text:
One of my 8 year old's favorite books is the bedtime story book We're Going On A Bear Hunt, so when given the opportunity to review a copy of the animated We're Going On A Bear Hunt DVD and companion book, I couldn't say no. My children were introduced to the animation a few weeks ago. I was putting together a unit study featuring We're Going On A Bear Hunt, and I just happened to discover the animated story on Amazon Prime. It was a great addition to our lesson plans, and the girls have watched the story many times since!
We're Going On A Bear Hunt DVD
If you are not a Prime member you can now watch the animated version on DVD. The DVD version has now been released by Public Media Distribution, LLC.
Based on the bestselling bedtime story book written by Michael Rosen and illustrated by Helen Oxenbury, which has sold over 11 million copies globally, the film follows siblings Stan, Katie, Rosie, Max, the baby, and Rufus the dog, who decide one day to go on an adventure through whirling snowstorms, oozing mud, and dark forests in search of bears!
Featuring the voices of Olivia Colman (The Night Manager, Broadchurch), Pam Ferris (Matilda, Call The Midwife), and Mark Williams (Harry Potter), this animated story is filled with stunning visuals sure to enchant viewers along with its story of perseverance, optimism, and love of nature.
"WE'RE GOING ON A BEAR HUNT" ($9.99 SRP) will be available on DVD February 13, 2018 and has a run time of approximately 25 minutes.
We're Going On A Bear Hunt the DVD (affiliate link) is currently available on Amazon for $8.99, or Prime members can stream it for free!
We're Going on A Bear Hunt: An Adventure Field Guide
I also received a copy of We're Going on a Bear Hunt: An Adventure Field Guide to review, and honestly, the book is my favorite part of the package. As soon as I opened the book it was obvious this is a great addition to our homeschool library! Over the last week, we have included the book into Reading, Writing, Vocabulary, and Science! We're Going on a Bear Hunt: An Adventure Field Guide (affiliate link) is currently available on Amazon for $9.99.
While We're Going on a Bear Hunt: An Adventure Field Guide is based on the original characters, it is so much more than just a storybook. The book is a guide to creating your own adventure, and it is very educational! The book is broken into sections with different tips and facts about the surroundings when exploring outdoors.
The book is filled with facts, activities, and recipes broken down by subject. When learning about worms, you will find instructions to build your own worm farm alongside a mountain of information about worms themselves. Study birds by learning the basic features of all birds (a really great resource when learning about vertebrates and invertebrates), learn about eggs and migration patterns, and finish the lesson with an activity to make a cake for a bird!
Both of my kids are obsessed with rocks and have a huge rock collection. So, today we learned all about rocks and fossils.
The Life on the River section teaches food chains, river residents, and the life cycle of a frog. These are all science lessons my 8 year old is studying this year, and the information is presented in a fun and interesting way.
My favorite part of the book is the glossary. I know, it's probably my daughter's least favorite section, but it is such a great reference for terms she may not know when reading through the book. I am currently using this section as part of our weekly vocabulary lesson. I can easily pick out words that go with the science subject she is studying and present her with a definition written on her level.
If you are a homeschooling family there are a few great companion books from Candlewick Press that are perfect to include in your lesson plans. We're Going on a Bear Hunt: My Explorer's Journal and We're Going on a Bear Hunt: An Adventure Field Guide were both published in Fall 2017. We're Going on a Bear Hunt: Let's Discover Bugs is due to release in May 2018! These Candlewick Press releases feature artwork from the DVD and work well in conjunction with the DVD.
About Public Media Distribution, LLC
Public Media Distribution, LLC, is a leading media distributor both domestically and internationally. We offer high-quality, distinctive programs to our customers, including documentaries (The Sixties), dramas (Fortitude), and popular children's programming under the SkipRope brand (Kate & Mim-Mim) in multiple formats including DVD, Blu-ray, digital download, and digital streaming.
Candlewick Entertainment is a media-inspired imprint of Candlewick Press, an independent publisher based in Somerville, Massachusetts. For twenty-five years, Candlewick has published outstanding children's books for readers of all ages, including books by award-winning authors and illustrators such as the National Ambassador for Young People's Literature emerita Kate DiCamillo, M. T. Anderson, Jon Klassen, and Laura Amy Schlitz; the widely acclaimed Judy Moody, Mercy Watson, and 'Ology series; and favorites such as Guess How Much I Love You,Where's Waldo?, and Maisy. Candlewick is part of the Walker Books Group, together with Walker Books UK in London and Walker Books Australia. The Walker Books Group has a unique ownership structure that includes its employees worldwide. Visit Candlewick online at www.candlewick.com.
Street Date: February 13, 2018
Run Time: Approx. 25 Minutes
Format: DVD
The SkipRope logo is a trademark of Public Media Distribution, LLC
Related Posts
Latest posts by Jennifer M. (see all)
- Raising Arrows: "Like Arrows" Movie Review - April 23, 2018
- Gardenite Garden Hose Nozzle Review & Giveaway - April 6, 2018


text:
Australia 214 for 8 (Clarke 107*, Marsh 44, Steyn 4-31, Philander 3-54) v South Africa
Scorecard and ball-by-ball details
Australia's captain Michael Clarke conjured an innings of the highest quality against a fiery South Africa attack, but he had too little help as the visitors limped to 214 for 8 on a rain-affected day one of the first Test at Newlands.
Aided by an extremely lively pitch that had Graeme Smith sending Australia in to bat, Dale Steyn swung the ball menacingly at high pace and Vernon Philander seamed it extravagantly on debut, forcing Clarke to summon all his technical resources to cover for the loss of three early wickets.
His first few balls aside, Clarke was fluency itself in conditions that made free strokeplay extremely risky, if not outright dangerous, yet such was the captain's touch that he never seemed in undue haste despite reaching his hundred in a mere 108 balls. It was his second century in as many Test innings.
As a counter-attacking performance Clarke's recalled nothing less than Steve Waugh's first-day century against England at Old Trafford in 1997, made on a seaming, swinging surface that would later deteriorate. There was enough uneven bounce on day one in Cape Town to suggest this strip might be of similar character.
Shaun Marsh provided the only notable support with an obstinate 44 in a stand of 103, and Australia may already owe much to the pair, for many in the tourists' dressing room could recall being razed for 98 on a similarly dicey MCG surface in the Boxing Day Ashes Test.
Shane Watson was the first to go, Phillip Hughes' dismissal gave Philander his first wicket and Mark Boucher his 500th catch in Test cricket, and Ricky Ponting was lbw to Steyn on referral the fourth ball after lunch. The lower order was similarly tender prey after Marsh and Clarke were parted on the stroke of tea.
The hosts had included Philander's muscular seam bowling at the expense of Lonwabo Tsotsobe, and recalled Jacques Rudolph for his first Test match since 2006, to open the batting with Smith.
Australia were able to recall the fit-again Ryan Harris for Trent Copeland in the only change to the team that secured a 1-0 series win in Sri Lanka with a drawn third Test in Colombo.
Having waited 305 days for a Test match, the hosts cooled their heels for another 1 hour, 45 minutes until play could begin due to rain, then another five while a sight screen problem - ludicrous at the start of a match - was addressed.
Watson made a handful of bold decisions to leave deliveries that seamed back over his wicket, but had no chance in the fifth over against a Steyn offering that swung and seamed from middle and leg to turn him front on and draw an edge to second slip.
Marsh's first ball in a Test match in South Africa struck him a blow on the forearm, and next over Hughes snicked a well-pitched Philander delivery that seamed across him and was gleefully accepted by Boucher for his milestone snare.
Having demonstrated a knack for shouldering arms intelligently in his first series, Marsh's powers of self-denial were fully tested as the ball continued to deviate.
At the other end Philander chanced a short ball to Ponting early and was soon regretting it as a soaring pull shot brought six runs behind square leg. Fuller deliveries were more inconvenient, and Morne Morkel's introduction to the attack brought another level of discomfort to the batsmen, his 196cm frame generating bounce as well as movement.
Marsh leant into one princely cover drive as the skies brightened in the final over of the session, but then had to call for the physio when struck an eye-watering blow amidships before lunch could be taken.
Spectators had scarcely settled in their seats on resumption when Steyn whirred a delivery into Ponting's pads, although confusion about whether the bat had struck ball or boot caused a somewhat muted appeal from the bowler. Graeme Smith called for the aid of technology, which found the ball going on to spread-eagle middle and leg, and Ponting departed for just eight. Clarke arrived at 40 for 3.
Steyn was immediately testing out Clarke's technique, physique and courage, touching 150kph and troubling his target more than once with the short ball as the captain declined to duck. But Clarke endured, helped by Marsh, and slowly the batsmen wrested some control as the bowlers lost a little of their earlier pep.
A Clarke straight drive from Steyn was perhaps the shot of the session, but there were also some swivel pull strokes, meaty cuts and fleet-footed flicks to the legspin of the other local debutant Imran Tahir. Marsh eluded one concerted lbw appeal from Philander, but also found the sweetest of timing to flick the same bowler past midwicket near the tea interval.
Marsh did not survive to the refreshments, pinned in front of middle by Steyn's swerve in the last over before tea, and Michael Hussey was given enough idea of the struggle ahead in five balls to the break. He could not survive for long after it, touching a Morkel delivery that nipped sharply back at him, exposing the wicketkeeper and tail.
Brad Haddin's innings was reminiscent of late-period Rod Marsh: a few lusty swings, more plays and misses, and a damagingly swift exit, as Steyn's swing exposed flat feet and firm hands for a slice into the gully.
Mitchell Johnson offered a similar approach with a little more success, and was on hand when Clarke reached three figures with a drive off Jacques Kallis as glorious as any he had struck. Clarke let out a roar as the field was pierced, aware of how much these runs meant, to his team but also to his youthful captaincy - on innings of this sort are reputations built.
Johnson and Harris departed to abortive hook shots as the clouds and rain brought an early finish, leaving Clarke to accept the deserved applause of the crowd while he pondered whether his team had made enough runs in the circumstances.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Miraculous sesame oil is the ancient oil with immense health benefits. Sesame oil is the herbal oil extracted from sesame seeds. The beautiful white or pink color flowers are the source of sesame seeds. What is scientific name of sesame flower? …Being a science lover, I always want to know the scientific names of plants, fruits etc J…It gives edge too when I am buying products as a learned customer. So, the interesting scientific name of sesame plant is Sesamum indicum. My Punjabi mom calls it til da tail. Let's read with open minds about til da tail and its benefits in giving relief from joints pain.
A little insight into historical use of sesame oil !
The use of sesame oil is not new, the people of Egypt have used sesame oil for getting relief from pain since 1500 B.C. Chinese people are no less in using sesame oil in cooking and making medicines .Where were Indians? Wait, Indians too started the cultivation of sesame plant around 2500 B.C around Indus Valley civilization. Infact, at that time sesame seed was the oilseed crop present at that time.
Before filtering down to know in depth the benefits of sesame oil for joints, let us read health benefits of sesame oil in general. These are as follows-
· Natural immunity booster
Sesame oil improves strength and immunity.
· Gives strong digestion
Sesame oil eases bowel movement and improves digestive strength.
· Excellent for skin
It restores the moisture of skin keeping it hydrated. It scraps of old cells thus rejuvenates skin.
· Wards of fatigue and stress
Sesame oil improves blood circulation thus mitigating fatigue and stress.
· Miracle massage oil for babies
Sesame oil is superb oil to massage babies and is proven to help babies in development.
· As a Joint pain massage oil
Sesame oil helps in strengthening bones and good for unlocking stiff joints.
OK having taken the glimpse of sesame oil general health benefits, I guess readers would like to know how sesame oil helps in warding off joints pain?
So all of your questions like ` sesame oil massage for back pain?' or `sesame oil massage for leg pain?' or `sesame oil for arthritis' or `sesame oil for knee pain'…..shall be answered by the explanatory answer of how the sesame oil works?
The queen of oils `Sesame oil' works by the following ways for giving relief from Joint Pain. These are as follows-
- It penetrates to joint area effectively and quickly thus improving blood circulation.
- Antioxidant rich nature of sesame oil imparts anti inflammatory to it thus preventing inflammatory types of joint pain like Arthritis.
- It gives strength and vitality to joints thus unlocking locked stiff joints.
So are you already using sesame oil/til oil for joints pain? If not, go and buy sesame oil and make it your companion for joints pain.
Other options you can go for, is to use herbal oil which has sesame oil and other herbal ingredients incorporated in them. Examples of Ayurvedic medicinal oils having sesame oil are as follows-
1- Dr. Ortho Ayurvedic medicinal oil
2- Kottam Chukkadi thailam
3- Ayusha Valeria pain oil
So, give a magical healing to your joints with Sesame oil.
Read more – Joint pain massage tips
Sesame Oil for Joints Pain Relief, If you have any info or query, please add in comments.


