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Cement manufacturer the LafargeHolcim Group has confirmed the signing of an agreement with Siam City Cement Public Company Limited (SCCC) over the sale of its entire 65 per cent holding in LafargeHolcim Vietnam.
In a press release sent to VET on August 8, LafargeHolcim Vietnam said the sale was going ahead but provided no further information.
LafargeHolcim Vietnam has been valued at nearly $890 million, according to the group, which would put SCCC's purchase at around $580 million.
The closing the sale is subject to customary regulatory and shareholder approvals as well as to a right of first refusal of LafargeHolcim's joint venture partner, Holcim Vietnam, and is expected to take place in the fourth quarter of this year.
Market observers believe LafargeHolcim's exit from Vietnam is part of its restructuring plan given the oversupply of cement in the domestic market.
Mr. Luong Quang Khai, Chairman of the Vietnam Cement Industry Corporation (Vicem), which holds 35 per cent of Holcim Vietnam, told local media in early July that Vicem had prepared for the sale.
From Switzerland, Holcim Limited last year merged with France's Lafarge Group to form the LafargeHolcim Group, becoming the world's largest multinational cement producer in terms of capacity.
After the merger LafargeHolcim had five cement plants and eight ready mixed concrete plants in Vietnam, with an annual capacity of 6 million tons of cement and 1 million cu m of concrete. It overtook the Nghi Son Cement Corporation and the Phuc Son Cement Company as the largest foreign-invested cement company in output terms.
Holcim Vietnam was founded in 1994 and now has total investment capital at $441 million. Last year it merged with Lafarge Vietnam to become LafargeHolcim Vietnam.
It operates one integrated plant and four grinding plants with an annual cement grinding capacity of 6.3 million tons. The company is also a leading ready-mixed concrete producer, with seven plants in the south of Vietnam.
With a presence in 90 countries and a focus on cement, aggregates and concrete, LafargeHolcim is one of the leading manufacturers in the building materials industry. The group has over 100,000 employees around the world and combined net sales of $30 billion in 2015.
It is the industry benchmark in R&D and has a customer base from individual homebuilders to the largest and most complex projects, with the broadest range of value-added products, innovative services, and comprehensive building solutions.
SCCC is the second-largest cement company in Thailand. Established in 1969 it has recently embarked on a strategy of building a regional asset footprint that brings synergy in the wider region, having already established operations in Indonesia, Cambodia and Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.
With turnover of $908 million in 2015, SCCC is listed and headquartered in Bangkok, Thailand. It has two core shareholders: the Thai Group and the Ratanarak and Jardine Group, who both focus on long-term value creation and actively invest to ensure growth.


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World's Best Frankincense
Our Process
During our hydrodistillation process, the frankincense is boiled and droplets of oil as well as the floral waters from the resin are collected. This method is one of the earliest methods of distillation, and only glass is used in the process. It's a very efficient and discerning way to process oils and floral waters. Our products include pure 100% Frankincense oil as well as Frankincense hydrosols, which have floral waters from the resin and oil suspended with one another. Our Rose Frankincense Bliss Mist is kissed with the essences of Rose yielding a refreshing and balancing topical experience.
The Story of Frankincense
Oftentimes, Frankincense is regarded to be the king of the plant kingdom. It is considered to be one of the most precious, sacred, holy, divine gifts on the planet. It's one of the best remedies for humanity on a physical, mental, emotional and spiritual level.
It had been given through the prophecy of the ancient Bible and acted upon by three messengers, three kings of peace that knew an incarnation was present. They searched the heavens for the sign, for "the Star of Bethlehem" to find this being that in their belief would change the world. They were then faced with the decision as to what gifts to give to someone that may have everything. Well, according to their intuition and their beliefs and their prayers, they chose the gifts from land – the gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.
What is truly fascinating is that gifts that they gave at this historical point in time seem rather superfluous, except, of course, for the gold. Back then, gold was primarily used as an ornamental object and was not regarded as a primary currency. There were other things that were far more valuable than the coins, and of those two things were frankincense and myrrh.
If you had a bag of Frankincense, you could acquire anything that you wanted because it was currency, and it was the finest currency you could possibly use depending, of course, on the quality that you've had.
Frankincense has been used ritualistically by every major religion – from Buddhism and Hinduism to Juadism and Catholicism. Egyptians used it, ancient Romans used it, and it was said that when Nero's wife Poppaea died, they burned frankincense for a week and it just smoked out the entire city of Rome. It was a substance that Romans felt was so necessary that they didn't tax it, and they taxed everything!
Healing Qualities of Frankincense
The reams of research that have been conducted in regards to frankincense showed phenomenal medicinal and healing qualities. Scientific research involving double blind studies demonstrated improvement in subjects with bladder cancer, asthma, arthritis, Crohn's disease, colitis, and many more.
Frankincense is also one of the top vehicles to allow yourself to feel the presence of the divine inside of you. It works on the principle of eliminating separation in your life and it brings you into union and unity.
Frankincense is a resin from a tree, and when it's first cut, it is viscous. It will drip and it will flow like a liquid. Then, as it dries, it hardens, so it becomes more like a crystal. When you burn it, it will turn into smoke. It is very similar to water in its characteristics, and can be liquid, solid and gas. The magical qualities of water that have been proven in various ways by Dr. Masaru Emoto are very similar to Frankincense.
Frankincense is the same type of carrier – it works with the cellular memory of your body, with the homeostasis, the dynamic balance of your body, and every cell listens to the message of frankincense, which is: "Be in balance". Be in balance with your life, be in balance with your destiny. Destiny is a very unique concept here in the material age that we're in. We are so inundated with materialism that we have forgotten where our destiny is. Frankincense helps you to remember what you came here for.
This is important for us to know now because like all civilizations that collapse, just like Rome, we need to wake up to the web of life that we're involved in. And there's got to be a reason why there's over 7 billion people that chose to incarnate on this plane right now because it's tremendous change, and we're here for that change, and what a ride!
Frankincense helps us to enjoy and also to be responsible for the placement of our ride at this point in time-space history. It's like getting on a rollercoaster ride: where do you want to be – the front, the back, the middle. So we're choosing. Frankincense helps us choose where we want to be on this beautiful ride.
When you burn Frankincense resins, it cleanses your space, and you can smudge a person with it, similar to the way North American natives smudged with sage. You can also use it to heal specific portions of your body that would be considered acupuncture points.
Dr. Randyl Rupar, the creator of Royal Oman Frankincense products, has used it very similarly to moxibustion treatments in Chinese traditional medicine. It works the same way – the heat, the warmth and the smoke are all phenomenal concerning what you can do with Frankincense.
Frankincense oil is absolutely remarkable to anoint a person, to allow that person to use the oil for aromatherapy. Aromatherapy is fantastic because it uses the sense of smell. Unlike our other senses of sight, hearing, touch and taste, those impulses have to go through a process in the brain. The impulses are sent to the thalamus and then redirected to various portions of the brain – the occipital lobe and the temporal lobe. Those are the portions that will actually tell you what you heard, or what you saw, what you touched, or what you tasted.
However, the olfactory sense, the sense of smell is a direct connection and doesn't go through any type of editing system. It goes directly into the olfactory bulb, into the amygdale. That's where the memory is stored, and you have this instantaneous experience of being in the now that will take you anywhere you want to go. That's why it is so wonderful to smell a flower: it will relax you, it will calm you and soothe you. Frankincense has all of those properties and more.
Its qualities are numerous, the Boswellic acids are known anti-inflammatory agents. In fact, Boswellia, which is the genus, has been used primarily in over a half of ayurvedic formulas because it works so well with other herbs. It is a very potent anti-inflammatory agent, and it's also anti-fungal and anti-viral and antiseptic.

