afford by himself. And while you're at it, send another card to your Aunt Nena, too."
"Come on, Bert. Just because some people are well-off doesn't mean that they would not appreciate a little something. And Ricky always comes by with his wife, Ruth, to bring the children presents. Such thoughtfulness!"
"Wrap him a pack of tobacco, then. Rick smokes them, doesn't he? But Aunt Nena still gets a card."
"Okay," Mama jotted a note on her notebook. "What about Glenda, Tina's nanny?"
"Give her a blouse and skirt set," Flor suggested. "Glenda's mother is a good friend of yours, Mama, isn't she?"
"Yes, and I might as well wrap something for her sister, Dolor. She gave me that cross-stitched Last Supper for my birthday. She toiled at that piece herself. How thoughtful! Next is Belen, Josie's daughter and my goddaughter on her wedding. For last year, I remember having given her a punch bowl."
"Give her cups and saucers this time," Papa chuckled.
"Didn't she leave for Canada, already?" I reminded them.
"Oh, yes…Flor, would you call Mrs. Ramirez and ask for Belen's address in Canada? I'll just send her a card, then. I bought two boxes of cards last week, so I am well-stocked this year…What about Sheena, Anita's niece? I'm planning to give her the rice cooker I won in the PTA raffle last April. We don't use it anyway."
"Sheena didn't come last year, did she? I doubt she'd come to claim her gift this year," I objected. "You can just give the rice cooker to Manay Celia, our old nanny."
"I'm giving Manay Celia a dress. Let's see… maybe I'll just reserve the rice cooker to Sheena, but if she doesn't come, I'll give it to Manay Celia. Next name…Manong Anding, the plumber …"
"Mama, he died two weeks ago, haven't you heard?" I interrupted. "I am surprised you didn't hear about it."
"Did he? No, I haven't heard…because we haven't had any plumbing problems for months now. How unfortunate. What happened to Manong Anding, Bert?" She asked Papa as she drew a line over Manong Anding's name on her list.
If we went through the names fast enough, the list would be finished by noon; otherwise, Mama would force everyone back to the living room after lunch. Papa would, therefore, hasten the reminiscences and digressions when the clock chimed eleven so as to be free from Mama for the afternoon.
Mama took her role as godmother to heart. There was always something at Christmas for every godson and -daughter. Most of them remembered her every year, too.
Not everyone on the list came to visit and claim their presents. The better-off usually did not bother. But there would be about fifty who would come to the house each year. Fifty to be given presents. Every Christmas, on the eve and the day itself, they would come. Mama's gift-giving had become a holiday tradition to them as well. For most of them, it did not matter anymore what they received. They simply appreciated the act of generosity. For others, it was a good excuse for a get-together after missing each other the entire year.
There was Aling Letty, the washer woman who would bring her five children with her. Only the third child was Mama's goddaughter, but all five received gifts. There was Manong Lito, the janitor from the school Mama taught in. There was Aling Tina, who regularly supplied our tablea, tablets of ground cocoa, for Mama's favorite chocolate drink every breakfast. There was the electrician, Manong Louie, and his wife. Tita Aning would also come with her two nephews whom she had taken under her wing after the boys' father went to jail for killing his wife whom he suspected of having an affair with a neighbor. The elder child was mother's godson in baptism, but both boys would receive gifts.
There were others. Through the years, Mama had been invited to stand as godparent in quite a number of weddings and baptisms. She never refused an invitation, even if sometimes she would not be able to attend the ceremony because the church was too far or she had other more pressing things to do. "It is an honor that I would not dare refuse," she would always tell anybody who asked. Mama considered it a blessing to have another child or couple that would take her as a second mother. Most of these invitations were from old students whom she had not seen for years but came back to seek her out. She was, after all, the favorite teacher to hundreds who sat in her Grade Six classes in all the years that she had spent teaching in Mabini Central School.
Three weeks before Christmas, 1987
Every September, Flor and I received a small-sized garbage bag from Mama. We called it "Mama's black gift bag." We had to give it back on the last week of November—just before the day when the little black planner had to be taken out—filled with clothes and toys we had outgrown or would not use anymore.