text:
Greenfield Probate Lawyer
Probate is the legal process of administering the estate of a deceased person by resolving all claims and distributing the deceased person's property under the valid will. A probate court decides the validity of a testator's will. The court may also interpret the instructions of the deceased, decide/choose the personal representative of the estate, and adjudicate the interests of heirs and other parties who may have claims against the estate.
Representation You Can Trust
For strong representation from a lawyer dedicated to maximizing your benefits, call Stobierski & Connor now at 413-774-2867. There is no obligation to hire, and we collect no fees unless we make a recovery or settlement on your behalf.


text:
Hi everyone in High Spen!
Hope you all had a fantastic Christmas,and I am wishing you all Happy New Year!
Well my new school is called Christ Church,and I settling in well,I am in class 12,my teacher is called Miss hunt.
Nyle's teacher is Miss Simpson,he is in class 5.
We had a a christmas play and I was luckey to get a part!I played Goldilocks.Nyle was a innkeeper.
When we had our Christmas party, there was a talent show.It was like High Spens Got Talent. I enterd the competion and I sang to my amazement I won!!!
Nyle and I start school on Tuesday, hope ypur first day back is fun!
Missing you all very much. Even the teachers lol and not forgeting you Mr Firth 🙂 Speak to you all soon.


text:
Report: Minorities Hit by Foreclosures
with the industry's collapse targeted minority neighborhoods,
leaving them to struggle disproportionately with foreclosures and
crumbling home values, according to a new report.
These companies' high-risk loans made up 20 percent of all loans
in predominantly minority communities, compared with 4 percent of
total loans in mostly white areas, according to
SAN FRANCISCO (March 6) - Subprime lenders that went out of business
with the industry's collapse targeted minority neighborhoods,
leaving them to struggle disproportionately with foreclosures and
crumbling home values, according to a new report.
These companies' high-risk loans made up 20 percent of all loans
in predominantly minority communities, compared with 4 percent of
total loans in mostly white areas, according to the report released
Thursday by an alliance of policy, research and advocacy
"These high risk lenders were targeting their loans to
particular neighborhoods - to communities of color," said Saara
Nifici of the Neighborhood Economic Development Advocacy Project in
New York, one of the organizations participating in the study.
"That's where they focused their marketing practices."
Part of their growth in those areas can be explained by the lack
of other available resources - simply not having another lender in
the neighborhood, Nifici said. But researchers believe there's more
to the issue.
"It's a question of access and a question of steering," Nifici
said. "If you walk into the local subprime office, there's no
incentive for them to send you to a different lender where you can
qualify for a prime loan. People are steered downward, not
The study analyzed the geographic operating patterns of 35
high-risk lenders that were very active in 2006 but that went
bankrupt, were closed or sold in 2007 as the industry imploded.
Chief among them were New Century Mortgage Corp., WMC Mortgage
Corp., Fremont Investment & Loan, and Argent Mortgage Co.
The survey focused on lending to minority urban markets in New
York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Boston, Cleveland, Charlotte, N.C., and
Rochester, N.Y. In six of these seven urban areas, high-risk
lenders' market share in minority neighborhoods was at least three
times the share in white neighborhoods.
Many subprime loans to borrowers with blemished credit or low
incomes featured low introductory or "teaser" rates. When the
adjustable mortgages reset to higher rates, it made the monthly
payments unaffordable for many people and put their homes at risk
of foreclosure.
Advocacy groups have said poor and minority borrowers who
qualified for traditional loans were nevertheless steered into
risky adjustable mortgages.
The concentration of subprime loans happened in low-income
areas, but also in middle-class minority communities like the
predominantly African- and Caribbean-American areas of southeast
Queens in New York, Nifici said.
In these cases, "race and ethnicity played a bigger part" in
lending decisions than income, she said.
This concentration means these minority communities will
shoulder most of the negative impacts of the subprime crisis -
foreclosures, sinking property values, lower tax bases, abandoned
homes and higher crime.
The report recommended that policy makers protect borrowers and
tenants from foreclosures and pass mortgage reform legislation.
The city of Baltimore filed a federal lawsuit against Wells
Fargo Bank in January, alleging the bank intentionally sold
high-interest mortgages more to blacks than to whites in violation
of federal law and targeted black neighborhoods for high-risk and
unfairly priced loans.
Wells Fargo has said it does not consider race when making
On the Net:
Neighborhood Economic Development Advocacy Project:


text:
I came across a reference to The Brothers Lionheart by Astrid Lindgren (1973, but OOP in the US) in Lucy Knisely's An Age of License: A Travelogue (Fantagraphics Books, 2014) and like Lucy, I'm a bit skeptical! In Knisely's book, Lucy and her Swedish sort-of boyfriend Henrik are comparing their favorite books from their youth. Lucy's is Harry Potter; Henrik's is The Brothers Lionheart. It's about (he tells her) two young boys who die tragically and then go to Nangijala, where they join a war over slaves and land. Lucy is all, "Wait, what?" Apparently, The Brothers Lionheart is beloved in Sweden, but I might have to stick to Pippi and Ronia, the Robber's Daughter, my favorite of Lindgren's characters, unless someone out there can convince me otherwise.
I can, however, recommend An Age of License, especially to young adults and recent college graduates! It's a travelogue, in comics, of Lucy Knisely's 2011 Scandinavian and European book tour (a sequel of sorts to Relish: My Life in the Kitchen, which won a 2014 Alex Award), so it touches on her career (and a creepy con experience), as well as traveling alone, with family and friends, and with the aforementioned Henrik. I like Knisely's clean, uncluttered drawing, the variety of layouts (there's lots of white space, not really any panels), and the occasional splash of watercolor. A companion book, Displacement, is forthcoming from Fantagraphics in January 2015, although that one promises to be a bit more serious and sad (it's about her relationship with her aging grandparents).