subset: commoncrawl


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Today's article is a little gift for all of you Tweeps (Twitter users) out there. This is the most diverse list of new Twitter apps, sites, services, and fun activities that I could find. I thought about trying to tie in the 12 Days of Christmas, but I had 15 things, what can ya do?
1. Twitterank
Twitterank was created by a bored Google employee one night as he battled imsomnia in a hotel room. What makes it different from all the other Twitter ranking sites out there?
Well for one, it's largely based on the number of @replies you've received instead of the number of followers you have. More over, he actually used the philosophy behind the Google Pagerank algorithm to put it together. Pretty neat, huh?
There was some early controversy over this app because it requires your username and password. Some people feared it was a scam set up to harvest Twitter accounts. Fortunately the Googler, Ryo Chijiiwa, confirmed to everyone who he was and made it clear that the Twitter API requires the user info in order for Twitterank to do what it does. I believe it is safe and it has been used by thousands of Tweeps at this point.
Here's my Twitterank, if you're interested. Note: You will need to actually update your Twitterank every once in a while, as it does not track you automatically.
2. Twinfluence
Now if Twitterank and some of the other rankers aren't enough for you, consider this an upgrade. Twinfluence doesn't just simply rank how "popular" you are, it ranks the amount of potential influence you have on the Twitterverse at large.
The readout screen is actually pretty complicated and for a full explanation (done very well, I think) check out their FAQ. In short, the second order followers number (or "Reach") tells you how many followers the people following you have in total. You can see above that this is a surprisingly large number, even with a small number of primary followers. The other metrics are summed up as follows:
- "Velocity" is the rate at which your Reach increases every day.
- "Social Capital" indicates how influential those followers are (this is where they begin to lose me).
- "Centralization" is how much your influence is based on a small amount of users.
Ironically, I got the same percentile ranking on both items #1 and #2…they must be somewhat legitimate, right?
3. Tweetwasters
This is a little bit of a different kind of ranker (and the last one on this list). Tweetwasters measures how much time you have wasted making up silly things to post on your microblog. The site essentially takes the number of tweets you've made over your entire time on Twitter, multiplies it by 30 seconds (the assumed average time per tweet) and give you some nifty stats on your total usage. Tweetwasters is a little more on the fun side than anything else. I ranked very poorly on this one, but check out the Hall of Fame…that's a lot of misspent hours!
4. Twitter People Search
Twitter's built in search may not be new, but it was recently restored to being more useful, so I thought I'd include it in this list. They've reinstated the name search feature so instead of having to use Google to search for your friends on Twitter, you can actually use Twitter itself. I'm not exactly sure why this was taken away, but now it's back!
Just click on the "Find People" tab at the top. If you want to search Twitter normally, just click "Search" at the bottom.
5. Twitter Venn
This app is really neat. Enter any three search terms and Twitter Venn will construct a Venn Diagram (remember those?) for those terms. You can see where each set of terms overlaps. Also, it creates a tag cloud for each term to show you other words commonly associated with them. It takes a few seconds to load, but I think it's worth it.
Here's what "Make," "Use,"and "Of" look like on Twitter Venn. Thanks to Violet Blue for clueing me into this app on her blog.
6. Twollow
If you want to use your Twitter account as a way to track all of the people talking about a certain thing, Twollow is the app for you. You can set Twollow to look for any keyword and then automatically follow people that tweet that word. This is great if you want to track mentions of your name, website, product, or (if you're daring) favorite topic. Just take care you don't become a spammer.
There are both free and paid versions. The main benefit to the premium account is that you get more keywords to track and email notifications. Personally, I think the app is decent without paying the extra money.
7. Twilert
Similar to Twollow, Twilert sends you email alerts when specific keywords are mentioned on Twitter. If your following/follower counts are keenly tweaked, you may not want to actually follow everyone who mentions you or your products online, so this is a much simpler solution.
One nice thing is that you can schedule your alerts (or "Twilerts" if you like) to be delivered once a day, once a week, or once a month. For smaller keywords, you might want more emails and visa versa.
8. Twiddict
They say "necessity is the mother of invention." Well if ever there were a necessity for something, it would be for Twiddict. Twitter has been doing much better recently in staying online, but sometimes the network does go down and many tweets are sadly stifled. If you log into Twiddict at just these times, you can tweet with impunity and when the network goes back up, Twiddict will automatically load them into your account.
What happens when Twitter is running fine? Twiddict will still allow you to post regularly through it and it will forward them to Twitter for you. There is a handy indicator under the update box to let you know that status of the Twitter network.
9. Twitpay
These next few are still free, but are money related.
Twitpay allows you to pay people (or get paid by others) for various things on Twitter. If you want to pay someone using Twitpay, simply send a tweet saying "@user twitpay $number for reason" and Twitpay will instantly figure out what you want to do and change your balance on its website. You can enter in Paypal information and pay out what you owe. If you want to collect what has been paid to you, you can get it in the form of Amazon gift cards (though they are apparently working on getting more payment methods).
There is a 5 cent commision fee for payments over a dollar (free for less than that), but that's still better than most online payment systems. Plus it's definitely free if you're on the receiving end!
10. Magpie
Of all the apps on here, I think Magpie has the brightest future. People have been looking for a good way to monetize their Twitter accounts for a long time – especially power users – and this may be the solution. Magpie inserts special "#magpie tweets" into your feed at intervals that you choose. Each one contains a small ad that directly earns you money as soon as it goes onto your feed.
There are tons of customizable features. You can choose how often they go up (how many regular tweets need to be between each magpie tweet), what the hashcode looks like (the #magpie part), where the hashcode goes in the message, and whether or not the ads need to be screened by you before they go up.
I've been using the service for a while now and I'm very impressed with it. While there are a lack of advertisers so tweets are usually more scarce than your chosen ratio of tweets/magpie tweets, the interface is very easy to use. If you want to see how much you could potentially make, just type your name into the box on the homepage and it will generate an estimate. Just keep in mind that until their advertiser base is a little larger, it probably won't be quite as high as the estimate.
11. Twitad
Twittad takes a little different approach to the Twitter monetization ballgame. Instead of inserting tweets into your Twitterstream, it simply uses your background as a billboard. Twittad makes it easy for advertisers to create a custom backdrop and then allow users to list their accounts for a certain amount of money over a specified amount of time. It's a fairly simple system.
The service monitors what your background is so that if you change it before the time is up, the payment stops. Again, the main stumbling block for this service is the number of interested developers. It never hurts to list yourself up there, though, so I suggest you try it out!
12. Twitbacks
Going off of the Twitter background theme, Twitbacks is a nifty tool to help you create custom background for your own Twitter account. There isn't actually a whole lot TO a Twitter background, since most of it is covered up by the Twitterstream, but the left sidebar and the general wallpaper are completely customizable. Remember, you can also change other parts of your Twitter page in your account settings to match your new background.
It's free if you leave on a little line about Twitbacks (which is very unobtrusive), or you can pay to have that removed. The service has gotten much better recently, as you can now go back and edit your background multiple times without re-entering information. This is important because sometimes you need to rejigger your text to make it look nice in the skinny sidebar.
13. Twitblogs
This reminds me a lot of iTweet, which we reviewed a while ago. It's actually very similar to Posterous, too. Twitblogs is not a complete Twitter interface clone, but instead it's more of an extension. If you want to post directly to Twitter, you can use the Twitter tab to do so. If you have "more to say" and need a space greater than 140-160 characters, Twitblogs provides you with a special little blog space dedicated to your own Twitter account.
Just go to Twitblogs and log in and you'll given a space at "Twitblogs.com/yourname". There is essentially no set-up and posting is about as easy as you might imagine. It even tries to replicate what your normal Twitter page looks like, though if you have a repeating background it doesn't pick that up as well.
Here's a little sample Twitblog post I made. Once you have made your Twitblog post, it will use the title as your tweet and add a shortened URL of the post location behind it. I think I'll be using this one from time to time.
14. Post Like a Pirate
This is a fun little app I discovered while searching around online. National Talk Like a Pirate Day is come and gone, but you can still get your peg-legged posting on with Post Like a Pirate.
Originally the service was designed for email only, but they added on a Twitter function so you can tweet as much as your parrot. The line for your Twitter account still says "Email" for some reason, but that's the place to put your username.
15. @tweetbomb
This last Twitter gift isn't an app or website at all! The @tweetbomb account has exploded (get it?) recently all over the Twitter landscape. Every day at 3:33PM, a lucky (or possibly unlucky) user is chosen to be Tweetbombed.
When this happens, everyone following the @tweetbomb account sends a simple @reply with nothing after it to that person. Typically this overwhelms the user, who may or may not even know what Tweetbomb is. Of course this usually makes that user much more popular and nets them a number of followers. This tends to mitigate the shock and awe.
Unsurprisingly, Twitter originally banned the @tweetbomb account because it violated their terms of service. When this happened, @tweetban came along to advocate for the reinstatement of @tweetbomb. As you can see, Twitter relented and the game continues every day. Who knows…if you pop up on their radar, you might get Tweetbombed yourself!
From all of us at MakeUseOf, have a wonderful winter holiday!
If your favorite app isn't on here, we've either covered it in a previous article or I've never heard of it. In the latter case, be sure to mention your favorite service in the comments…we do read them and it will help us figure out what to feature next!
And finally, make sure to follow MakeUseOf on Twitter.
Leave a Reply
I love how much lists change and how many neat Twitter apps and sites there are. Thanks!
thats great that you are talking about the twitter api,a good example of searching with the twitter api is on twiogle.com because you can search on twitter and google at the same time.
nice post.
excellent collection of tools. Unique!
Thank you MakeUseOf!
MyTweetSpace is another cool Twitter Background generator. Click lab209 to visit the site..
Très bien fait! Merci beaucoup!
Happy New Year, Jimmy!
Not only is this a great post for people who already love Twitter but an awesome way to explain its charms to our Twit-curious pals. Thank you.
Give a try to Tweet13: obscure some updates using ROT13.
Great post! For the holidays I decided to spread twitter use cheer in a slightly different way...
I broke my Twitter favorites into 2 posts… who would I put in my 2009 pin up calendar?
Men of Twitter 2009 - http://tinyurl.com/66ofvr
Women of Twitter 2009 - http://tinyurl.com/7nq3od
I hope you find them as funny, helpful, and inspiring as I have!
You missed perhaps one of the coolest Twitter aps out there!
http://www.twitterfone.com lets you update, and listen to your tweets via your cellphone.. Never have to type again! Not only that it also records the tweet so other people can LISTEN to your tweets!
Currently in Beta only, but signup and theyll send you a verification code.
@tweetbomb is kinda cool, kinda like a twitter lottery ticket? haha Hey! There's an idea...
Very Very Nice article :) I love using twitter and with this article my holiday will be wondeful :D
Thanks!! :)
This is definitely a nice and pretty good list of great Twitter tools. I was writing basically the same article as a follow up to a previous article I wrote: http://poprl.com/9tH. I'll be sure to just add this in later today as an addendum/update to the article.
Thanks for the great post.
AWESOME! Great summary! Look forward to checking out "Twittery things" I'm unfamiliar with!
How about ... "15 Days of Twittery Things"?
Your URL says it all ... "MakeUseOf.com" | Very useful Twittery things to make use of!
Phil Johncock
Last Twitter Teleseminar of 2008 ...
Tues, Dec 30
With Author of "Twitter Means Business"
MyTweetSpace is another cool Twitter Background generator. Click lab209 to visit the site.
You may also want to check out yonkly. It's the first "create your own" microblog to integrate with Twitter: yonkly.com
Not really clear yet what it is for but already two birds and many colored arrows on the screen
twitter trend aggregator
Fantastic list. First i should say thank to @twitblogs for their tweet which directed me to your post and then never the least, Jimmy i can at this moment just appreciate from the bottom of my heart for posting such awesome post. Keep rocking.
That is a well-compiled list. However, I expressed a slightly different take on Twitter here: bloglabs.net/blog/15-reasons-twitter-must-die
I wonder if anyone here agrees...?
excellent collection of tools. Unique!
Thank you MakeUseOf
Thanks for a great write-up.
Great list! Might I add my decidedly tongue-in-cheek Honest Twitter Grader - twittergrade.appspot.com ? It's intermittently festive at the moment :-)