Mama had to be ingenious. We were not rich. She only had her salary and what she got from her after-school tutorials. Neither would she ask from Papa. These were to be her presents, after all. Papa did the easy way for his own godchildren, nephews, and nieces. He went to the bank and withdrew in twenty-peso denominations. Every time somebody came for aguinaldo, he simply took out a piece from his billfold. Not mother. She went through all the trouble.
Flor and I grew up knowing that we had to give something from our possessions at the end of each year. I could not remember anymore when Mama's gift-giving tradition started. Papa said she had been at it ever since they married. One of the earliest memories I have is from when I was five years old, with Mama and I sorting through my old books and toys, and I clutching a black plastic bag in my hand.
During the year, too, my sister and I had learned to save money in order to buy things for Mama's "black gift bag." One toy or a book each month from January onwards. Between us, we would collect quite a number by the time we got the "black gift bag." We were also regulars at an ukay-ukay store outside the subdivision entrance, rummaging through piles and racks of used clothing, not for us but to fill the "black gift bag" with.
Even Papa was not spared. Two nights ago we heard him complaining over dinner when some clothes that he claimed he had not even worn got gift-wrapped. Mama told him that he would not really wear them for they were old gifts from friends and were either too large or too small his size. She knew people on her list that would fit them.
Mama taught us that if a piece of clothing was not worn for ten months and it was not something special like a wedding dress, it should be given up to others who would appreciate it more and wear it more often. The same rule applied to toys. I bought a lot of board games because I liked playing them, but they never grew into a pile, since every Christmas, I would hand over a couple for Mama's gift collection drive.
The very gifts Mama received from her own friends got recycled. On her 40th birthday, an old friend gave Mama an toaster oven as a gift. The next Christmas, it got wrapped and was given to Aling Tess, our nanny's Mom. "We already own one," Mama reasoned out. "No need cluttering up the kitchen or any room in the house, for that matter, with accumulated and unused junk. They are like burdens one carries in one's heart, making life cumbersome. Lighten your load. Minimize the clutter and you'll be happier, you see." When it came to her gift-collection efforts, there was always a life's lesson to be learned or philosophy behind the act—anything to convince us.
"This shirt has faded in the collar, Mama! It would be embarrassing to give it as a gift," I said, trying to convince Mama from giving away a favorite blue shirt that I had outgrown but still kept in the closet. It was a gift from Aunt Zeny in the States, three Christmases ago, and expensive when it was new.
"Someone would be happy owning a Lacoste shirt, even with a faded collar." she countered. "This would fit Aling Tina's twelve-year-old son perfectly. You saw him accompany Aling Tina the other day to deliver the tableas. Did you see how tattered his t-shirt was? Stains and moth holes in the front because they can't afford to buy new clothes, you see. This would mean a lot to him, son. I'll give him this along with the striped green shirt you gave me when you were twelve. I couldn't think of anyone to give it to, then. Now he's twelve and your old shirts would fit him. You will be blessed many times for giving away something that is dear to you. Remember what it says in the Bible about giving and receiving a hundredfold in return?" I was sold out.
Two weeks before Christmas, 1991
Mama called me to my sister's room. Clothes, toys, and other things were laid out neatly on Flor's bed, organized and labeled with Post-its. Rolls of wrapping paper and ribbons were on the dresser table. We started on Saturday right after breakfast, took a break for lunch, and resumed until late in the afternoon. We began again after attending mass on Sunday morning and did not stop until all gifts were wrapped, labeled, and arranged under the tree.
Flor and I rode the bus home to the province every Friday afternoon after our last classes and would be back in the college dormitory on Sunday evening. On that particular weekend, however, we had to stay home for the night to finish the gift wrapping. It meant we had to wake up at dawn the next day to catch the earliest bus and arrive to school barely in time for my first period. "It's the last week of school before the long Christmas break and teachers are more lenient," Mama reasoned out.
