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Today was a very nice day. Saturday should always be like this. First we had brunch at Max's (Filipino Restaurant), then we went to Brand Bookstore, then we browsed some cars at a MINI dealership, followed by a little drive, then ending it with a dinner at BJ's Restaurant in Glendale.
I did my tarot reading just when I got home and I asked the cards what I should learn from the events of today, and I got the Queen of Pentacles.
The picture shows the Queen dressed in a pastel pink gown. She portrays simplicity and plain/natural beauty. She is holding and admiring a huge pentacle in her arms. She certainly knows how to appreciate art. She is also surrounded by lush green grass (symbolizing money) and blossoming flowers (symbolizing femininity).
I can see how she was reflected today on my trip to the Brand Bookstore. It was a used bookstore with a variety of choices. I particularly like the section at the back where it has psychology, sexuality, witchcraft, tarot, etc. I saw these good deals on tarot resource books so I snatched them! I bought two. One is the "Introduction to Tarot", which uses both the RWS and Thoth imagery. The second book is "Tarot Plain and Simple", which uses the Robin Wood pictures. For half the price, it's a good deal!
To quote Thirteen's meaning on this card, "Her accounting is scrupulous, but that doesn't mean she's afraid to spend. She loves beautiful things and has an artist's eye." I can definitely relate to this when it comes to some tarot decks. Just today, a new China-print Deviant Moon is available for purchasing and I just can't say no to it even though I just ordered my Bohemian Gothic from the trading section. Oh, poor bank account! But it's ok… this week is payday!
Deck: Phoenix Tarot by Paola Angelotti


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Mme Bassia
- Free WiFi and free parking
- Collect nights
Great location and lovely big room with a balcony. Friendly owners and regularly cleaned.…
Perfect position in the heart of the old town of Chania - we had a delightful room with a…
More great choices
What's around Mme Bassia
- In Chania Town
- Old Venetian Harbour - 7 min walk
- Chania Lighthouse - 18 min walk
- Old Venetian Harbor - 6 min walk
- Nea Chora Beach - 16 min walk
- Cathedral of the 3 Martyrs - 1 min walk
- Folklore Museum of Chania - 1 min walk
- Cathedral of the Presentation of the Virgin Mary - 1 min walk
Getting around
- Chania (CHQ-Ioannis Daskalogiannis) - 15 min drive
At a glance
Key facts
Hotel size
- This hotel has 5 rooms
- Check-in time noon-11 PM
- Check-out time is noon
Required at check-in
- Credit card or cash deposit required
- Government-issued photo ID required
- Minimum check-in age is 18
Travelling with others
- No pets or service animals allowed
- Free WiFi in rooms
- Free self parking
- Free nearby parking
Payment types at the property
In the hotel
- Cooked-to-order breakfast (surcharge)
- Bicycle rentals nearby
- Scuba diving nearby
- Front desk (limited hours)
- Dry cleaning/laundry service
- Luggage storage
- Designated smoking areas
- Rooftop terrace
- English
- French
- German
In the room
- Air conditioning
- Coffee/tea maker
- Iron/ironing board
- Premium bedding
- Balcony
- Private bathroom
- Shower only
- Hair dryer
- 24-inch flat-screen TV
- Desk
- Free WiFi
- Refrigerator
- Daily housekeeping
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Mme Bassia's small print
Also known as
- Mme Bassia Hotel Crete
- Mme Bassia Hotel
- Mme Bassia Crete
- Mme Bassia
- Mme Bassia Chania, Crete
- Mme Bassia Hotel Chania
- Mme Bassia Chania
Cash transactions at this property cannot exceed EUR 500, due to national regulations. For further details, please contact the property using information in the booking confirmation.Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property. The policies listed are provided by the property.
Mandatory fees
You'll be asked to pay the following charges at check-in or check-out:
- A tax is imposed by the city: EUR 0.50 per accommodation, per night
Optional extras
Cooked-to-order breakfast is offered for an extra charge of EUR 5.0 per person (approximately)
We have included all charges provided to us by this property. However, charges can vary, for example, based on length of stay or the unit you book.
Recent reviews
Good 7.4 From 18 reviews
Nice property very central with great service
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subset: commoncrawl


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Email Us: email@example.com
If your watch develops a fault, simply bring it to one of our workshops and we can assess the problem and often carry out repairs that others have turned down.
We can even work on quality older movements as we have an extensive range of discontinued parts. If your watch is looking worse for wear, we can refurbish watches including Cartier and Rolex so they look as new again.