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Hi midnighttiger. When the Global Gains team published its new issue last week it updated the "Best Buys Now" list. Just in case you haven't seen it before, here's a link to what the team likes best at the moment: http://newsletters.fool.com/25/scorecard/new-money-now/index.aspx.Deej
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Flash Furniture 31.5'' x 63'' Rectangular Red Metal Indoor-Outdoor Table (ET-CT005-RED-GG)
Item #: 901-2407051FLA
Model #: ETCT005RED
Brand: Flash Furniture
Not yet rated.Be the first to Write a Review!
$194.99 Each
Help with furniture delivery, assembly,...Read more + Read less -
protection plans and more.
Plus, you've got choices! You'll find options for those DIYers on a budget, those that want us to do all the work and everyone in-between. Want all the details? Get them right here.
Create a chic dining space with this industrial style table. The colorful table will add a retro-modern look to your home or eatery. This highly versatile Cafe Table is ideal for use in bistros, taverns, bars and restaurants. You can mix and match this style table with any metal chair, even using different colors. A thick brace underneath the top adds extra stability. The legs have protective rubber feet that prevent damage to flooring. The frame is designed for all-weather use making it a great option for indoor and outdoor settings. For longevity, care should be taken to protect from long periods of wet weather. The possibilities are endless with the multitude of environments in which you can use this table, for both commercial and residential spaces. [ET-CT005-RED-GG]
- Metal, Rubber
- Seats 6 people
- 31.50"W x 63"D x 29.50"H
- ANSI BIFMA Certified
- Assembly Required
- Warranty: 5 Year Limited (non moving metal parts), 2 years on moving parts
|Furnishing Color : Red
|Furnishing Material : Metal
|Table Type : Tables
|Brand : Flash Furniture
|Customizable : No
|Weight : 60.50 lbs. per Each


text:
Blog Archive
- It Was Because I Loved Him That I Had to Let Him G...
- I'm a 78 Year Old Birthmom From Rape, and Have Nev...
- My Birth Resulted From Rape, But I'm Infinitely Gr...
- Dear Feminists at the Women's March on Washington,...
- Rape Exceptions in Congress -- A Broken Record, by...
- My Daughter May Have Been Conceived By Rape, But I...
- Chileans Who Are the "3 Causes" Being Targeted Say...
- To This Day, I Am the Mother of a Blessing - My Ch...
- Raped, Pregnant, and Determined to Abort -- Until ...
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- ► 2015 (52)
- ► 2014 (31)
Save the 1 Speaker Websites
I'm a 78 Year Old Birthmom From Rape, and Have Never Regretted Saving His Life, by Patricia Lawrence
Eight weeks into Basic Training, I went on a double date which was a blind date. He was
also in the military, stationed at the same base. All I remember is that we had all driven somewhere and he gave me a drink. I passed out and have no memory of the rest of the evening. I don't even remember how I got back to the barracks or in bed.
Two weeks later, while standing in line for inspection, I passed out. I was taken to the base infirmary where the doctor examined me and said, "Private, because of your symptoms, I would say you are pregnant." I replied, "I can't be pregnant because I have not done anything to become pregnant!" He then said, "Still, we need to do a test to see if you are pregnant."
I was totally devastated to learn that I was pregnant. Since I hadn't been anywhere socially, I knew right away that it had to have been that night, and my date must have drugged and raped me. Of course, I told the doctor what had happened, the Army did conduct an investigation and contacted the rapist, but they kept me out of it and I was never informed of anything.
My commanding officer gave me 48 to call home and tell my mother what had happened and that I was pregnant. When I called home and told my mom I was being discharged from the Army because I was pregnant, she immediately asked, "Who, what, where, why, when and how?" I told her about the rape, and she just said that I needed to come home. It took a few weeks for all of paperwork to be completed, I was discharged from the Army, and returned home.
My mother and two sisters met me at the bus station and we got into my mother's car. Her first words to me were: "Patricia, you will have an abortion." It was May, 1957, I was 18 years old, and I did not know what that word meant. She told me it meant "they would take the baby" from me. The way she stated it, I knew that she meant something was going to happen very quickly, and that she wasn't saying they were going to take the baby from me after my baby was born. I realized this meant they would kill my baby.
The relationship between my mother and I grew colder over the next couple of weeks. One afternoon, I was asleep on the bed and awoke to my mother holding a rifle within one inch of my face, square between my eyes. I was totally afraid for my life! I instantly pushed the gun aside, frantically saying to my mother, "What do you think you are doing?" She said, "I am trying to frighten you so much you will miscarry the child."
At that point, I determined I would leave my mother's home. She mocked me, asking, "Where will you go, who will have you?" I said, "Juanita, my oldest sister will help me." But
Mom said, "She doesn't want your shame."
However, within days I went to live with my oldest sister, Juanita. Shortly after I arrived at her home, my other sister Mary came to me and said, "Patricia, hold out you hand." When I held out my hand, she dropped about 20 pills into my hand and said, "Mom says you are to take these all at once." I knew enough to know that taking 20 of any kind of pill was dangerous for your health and that my mother was intending to kill me. I walked into the bathroom, stood over the toilet, dropped the pills in, and flushed them away as I told my sister, "I may be dumb, but I am not stupid."
After my son was born, my mother confessed to me that the pills were medicine that was given to heart patients, and had I taken them as instructed, according to doctors, I would have had a massive heart attack. She never apologized, but I think in her own feeble way, she was trying to tell me she was sorry.
Finally, arrangements were made for me to go to the Salvation Army Home for Unwed Mothers in St Louis, Missouri, on November 2, 1957, where I was spent the remainder of my pregnancy. In the home, I experienced for the first time in my life unconditional love -- love from the workers there who loved all of us, and never condemned any of the nine girls in their care.
My son was born on January 11, 1958, in the early morning hours. He was a big baby, weighing in at 9 pounds 2 ounces and was 23 inches long. As he was being delivered, since it was the Salvation Army policy at the hospital within the home for birthmothers placing for adoption, my eyes were covered with a towel. They also strapped my arms down so I could not remove the towel. They did not let me see him until two days later when I was in the presence of a social worker.
Giving up this son for adoption was and still is one of the hardest things I have ever had to do in my life, but I knew his life was worth everything that I had gone through.
Two weeks later, I went back home and I was never allowed to talk about what I had been through. I was told by my mom, "now you will never find a decent man to marry you." However, seven months later, I met Wayne.
We were married 36 years, 8 months and 2 days, and he loved me despite all I had been through.
Years later . . . . On May 20, 1993, we began the trip to Missouri to the hometown of my son, Bob. We had agreed to meet in the parking lot of a Wal-Mart. When Wayne and I arrived, we did not see anyone who might be my son, so we waited on a bench outside the store. In about 10 minutes, there was walking toward us a big man. He was 6'4" tall and he had his wife with him. I had described what I would be wearing so he knew how to identify me. As he approached, I felt like a piece of a puzzle had just been put in place. We shook hands. We talked for a bit, then he asked us to follow him and his wife to their home.
That evening, Bob took my husband and me to the home of his mother for a dinner. It was
I had made her an afghan as my gift to her for doing the wonderful job she had done in raising my son, her son. Although I am his birth mom, she is indeed his mother. She did all the things of a mother and did them well. In my mind she will always be his mother.
Before dinner she said, "Patricia, would you ask the blessing on our meal?" I was honored.
This time was a very special time as I got to talk to and hug my son for the first time. My heart was bursting with happiness, and I was feeling so good about having given him life, when others wanted me to abort him.
Last year, a week after his birthday, my son completely surprised me by picking me up and taking me to lunch at a restaurant I frequented in my hometown. I introduced my son to the waitress, telling her that this is the son I placed for adoption. My son looked intently at the waitress, pointed to me and said, "I want you to know that this is one very strong woman." My heart was bursting with pride that I would hear him speak those words.
1 comments:
Pat, what a wonderful story. I remember this story so clearly as you told it to me many years ago. I don't think I knew that you had found your son, but I am so happy that you did. What a blessing his mom was to have raised your beautiful baby boy. I love you. You are one of my heroes. I know when you say you are going to pray for me, you are going to pray for me. Thank You!
- February 1, 2017 at 7:12 PM
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Montana Career Opportunity - Web Application Developer - The National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT)
|September 13, 2017
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The National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT), a private non-profit organization helps people by championing small-scale, local, and sustainable solutions to reduce poverty, promote healthy communities, and protect natural resources. NCAT is seeking a Web Application Developer to join our team. The position may be located at one of NCAT's offices in Butte, MT, Keene, NH, or Fayetteville, AR. The position will work extensively with content management systems, PHP programming, and website maintenance.
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text: Denys is a frontend developer living and working in Norway. Being 2-in-1: an art school graduate and an engineer, Denys is passionate about psychology, physics, history, drawing. In his day-to-day job he enjoys getting to the heart of the matter of things and processes. Originally on "CSS side" of development, for the last years Denys has been building javascript applications, still breaking CSS, abusing HTML and working with performance optimizations of pretty much all aspects of the frontend toolset at Digital Garden AS (fastname.no and uniweb.no).Cycling, photography, impressionist paintings and many more can trigger his attention.