I learned to gift wrap when I was ten and since then, had been tasked to wrap all of Mama's presents. The years developed my ability in the craft. At twelve, I could fashion fancy ribbons. One time I thought of pasting little origami animals and flowers instead of ribbons on the presents to make them look different. Flor, with her neat handwriting, wrote names on gift tags—little square pieces of construction paper with holiday-themed designs—she herself made days beforehand.
We all sat cross-legged on a mat on the floor around a low table. Flor inserted a Christmas record in her player to set the mood. We all loved the Chipmunks album above all, and it would be played more times than the others.
Mama cut the wrapper to size. She also cut strips of Scotch tape, which she handed to me as I wrapped a present. When I was done, I handed it to Flor across the table, who stuck the gift tag and placed each present carefully inside a big cardboard box. When the box was full, Mama called Papa to bring the presents downstairs and put them under the tree in the living room. It was Papa's task to trim the tree, string the lights, and place the angel on top.
It took the whole weekend to finish wrapping all the presents. I had finished all my homework in the dormitory on Thursday afternoon knowing that Mama would be expecting me to help her the entire time I was home. On Sunday evening, when everything was done and over with, the whole family sat around the living room admiring the lit tree with its mound of wrapped presents underneath.
One week before Christmas, 2010
I had not been home for the past ten Christmases. Since my wife and I migrated to the States in '99, I had only been able to visit twice; the first during Papa's sixtieth birthday, and the other when we brought our daughter to the Philippines for the first time. I missed the annual gift-wrapping with Mama, but I knew I made her happier with the large box I sent her every October full of clothes, toys, and grocery items to add to her presents. As early as August, I would receive a list along with her usual letter. It looked something like the contents of the black planner:
A shirt and shorts for a five-year old (Manong Anding's grandson), a set of pans for Manay Celia (just something cheap), a toy for Manong Louie's ten-year-old (he likes robots, according to his father), something for Mrs. Ramirez (whatever you can think of), chocolates, bars of Dove, large Colgates, cans of Spam, Folger's coffee (most of them like to receive those imported stuff now), some of your old shirts for the garbage collectors…
Even my six-year old daughter had become fascinated with her grandmother's tradition after I had told her stories from my childhood. She would put something of her own into the box. Last year, she asked me if I could give her train set away since she hadn't played with it for almost a year.
This Christmas, I was home because I had to attend Mama's funeral. She died from complications brought about by her diabetes. She died peacefully in her sleep. It didn't come as a shock. Three months ago, Flor called to inform me that Mama had lapsed into unconsciousness. She awoke from the coma after two weeks but never recovered her old self afterwards. It was then that I began saving for a trip home.
Hundreds of people attended the wake. Papa hired five jeepneys for those who accompanied the burial. It only confirmed for us how Mama was loved when she was alive. I could not recognize most of the faces there, but as Flor introduced me to each one, I remembered names from Mama's list.
The morning after the funeral, I passed by Flor's room and was surprised to see her wrapping presents. Papa was doing the ribbons. Toys, clothes, and things were laid out neatly on her bed with Post-it tags on them. Mama's little black book was open on the dresser table beside Papa.
"This is what Mama would have liked to do if she were still with us, don't you think?" Flor regarded my quizzical expression. "I know it is actually a little late doing this now. Mama would have been done with this three weeks ago…They will come…everyone on the list who can. I asked those who were at the funeral. The others, I called on the phone. Papa thought you'd want to join us but didn't want to wake you up."
"Yes," I answered. "I'd be glad to help." I sat down on the floor beside my sister and took the scissors from her. "You do the ribbons and I'll do the wrapping. Papa can do the sorting."
We were concentrated on our tasks when Des, Flor's eight-year-old daughter, walked into the room and joined us.
"Hello, Uncle Ben." She smiled upon seeing me. She was struggling with a black plastic bag slung over her shoulders.
Raymund P. Reyes teaches English at Colegio de San Juan de Letran in Manila. He has published his poetry and short stories in Your Impossible Voice, Torrid Literature Journal, Carbon Culture Review, Expanded Horizons, Dappled Things, Anak Sastra, as well as in various literary journals and anthologies in his native Philippines.