We can:
- Replace and Test Batteries and change Glasses.
- Pressure Test for water resistance at different depths.
- Resize bracelets and supply and fit straps.
- Repair broken clasps.
- Carry out goldsmithing work to damaged Gold and Silver watch bracelets.
- Have your watch movements overhauled and repaired.
If something catches your eye from our selection of watches, you can use unwanted watches as part payment against the cost of the item.More>
If you are interested in selling your unwanted watches then, just come into one of our branches and we will assess the value of your items to make you an offer.More>


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Envestnet Tamarac announced new integrations Thursday with TD Ameritrade Institutional and Schwab Advisor Services that enable a fully digital account opening process.
The integrations, currently in pilot testing at both custodians, push client information from Tamarac into the custodian platforms to pre-populate forms with details necessary to open new accounts. Tamarac claims it is the first portfolio management vendor to market utilizing new technology from TD and Schwab for digital account opening, and the custodians are the first to allow the 1,000 RIA firms using Tamarac to digitally open accounts entirely through a third-party portfolio company.
Auto-filling documents will make onboarding more efficient for registered investment advisers and more convenient for clients, Envestnet Tamarac president Stuart DePina said in a statement.
"This advancement is part of our ongoing roadmap designed to automate time-consuming processes, such as client onboarding, and allow RIAs to focus on higher-value activities such as building client relationships and holistic financial planning," Mr. DePina added. Tamarac overhauled its adviser software in November, and in May announced new client portal and financial planning features.
Without the integration, advisers have to manually input client data from Tamarac into their custodian plan, explained Ashley Dahl, Envestnet Tamarac vice president of product management. This isn't just slower, it opens the doors for errors that slow down the account opening process.
"I came from an RIA, where I worked right out of college, where I did a lot of time for my first couple of years filling out paperwork for everybody," Ms. Dahl said, when asked why this feature is so important to advisers.
It's even more important for large firms, and Tamarac services more than a third of all RIAs with more than $1 billion in assets. "We're constantly opening new accounts," she said.
The connection between Tamarac and the two custodians could go further than account opening and eventually digitize just about any client paperwork that doesn't require notarization, Ms. Dahl added.
The firm is also working on similar functionality with other custodians, she said, responding that "we're working with all of them to create automated account opening processes" when asked why the functionality is coming first to TD and Schwab.
For Schwab, it's a continuation of senior vice president of digital adviser solutions Andrew Salesky's decision to partner more with third-party tech vendors. The custodian recently announced enhanced integrations with Orion Advisor Services, also around digital account opening.
Schwab is also nearing the release of its next-generation portfolio management software, PortfolioConnect. The tool is built directly into Schwab's custodial platform and will be free for advisers who custody directly with Schwab, but will not be the multicustodial offering previously promised to advisers.
Such a tool would have competed with products like Tamarac. Although Schwab will still incentivize RIAs to custody all client assets at Schwab, it's embraced the idea to also support multicustodial technology, and advisers who use them, as well.
Schwab representatives did not respond to a request for comment.
TD Ameritrade is no stranger to third-party integrations, but Tamarac is utilizing new APIs to grant outside access to TD's account opening software. Director of product management Bob Mahoney said automating data entry will lead to "less fat-fingered errors."
"When it comes to account opening, we see advisers asking for a more seamless, efficient process," Mr. Mahoney said.
Demand is high for automated, fully digital account opening processes as RIAs and broker-dealers look to bring client experience up to the bar set by robo-advisers and other consumer-facing digital startups. Participants in InvestmentNews' Fintech Think Tank frequently said clients want opening an investment account to be as easy as shopping online.
(More: How to offer the ideal hybrid digital adviser)


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- Home
- iPads & Tablets
- Kneeboards
- iPad Portfolio Pilot Kneeboard
Current Top Sellers
Product Description
A multitasking kneeboard, binder and versatile cover that is functional, durable, and stylish.
ASA's iPad Kneeboard is the ideal accessory for your favorite cockpit companion. This professional portfolio protects your iPad in flight and on the ground. The elastic strap secures the binder-like case to your leg for in-flight use and is easily removable for everyday use. The inside sleeve holds your iPad securely on the right side with full access to iPad controls and buttons. The left side has pockets to store your documents and provides a writing surface. The cover folds into a flap to serve as a vertical or horizontal desktop stand, provide easy landscape viewing and full keyboard access. Beautiful black leatherette with embossed wings; fits both iPad and iPad 2.