text:
Roy Jones Jr. had some of the fastest hands boxing fans have ever seen. He was a dominant champion and one of the best pound-for-pound fighters of all-time. So it makes perfect sense that he is the next honoree from the outstanding Roots of Fight collection, along with the fine folks at Under Armour.
Check out the new Under Armour Roots of Fight Roy Jones Jr. Shirt. Just click the link or pictures to order yours now from MMAWarehouse.com!
Under Armour Roots of Fight Roy Jones Jr. Shirt
Roy Jones Jr. remains in the fight game as a commentator for HBO boxing. He fought as recently as 2013, adding a World Cruiserweight title to his massive collection. He also racked up championships in Middleweight, Super middleweight, Light heavyweight and Heavyweight divisions. Jones Jr. is the only boxer in history to start his career as a Junior Middleweight, and go on to win a heavyweight title.
According to Roy Jones Jr. website, Jones became the first former middleweight champion to win a Heavyweight title in 106 years when he won the WBA heavyweight title. He has wins over some of the biggest names of his era, beating Antonio Tarver, Felix Trinidad, James Toney, Montell Griffin and more.
Rep one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in all of boxing history with the new Under Armour Roots of Fight Roy Jones Jr. Shirt from MMAWarehouse.com!
The post Under Armour Roots of Fight Roy Jones Jr. Shirt appeared first on MMAWarehouse Blog.


text: X360A - Graveyard shootouts are nothing new. Movies like Hard Target, Terminator 3, The Good, The Bad and The Ugly and Seven Psychopaths all neglected to pay due respect to the dead by shooting up their tombstones and running roughshod over their burial plots. You can add Army of Two: The Devil's Cartel to that list, as new heroes Alpha and Bravo, lead by female bullet sponge, Fiona, stomp through a Day of the Dead festival seemingly exclusively attended by vicious members of drug cartels. It's a recipe for disaster.


text:
Index to Policy Manual
Absence, I-8, I-9, -9a, IV-8, -8a , IV-9, IV-10, IV-11, -11a,
Absenteeism, excessive, I-9, -9a, III-3, -3a
Access to files, II-15, -15a
Accidents, I-6, -6a
Additional Compensation, II-14a, IV-2, -2a, IV-3, -3a
Adoption Leave, IV-13
Advertising, II-6
Affirmative Action, I-1
Alcohol-Free Workplace, I-7
Alternative Work Arrangementments, II-3, -3a
Applicant Testing, II-8
Amenities on Campus, IV-12
Attendance I-9, I-9a, III-3, -3a
Benefit Categories. Section IV
Benefits, IV-4
change of status, II-15a
orientation, II-10
termination, II-12, II-14a
Benelect Change of Status Form II-15a
Bloodborne Pathogens, II-8, II-8a
Bereavement, IV-9, IV-10
Campus Amenities, IV-12
CASEworks, II-3, 3a
Change of Personal Information Form, II-15a
Citizenship, Residency or Work Visa, II-7
Clerical Review Form, III-2a
COBRA, II-12, -12a
Communications, I-2
Compensation. See Staff Salary Plan
Compensation Philosophy, IV-1
Compressed Workweeks, II-3, 3a
Computing Ethics, I-4
confidentiality, I-12
employee records, II-15, -15a
ethics, I-4
violation or misuse of confidential information, III-3
Conflict of Interest, I-3, -3a
Disclosure of Conflict of Interest Form, I-3a
Consultants. See Independent Contractors
Consensual Relationships, I-10
Continuation of Benefits Form, II-12a
Convenience Leave, IV-11, IV-11a
Corrective Action, III-3, -3a
Criminal Background Check, II-8
Curriculum Vitae/Resume, II-8
Death in Family. See Bereavement
Death of Employee, II-12, -12a
Decor, I-7
Disability / Disabled Veterans, I-1
Disability Insurance, IV-4
Disability. See Leave of Absence
Disciplinary Action, See Corrective Action, III-3, -3a
Dismissal. See Termination
Diversity Awareness, I-7
Dress Requirements, I-7
Driver's License, II-8
Drug-Free Workplace, I-7
EAP. See Employee Assistance Program
Emergency/Other Closings, II-13, -13a, II-18
Emergency Preparedness, II-18
Employee Assistance Program, V-1
Employee Change of Personal Information Form, II-15a
Employee Classification and Employment Status, II-1, II-16
Employee Recognition, III-5
Employee Records, II-15,-15a
Employee Resource Center, III-4
Employee Responsibility, I-2
Employee Termination Checklist, II-12a
agencies, II-9
alternative work arrangements, II-3, 3a
candidate log, II-6a
decision, II-4
former employees, II-11
internal employment opportunities, III-1, -1a
disabled/disabled veterans, I-1
of relatives/friends, I-5
offer of, II-4, II-6a
physicals, II-8
planning and responsibility, II-6, -6a, -6b
recruiting, II-6a
references, II-7
requisition forms, II-6a, II-9a
status and changes in status, II-1, II-6, II-16
temporary employment, II-9, -9a
term employees, II-1, II-16
termination, II-12, -12a
verifications (employment/credentials), II-6a, II-8, V-2
Vietnam Era Veterans, I-1
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO), I-1, -1a
Equity Increase, IV-3
Ethics, I-4 (See also Conflict of Interest)
Executive Staff, II-1
Exempt Staff
benefits category, See Section IV
additional pay, IV-2, -2a
pay days/payroll procedures, II-14, II-14a
university closings for holidays, II-13, II-13a
Expectations, I-2
Exit Interview, II-12, -12a
Exposure to Human Bloodborne Pathogens, II-8a
Extra Compensation, II-14, IV-2, -2a, IV-3, -3a
benefits category, See Section IV
classification and status, II-1
employee records, II-15, -15a
hiring, II-4
pay days/payroll procedures, II-14, -14a
temporary employment, II-9a
Fair Labor Standards Act, II-13, IV-2
Family Death. See Bereavement
Family Military Servicemember Leave, IV-8, -8a
FICA (Federal Income Contributions Act). See Social Security
File Access, II-15, -15a
FLSA. See Fair Labor Standards Act
Flextime, II-3, 3a
Foreign Nationals. See Immigration
Former Employees, Re-employment, II-11
Fringe benefit allocation, II-6
benefits category, See Section IV
change in employment status, II-6
classification and status, II-1
employment orientation period, II-10
holiday pay schedule, II-13
payroll procedures, II-14, -14a
Garnishments/Tax Levies, II-14
Grievances, V-4, -4a
Group Life Insurance, IV-4
Handicapped. See Disabled
Health Insurance, IV-4
Hiring, II-4
Hiring authority, II-4
Hiring supervisor, II-4
Holiday Pay, II-13, -13a
Holiday Work, II-13, -13a
Holidays, University Closing for, II-13, -13a
Hours of Work, II-14
Illness Allowance. See Sick Days
Immigration, II-6a, -6b, II-7, II-9a
Inclusion, I-7
Independent Contractor, II-2
disability, IV-4
life, IV-4
medical, IV-4
Internal Employment Opportunities, III-1
Internal Promotion/Transfer Request Form, III-1a
Internal Transfers, II-6, III-1, III-1a
Interviewing, II-6, -6a, II-9, III-1
Involuntary Termination, II-12, -12a
Job Description, II-6a
Job Posting, II-6
Job Sharing, II-3, 3a
Jury Duty, IV-11, -11a
Lay off, II-12, -12a
Leadership, I-5
Leaves of Absence (See also Sick Days )
adoption, IV-13
paid parental leave, IV-14
personal medical, family medical, parenting reasons, under FMLA, IV-8, -8a
other leaves, IV-11, -11a
Licensing Requirements, II-8
Life Insurance, IV-4
Long-Term Disability Insurance, IV-4
Maintenance Review Form, III-2a
Managers Review Form, III-2a
Maternity. See Leaves of Absence for Personal Medical
Medical Examinations, II-8
Medical Information, II-15
Military Duty, IV-11, -11a
Minors, II-7
Motor Vehicle Licenses, II-8
Multiple Concurrent Jobs, II-3, 3a
Nepotism, I-4, I-13
Newspaper Advertising, II-6
Nonexempt staff
benefits category, See Section IV
overtime, IV-2, -2a
pay days/payroll procedures, II-14, -14a
Non-Retaliation, I-11
Notice of Termination, II-12a
Orientation Period, II-10, -10a
Outside Work, I-3
Outplacement, II-6, II-12a
Overtime, IV-2, -2a
Paid Leave of Absence, IV-8, -8a, IV-9, IV-10, IV-11, -11a
Paid Parental Leave, IV-14
Parenting Leave of Absence under FMLA, IV-8, -8a
adoption IV-13
Partial Work Year, II-3, 3a
benefits category, See Section IV
change in employment status, II-6
status, II-1
holiday pay schedule, II-13, -13a
pay days/payroll procedures, II-14, -14a
orientation period, II-10, -10a
Paternity. See Leaves of Absence for Personal Medical
Pay Calculation, II-14
Pay Days, II-14
Payroll Procedures, II-14, -14a
Payroll Withholding, II-14
Performance Management, III-2
Performance Mgmt. Salary Review Addendum, III-2a
Personal Holiday. See Vacation Days
Personal Leave of Absence, IV-11, -11a
Personal Privileges, I-7
Personnel Action Form, II-12a
Personnel Classifications. See Employee Classifications
Philosophy, i
Pets on Campus, I-7
Physical Examinations, II-8
Position Requirements, II-8
Positive Corrective Action, III-3, -3a
Pre-Employment Requirements, II-7
Pregnancy. See Leaves of Absence for Personal Medical
Procedures for New Employees, II-6a
Productivity, I-8
Professional Licenses, II-8
Professional Review Form, III-2a
Professionalism, I-7
Promotions, II-6, -6a, IV-3a
Records (Employee), II-15, II-15a
Recruiting, II-6, II-6a
Reduced Schedule, II-3, 3a
Re-employment, II-11
References, II-8, V-2
Related Individuals, I-4
Relationships, I-4, I-10, I-13
Religious Holidays. See Vacation Days
Relocation, II-6, II-6b
Reorganization, II-17, 17a
Research Assistants Review Form, III-2a
Resignation. See Termination
Rest Periods, II-14
Retirement. See Termination
Retirement Benefits, IV-1, IV-5
Retirement Planning, IV-5
Role Modeling, I-5
Rules of Conduct, I-4
Sabbatical Leave, IV-11, -11a
Safety and Security, I-6, -6a, V-6
above range maximum, IV-3
advances, V-5, -5a
exceptions, IV-3
grade, II-6
increases, IV-3, -3a
offers, II-4
review, IV-3
structure, IV-3
Scheduling of Vacations, IV-6
Search Committee, II-5
Secretarial Review Form, III-2a
Security, I-6, -6a, V-6
Senior Staff
benefits category, See Section IV
classification and status, II-1
pay days/payroll procedures, II-14, -14a
orientation period, II-10, -10a
Service Employee Review Form, III-2a
Services, University. See Campus Amenities
Severance, II-6, -6a, II-12
Sexual Harassment, I-1, -1a, III-3
Sick Days
benefits categories (0,1), IV-9
benefits categories (2,3), IV-10
Sick Leave, IV-8, -8a
Smoke-Free Workplace, I-7
Social Security Coverage, II-6, II-9, IV-5
Solicitation, I-7
Spouse Relocation Assistance, II-6, -6a
Staff Employees
benefits categories, See Section IV
classification and status, II-1
employee records, II-15, -15a
executive, II-1
pay days/payroll procedures, II-14, -14a
orientation period, II-10, -10a
senior, II-1
temporary employment, II-9, -9a
Staff Grievance Appeal Committee, V-4, -4a
Staff Salary Plan, IV-3
Student Employees
classification and status, II-1
employee records, II-15, -15a
pay days/payroll procedures, II-14, -14a
Summer Employment, II-1
Supervisor Review Form, III-2a
Tardiness, I-8, I-9, -9a, III-3, -3a
Tax Levies/Garnishments, II-14
Team Work, I-5
Technician Review Form, III-2a
Telecommuting, II-3, 3a
Temporary Agency Employees, II-9
Temporary Assignments, IV-3
Temporary Employee, II-9, II-9a
classification and status, II-1, II-2
holiday pay schedule, II-13, -13a
pay day/payroll procedure, II-14, -14a
Term Employees, II-1, II-16
Termination of Employment, II-12, -12a
Termination of Benefits, II-12, -12a
Testing of Applicants, II-8
Title IX, I-1
Transfers, II-6, -6a, III-1, -1a
Tuition Reimbursement, IV-7, -7a
Tuition Waiver,IV-7, -7a
Vacation Days, IV-6
Vaccination, II-8, II-8a
Verification, Wage and Employment, V-3
Vietnam Era Veterans, I-1
Violence in the Workplace, I-6, -6a, III-3, -3a, V-6
Visas, II-7
Visitors, I-13
Voluntary Termination, II-12, -12a
Volunteers, II-2
Volunteer Release Form, II-2
Vouchers, Payroll, II-14a
Wage Ranges. See Salary Grade
Whistleblower Protection, I-11
Withholding From Pay, II-14
Workforce Coverage - Emergencies, II-18
Work Breaks, II-14
Work Environment, I-7
Work Hours, II-14
Work Outside the University, I-3
Work Permits, II-7
Work Week and Pay Systems, II-14, -14a
Worker's Compensation, I-6, -6a
Workplace Accommodations, I-1