text:
I had so much fun writing last week's post about a few of the things I found and loved this year, I thought I would be just as much fun to share some of the books I've read and found made an impact on me in 2016.
A little story before I share my book choices from 2016
Before I dive into the books I wanted to share about my reading process. Seems a little off the cuff to share about my reading process but I thought it worth a share. By default, I prefer to read the actual physical copy of a book but that's not always practical since I'd very quickly run out of space in my place and I'm trying to keep things lean in terms of stuff.
Also, as much as I love the library, I really do love owning the book I'm reading. So while I will check out books on occasion from the library to check it out and see if it's something I should by, I tend either purchase them or download an electronic version.
For quite awhile I was reading books on my phone, I had one of the first versions of the Samsung Note and it worked well enough. I then got a Samsung tablet and thought that would be what I would use to read books, but it wasn't until I purchased a Kindle again that my reading really ramped up again. It's a close enough replication of reading a paper book.
This is of course not the only way I consume my books, I still have my fair share of books on the shelf, but having the Kindle makes it much easier for me to throw it in my person and have my own personal library on had when I need it.
Note: This post contains affiliate links. You can read my full disclosure here.
The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle
I have read this book so many times and each time I do, I take out a different color highlighter so I can see which passages hit home during the current reading session. To so this book has made a profound impact on my life is very much a understatement. Here's the thing with this book though, you have to read it when it's the right time. Do force yourself to read through this book, it won't have the right impact. The book will find you when it makes sense.
The Power of Now changed how I look and react to the world. I no longer get stressed or worked up about things I have no control over. I know that all I have is now, this moment. There is no past or future, just here where I am, experience this moment of now. This book is definitely one of my top choices ever.
Get the Power of Now on Amazon
17 Strategies I Used to Increase My Pageviews from 17K to 350K Each Month
I discovered the ebook when I purchase the Genius Bloggers Toolkit offered by the team at Ultimate Bundles, but Lena Gott of What Mommy Does, really does layout the goods in this guide. For anyone that's looking for tips on how to increase their page views on their site, I encourage you to get a copy of this book. It doesn't take long to read, by it's filled with practical tips to get you working towards getting more pageviews.
Get 17 Strategies I Used to Increase My Pageviews from 17K to 350 Each Month Here.
Taking the Leap: Freeing Ourselves from Old Habits and Fears by Pema Chodron
This book is only 100 pages in but packs a lot into that little book. This book gives you practical information about how to break free of destructive patterns and even if you don't think your patterns are too destructive this information provided is very insightful. You'll learn about the Buddhist practice of Shenpa and helps you see how certain habits of mind tend to "hook" us and get us stuck in states of anger, blame, self-hatred and addiction.
A powerful read and enlightening
You're my favorite client by Mike Monteiro
I love these quick reads, you feel like you've accomplished something and in the process you learn a thing or two! All wins in my mind. You're My Favorite Client is a book from a designer to their client. It gives you insight into how the designer and you will work together.
While this might be focused on the design or website work the principles are still the same no matter what industry you work in. At a minimum you'll discover how a great website project should really work.
High Fidelity by Nick Hornby
Do you remember the movie High Fidelity with John Cusack? This is the book it's based on. Just a great read, funny with a bit of nostalgia thrown in (well at least for me since it takes place in the '80s.
What I enjoyed about the book is it's about relationships but from the guy's perspective which isn't something you get to read about too often.
SEO for WordPress by Yoast.com
If you have a website that uses the self-hosted version of WordPress then you'll want to get this book. It's focus is how to make your site search engine friendly but it's focus is on sites using WordPress. Of course the principles in the book cold apply to any site, but it's helpful to read something that has a focus on the platform I'm using.
From their site: This eBook takes you through every aspect of Search Engine Optimization that is important for your site to rank well. There are eight sections to cover these aspects, each containing a different example of a site. Amongst others, we present a tech blog, a mom blog and a personal blog. This way, you'll get a clear view on how to implement the theory! Every section also contains lots of practical Yoast tips, that will help you to start optimizing your site quickly.
Get SEO for WordPress by Yoast
Start with Why by Simon Sinek
I decided to read this book because so many others raved about it. Now I'm going to go against the grain here and say this book was a good read, but I wasn't WOW'd by it. I didn't find anything new or profound from what I already knew. But that was me.
This book is great for anyone looking for insights on how to make their business better. The concept is look at your business from the point of Why. Why are doing what you do, dig deep and share that with your readers and followers. People want to believe in something, so if you are doing some you really believe in then the rest will come together.
In the Unlikely Event by Judy Blume
One of the few fiction books I read this year and I was motivated to read it because it was written by one of my favorite childhood authors, Judy Blume. Based partly on the events in Judy Blume's home town when she was a child.
From Wikipedia: In The Unlikely Event takes place in the early 1950s when the United States is dealing with the Korean War along with changing social mores. Miri Ammerman is the daughter of a single mother whose father left before she was born. Miri learns to negotiate a difficult adolescence with her loving family as they, and everyone in her hometown of Elizabeth, New Jersey, deal with the unexpected and unexplained rash of airplane crashes literally in their backyards.
The novel is based on three actual plane crashes that took place in Elizabeth, Blume's hometown, over the course of 58 days.[2][3] The first accident occurred on December 15, 1951, with the plane crashing into the Elizabeth River. The second crash happened on January 22, 1952, and nearly hit the Battin High School for girls. The last crash was on February 11 of the same year and narrowly missed an orphanage.
Get In the Unlikely Event by Judy Blume on Amazon
The One Thing by Gary Keller
The One Thing focuses on the idea that you need to ask yourself one question before you do anything to accomplish great things. While I don't follow his suggestions in the strictest sense what he shares in his books is helpful to get focused on the important things and keeping focus on the big goal rather than getting distracted by all the small "busy" work.
Get the One Thing by Gary Keller on Amazon
Ask and It is Given by Esther and Jerry Hicks
I think this is one of my favorite books this year and not because it talks about the principles of the Law of Attraction, but it helps you focus on what you are grateful for as well as help you appreciate the now and where you are right now. It's a great book and something I can see referencing time and again when I need to refocus and remind myself that I have so much to be grateful for.
Get Ask and It is Given by Esther and Jerry Hicks on Amazon
How to Blog for Profit Without Selling Your Soul by Ruth Soukup
Ruth offers some great practical tips for anyone starting a blog and even for those who have been building a blog for some time. Ruth covers all aspects of what's required to build a successful blog, though for someone who has a few years of experience may find the topics a bit light on details. Great for anyone starting out though.
Get How to Blog for Profit by Ruth Soukup on Amazon
My take-a-ways?
I want to read a more fiction in 2017! I generally gravitate towards business books and blogs for my reading consumption but having a few changes during the year to relax the brain and enjoy the ride of a good fiction book is important too!
So what are some of your favorite books that you read in 2016? Share below, I'd love to know and hopefully add to my reading list for 2017!


text:
Download the lecture video here
This week marks the 50th anniversary of the first human heart transplant. This talk will celebrate that achievement and consider what we have learned over those 50 years and what is to happen in the future.
Martin Elliott was Gresham Professor of Physic from 2014-2018. He is Co-Medical Director at The Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London (GOSH). He led the cardiorespiratory and thoracic transplant teams at GOSH for many years, and established, and is Director of the National Service for Severe Tracheal Disease in Children, the largest such service in the world.
Professor Elliott studied at Newcastle University both as an undergraduate and a postgraduate, and also in the Universities of Southampton and London. He was appointed a consultant paediatric cardiothoracic surgeon at GOSH in 1985 and has been Professor of Cardiothoracic Surgery at UCL since 2004.
His research has covered several domains, including the pathophysiology of cardiopulmonary bypass (developing modified ultrafiltration, now used in most repairs of congenital heart disease (CHD)); the development and application of outcome registries in surgery for CHD (he developed the European Congenital Heart Defects Database, the forerunner of the EACTS and STS registries); the specification of the nomenclature for congenital heart defects (he was founding president of the International Nomenclature Society for CHD); the improvement of teamwork within cardiac care (consulting and working with Formula 1 teams, the airline and hotel industries); and most recently the management of severe tracheal disease in children, including the first homograft and stem cell-based transplantations of that organ in children.
Professor Elliott is passionate about improving the experience for patients and providing them with insight they and their families need to make informed choices. At GOSH he leads on quality and safety, and GOSH has won several prizes for its work in this field. He has given evidence to the Bristol and Francis Inquiries related to the importance of information provision for quality improvement.
He has published over 260 peer-reviewed articles and is in demand as a speaker, having delivered over 300 invited lectures worldwide, including 20 named lectures, to professional and lay audiences. He has taken part in several television documentaries. He reviews for many scientific journals and teaches and operates throughout the world. He has trained many of the world's leading paediatric cardiac surgeons and has been involved in service reform in several countries.
All of Professor Elliott's Gresham lectures can be accessed here.
[The image of Professor Elliott is used courtesy of Becan]
Sir Terence English is a retired cardiac surgeon He now lives in Oxford but spent his professional life in Cambridge, where he was consultant cardiothoracic surgeon to Papworth and Addenbrooke's Hospitals from 1972 to 1995.
He was born in South Africa in 1932. After school in Natal he spent a year as a diamond-driller in what was then known as Rhodesia. He then studied Mining Engineering at Witwatersrand University in Johannesburg, qualifying BSc in 1954. Having inherited a small legacy he decided he would be a better doctor than an engineer, and was accepted to read medicine at Guy's Hospital in London.
Before starting medical school, he worked for 8 months in mining exploration in Canada and thereafter returned each summer for the next three years to augment his capital. He qualified from London University in 1962 and then embarked on training, first in general surgery and then in cardiothoracic surgery.
After being appointed to Papworth and Addenbrooke's hospitals his main surgical interest became heart transplantation and he performed Britain's first successful heart transplant in 1979. There had been three previous attempts in 1968 by Donald Ross but these were not successful and thereafter a moratorium had been placed on further attempts in the United Kingdom.
In 1980 Sir Terence was appointed Director of the British Heart Foundation Research Group at Papworth, and under his leadership the hospital achieved an international reputation for heart, and later, heart-lung and lung, transplantation. For this and other contributions to surgery he was made Knight Commander of the British Empire in 1991.
Sir Terence was elected President of the Royal College of Surgeons of England from 1989 to 1992, and President of the British Medical Association in 1995-1996. He became Master of St Catharine's College in Cambridge (1993 – 2000) and was Deputy Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire from 1994 to 2001.
Stephen is a Consultant Surgeon at Papworth Hospital, Cambridge.
Stephen Large was appointed to Papworth Hospital in 1989 with a specialist interest in surgery for ventricular tachycardia. His early interest in medical student education led to a Cambridge University appointment as Associate Lecturer in the Department of Medicine and on to become clinical sub-dean for cardiac and thoracic services.