Measures: Height 9-11/16", Width—closed 7-15/16", Width—open 15-15/16".
Returns Policy
You may return most new, unopened items within 30 days of delivery for a full refund. We'll also pay the return shipping costs if the return is a result of our error (you received an incorrect or defective item, etc.).
You should expect to receive your refund within four weeks of giving your package to the return shipper, however, in many cases you will receive a refund more quickly. This time period includes the transit time for us to receive your return from the shipper (5 to 10 business days), the time it takes us to process your return once we receive it (3 to 5 business days), and the time it takes your bank to process our refund request (5 to 10 business days).
If you need to return an item, simply login to your account, view the order using the "Complete Orders" link under the My Account menu and click the Return Item(s) button. We'll notify you via e-mail of your refund once we've received and processed the returned item.
We can ship to virtually any address in the world. Note that there are restrictions on some products, and some products cannot be shipped to international destinations.
When you place an order, we will estimate shipping and delivery dates for you based on the availability of your items and the shipping options you choose. Depending on the shipping provider you choose, shipping date estimates may appear on the shipping quotes page.
Please also note that the shipping rates for many items we sell are weight-based. The weight of any such item can be found on its detail page. To reflect the policies of the shipping companies we use, all weights will be rounded up to the next full pound.


text: PLEASE SPONSOR Desiree Thomas Amount Raised $50.00 DONATE NOW My Message I am excited to be taking part in the 4th annual OCD Walk Toronto in support of the Thompson Anxiety Disorders Centre. The funds raised will support important services that treat Obsessive Compulsive Disorder – a mental health issue that affects people of all ages and walks of life . Services for OCD can be hard to find which is why the Thompson Centre is such an important resource. The Thompson Centre is the only program in Canada that offers a range of services from individual and group therapy, to psychiatric consultations and care, to residential treatment. It has changed people's lives. I want to help the Thompson Centre continue to do its work, and to raise awareness of this mental health issue. Please join me in supporting this important work Event Date Jun 15, 2019 9:00 AM Location Name Sunnybrook Park My Team Desiree is part of Team Thomas View Team Page %TeamName% is affiliated with %CorporateTeamName% View %CorporateTeamName% Page This field only allows 200 characters. My Supporters (1) 50.00 donated an undisclosed amount t Apr 7, 2019 9:33 AM View All View Less An anonymous donor an undisclosed amount donated left a message Are you sure? Yes No recently posted My Supporters (%NumOfSupporters%)


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Within minutes of using an app to book a ride, Agostino Fernandes was looking down on lush greenery from a helicopter taxi high above Bengaluru — one of several Uber-style chopper services taking off to help commuters tackle increasingly congested megacities.
In less than 30 minutes — a quarter of the time it would have taken from downtown Bengaluru by road — Fernandes was strolling through Kempegowda International Airport to his gate.
"It's much better than the usual car or taxi because it saves time," he said.
"And for a city like Bengaluru, which they call India's green capital because of the parks and gardens, you get a very nice view," he said.
From New York to Jakarta, chopper-hailing services have been taking off to help commuters beat the traffic chaos. Private helicopter charters have been available for decades — at a price — but the latest services are far cheaper and more accessible to the public, allowing anyone with a smartphone and a credit card to order a ride with relative ease.
Sameer Rehman, Asia-Pacific managing director of Bell Helicopter, said chopper manufacturers were predicting more such services in traffic-clogged parts of Southeast Asia in particular, describing it as an "important testbed" for the wider region.
"That can be replicated throughout other cities and countries in the Asia-Pacific [region]," he said at a conference in Singapore.
Another similar service was recently launched in the Indonesian capital, Jakarta, a chaotic metropolis of more than 10 million people, which suffers some of the world's worst jams.
Operated by Whitesky Aviation, Helicity has about 60 customers each month, mostly from the business world.
Its services include a 20-minute ride from Jakarta airport into the heart of the city for 6 million rupiah (US$430) for up to four people, as well as a 45-minute flight from Jakarta to Bandung, 150km away, from 14 million rupiah. While it offers an alternative to sitting in traffic for hours and is cheaper than private charters in the past, the prices are nevertheless out of reach for most people in Jakarta, where the monthly minimum wage is about US$250.
And it has not all been easy going for Whitesky — one of their helicopters crashed last month on Indonesia's central Sulawesi island as it flew over a mining area, killing one person on the ground and injuring four passengers.