text:
Death of a Soldier
He was a first lieutenant and he was killed just four weeks before the end of his tour of duty. He had graduated from West Point near the top of his class, served on the honor committee, completed a course in Ranger training, and volunteered for Southeast Asia. He did not think that anyone should be forced to enter our armed services.
There is nothing extraordinary about a lieutenant–or a soldier of any rank–being killed in Indochina; it has happened to 45,000 of our men so far and the total is still rising. But this lieutenant was not killed in combat. He was not a helicopter casualty or the victim of an accident–there are many accidental deaths in every war. He was the target of a "fragging" (a phenomenon…practically unknown in previous American wars), as he lay sleeping in his billet at Bien Hoa.
–May 17, 1971
Peace Demonstrations, 1971
As they flung away their medals at the Capitol one veteran said, "I am prouder today of the service I have given my country than at any time when I was in uniform."… Every night at the campsite, hundreds of young men in civilian clothes but with short haircuts appeared, bearing candles. They were active-duty GIs from Fort Meade and Fort Belvoir. On Friday night some 400, this time in uniforms, attended a memorial service organized by the Concerned Officers Movement at the National Cathedral. After a "fiery homily" by William Sloane Coffin, they stood and gave the clenched-fist salute.
–Editorial, May 10, 1971
La Raza, the Land and the Hippies
The hippies assert that their tie to the land grows out of a universal, "natural" link between man and planet. The Chicano land gripe was thus a property hangup. The Chicano, defensive about the remnants of his land and life ways not stolen and raped by the Anglo world, is redefining his cultural linkage with the same soil. The hippie, he senses, can indulge in voluntary poverty. "Mama, send me some bread," phones a hippie mother in Taos. On the other end a middle-aged voice pleaded to know her daughter's welfare. "Mama, don't ask me things, just send me the money. I'm your flesh and blood, right?" To the Chicano, poverty is not a trip but a pit from which, until recently, he could escape only by extended servitude as a migrant worker.


text:
Forgotten Password or Account Number
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text:
Richards, Ngaio is the author of 'Carbofuran and Wildlife Poisoning : Global Perspectives and Forensic Approaches', published 2012 under ISBN 9780470745236 and ISBN 0470745231.[read more]
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text:
We recently met artisanal salsa company White Girl Salsa (Editor's Note: White Girl Salsa is now known as Winking Girl Salsa) at a local TEDx Boulder event and we were stoked when they called us up to order these custom die cut stickers. Already flavor fans of this trendy salsa brand, we were excited to see how well these uniquely contoured stickers, featuring their awesome retro salsa gal, turned out.
White Girl Salsa has been distributing its cheeky recipe bursting with bold taste since 2009. And with a name like White Girl Salsa, this product aims to turn some heads. The inspiration behind the name comes from founder Julie Nirvelli, who uncovered the creative tongue and cheek reference after impressing Latino friends with her sassy version of tomatillo salsa. The story goes that after licking their fingers clean, Julies' harshest critics lovingly called her recipe 'White Girl Salsa' and the name became permanent. With a whole range of flavors to fit any palate, what's not to love?
White Girl Salsa currently offers 5 varieties of our fresh-tasting, vegan, gluten-free, tomatillo-based salsa:
- Mild Tomatillo
- Medium Tomatillo
- Hot Tomatillo
- Smokey Chipotle
- Cranberry Mango
Perhaps one of the best things about this company is that Head Honcho Julie Nirvelli, is a female entrepreneur whose unique business sense set her apart in the market place from the start. After spending time in her youth around high achieving businesses ventures, Julie had no doubt that she would one day start a company of her own.
White Girl Salsa took a big leap into the local food market just two and half years ago and has since expanded into RealSimple.com, won Naturally Boulder's coveted Pitch Slam contest, was featured on Cooking with Paula Deen in "Paula's Kitchen Helpers." made a spot on KMGH Channel 7 with Gabby Gourmet, made WGS in the Denver Business Journal, was touted in Denver Food Examiner as one of the "few excellent salsas," made 5280 Magazine's e-newsletter, Table Talk.
Julie's business savvy is experienced through her dedication to providing a customer experience with an emphasis on the wow factor--from branding, to purchasing, to taste.


text:
Curious and passionate about things and possibilities yet to be shaped, Daniel Rizea (aka Dariz) studied Architecture in Romania.
After getting his bachelor's degree in 2005 he enlisted at Ubisoft where he produced games like Blazing Angels, Silent Hunter IV and Hawx.
In 2008 joined forces at Crytek Frankfurt where he designed as a concept artist for projects like Crysis Wars, Crysis2, and upcoming projects like Kingdoms(Ryse), Tau, Warface.
As a freelancer illustrator and storyboard artist he collaborated with
- McCann Erickson,
- The Coca Cola Company,
- Heineken,
- Fantasy flight Games
and many other clients...
Dariz is a concept artist who works with an open mind and passion for his craft. His specialties are in character design, environment design, creatures and mechanical structures.
He is currently based in Germany,
He is currently based in Germany,
you can always drop him a line at firstname.lastname@example.com


text:
Kizhorekm on October 5, 2016, 4:20 am
Please check my book "Leadership Mantras for Success"
More Quotes by Kizhorekm
1. Successful leaders must understand their Team like.. : kizhorekm
2. Leaders doesn't procrastinate, instead they pull.. : kizhorekm
3. "Real leaders tackle issues head on and they know .. : kizhorekm
4. Problems are part and parcel of everyday life. Loo.. : kizhorekm
5. The leader not only be able to set examples but sh.. : kizhorekm
Even More Quotes
6. today becomes yesterday when tomorrow comes. : bengi27
7. Nothing is more needed in our work than the practi.. : pleasegivemeall
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9. "My being is an ocean of torments" -Hilal Hamdaan : hilalhamdaan
10. We must have less trust in what we ourselves can d.. : pleasegivemeall


text:
iText makes its debut on the Inc. 5000 list claiming the number 1666 spot. The Inc. 5000 list reflects overall revenue growth of private companies over a three-year span. To be eligible, companies on the list must have generated at least $100,000 in revenue in 2011 and, at least, $2 million in 2014. Companies must be privately held, for profit and independently-owned. Check out the full list.
"This recognition validates the hard work and the connection between innovation and growth," said Bruno Lowagie, chief executive officer and founder of the company. "As iText continues to establish itself as a pacesetter in the PDF space, we plan for more astounding growth as we deliver our PDF technology to developers in the U.S., Asia and other markets around the world."
iText's product innovation has garnered several recognitions. Last year, iText Group was recognized by Deloitte as one of the fastest growing technology companies (28th place in the EMEA region) and the company won the BelCham's "Most Promising Company of the Year 2014" Award in New York. Earlier this year, the company won a Hermes Ceative Award with the design of its new logo and a Silver Best In Biz International award in the category "Product of the Year".