text:
Tara and Derek 's wedding at War Memorial Chapel on Virginia Tech's campus was full of laughter and tears of joy! Tara's reaction at seeing Derek for the first time, during their First Look, and walking down the aisle on her Daddy's arm was one of the sweetest I have seen. This girl just oozes joy and laughter and I'm pretty sure it's a family trait! When I first met the bride's family, back before Christmas, they had me laughing the whole time and the wedding day was no exception. I just love when a bridal party of old friends, new friends and family members comes together and is held close by the love that they share for the bride and groom. Tara and Derek are truly loved by the community surrounding them and it was wonderful to stand among their loved ones and celebrate this day! Their reception was held at the German Club, which was the perfect setting for a classy party… and these people know how to party!
Ceremony Location: War Memorial Chapel
Reception Venue: The German Club
Doughnut Cake!: Carol Lee Doughnuts


text:
This weekend Brendan and Cate at Green Acres Farm hosted a RIBS Beer and Food Pairing. We had a delicious 5 course menu featuring dumplings, baby bok choi salad, kimchi fried rice (my favorite!), smoked duck with mushrooms, and red bean paste ice cream with vanilla wafers. All of the dishes were cooked by Cate and served by their family and friends, and many of the ingredients were sourced on the farm.
We kept the pairing pretty informal, with members and their guests sampling and tasting, and commenting on which beers accentuated flavors in the dishes and which styles overpowered. We had a variety of homebrew and commercial styles and the sampling was relaxed, lasting well into a beautiful spring evening at the farm.


text:
OTTAWA - NDP Leader Tom Mulcair is kicking off the new year with a concerted effort to persuade Canadians that New Democrats can be trusted to manage the fragile economy.
With an election looming within nine months, Mulcair and his MPs are gathering for two days, starting Thursday, to plot strategy.
The meeting comes as plunging oil prices and the resulting drops in tax revenues have economists warning about potential problems for both federal and provincial governments.
Insiders say the strategy sessions will focus on what the NDP sees as two myths fostered by Prime Minister Stephen Harper's Conservatives.
One: that the Conservatives are prudent fiscal managers dedicated to economic growth and job creation and on the road to a budget surplus in the coming fiscal year.
Two: that a reckless, big-spending NDP government would ruin the progress that's been made, raise taxes and plunge the country back into deficit.
A perceived lack of economic expertise has long been an Achilles heel for the NDP, which has never formed a federal government.
However, New Democrats like to boast that provincial NDP governments have typically been the most fiscally prudent.
Mulcair is scheduled to kick off the two-day caucus retreat with a speech that is expected to shed some light on his economic policy.
And on Friday the gathering will hear from Kevin Page, the former parliamentary budget officer, who is expected to offer a harsh critique of the Harper government's fiscal record.
Mulcair has been unveiling planks for the NDP election platform since the fall, including a national program to provide 1 million daycare spaces, at a cost of $5 billion a year once it's fully operational. He's also pledged to restore the annual six-per-cent increase in health-care transfers to the provinces, which could drain an additional $36 billion out of federal coffers.
He has been less precise about how he'd pay for his proposals, other than promising to roll back some of the corporate tax cuts implemented by the Harper government.
The collapse of oil prices has made it more difficult for any of the parties to firmly predict how much money they'll have to play with in crafting their election platforms. Some economists already doubt that Harper can keep his promise to balance the books in the coming fiscal year, predicting the loss of oil revenue will keep the federal government in the red for as much as another two years.
However, Finance Minister Joe Oliver has insisted the government is on track to a small surplus next year — most of which has already been earmarked for a series of family tax benefits.
The Conservatives have put opposition parties in a position where they'll likely have to scrap some of those tax cuts in order to afford their own proposed programs — thereby reinforcing the Tory argument that they're reckless tax-and-spenders.
Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau has said he would kill the recently announced measure to allow couples with young children to split their income for tax purposes, a measure he says helps only the top 15 per cent of families.
Mulcair is also adamantly opposed to income-splitting, but has yet to specifically say he'd roll back the Tory measure.
Also on HuffPost


text: Greenville Locks automotive locksmiths in Greenville SC are available 24 hours a day for emergency locksmith service! We have been serving the community for years providing locksmith service to cars. Transponder computer chip car keys are no longer a thing of the past! We stay up on the newest technology to better provide service to all of our customers. We also offer car remote programming as well as car key duplication services. Call us today to get a free quote on our locksmith services in today! 864-350-7017


text:
Custom essay writing service is one of the rapidly developing industries nowadays. Its availability online has made it accessible to students all over the world. They have a possibility any company to their liking, ranging from highly expensive custom companies to cheap essay writing service.
The main reason of essay help services is that modern students are overloaded with numerous academic tasks that have to be completed on the highest possible level. All professors and instructors have their own requirements to essays and papers. A lot of students cannot cope with academic writing assignments without essay help from essay writing services. Our experience shows that students find cheap essays writing useful and necessary. Besides, they prefer cheap, yet professional essays provided by essay writing services.
Despite the wide-spread stereotype that students have to do all assignments on their own, we realize that students need assistance and essay help. They require cheap essays in order to get good grades and earn excellent reputation in their educational establishments. Therefore, our cheap essay writing service is always at students' disposal whenever they need cheap custom essays or any essay help. In spite of the low price of our essay writing, we guarantee the high quality of the essay writing service you receive.
Of course, you may doubt the quality of cheap essays as there is a stereotype that cheap implies poor quality. When you buy cheap essay, you may think that it will be full of mistakes. However, it is not always so. Our essay writing service is aware of the fact that students cannot afford expensive papers. Therefore, we strive to work out the best possible ratio between high quality and low price. Besides, we offer prices that are affordable, yet may seem cheap if you take into consideration the high quality of delivered essays. However, you should be careful with cheap essay writing services that have dubious reputation and little experience in the business. So, try to avoid extremely cheap essays that are offered online as they may damage your reputation and lower your academic grades.
You should not hesitate ordering cheap essay writing at PrimeEssays.com
Once you buy cheap essay at PrimeEssays.com, all your doubts concerning the quality of our essay help will vanish. We guarantee that you will be utterly satisfied with our essay writing. Our writers are highly educated professionals with degrees in numerous fields. Their ultimate goal is to provide our customers with cheap, yet premium quality custom essays.
Just to be on the safe side, you can buy online a sample page and test our writers' skills. This way you will make sure that our cheap essay writing service offers only top quality essay help that will appease even to the most demanding customers. Thousands of students have already tried our cheap custom essays and they were surprised with the quality of service they got. They have become our returning customers and we offer them an attractive pricing policy. Our writers will follow all your requirements in order to make your custom essay a success. Our essay help will make you a successful student with excellent grades!
If you have any questions regarding your order or our cheap essay writing service, do not hesitate to contact our online support service that is at your disposal 24/7.
Our cheap essay writing service is entirely custom-oriented. We value all our customers and do everything possible to gain their sincere appreciation. Providing students with cheap essays is not simply a business for us, but rather our life. We want to make you completely satisfied with our cheap essays writing!
Remember that if you need any essay help, PrimeEssays.com is always ready to provide you with it!