In Bengaluru, HeliTaxii was launched in March, offering a seat in a helicopter from the airport to IT industrial park Electronic City for about US$65 per person — the same journey that Fernandes took on launch day.
In Brazil's Sao Paulo, the app Voom offers a 30km helicopter ride to the airport for about US$150 — 10 times cheaper than private charters in the past — while in New York, a chopper-hailing service ferries people between downtown and surrounding airports.
Despite the growth of such apps, industry players warn there are still major hurdles.
One is finding suitable takeoff and landing sites, particularly in Asian cities. Helipads have been springing up rapidly in recent years, but a large number are private and observers say many have not been certified as safe by aviation authorities.
Another is restrictions on flying times. Whitesky Aviation chief executive Denon Prawiraatmadja said that since the Jakarta service's five-strong fleet of choppers was for civilian purposes, they are only allowed to fly between 6am and 6pm.


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Propane stockpiled in Canada has often been a mid-winter godsend for propane consumers in the U.S. Midwest and Great Plains states. If supplies in PADD 2 ever got tight due to unusually cold weather, greater-than-normal crop-drying demand and/or kinks in the U.S. supply chain, the higher prices spurred by the shortfall would incent more Canadian propane to be piped, railed or trucked south. This winter may be different, though. A new propane export terminal in British Columbia and steady-as-she-goes exports from the U.S.'s northern neighbor to PADDs 2 and 5 have left Canadian propane inventories nearly one-third lower than a year ago, and propane in the Edmonton, AB, hub is selling at a far-from-typical premium to propane at Conway, KS, and Mont Belvieu, TX. Today, we explain why a supply-demand imbalance in the U.S. heartland this winter might be harder to fix.
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Daily energy Posts
Anything but normal might be the best way to characterize today's market for normal butane. Butane production at gas processing plants and fractionators is at or near an all-time high. Butane consumption by steam crackers is maxed out, and so were butane exports until new dock capacity came online this fall. Butane inventories? They've risen to record levels too, and this summer, butane prices fell to their lowest mark in more than a decade. Now, with winter-gasoline blending season in high gear and new room for export growth, butane prices at Mont Belvieu are up more than 35% from where they stood a month and a half ago. What does all this mean for the butane market this winter? Today, we discuss recent trends in normal butane production, consumption, exports and stocks.
In February 2019, the U.S. Treasury Department announced new sanctions on Petróleos de Venezuela SA (PDVSA), the national oil company of Venezuela, which halted imports of Venezuelan crude oil into the U.S. Since then, refineries that relied on Venezuelan crude have had to backfill their import requirement with alternative sources of oil. This adjustment has had ramifications not only on the refiners that processed Venezuelan crude, but also on the entire U.S. Gulf Coast crude oil market. Today, we discuss the quality adjustments made to the U.S. crude oil diet.
They are unsung heroes, the guys and gals who get in early, stay late, and are usually working odd hours on the weekends. They resolve issues before they arise, solve complex problems when they do pop up, and are always working the phones to get the next hot piece of intel. No, we're not talking about the new cast from Season 2 of "Jack Ryan," and no, it's not the kids from "Stranger Things." The keyboard warriors we're referring to are crude oil schedulers. They're at the forefront of the daily logistics taking place at truck injection points, gathering systems, and takeaway pipelines from Western Canada down to the Gulf Coast (and around the rest of the world as well). As more and more new pipelines get built out in places like West Texas, it's important to revisit the basics of how crude oil moves and the role that crude schedulers play. Today, we bring it back to the roots of crude oil operations and shine some light on an underappreciated group of crude oil operators.
U.S. production and exports of propane have soared through the 2010s, and an increasing share of the propane loaded onto gas carriers at U.S. Gulf Coast terminals is headed to the Far East. The numbers are staggering. So far in 2019, 57% of propane produced from U.S. gas processing plants and refineries has been sent overseas, with about half of that total moving to Asian markets. With exports to Asia now such an integral piece of the propane supply/demand balance, the price of U.S. propane during most of the year is influenced more by the markets in Japan, South Korea and China than it is by demand in Iowa, Michigan and Pennsylvania. The challenge for U.S. propane marketers, producers and exporters is that, to the uninitiated, the Asia propane market is quite convoluted, being dominated by obscure market mechanisms known as FEI and Ginga. Today, we continue our series on international LPG trading with an explanation of how these mechanisms work together to establish propane prices in Asia and, by extension, the Gulf Coast.