text:
"Travel is little beds and cramped bathrooms. It's old television sets and slow Internet connections. Travel is extraordinary conversations with ordinary people. It's waiters, gas station attendants, and housekeepers becoming the most interesting people in the world. It's churches that are compelling enough to enter. It's McDonald's being a luxury. It's the realisation that you may have been born in the wrong country.
Travel is a smile that leads to a conversation in broken English. It's the epiphany that pretty girls smile the same way all over the world.
Travel is… a street full of bearded backpackers looking down at maps. Travel is wishing for one more bite of whatever that just was. It's the rediscovery of walking somewhere. It's sharing a bottle of liquor on an overnight train with a new friend. Travel is "Maybe I don't have to do it that way when I get back home."
— Nick Miller, New Girl
Last year was the only one in the past six that I didn't leave the country. Maybe it's time to get a new visa or use up what's remaining of what I still have. Or maybe it's time to dust off my old camera and drive hundreds of miles to capture the beauty that my country is known for: its rich traditions, its people, the kindness of strangers whose languages I don't even speak.
Travel brings out the worst and the best in us. In it, we find ourselves and realise how strong and brave and patient we can be. Along the way, we find friends and along the way, I may find what and who I have been searching for.
Travel opens our eyes to certain truths: are we there for the whole journey or are we just tagging along until the next pit-stop, the next station? Are we travelling with the right companion and going in the right direction? Travel has its perils, too: wasted time, false promises of a good adventure, lost resources, physical threats, heartbreak.
Sometimes, these pitfalls make me wonder if some travels are worth taking. Not all travels are equal, and we cannot keep on making reckless decisions with our limited time and resources. Maybe some journeys are better taken towards other directions.
Take the next or the first step; bring out the map; take with you only what is necessary. Keep it simple. Follow your inner compass. Sing if you are afraid, dance when you are happy. Meet fellow travellers; treat them kindly and respectfully.
Travel is life. Have faith. Find your courage. Travel is why I don't have nice things. But oh, I would not want it any other way!