text:
Imagine a one-stop-shop platform for businesses to empower their digital transformation. A single location where companies can deliver apps and services to a captive audience of high-quality customers looking for powerful business benefits. Built on proven software, driven by innovation, open to all – welcome to Kognifai and the Kognifai Partner Program.
"Think of the benefits you enjoy from the apps on your mobile phone," says Jan-Sigurd Sørensen, Strategic Advisor, Kongsberg Digital. "By accessing and utilizing your data, they can help you manage your time, optimize your workload, improve your health, or choose services that save you money and ultimately improve your quality of life. Apple and Google have created an environment where users can enhance their everyday experiences while independent developers create and market apps for waiting customers.
"Everybody wins!" he says with a smile, before explaining: "And this is what we are creating with Kognifai: a digital platform for industry, whereby businesses pick and choose the right apps, products, and services for their needs – and we will take care of operations, security, backbone components, and all the rest.
"It's an incredible opportunity, and a unique new business gateway, just waiting to be accessed. We want to give our partners the key."
We want to give our partners the key
Platform potential
Before we get carried away, let's rewind a little. What is Kognifai? Sørensen describes it as an open and collaborative digital ecosystem, one that enables integration between the worlds of information technology and operational technology.
In more simplistic terms, it's a platform, built for collecting and working with big data. Data can be fed in from any source, time, or location – from sensors on existing KONGSBERG technology, from market updates, from office administration systems around the world, from historical weather reports, or energy consumption rates … from anything – and is securely stored in the cloud. From here it can be collated, compared, analyzed, and mined for immense value, empowering better business decision making, cost savings, time efficiencies, performance improvement and much more.
At Nautisk, we believe that the Kognifai platform can satisfy a significant amount of the future requirements of the shipping industry. One factor is that the nature of Kognifai and its ecosystem will allow the client to customize their bridge solution to what is best suited for their individual needs and requirements. Furthermore, as it is difficult to excel in every area, we believe that the customer's needs will be much better met by how the Kognifai platform allows for more of a bespoke solution compared to a generic, one-size-fits-all solution from the vendor.
That said, the most valuable part of Kognifai lies within the endless opportunities to optimize vessel performance by combining data sharing between all these different platforms and applications. Here, we believe Kognifai and the utilization of big data will help the shipping industry meet the requirements of the future and improve margins while reducing emissions etc.
– Espen Martinsen, Commercial Director, Nautisk
READ ALSO: Nautisk Forlag is bringing 122 years of maritime experience to a new partnership with Kongsberg Digital.
As an example, think of switching to predictive maintenance rather than time-based. If you had the data to actually know when assets needed attention rather than simply scheduling maintenance every year (for example) safety, productivity, efficiency and cost control could be optimized, improving overall business performance.
This is what advanced data analytics empowers, and Kognifai is the platform that enables it.
Accessing opportunity
"We specialize in obtaining data from assets," Sørensen notes. "If you think of our maritime activity, we have technology installed on around 30,000 vessels in the world fleet. All those products, systems, and services produce a wealth of data we can harvest, creating huge potential for generating added value and reduced costs. However, we have to be realistic – we don't have a monopoly on ideas and innovation."
He explains that this is where partners come in. To maximize the value of the data, KONGSBERG is seeking to create a community of expert developers and service providers, in the same way Apple does in its App Store. This will drive innovation and help existing customers meet challenges and business objectives in new ways, while the partners gain access to KONGSBERG's huge customer base and create an invaluable marketing channel for their own companies. In return, KONGSBERG builds a platform that helps strengthen its own business and attract further revenues and customers.
"Once again," Sørensen stresses, "everybody wins."
Fast track growth
The team at Kongsberg Digital sees a scenario whereby the platform grows rapidly to provide customers with a range of solutions to meet their demands. For example, there may be several maintenance or fuel optimization tools that companies can cherry-pick, potentially trying out numerous apps or products on a subscription basis to ensure they get the solution best tailored to their needs. Unlike consumer platforms where tens, or hundreds, of thousands of apps may be available, Kognifai will have a smaller number, highly specialized in delivering business value for customers.
We're proud to be part of the Kognifai Partner Program. It gives us the opportunity to engage with a large number of industry front-runners looking to harness the benefits of digitalization. The ambition to provide a one-stop shop for digital transformation is fascinating. It makes it possible for everyone to conveniently capture business benefits from optimized operational efficiency or improved business continuity. With our secure, dedicated connectivity service and Kognifai's digital ecosystem, customers have a ready package to quickly start utilizing the outcome of digitalization.
– Toni Linden, CEO of KNL Networks
READ ALSO: Kognifai and KNL Networks provide an affordable and secure solution for vessel connectivity
Sørensen is confident that partners will be quick to see the benefits.
"It's an initiative that allows everyone to play to their strengths," he comments. "ISVs, system integrators, technology and service providers, OEMs, and resellers can focus on their core competencies – creating and delivering innovative solutions – while we continue developing, hosting, and refining a big data platform they can use to push those products to a captive audience hungry for business improvement. This means small companies can be nimble, drive innovation, and bring ideas to market quickly.
"The fact they're partnering with KONGSBERG also gives them a 'stamp of approval,' ensuring that those small businesses have a big market reputation behind them. That definitely helps open doors to development."
Building benefits
As with the consumer platforms mentioned above, KONGSBERG won't be trying to force partners into an exclusive arrangement with Kognifai. Sørensen says they are of course free to market their solutions on whichever platforms they see fit, while adding that the quality of Kognifai, its customers, and the partnerships hopefully will make it the preferred platform.
"We're not interested in tying people down, but rather in growing an ecosystem that is a fertile breeding ground for creativity, innovation, and solutions that deliver powerful benefits. This is pure collaboration – empowering people, both our customers and partners, to extract maximum value from data and achieve their business potential. It's a tremendously exciting project."
Open for business
The Kognifai Partner Program is launching now. An initial intake of partners has already been made, all of whom are keen to access opportunity with KONGSBERG's global array of customers, particularly in the fields of maritime and energy. The program is designed to select quality over quantity, with a desire to ensure customers get optimal solutions for their current and future needs. And the partners can be sure of the support, training, and resources they need to bring the best products into this unique marketplace.
"The only partnerships that work are those that create true value for both parties," Sørensen concludes. "With the Kognifai Partner Program the benefits for everyone are crystal clear, so we're confident of building a thriving collaborative community to assist our customers with their digital transformation.
"The industrial app store is now open for business."


text:
We started producing snowboard inspired t-shirts back in 2003.
In 2011 we expanded to cover all snowsports, so whether you are a boarder or a skier we
believe that we'll soon have a design or two that you will love.
{ Ski } T-Shirt
Reverse silouette design of a skier ripping downhill - skiing at perhaps it's purest form. We can't all blast the Hahnenkamm but this is definitely one for all the skier speed merchant piste lovers out there!
Available Colours:
{ Snowsport } T-Shirt
Do you dream of being back on the snow while you're asleep. Day dream of your next trip while you are shopping or at work? If so you are as addicted as us and whether you snowboard or ski this cartoon design applies to you!
Powder, Wax, Mountain, Quarterpipe, Moguls; just some of the words that will probably buzz through you're mind if you are addicted to skiing or snowboarding. As you are looking at this on the internet and you are into snow sports - therefore this design is for you!
E-Mail: firstname.lastname@example.com


text:
My name is Bonny Reid. It was nearly five years ago, when I became pregnant with and experienced the birth of my own daughter, that I began my journey of providing support to expectant families. With a background in Social Work (BSW from Meredith College and MSW from the University of Maryland at Baltimore), I had happily worked for many years in STD/HIV education and counseling. However, when my own baby was born 6.5 weeks premature and I experienced my own transformation into motherhood, my passion for working with families during pregnancy and postpartum was ignited.
As a Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator (LCCE), DONA-Trained Doula, and an Internationally Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), I believe in the incredible power of women, babies, birth and breastfeeding. I believe in supporting the unique needs and desires that will enable each family to have a safe, healthy, and satisfying birth and breastfeeding experience. I believe that every woman should feel empowered to become informed and communicate openly with members of her support team to feel confident about decisions she will help make for herself and her baby. I believe that every mother, whether expectant, laboring, or with her new babe in arms, deserves to feel listened to, respected, supported, affirmed and loved.


text:
Drawing Time
posted: February 6, 2012
In my own work my sketches, or drawing ends up gone. Wallpapered over with oil paint. I've had a passion for the idea of edges , whether soft or hard in painting. The purity of drawing is something lately I've wanted to feel again.
Chris Spollen February 6, 2012
harry February 6, 2012
Always inspired. I for one would like to see more non assignment work here on Drawger. Thanks for giving us a peek Doug.
Leo Espinosa February 6, 2012
I can't get enough of those motorcycles!
Rob Dunlavey February 6, 2012
That view of the motorcycles is killer! Leave as is?
Douglas Fraser February 6, 2012
Chris - Thanks! Leo - Thanks, it's a guilty pleasure of mine. Harry - Your comment does connect for me. It is interesting to see the first marks a person makes. Before the many layers of glossy polish, of layers, filters, and or what every are applied. There was a person at the drop in drawing session with an ipad. Interesting because she struggled with it. I know of other artists that use an ipad, and achieve some nice results, but stepping a little past the PC answer, it's the differences between a hand written letter versus an email. There's a more direct connection to the creator. The decisions of the artist don't seem so remote.
Douglas Fraser February 6, 2012
Rob - Yeah it's done, I'm leaving it be.
Walter Vasconcelos February 6, 2012
Doug, the image of the motorcycle is perfect. It eventually became an abstract art, very cool!
Mark McBride February 6, 2012
Nice bike mix you got going there Doug. Like an old kung fu flick...your draw fuuu, hmp, pretty good!
Richard Downs February 6, 2012
Doug, your "In for repairs" piece is by far my favorite work of yours. This may sound like a reference stretch but as soon as I saw it I thought of Goya's "Misfortunes occurred in the Stands" from his Bullfighting etchings from 1812. Which I consider the first work of modern art, years before Gustave Courbet's, "The Stone Breakers". The way you Pushed the pattern and density to the top of the piece and let everything else drop off was the best, the best. Love it!
Douglas Fraser February 6, 2012
Walter - yes, it was the overall abstract quality that drew me in. Mark - I'm blushin' Richard - damn, you had me at Goya.


text:
Sometimes I have those kind of nights when I have 5 minutes and an empty fridge...but, aha, there's always a few eggs in there. Voila, dinner!
Here's what you'll need:
Olive oil
2 eggs/omelet
course salt and pepper
chopped veggies: I like red onion, red pepper, quartered grape tomatoes
Chopped kalamata olives
Chopped marinated artichoke hearts
Cheese (I like crumbled feta)
Minced parsley
Heat the olive oil in a saute pan over medium high heat; it should be hot, but not smoking. Saute vegetables until softened. Add a pinch of salt and pepper, olives, and artichoke hearts. Put vegetable mixture in a bowl and mix with cheese. Beat eggs and add a pinch of salt and pepper. Pour eggs into saute pan and roll in a circular motion, so that the eggs cover the entire surface of the pan. Once the bottom of the pan is covered, put the pan down and walk away...for 15-30 seconds. Once the egg is almost cooked through, put the vegetable mixture on half of the omelet. With a spatula, fold half of the omelet over the mixture and slide the omelet onto a plate.
With a simple salad, this is a great dinner!
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Quick and Easy Wednesday: Mediterranean Omelet
Posted by Becca at 5:05 PM
Labels: Becca, quick and easy
0 comments:
Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)


text:
Six weeks have passed, are we missing something?
According to AR12Gaming, Playground Games creative director Ralph Fulton broke the sad news at this year's Gamescom in Cologne, Germany, saying that the Wolfsburg-based manufacturer would not appear in the virtual roads of Australia at launch. He added, "I can't talk about it, but I'm sufficed to say I'm not happy about it – it's not going to be in the game."
Well, at the very least, the closest we can drive a VW on virtual Australia is the Meyers Manx.


text:
Apple has been successful due to Steve Jobs being both a visionary and a fastidious micro-manager about front-end design and back-end execution. No detail falls off his radar screen.
It is almost as though Steve asks, "What would I personally want in a product? What's missing that would make this really exciting?" And, then, he personally leads the effort to develop and commercialize the product.
When Apple customers suffered an antenna problem with a new iPhone, an SVP lost his job. In Steve's mind, customers never should have suffered with the problem. Poor execution followed by immediate accountability. How often do we see that in the business world?
Steve Jobs has delighted his customers and shareholders. He's folllowed other marketplace innovations with breakthrough innovations.
- There were mp3 players before the iPod.
- There were smartphones before the iPhone.
- There were tablet computers before the iPad.
- There was cloud computing before the iCloud.
Look at the embarrassment HP has just suffered with its TouchPad tablet. HP sold 25,000 units in the first month of availability–Apple sold 3 million iPads in the first 80 days. HP's half-baked effort reflected poorly on its brand.
In Steve Jobs, we have seen genius at work. But, the genius is in both the innovation and the execution. Bravo, Steve, bravo.
I pray Steve can continue to do what he loves for as long as he wants.
Dave Gardner, Gardner & Associates Consulting
© 2011 Dave Gardner


text:
November will be here before you know it, but it's still a bit too soon for most of our employees and friends to get a peek at the inside of the new Mott Children's Hospital and Von Voigtlander Women's Hospital. We've just added a new feature to our website, though, to give you an idea of approximately where the different units and features of this beautiful new 12-floor hospital will be. Check it out!
** This tool is designed to give a general idea of where specific clinics and areas are located. Spaces are approximate.