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The Mountain CabinbySWFL_Wordslinger©
'Don't be a pussy!'
The taunt resonated in Jeff's head as he trudged down the dark path behind a line of people, bouncing off the walls of his mind; fading, echoing back. Around him the forest loomed cloyingly above the trail. From the front of the procession he could hear laughs and giggles from the girls Megan, Marie and Michelle: triplets. Walking with them, their boyfriends' rough voices boomed into the night.
'Don't be a pussy Jeff!'
There it was again clanging around in there, piercing his thoughts like a klaxon. He was suddenly back in his little apartment on Austin Street in Lewisburg...
'I'm not goin',.' Jeff told them bluntly.
'Dude, why the fuck not?' Chris, the stereotypical jock and former star Quarterback of the Greenbrier East High Spartans, demanded. He stood roughly six foot eight, weighed at least two-twenty-five and had a mean disposition, especially when he had been drinking, which was what they were all doing, celebrating Debbie's nineteenth birthday. She was the youngest of their little group by two years.
It was Derek that started the teasing, a six-ten, half-black half Shawnee Indian and Chris' best friend.
'Don't be a pussy,' he said quietly. For such a large man Derek had a quiet, almost timid demeanor most of the time. Everyone stopped and looked when he spoke, their eyes darting between Jeff and Derek.
'Fuck you.' Jeff replied.
'It's just a fucking ghost story.' He brought his eyes up from the sweating can of Bud Light nestled in the fork of his legs and stared at Jeff. 'Don't be a pussy.'
That was when one of the triplets joined in. 'Yeah don't be such a pussy Jeff.' Michelle teased.
'Do you need a tampon?' Megan added.
They were all looking at him: Chris, Derek, his own best friend Travis, the triplets and Debbie.
'Fine we'll just go without him,' Michelle decided, 'he can sit here by himself while we have fun.
'Do you want to borrow a pair of panties?' Her azure eyes danced with cruel mischief as she stared him down. Her sister Marie stared at her shoes with an embarrassed flush coloring her cheeks.
'No he's going with us,' Chris demanded again.
And then the chanting started, led by Michelle.
'Don't-be-a-pussy! Don't-be-a-pussy! Don't-be-a-pussy!' Even Debbie was joining in, albeit very quietly, and she was the one person he truly got along with out of their little clique. Jeff stared at his scuffed tan work boots in shame. One of the triplets, Megan he thought, pulled her panties from under her black skirt and tossed them at his face.
'Here, put on your big girl panties and let's go.' The pink lace fabric was draped over his burning face, the crotch level with his nostrils. The fabric was decidedly damp, and smelled with the fragrant musk of its owner. To be taunted and teased like that by his friends, by the three most achingly beautiful women he had ever seen, each a carbon copy of the other, was excruciating and surprisingly arousing. His cock was lengthening in his jeans as the blood was diverted from its usual route. After a moment he ripped the panties from his face and leapt to his feet.
Michelle had been standing only a foot away from where he was seated, leaning over him and chanting. She squealed and jumped back, landing in Chris' lap. Jeff's eyes blazed.
'Fuck all of you. I'm not a pussy, I just don't see the point in wandering around in the mountains at night when it's not even fifty fucking degrees outside to test some legend. But whatever, let's go.' He looked at Megan with a satirical grin. 'Thanks for the souvenir Megan; I hope your pussy gets frost bite.' He stuffed the pink lace into the front pocket of his jeans and grabbed his coat. Everyone else was still seated, staring at him in a sort of wonderful fascination. 'Come on pussies,' he spat.
The drive out to the Greenbrier State Forest took about twenty minutes with the eight of them crammed into Jeff's five year old Ford Explorer. He turned off of State Road 60 onto Hart's Run Road and began winding up from the Appalachian Plateau into the Allegheny Mountains past scattered houses, all dark and ominous in respect to the hour. After a couple of miles the last of the houses faded from sight and the trees closed in on the narrow road. Jeff glanced at the digital display of the overhead console: it was nearly one a.m. on October 31. A push of a button cycled the display to the outside temperature which had dropped ten degrees since midnight and stood at a chilly forty degrees. The forecast, he remembered, had called for lows in the upper twenties and a freeze warning.
'It's getting colder,' he announced to no one in particular. He glanced to his right and noticed with some satisfaction that Debbie had grabbed a heavy coat from his hall closet before they left. Whispered conversation, laced with muffled grunts and an occasional groan drifted up from the three couples in the back. Jeff checked the rear view mirror and In the light of the moon, a huge silver disk hanging full and close above them, he could see the situation clearly. Michelle and Derek were busy making out. Derek's hand had disappeared under the short black cheerleader skirt Michelle was wearing, and the muscles in his forearm rolled and flexed as he fingered her. Marie and Travis were in a similar situation. Marie's furry pink top was pulled down and Travis was noisily suckling on her exposed breasts while she rocked back and forth on his hidden hand. Michelle and Chris on the other hand we're beyond mere kissing. Michelle's skirt was hiked to her waist as she sat on Chris's lap with her back to him. She was leaning back against his body with his erect cock between her legs. Her panties, lacey and pink just like the pair in Jeff's pocket, were pulled rudely to the side to allow her pussy to grind against Chris's cock. He noticed with no real pleasure that Chris, who had his head thrown back staring at the roof of the truck, only had an average sized member and looked smaller than Jeff's own penis. As he watched, Michelle locked eyes with him in the mirror and lifted her body until the head of Chris's cock was pressing against the plump flesh of her pussy. She slowly lowered herself down, letting Chris slip into her until she came to rest on his thighs again.
Jeff felt a hand creep across the arm rest and grip his own. 'Are they fucking back there?' Debbie whispered.
Jeff glanced to his right again and found Debbie staring at him, a mixed look of alarm, embarrassment and curiosity highlighted on her face by the moonlight. He quickly glanced in the mirror again but Michelle's eyes were closed now, as well as her thighs, as she slowly rode Chris's cock.
'Yeah, Chris and Michelle are,' he said at last, shifting his focus back to the road ahead as it began a series of climbing switchbacks. 'The other four aren't far behind them it looks like.'
Debbie squeezed his hand tighter and stared out her window into the darkness. Half a mile up the road Jeff turned the Explorer on to Kate's Mountain Road that wound along the mountain ridge through the state park.
He was glad to have Debbie next to him, even if she had joined the teasing back at his place. They had an easy friendship that had bordered on a relationship for the past several months. As if reading his thoughts she leaned close and whispered, 'I'm sorry for what happened back there.'
'It's okay,' Jeff assured her. 'I just don't want anyone to get hurt.'
'I know.'
A low groan from the back seat snapped Jeff's attention back to the rear view mirror. He was just in time to see Michelle pull Chris' cock out of her and stroke his orgasm onto the smoothly shaved skin of above her pussy.
'Don't get any of that shit on my seats.' Jeff said flatly still staring into the mirror. Chris didn't seem to hear him but Michelle looked up and smiled. She traced her fingers through the thick globs of cum before scooping it up and slurping it from her coated fingers. Jeff enthralled with what he saw. The only two things that existed at that moment were the throbbing hardness in his jeans and the sexy blonde in the back seat eating her boyfriend's cum.
'Look out!' Debbie screamed. Jeff had just enough time to catch a fleeting glimpse of something large and grey flash across the road directly in front of them. He slammed on the brakes and jerked the wheel to the right. The truck skidded onto two wheels, rising and rising until it seemed like it would pass the point of no return and throw them into a roll, before crashing back to all four wheels and spinning off into the trees. The vehicle finally came to rest with its right fender crumpled against a large Oak. The interior was silent except for heavy breathing close to Jeff's right ear and the ticking of the cooling engine.
Tentatively Jeff opened his eyes. The windshield in front of him was shattered into a hundred different spider webs. Debbie, the source of the heavy breathing, was nearly on top of him. Slowly more sounds emerged from the darkness; the rustle of clothes, the shuffle of feet, soft groans. Jeff tried the interior light to no avail. He thought the battery must have been knocked loose in the crash.
'Are you ok Debbie?' he asked quietly.
'I think so,' she said after a moment.
'In the glove compartment there should be a flashlight, can you grab it for me?'
'Sure.' She fumbled around for a minute before producing the large aluminum cylinder. She thumbed the switch and bright white light filled the truck. More groans as everyone shielded their eyes from the unexpected glare. Jeff took the light and turn in his seat.
'Everyone okay back there?'
'Michelle's bleedin,' Derek pointed out. Jeff shone the light on the buxom blonde and sure enough, blood was coursing down her face from a deep gash on her forehead. The door window was splattered with blood and shattered where her head had apparently collided with it.
'You okay Michelle?'
'What the fuck happened?' she asked groggily.
'This dip shit can't drive, that's what happened,' Chris answered.
'Hey fuck you!' Jeff roared. 'While you were busy emptying your tiny little balls I was trying not hit...whatever the fuck that was that ran across the road!'
Chris pushed Megan into the floor board and lunged for the front seat. He was met with the heavy base of the Mag Lite barrel as Jeff brought it down on the bridge of his nose. It struck with a sickening crack and his nose sprayed blood.
'What the fuck!' Chris screamed clutching his shattered nose.
'Okay that's enough!' Debbie cried. She fumbled with her door but it wouldn't open. She leaned across Jeff and opened his door. Bitterly cold wind invaded the cabin of the truck, breaking out Jeff's skin in gooseflesh. Debbie crawled out over his lap and Jeff followed her, waving the flashlight around to survey the woods. Doors were opening behind them and he turned half expecting Chris or one of the others to charge again. Instead the triplets and their boyfriends piled out single file. Chris stood leaning back against the side of the truck with his head back cupping his ruined nose. He seemed oblivious to the fact that his penis was still dangling through his open zipper. The others were all taking personal inventory of their various scrapes or bruises. Jeff and Debbie were none the worse for wear since they had both been wearing their seat belts.
Michelle whimpered off to the left and collapsed suddenly to the ground with her hand to her forehead. Her sister's immediately ran to her.
'She's bleeding a lot,' Megan called over her shoulder.
'Hang on.' Jeff trotted to the rear of the Explorer and rummaged around in the hatch. He produced an old tee shirt that smelled marginally safe, and tore it into strips. He handed a large one to Megan for her to use as a compress, then handed some to Chris as well.
'Here, for your nose.' Chris took the cloth with a wordless grunt.
'Where the hell are we?' Travis asked.
'Well let's see: we're on top of a goddamn mountain surrounded by a bunch of trees,' Debbie snapped. 'This is where you all wanted to go right?
'Let's go to Kate's Mountain let's go to Kate's Mountain,' she mocked.
'Everybody calm down,' Jeff interjected. 'Meg how's your sister's head?'
'The bleeding is mostly stopped I think.' She sounded timid.
'Can she walk?'
'Yeah I think I can,' Michelle answered for herself. Her sisters helped her to her feet where she stood swaying drunkenly back and forth for a moment before gaining her composure.
'We should be close to the hiking trails I think,' Jeff said, 'there's a picnic area and a shelter somewhere up ahead. I think we should make our way there.'
'What you want to walk?' Marie whined. 'It's dark and I'm cold.' She crossed her arms over her chest, stuck out her lips and pouted.
'Look, we can't just stand around here,' Jeff insisted. 'It's-'
'Just call a fucking tow truck or something!' Chris interrupted nasally.
'Go right ahead,' Jeff said flatly 'good luck getting a cell signal up here.'
There was another ten minutes of heated debate before they finally acquiesced. Jeff led them through the trees back in the direction of the road. He thought. After picking their way slowly along for ten minutes they still hadn't reached the road.
'This isn't right.' Jeff said, stopping.
'What's not right?' Debbie asked at his side.
'We should have been on the road by now. We couldn't have gone that far off of it.'
'Great so now we're lost in the woods? Good job dumb ass.' Derek boomed.
'Fuck you.'
'Hey there's a path over here.' Travis had wandered off to the left of the group and was pointing in that direction. Chris and Derek shouldered past Jeff trailed by the triplets and joined him.
'It's probably one of the hiking trails.' Debbie informed them.
'Well it beats walking through the woods. It has to lead somewhere right?' Michelle was almost whining.
'These trails are not something you want to be walking on in flip flops and skirts, especially at night.' Debbie called, but the group had already started down the path. 'They're fucking idiots. I've hiked these trails before.'
'Yeah, me too. Come on we've gotta follow them.'
A scream from up ahead ripped Jeff from his interior retrospect and he walked right into Debbie who had stopped short. They were working their way down a steep grade littered with sharp and slippery rocks. Jeff was sweating in spite of the cold air. More shouts from further down the trail drifted back to them.
'It sounds like someone is hurt.' Debbie said matter-of-factly.
They got moving again and caught up with the others fifty yards down the slope. Marie was lying on her side on the rocks. A mix of terror and pain was tattooed on her pale face. Jeff washed the beam of his flashlight over her and saw the cause of the scream. Marie's tanned and toned right leg disappeared under a large rock, really more of a small boulder, about six inches below her knee at a sickening angle. Chris and Derek were working on moving the rock, and each time it shifted she would scream again. Tears coursed down her cheeks and she seemed to be trembling all over.
Michelle sat on a stump to the side of the path, still looking groggy and out of it. Megan was crouched next to Marie trying to comfort her.
"What happened?" Jeff asked.
It was Travis that answered. "Marie was walking in front with me. We came around that bend and there was something standing in the middle of the path. It moved to quickly to see but I thought it looked like a wolf or-'
"It was a woman." Marie cried, interrupting him. "A woman in a white gown and she disappear..." she broke down into hysterical sobs.
Chris and Derek were groaning with effort. "Pull her out!" Chris yelled. Travis was on the move, grabbing Marie by the arm pits and dragging her backwards. She let out a blood curdling scream and slumped in his grasp in a dead faint with her chin resting on her breast bone. Somewhere off in the woods something answered her scream in a long howl, rising and undulating until it sounded like a scream it's self. Jeff's skin broke out in goose flesh at the sound of it and he felt Debbie shift her body closer to his. A moment later her arm snaked its way around his waist.
Megan was examining her sister's leg closely, putting her two semesters of nursing school training to practice. "It's broken bad, in at least two places. Travis you're going to have to carry her."
"I'm not sure I can if this trail gets any worse."
"We can get off the trail not far from here." Everyone turned to look at Debbie. It was the first time she had spoken to anyone other than Jeff since they had started down the trail.
"How would you know?" Megan asked accusingly.
"Because I've hiked these trails for years."
"Then why the fuck didn't you say so?" Megan roared. "If you know so much about them why did you let us go? My sister has a broken leg because of you!" Megan had been inching closer to Debbie as she berated her until the last line was spat mere inches from her face, the two young women highlighted in bas relief by the glare of Jeff's flashlight. "Stupid cunt!"
Debbie flinched, her eyes widening to saucers. One second she was standing there looking like a deer caught in the glare of oncoming headlights and the next Megan was flying backwards. She tripped over her injured sister and went sprawling on her ass. Debbie was on her like a banshee, clawing at her face, ripping her top and raining open handed slaps down on her arms as she tried to shield her face. She was screaming a litany of curses with each blow. Megan managed to get her arms around Debbie's waist and rolled her to the left. The two rolled and scuffled on the rocky path, clawing and hissing like two cats in heat. Finally Debbie was able to regain her former position on top of Megan. Megan's furry pink top was dirty and matted with leaved and torn open down the front exposing her bra-less breasts. They jutted defiantly toward Debbie, the nipples like tiny pink stones standing erect from the chilly air. Debbie's top was torn as well, though not completely, showing her sensible black lace bra. Both girls were breathing heavily, eyes locked on one another, as they struggled.
Debbie held Megan down by her shoulders using her leverage to her advantage and spat directly into Megan's face. Her struggles immediately stopped and she started up at Debbie in disbelief. The will to fight of both girls seemed to drain away in an instant. Debbie stood and staggered back toward Jeff, who had to catch her to keep her from falling.
"How far is until we can get of this trail?" Chris asked. He was stripping off his tee shirt and giving to Megan, still seated on the rocky trail, to cover herself.
"Maybe a half mile?" Debbie answered. "Hard to tell in the dark. There's another path that juts off to the right. It's longer, and steep in some places but a lot better than this. It used to be a stream bed I think."
"But it will take us to the picnic area?" Michelle asked hesitantly.
"Yeah, a little past it. We'll have to double back once we get to the road again."
"We what are we waiting for?" Derek said impatiently. "Let's go."
They walked for another fifteen minutes before they literally stumbled onto the path. One minute they were trudging downhill in a silent single file column surrounded by trees, and the next the forest opened up to the right, a thirty foot wide swath of relatively smooth, treeless ground angling down the mountain side.


text: Hi, Previously I had a large number of websites completely de-indexed because of the low quality content on them. They've been showing a parked page for several months now. My question is, I'm starting to put decent quality content on them now and would like to be re-indexed. How long will it take and how do I go about doing it? Thanks!