text:
"Do not spam" used to be covered in our old Forum Code of Conduct. In order to better cover all the ways the website and community can be spammed, we have made the issue of 'spam' its own policy.
In the forums, spam is likely to be removed first under basic forum moderation. This means players are unlikely to be issued any forum penalties.
Repeated posting of moderated content will likely lead to forum penalties. Depending on severity, intent, and context, we reserve the right to suspend an account's access to the Flight Rising website.
What do we consider spam?
Soliciting free items, dragons, or currency (in-game or real world). The Flight Rising community is very generous to new or returning players. If you find you are in need of food for your dragons, please check your Flight's discussion forum for threads offering food items.
Posting outside polls. The Flight Rising forums are discussion forums. Outside polls are not discussions. Flight Rising focused polls should be supplemental to a discussion.(04/12/2019)
Posting petitions. The Flight Rising forums are discussion forums. Petitions are not discussions.(04/12/2019)
Posting excessively long blocks of text.
- Example: The Bee Movie script.
Advertising threads in other forums, using our website or forums to advertise your own game, hire for your own company, etc. If you wish to advertise a game you have made or work for, please contact our ad partner, Hiveworks, for more information about advertising on Flight Rising.
Repeated posting of the same topic or reply or flooding the forums with meaningless content or brief single-sentence thoughts.
Posting for the sole purpose of increasing your forum star count. This will result in your forum stars being reset.
Bumping threads in discussion forums. Bumping is when a player keeps their thread at the top of a forum by posting content-less replies. It falls under bumping regardless of whether or not the reply bumping the thread is deleted. The following Sales forums are exempt from the bumping policy:
- Dragons for Sale
- Items for Sale
- Flight Sales
- Art Sales
- Raffles & Giveaways
- Dragon Trading
- Find a Dragon


text:
The Swift Satire Festival celebrates the life, works and legacy of Jonathan Swift. The seventh Swift Satire Festival will take place in Trim, Co Meath, this weekend, July 12-13, 2014.
Click here for the full programme of events
What's On in Brief.
Poetry in Motion. Starts: 10:30.
Stand on a box on the streets of Trim and read poetry aloud. Books supplied.
The Feat of Clay. Start: 11:30
Stand in the footsteps of Swift during a fun outdoor reading of his wicked satire on religion, A Tale Of A Tub. You'll have one foot on the sod of Co Meath, one foot on the clay of Straid Dam lake, Co Antrim, where Jonathan Swift famously killed time on a Sunday morning while waiting for his congregation to turn up for Service during the period he was ministering at the parishes of Kilroot, Templecorran and Ballynure, Co Antrim. Participation is free.
Registration takes place from 11.30am! Please email Paddy Smith at firstname.lastname@example.com or text/ring 086 1577526 to book your place.Venue: Trim Castle grounds (opposite Garda Station)
Here's a video about the task of bringing Co Antrim soil to Co Meath for the big occasion!
Official Launch. Start: 12:00.
The official launch of the 7th Swift Satire Festival in Trim. All welcome – come along for a few brief speeches on the grounds of the spectacular Trim Castle grounds (opposite Garda Station)
Guided Tour of Swift's Trim: Start: 13:30.
Historian Richard Haworth brings you on a walking tour of the town of Trim including visits to St Patrick's Church of Ireland Cathedral and Talbot's Castle/St Mary's Abbey, the house once owned by Stella and, later, by Jonathan Swift. €5 per person. Limited to a maximum of 50. Starts Trim Castle grounds (opposite Garda Station)
Poetry in the Parlour - Open Mic. Start: 16:00
featuring poet Kevin Higgins from Galway. Tickets: €5. Venue: The Old Rectory on Loman Street
The Battle of the Books: Start: 20:00.
Judgement night in this €500 international poetry and prose writing competition. The 10 shortlisted writers (or their stand-ins) will read their entries, which judge Niamh Boyce will then comment upon before announcing her winner at the end of the night.
The audience will vote for their own winner, who will receive the €100 Audience Prize, and helpful advice (and some fun) will be delivered by two Mentors, Peter Higgins and Michael Farry. (How do I get involved in this sort of thing!) Tickets: €5. Venue: Trim Castle Hotel.
View the Battle of the Books shortlist here.
A Bite of Satire: Start: 12:30.
A two-course lunch featuring a one-man show on the life and literary legacy of Flann O'Brien/Myles na Gopaleen, Flann's Yer Only Man, written and performed by Val O'Donnell.
Plus the World Premiere of a 10-minute play, Ah Feckett, written and performed by two graduates of the Gaiety School of Acting, Brian Burns and Owen Martin.
Then, over your coffee at the end of lunch (at about 3pm, we reckon), listen to a prominent national figure delivering a 40-minute talk, The Swift Lecture. This year's speaker is John Lonergan, the former Governor of Mountjoy Prison who will talkon Would Jonathan Swift be proud of Modern Ireland?
€25 per person. (Includes lunch, the two stage performances and The Annual Swift Lecture). Venue: Trim Castle Hotel
Friday, July 11, 2014
Swift Satire Festival, Trim. 2014
Posted by Michael Farry at 12:50 PM
No comments:
Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)


text:
The Platinum Rule
Relationship Strategies for Building Customer and Employee Loyalty. Most of us never figure people out. We just ricochet through life, getting along with some people and dealing as little as possible with others because they're so different from us. In this HIGHLY entertaining and insightful program, Tony Alessandra shows you how to practice The Platinum Rule: "Do unto others as THEY would like done unto THEM!" Once you understand and master The Platinum Rule, you'll be able to build bridges to people of any style in any business or personal situation. The Platinum Rule content is practical... accurate... and immediately usable. Here's what you'll learn:
How to Get and Keep Customers... For Life
Turn your customers into business apostles who "preach the gospel" according to your company. Dr. Alessandra discusses the importance of a customer-driven focus including key insights for creating customer intimacy, customer retention, and customer satisfaction. In this dynamic program, he reveals strategies for turning moments of misery into moments of magic for your customers and shows how everyone in your organization can increase customer loyalty by:
Collaborative Selling
How to Gain the Competitive Advantage in Selling. Selling today has evolved from a transactional, one-shot sale mentality to building lifetime customer relationships; from persuading and telling to problem solving and helping; from low-price selling to value-added selling. In this interactive session, Tony shows your sales and service reps how to become a solution consultant by focusing more on studying customer needs and assuring customer satisfaction than on pitching product features. Some of the guiding philosophies of this program include:
Dr. Tony Alessandra helps companies turn prospects into promoters. He's two speakers in one... a professor and a performer, or as one client put it – he delivers college lectures in a comedy store format. Dr. Tony offers audiences the opportunity to enjoy themselves while learning practical, immediately applicable skills that positively impact their relationships with prospects, customers and co-workers. His focus is on how to create instant rapport with prospects, employees & vendors; how to convert prospects and customers into business apostles who will "preach the gospel" about your company and products; and how to out-market, out-sell and out-service the competition.
Dr. Alessandra has a street-wise, college-smart perspective on business, having been raised in the housing projects of NYC to eventually realizing success as a graduate professor of marketing, Internet entrepreneur, business author, and hall-of-fame keynote speaker. He earned a BBA from Notre Dame, an MBA from the Univ. of Connecticut and his PhD in marketing in 1976 from Georgia State University.
Tony is CEO of Assessments 24x7 LLC, a company that offers online 360º assessments and a prolific author with 29 books translated into over 50 foreign language editions, including the newly revised, bestselling The NEW Art of Managing People; Charisma; The Platinum Rule; Collaborative Selling; and Communicating at Work. He is featured in over 100 audio/video programs and films, including Relationship Strategies; The Dynamics of Effective Listening; and Non-Manipulative Selling. He is also the originator of the internationally-recognized behavioral style assessment tool - The Platinum Rule®.
Dr. Alessandra was inducted into the NSA Speakers Hall of Fame in 1985. In 2009, he was inducted as one of the "Legends of the Speaking Profession;" in 2010-2014, he was selected 5 times as one of the Speakers.com Top 5 Sales/ Marketing/ Customer Service Speakers by Speaking.com; in 2010, Tony was elected into the inaugural class of the Top Sales World Sales Hall of Fame; in 2012, he was voted one of the Top 50 Sales & Marketing Influencers; and also in 2012, Dr. Tony was voted the #1 World's Top Communication Guru.
Recognized by Meetings & Conventions Magazine as "one of America's most electrifying speakers," Tony's polished style, powerful message, and proven ability as a consummate business strategist consistently earn rave reviews and loyal clients.


text:
Mary Catherine Mills and Kevin Alan Dillon exchanged vows in Kinston
Mary Catherine Mills and Kevin Alan Dillon, both of Whitsett, were united in marriage at 5 p.m. June 22, 2013, at First Presbyterian Church in Kinston. The Rev. Wanda Neely officiated the ceremony.
Escorted by her father and given in marriage by her parents, the bride is the daughter of Don and Cindy Mills of La Grange. She is the granddaughter of Mary Neal Mills of Kinston and Mary Montague Peed of Durham.
A graduate of North Lenoir High School, she received a Bachelor of Science in biology with comprehensive science education 9-12 licensure from UNC Asheville, and master�s in biology with a focus on restoration ecology from Mississippi State University.
She is a science teacher at Southern Guilford High School in Greensboro.
The groom is the son of Steve and Debi Dillon of Lynchburg, Ohio. He is the grandson of Faith Waltke of Xenia, Ohio.
A graduate of Lynchburg-Clay High School, he received a B.S. in agribusiness from Morehead State University and a master�s in agronomy with a focus on rice fertility and soybean agronomy from Mississippi State University.
He is a graduate research assistant Virginia Tech Tidewater Agricultural Research and Extension Center in Suffolk, Va.
Following a wedding cruise to the Southern Caribbean, the couple resides in Whitsett.
The bride wore an Allure Exclusive gown. She carried a bouquet of white and green hydrangeas, white roses and white calla lilies.
Matron of honor was Nicole Caldwell Saunders of Lincolnton.
Bridesmaids were Laura Kathryn Ochs of Greensboro; the bride�s sister-in-law, Colleen Carol Drake of New Palestine, Ind.; Dr. Rima Dee Lucardi of Athens, Ga.; Ashley Hoyle VanNoppen of Durham; Ashley Cornell Wynne of Woodruff, S.C.; and Danielle Marie Burkhardt of East Milton, N.J.
Flower girls were the groom�s cousin, Tabitha Grace Burdine of Milford, Ohio, and the bride�s cousin, Avery Taylor Starling of Winterville.
Robert Donald Rippstein of Buford, Ohio, served as best man.
Groomsmen were Casey Powers Morgan of Starkville, Miss.; Paul Zachary Wynne of Woodruff, S.C.; Jayd Nathaniel Raines of Pikeville, Ky.; Bryan Scott Smith of Winchester, Ky.; the groom�s brother-in-law, Alexander Ranson Mills of La Grange; and Richard Thomas Kirk of Inez, Ky.
Ring bearers were the bride�s cousins, Cole Crawford Shimer and Jackson Conrad Shimer of Raleigh.
Wedding music was provided by Dr. John O�Brien, organist, and Jaclynn Caudill-Smith and David Lee Cremer, vocalists.
Program attendants were Jaclynn Caudill-Smith and Chloe Elizabeth Burdine.
Following the ceremony, the bride�s parents hosted a reception at The Bentley in Kinston.
On April 20, a bridal shower was hosted by Laura Ochs, Cheri Brinkley, Karen Bradish, Bobbie Westrick, Nicole Saunders and Katie Pidsosny in Greensboro.
On May 4, a cookout hosted by Xi Beta Upsilon Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi International Sorority was held at the home Sandra Thompson in Kinston.
On May 5, a recipe and kitchen shower, hosted by Nanette Jones, Jessica Starling, Sandra Thompson and Theresa Hodges, was held at the Jones home in Kinston.
On June 21, the groom�s parents hosted a rehearsal dinner at the Perry Fun Farm in Kinston.


text:
New year, new adventures ...
My only new years resolution of sorts this year is to get out and explore more, travel more, and not always necessarily abroad.
We have so many amazing towns and cities, landmarks, festivals and museums in the UK and I've realised that I don't make the most of some of the wonders that are right on my own door step.
So be it hikes through the South Downs, fish & chips on a Cornish beach, visits to a London museum, a trip the UK based festivals, I'm planning on making the most of what we have in GB this year.
Starting as I mean to go on the trip to the Peak District was a great start to 2017.
And I also took a trip down to Dorset to visit the magical Corfe Castle and the Jurassic Coast.
Corfe Castle on the Isle of Purbeck dates back to the 11th century and was built by William the Conquerer. Now owned by the National Trust, it's a breathtaking example of the historical gems we have in the UK.
We had the perfect weather, frosty and sunny, so wrapped up warm, packed a thermos flask of hot chocolate and set out to explore the ruins.
And Corfe Castle is just fantastic for keen photographers. The country views and ruined architecture are a dream through the lense.
The pretty village of Corfe, built in the local Purbeck limestone, offers a great range of pubs, shops, tea shops and restaurants.
I cannot recommend a visit highly enough, and dogs are welcome to explore the castle ruins with you too, a bonus for dog owners.
And with Corfe being just a 15 minute drive away from Swanage beach, we decided that fish & chips by the sea was a perfect way to end the day ...
Find out more about visiting the Jurassic Coast at the National Trust.


text:
1 Goals top
The main goals of treatment of these fractures are:
- Uncomplicated healing
- No secondary displacement
- Avoiding overgrowth due to unstable fixation
- Avoiding secondary complications, such as nonunion, leading to additional problems (eg, ulnar nerve irritation)
2 Introduction topenlarge
Suitable fracture types
13-E/4.1L and 13-E/4.1M with displacement of more than 2 mm in the metaphyseal area, fully displaced, or with elbow instability.
Note: Salter-Harris IV fractures of the medial column are so rare that they will not be considered further in detail. Care must be taken not to damage the ulnar nerve in case of open stabilization of a displaced and unstable fracture of the medial column.
General considerations
The choice of an open reduction and screw fixation is influenced by the following factors:
- Age of the child
- Size of the posterior metaphyseal fragment
- Degree of displacement
- Instability of the elbow joint
Screw fixation is indicated in older children (mostly of school age), with a sizeable metaphyseal fragment, irrespective of the degree of displacement.
3 Preparation topenlarge
Instruments and implants
Use 3.0 or 3.5 mm cannulated lag screws (ideally self-drilling, self-tapping titanium screws).
The following equipment is needed:
- Cannulated screw set
- Drill
- Cannulated screws (length 25-40 mm)
- 1.25 mm threaded guide wire
- Image intensifier (optional)
- Standard orthopedic instrument set
Anesthesia and positioning
General anesthesia is recommended and a sterile tourniquet should be available. Muscle relaxation is not necessary.
The patient is placed supine with the arm draped up to the shoulder.
4 Approach top
As the screw is inserted through the posterior metaphyseal wedge, a posterolateral approach is recommended.
For open reduction of 13-E/4.1M fractures, it is recommended to perform a medial skin incision, similar to the approach used for medial epicondylar fractures, but with a distal extension. Identification and protection of the ulnar nerve are presumed.
5 Reduction topenlarge
Reduction options
There are three possibilities to manipulate and reduce the fragments.
Option 1: Direct digital manipulation.
Option 2: Manipulation using a temporary K-wire in the fragment as a joystick.
Option 3: Holding and manipulating the fragment with a small towel clamp or pointed reduction forceps.
A blunt Hohmann lever retractor is inserted gently into the anterior joint, and around the medial articular border.
The medial cartilage fracture line is visualized on the joint surface.
The fragment is manipulated by one of the three options listed above.
The fragment is then reduced so that both cartilage fracture lines (on the fragment and of the trochlea) are perfectly aligned.
6 Fixation topenlarge
Guide wire insertion for cannulated screw
The fragment is held temporarily in place with the help of a pointed reduction forceps positioned to avoid conflict with the guide wire.
A 1.25 mm threaded guide wire is used for the cannulated screw.
The guide wire is inserted by hand until it has good bony purchase in the metaphyseal fragment.
The position and direction are checked in AP and lateral views using image intensification.
Once position and direction are correct, the guide wire is advanced as far as the anterior cortex in a lateral view.
Screw insertion
The appropriate screw length and size can be determined in two different ways:
- By using a measuring device
- By positioning a second K-wire, of the same length, with its tip on the bone at the entry point and measuring the difference between the protruding lengths of the two wires
The screw is passed by hand over the guide wire, the screw driver is placed over the guide wire, and the screw is fully inserted.
The screw position and fragment compression are verified using image intensification.
7 Optional: additional K-wire or screw insertion top
Some surgeons prefer to insert, in addition, a K-wire (but it can also be a second screw) to gain more stability of the fragment, especially to prevent rotation in the epiphyseal area.
Situations when a second implant might be selected are:
- Small additional fragments in the metaphyseal zone
- Very large metaphyseal fragment
- Older and bigger children
- Surgeon's personal preference
- Mobility of fracture line at the joint surface
K-wire insertion
The supplementary 2.0 mm K-wire should be inserted parallel to the joint surface, not parallel to the screw.
As the screw is always buried subcutaneously, the K-wire should be cut and bent under the skin. Both implants can be removed at the same time.
Additional screw insertion
A guide wire is inserted parallel to the joint into the medial side of the trochlea.
The length of the screw is determined as previously described.
The screw is passed over the guide wire, inserted and gently tightened.


text:
Energy is an important aspect of every living organism. Organisms need to obtain energy from food to carry out their daily work. Apart from living organisms, machines created by human being need to deliver energy from fuels so as to carry out their intended work. According to law of thermodynamics, energy cannot be created or […]Continue reading
With global warming becoming a serious concern year after the year, it is definitely commendable that a few celebrities are putting their best step forward to "go green" which is a popular term used to describe their changes made in their lifestyle for the safety and sheer benefit of the environment. People going green take […]Continue reading
For the past 50 years, man has contributed a lot to climate change. The use of fossil fuels is known to be the leading source of substances like green house gases and carbon dioxide, both of which are known to affect the global climate negatively. Rising sea levels, melting glaciers as well as changing patterns […]Continue reading
The origins of environment degradation are often traced to the onset of the industrial revolution. The earliest industries had in position the rudiments of environment safety and health management. It is a recognized fact that the volume of heat, effluents and discharges that large industries can produce, is large enough to cause concern maybe even […]Continue reading
One of my favorite email "forwards" regards the huge amount of oil in the Bakken Formation, a Mountain range in Western United States. The email implies that there is a conspiracy among powerful environmentalists that keep this coveted resource from getting used. It goes on to say that tapping into this oil source would dramatically […]Continue reading
Green renewable energy is type of energy which is usually produced by natural resources, for example wind, sunlight, rain, tidal energy, geothermal heat, and many more. In 1800's, most of the energy in this world came from the renewable energy resources. However, the use of natural energy has already decreased since the findings of non-renewable […]Continue reading
Most of us do not walk around thinking about the air we are breathing, at least not until there are serious changes notable by sight or scent. Those of us with more than an elementary school education know that breathable air is not just magically "there", but how often do we really think about how […]Continue reading
If you are in a deregulated state and consume an above average volume of energy, you HAVE BEEN CALLED by either a third party supplier or broker. In fact, you have probably been called MANY TIMES, maybe even by us! That is because deregulation has opened up a new industry geared at helping consumers understand […]Continue reading
Whether you are making an effort to shield the environment or just your family and pets, finding ways to clean your house organically and naturally is extremely important. The unfortunate reality is that the various cleaning products that exist in the market today are full with poisonous ingredients that can hurt the environment and can put those closest to you at risk. From air […]Continue reading
A conscientious family, taking short showers, washing clothes in full loads only, and doing all the other daily household chores while using water wisely will still consume 550 gallons of hot water a week. A few extra minutes in the shower for a family of four every day will easily increase that to 700 gallons […]Continue reading