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I love the look of sweet little white chocolate nests around Easter time. And these super easy treats are fun to whip up as a festive treat. My White Chocolate Easter Nests are also vegan. I found some white chocolate chips online (also in many kosher supermarkets) and was excited to make "white" nests for once – when usually I was stuck making dark chocolate nests. Rustic coconut and creamy sweet chocolate mesh together for a tasty treat kids and adulst will love. Fill these nests with whatever you'd like. Candy "eggs" or toy birdies like I did.
White Chocolate Coconut Easter Nests
vegan, makes about 12 nests
1 cup unsweetened coconut shreds – chill in fridge (add a few sprinkles more as needed for handling)
1 1/2 cups vegan white chocolate chips
1 Tbsp ground flax seeds (for texture, color and a little boost of nutrition)
1/4 cup virgin coconut oil
1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
1/2 tsp salt
little toy birdies inside nests (optional) – I purchased these from World Market. They look a little like the Twitter icon don't they!
*remove birdies before eating or serving to young children!
More info on the vegan white chocolate chips on my blog Healthy. Happy. Life – and a cookie recipe using them.
1. Add the coconut oil and white chocolate chips to a microwavable bowl and heat in short intervals – stirring well at each interval to ensure the chocolate does not burn. I do about 3-4 intervals of 20 seconds. You can also melt over a double broiler. Stir chips into melted oil until creamy.
2. stir in salt and vanilla.
3. Fold in the chilled coconut. I actually place mine in the freezer for 20 minutes before starting. The cold coconut helps to cool and harden the chocolate for easier handling. Add more coconut shreds as needs to properly handle mixture.
4. You can either shape the nests and place on parchment paper – or place dollops of the mixture in greased or lined muffin tins – and punch a tiny hole in center for nest shape.
5. Place nests in freezer for at least 20 minutes. They should be ready to serve! You can store in either the fridge or freezer. Thaw a few minutes before serving.


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Elder Berry | Elderberries Pictures Photos Images & Fotos
Elderberries are said to increase immunity, fight colds, flu, and sore throats. They they are a rich source of bioflavonoids and antioxidants as well as the nutrients potassium, beta carotene, calcium, phosphorus and vitamin C.
Elderberries can be made into jam or made into a syrup which can be added to recipes until the next harvest. Elderberry syrup is delicious in jellies and can be added to white...
more »


text: Into The Light showcases not only an unforgettable vocalist, but also an accomplished and insightful songwriter. 13 songs that exude a Jazzy, Bluesy, Funky, Soulful feeling – its essentially a classic singer-songwriter record – No studio trickery just a great band, great songs and outstanding vocals! – If you like the idea of Norah Jones and Bonnie Raitt making a record together it might sound a bit like this!


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by Hagit Keysar
*This talk forms part of the GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION AND CITIZEN SCIENCE track*
This talk discusses the use of collaborative mapmaking techniques in the contested urban environment of Jerusalem, focusing on a particular case of mapping a contested highway in the south of Jerusalem. This particular use case of DIY aerial photography I will present in this talk, makes us rethink the civic aspects of civic science, and calls for investigating ways to reform our political as much as our scientific institutions.
If we think seriously about the aerial photograph as a tool for participating in the game of truth claiming, we need to develop ways to dismantle the iconic status of the aerial image. Inverting the authoritative use of photographic maps means turning them into discursive ground – civic science in this case is not only situating science at the heart of civil life, but also putting the category of the civil at the heart of the investigation. For that we need to find a way to implement complex layers of information, evidence and storytelling within the aerial image. Rather than returning to the expert paradigm and find solutions with designers, a good idea might be to explore existing technologies for designing maps that can be easily adapted by and for inhabitants' needs. What I am looking for is to create collaborative and trans-disciplinary work for investigating co-design approaches for designing maps, and methods for visualizing open questions, conflict and dispute.
20th–22nd February 2014


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I tried hard not to work my emotions up for this event, and I think I did pretty well. Over the weekend we finally got our boy a little trim. His little baby pony tail was just getting a lil unruly. I loved it, but it was time.
The only problem with this whole venture is that Finn is currently going through a phase. Yes, a phase where he can randomly cry his eyes out (in shyness or attention overload) if someone at a restaurant simply waves at him. Literally, he bawled with his cheek glued to the table in a puddle of his tears and drool because a sweet waitress waved at him.
See what I mean? So I wasn't sure how this first haircut thing was going to go down. Thankfully, it went okay, the tears were limited, and most of the struggle was with the wiggling. Oh and a few times, Finn grabbed the stylist's hand and pushed it away from his head. Oh boy.
We tried with distractions, we watched some videos of him blowing bubbles (a favorite activity of his) but the videos wouldn't hold his attention long...it was a battle, but thankfully we got through it. God bless our sweet stylist. Rob talked later about the pressure she must have felt having both parents there and a wiggly tiny child that she had to hold scissors really close to...she was great. (ignore my doofy face while I was trying to cheer the poor boy up)
She told us out of her year of cutting hair at this salon, she's only cut hair for like 2 kids. Ironically when we left, we saw her next client, a little boy (maybe 4) with a ton of curls. But I bet he was at least still.
I took this pic later after we got home and he was in a happier place...bubbles were present. Absolute sweetness. <3
After church on Sunday, I took a few more pics of the little one with his cleaned up hair. Love this boy so much.
Still working hard on prints for my Etsy shop. Goodness, it's taking a lot of time, but I'm excited and still chugging along. Time to log off and watch some Netflix with my man. Happy almost midweek, friends!


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Lucky Duck is designed by a team of young, creative professionals, with love for the skate & fashion culture. Established in Copenhagen in the multi-cultural neighborhood Nørrebro back in 2007. In every Lucky Duck piece, the Danish and Scandinavian roots are clear. .
For all the believers in luck, all the wishers, all the dreamers, Lucky Duck is for you. Lucky Duck is for the people who believe they can reach any height and meet any goal in life. Hard work, persistence, and a little luck: that's the Lucky Duck way.


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Backyard Ponds Grow Razorback Sucker
Private-public partnerships advance endangered fish conservation
Photo Credit: USFWS
It's an odd-looking, reclusive and rare fish. The razorback sucker is one of four fishes native to the Colorado River system that are currently listed as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act. The others—the Colorado pikeminnow, humpback chub and bonytail—share not only their unusual names, but also similar threats to their existence. The razorback sucker, however, benefits from partnerships with an unlikely set of allies and cooperators that are helping to move the species on the road to recovery.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Colorado River Fish Project Office (CRFP) based in Grand Junction, Colorado, implements the Upper Colorado River Endangered Fish Recovery Program. Along with partners, the CRFP monitors populations of these endangered fishes, and strives not only to improve habitat, but also reduce threats to the species, such as removing and relocating non-native fish that prey on the imperiled native fish. Increasing the populations of the endangered fish in the Colorado and Gunnison rivers and creating natural, self-sustaining populations of endangered fish so that they no longer require protection under the federal Endangered Species Act is the ultimate goal. Captive breeding of the razorback sucker is one step toward reaching that goal.
The captive breeding operation includes the use of a dozen or more grow-out ponds scattered throughout the Grand Valley of western Colorado. Your conventional hatchery has most of its physical structure in one place—its tanks, ponds, raceways and support buildings are all found in one locale. The "hatchery" conducted by the CRFP is different, raising razorback sucker in a variety of ponds in all shapes and sizes from one end of the valley to the other.
In 1991, the razorback sucker was listed as endangered after almost 30 years with little evidence of successful natural spawning. Over time, biologists found fewer and fewer young fish. At the same time, they noted the numbers of adult fish in the wild declining significantly. To prevent extinction, two new facilities were developed, one at the Ouray National Wildlife Refuge in Utah and the other, the Grand Valley Endangered Fish Facility in Grand Junction, Colorado, with accompanying broodstock ponds located within the Horsethief Canyon State Wildlife Area in nearby Fruita, Colorado. The latter facility was created from an old Bureau of Reclamation warehouse, while the accompanying broodstock ponds were built specifically for propagation purposes in the wildlife area.
But these facilities were not enough. A call went out in search of private landowners who would be willing to lease the use of their ponds to raise the endangered razorback sucker. The call was quickly answered, and the requests came pouring in—some people even volunteering the use of their backyard basins to help recover the razorback sucker. It was an eclectic mix—ranchers and real estate developers, environmentalists and construction companies—that offered up their waters.
These newly acquired ponds act as stepping-stones on a walk toward life in the river. They give the fish an opportunity to adjust to life on their own before ultimately being released into the muddy and malevolent Colorado, Green, and Gunnison rivers. The fish learn to naturally forage on invertebrates and other plant material lying on the pond bottoms. Their immune system strengthens, providing additional defense to external parasites and pathogens found in the wild. And finally, the fish are allowed ample opportunity to flourish, up to six months and sometimes longer, in a relatively competition- and predator free environment. As a result, these private ponds frequently turn out fatter, more robust fish, better fit to survive life in the wild.
Every fish is eventually gathered, and the pond left to dry over the winter months, the entire process starting anew come spring. Post-razorback-roundup, there's a quick stop back at the shop where each fish is weighed, measured and tagged with a tiny Passive Integrated Transponder, or PIT tag. These PIT tags hold a unique code that allows biologists to monitor individual fish throughout their development over time. Once tagged, the whole writhing mass is moved to the river's edge and sent swimming on their way downstream. It's yet one more new beginning for this ancient species edging toward recovery.
The work seems to be paying off. Last spring, biologist caught about 600 stocked razorback suckers in the Colorado and Gunnison rivers. Roughly one-sixth of those fish had survived in the river for more than a year, and half of those fish were in spawning condition. Larval fish have been showing up too, a bellwether sign that fish are spawning and eggs are hatching. It's a success story that owes as much to the tenacious and resilient razorback sucker as it does to the eclectic mix of pond-owner conservationists who answered the call for help many years ago.
Rick Smaniotto is a Fishery Biologist at the Grand Junction Colorado River Fish Project, Grand Junction, Colorado.
Editor's note: This article published originally in the Spring 2010 edition of Eddies: Reflections on Fisheries Conservation.
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