text:
Status: Closed
Know more about this business than we do? Cool! Please submit any corrections or missing details you may have.Help us make it right
Be the first NJ.com user to add photos or videos of Tabernacle Baptist Church
Tabernacle Baptist Church can be found at S 20th St 675. The following is offered: Churches. The entry is present with us since Sep 10, 2010 and was last updated on Nov 14, 2013. In Newark there are 210 other Churches. An overview can be found here.
Tabernacle Baptist Church is located at 675 S 20th St, Newark, NJ. This business specializes in Religion & Spirituality.


text:
Climb Aboard the Early Learning Express!
Children delight when they see the green and purple bookmobile pull up. They climb the stairs and enter into a magical world where the walls are filled with books. They love to hear Sueño read them stories, lead them in finger plays, and explore hands-on activities together. Children and providers then get to pick out books to borrow until the next time!
The Early Learning Express (ELE) serves young children and early childhood professionals at family child care homes and center based programs year round. During the summer months we partner with Hunger Free Vermont to offer our services to children and their families at free summer meal sites. Visits include:
- Story time program – Each group of children who board the bus are entertained by one of our librarian's story times which often include finger puppets, shadow puppets, crankie boxes, felt board stories, guitar and ukulele songs, as well as the reading of at least two books.
- After story time, all children get the opportunity to check out a book for their classroom.
- Our bookmobile has resources for child care providers to use including professional journals and books, teaching materials, and curriculum resource kits.
- During the summer months we partner with the local library to bring the summer reading challenge to the youth on our route. These children also check out books for home reading.
Our bookmobile often makes appearances at annual community events as well, including Touch a Truck, Strolling of the Heifers, and The River Valley Kids' Fair.
Print and cut out your very own Early Learning Express bookmobile!
Click HERE for the Spring 2018 Schedule
CURRENT ACTIVITIES: Spring 2018
Our first spring visits on the Early Learning Express are a celebration of eggs! After reading April's poem from Chicken Soup with Rice, of course, children hear Margret Wise Brown's The Golden Egg Book. In this sweet story, a lonely bunny finds an egg and wonders what's inside. "Maybe a little boy? Maybe another bunny? Maybe an elephant? Maybe a mouse?" Something's in there for sure, he can hear it, but it won't come out… or will it?
At the story's conclusion, we go back and discuss the page where the bunny is picturing what could be inside that egg. Do the animals the bunny imagines actually hatch from eggs? What animal do hatch from eggs? After brainstorming some ideas, Sueño shows her crankie depicting the following poem.
Lots of animals come from eggs.
Some with fins and some with legs.
Some that chatter and some that cheep.
Some that fly and some that creep.
Some that slither and some that run.
Some with feathers and some with none.
Animal eggs can be quite small,
Or just as big as a tennis ball,
The animals here, they're quite a few,
Hatch from eggs and lay them, too.
As the pictures scroll by, children are excited to name the many animals they see that hatch from eggs: sharks, clown fish (Nemo!), turtles, spiders, ducks, flamingos, alligators, caterpillars, ants, snakes, ostriches, octopuses, ladybugs, hummingbirds, penguins, eagles, wasps, seahorses, starfish, a triceratops and more! That's a lot of different animals!
Finally, we close our story time with A Bird is a Bird by Lizzie Rockwell. This book gets to the heart of what sets birds apart from other types of animals. After all, platypuses have beaks and hatch from eggs, flies have wings and hatch from
Video Archives: Click here for our YouTube channel
Monthly Update Archive:
- July 2017
- May 2017
- April 2017
- February 2017
- January 2017
- November 2016
- October 2016
- September 2016
- July 2016
- May 2016
- February 2016
- October 2015
- September 2015
- Fall 2013
- Summer 2013
- April 2013
- March 2013
- February 2013
- December 2012
- November 2012
- September 2012
- August 2012
- July 2012


text:
Bella Storm And Chrissy Lesbians
Who is up for some more lesbian action with Bella Storm and her good friend Chrissy? These two smoking hot girls can't wait to get at each others pussies in this Karups HA set. They even do another set for the site where they engage in an intense threesome! Enjoy as these two girls whip off their tops, lick each others titties, before going for the gold.
Not much in this world can be hotter than watching two sexy girls locking lips in a deep passionate kiss.
Bella Storm and Chrissy are now both topless as they continue making out with each other, while rubbing each others pussies over top of their panties.
Enough with the kissing, these girls want to reach higher levels of pleasure in this lesbian set. First comes the titty licking, but soon those panties will be on the floor and both pussies will take turns getting penetrated with fingers and hot pink tongues. Oh the pussy juices get flowing quite hard by the end of this lesbian action.
Click Here To Get Inside Karup's Hometown Amateurs Now!
Bella Storm currently has 11 photo sets & 5 HD videos available right now!
Chrissy currently has 11 photo sets & 2 HD videos available right now!


text:
Holding the Door Open
Yesterday we celebrated the feast of the Beheading of John the Baptist. Since John was imprisoned by Herod, our parish prayer intention was for those in prison. By God's Providence, yesterday afternoon I visited a parishioner at the Forsyth County Jail. I had never met this person and was asked to visit by a relative. I have made professional visits to the Forsyth County Jail several times. The jail is a massive structure that feels empty even though I know it is quite occupied. Visiting someone in jail is just as you see it on television. There is a glass window that is divided by small privacy panels, a stool, and a phone.
Professional visits (clergy, social workers, attorneys, etc.) are allowed at times different from regular visits, so usually I am the only one present in the visitation room, again adding to the feeling of emptiness. Yesterday, however, I entered the room just as the professional visitation hour began and the regular visitation hour was ending, so there was some overlap. I sat on my stool and waited for my visit while family members were finishing their visits on either side of me. I wasn't paying attention to their conversations as I was trying to focus in prayer on my own visit, but I easily recognized tones of voices. Laughter, affection, anxiety, and long good-byes were on either side. I wondered what I would say to someone if I were on the other side of the glass. What would I find funny? How hard would it be to project affection through glass?
As I watched the inmates leave and walk down the steps to enter the general population area, I noticed they held the door open for each other. That struck me. These were men who have broken the law, some of them have taken away property, dignity, and even life itself. Why would they extend the very small courtesy of holding open the door? I thought about the times I have driven through the worst neighborhoods, places that are riddled with violent crime, drugs, prostitution, and abject poverty. I've seen homes with no windows, doors hanging off the hinges, and yet potted plants on the porch. Potted plants. They are watered and taken care of. In the midst of all this, why would they bother? The answer came quickly – even in the worst places there is the hope of redemption. There is this promise of good. Beauty is the script of God's signature and it is seen everywhere and in everyone.
During my visit, I reminded the person on the other side of the glass about this. They understood the consequences of their actions and the future is uncertain. There are no atheists in foxholes and probably not in jail – at least in the beginning. I don't think that is cheap grace, I think it is forced reckoning. The question has been called. Things have gotten real. What do I do now?
I was asked how to pray, what to read, how to hope, and how to be forgiven. The question was asked by a person with an assigned number but it was a person who has also been marked as Christ's own forever. Let us remember that as we pray for those who are in prison. Let us pray for those in prison who do not belong there and let us pray for those in prison who need to be there. Praying for them does not take away what they might have taken away, but it does remind us that even in places where there is common history of inhumanity, they still hold doors open for one another. They, too, are made in the image and likeness of God. Praying them reminds us that they are asking the questions that we too should be asking: how to pray, what to read, how to hope, and how to be forgiven. Praying for them is to hold the door open as they make their way.
We concluded our visit by praying the General Confession, the promise to read John's Gospel, and future visit for more prayer and Bible Study, as best as can be done through glass and the phone. As I left the jail, retrieved my ID and keys, and walked outside to people waiting to visit or to sort out their own legal mess, someone held the door open for me as I walked outside.


text: how proud I am of kt???? We're currently sitting in a motel room - half way home. kt had such a good weekend. Her behaviors were age appropriate; only 2 tantrums the whole weekend & she pulled herself out of them with a little help from mom plus a phone call to Residential Treatment Center (RTC) therapist. She had a sleepover with her cousin of about the same age on Friday evening. They had a gas - stayed up til midnight watching movies & giggling. Did very well at the cook off. Talked with my dad about Grandma & how sad she was for herself & for Grandpa. All in all, it was a good weekend. We only have 2 1/2 hours to travel in the morning to get home. I'm so proud of my ktbug!!


text: The Northern Lights were supposed to be visible North East of Portland last Friday night. Brandon and I drove east on the Columbia Gorge to see what we could see. There were cars parked all over the place and traffic after midnight. We found a place to park and stared at the sky for a good hour. To pass the time, I brought my DSLR to test out some night shots. We didn't see the Northern Lights - maybe we weren't far away enough from the city, the moon was too bright, or the lights just weren't bright enough - but I did get some eerie night shots. It was really windy out so the trees are a blur. Nothing spectacular, but it was a fun experiment.