Limited natural gas export options and persistently weak gas prices are not new phenomena in Western Canada. But market conditions in the past couple of years have become particularly untenable. Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin (WCSB) gas supply has ratcheted higher and shows signs of further growth, even as its share of export markets has been shrinking with the rise of U.S. shale gas. In-region oversupply conditions have worsened, creating transportation constraints further and further upstream in the WCSB, and prices at the regional benchmark AECO hub have seen historical lows as a result. To deal with this, and perhaps provide a long-term solution to weak natural gas prices, pipeline egress will have to expand again after a decade of decline and stagnation. New takeaway capacity is now starting to be developed. The question is, will it be enough? Today, we discuss highlights from our new Drill Down Report, which assesses the expanding gas pipeline options out of Western Canada, including when, where and how much takeaway capacity will be developed.
Crude oil production in the Denver-Julesburg (D-J) Basin has nearly doubled since January 2016 — only the Permian has outpaced the D-J's growth rate over the same period — and production there now averages about 640 Mb/d. The D-J has just about everything producers want, including an unusually intense concentration of hydrocarbons within four geologic layers, or "benches," only a few thousand feet below the surface, low per-well drilling costs, and direct pipeline access to the crude hub in Cushing, OK. Production growth in the D-J has spurred a rapid build-out of crude gathering systems and other infrastructure, especially in Colorado's Weld County, the epicenter of D-J activity, which is located a short drive northeast of Denver. Today, we begin a series on existing and planned pipeline networks to move D-J crude from the lease to regional hubs and takeaway pipes.
After a months-long regulatory delay, two Tallgrass Energy-led natural gas projects have progressed in the past month that will expand takeaway options out of the growing Denver-Julesburg (D-J) production area. Tallgrass in early October began construction on the Cheyenne Connector pipeline and the Rockies Express Pipeline's Cheyenne Hub Enhancement — aimed at expanding outbound capacity and destination optionality for growing natural gas supplies from the Denver-Julesburg play in the Niobrara Shale, as well as providing a new outlet for Powder River Basin gas. The projects also have secured additional capacity commitments in recent weeks. And in its earnings call last week, Tallgrass said that DCP Midstream, which was already a shipper on Cheyenne Connector, has exercised its option to purchase 50% interest in the project. The influx of gas supply at Cheyenne Hub resulting from these projects will boost eastbound flows on Rockies Express (REX), which is in the midst of recontracting its capacity as existing long-term contracts roll off today. Next, we provide an update on the company's plans to increase takeaway capacity out of the D-J basin and PRB.
A number of proposed liquefaction plants and LNG export terminals along the U.S. Gulf Coast are racing to secure regulatory approvals and line up sales and purchase agreements, all in the hope of reaching final investment decisions before their rivals. Yet, these Texas and Louisiana projects now face competition from a facility that would be sited more than 3,000 miles away, in the icy waters just off the North Slope of Alaska. Qilak LNG would use a "near-shore" liquefaction plant in the Beaufort Sea off Point Thomson, AK, to supercool the region's nearby, abundant and now largely stranded supplies of natural gas, load the resulting LNG onto ice-breaking carriers, and use these carriers to make shuttle runs to and from LNG customers in Asia. Today, we review the Qilak LNG project and the economic and logistic rationales driving it.
Like the proverbial dog who finally catches the truck he's been chasing, only to wonder what to do next, midstreamers at long last have brought on enough crude oil pipeline capacity to move Permian barrels to the Gulf Coast. In fact, right now there appears to be more than enough pipeline space, with several pipes flowing less than their capacity. What midstream companies now face is a race to the bottom as their pipelines compete with each other to attract barrels by offering service to Gulf Coast markets at the lowest price — resulting in transportation rate compression. Today, we begin a blog series on the tug-of-war for barrels and its effect on prices.
In October, some 45 MMbbl of liquefied petroleum gases (LPGs) were loaded onto ships and sent out from U.S. ports, more than 80% of it from Texas Gulf Coast terminals. Most propane and normal butane exports are tied to long-term deals between U.S. suppliers and overseas buyers, but a substantial share involves third-party LPG traders who cut deals to buy LPG, arrange for shipping and terminaling, then sell the LPG to buyers in distant lands. How exactly does all this happen? Today, we continue a series on how U.S.-sourced LPG makes its way to Asia, Europe and other key export markets.
Refined product supply in Petroleum Administration for Defense District (PADD) 1, which comprises Atlantic Coast states from New England to Florida, has been in trouble all year. Maintenance issues beset refineries during the first quarter, and then in June, the region's largest refinery, a 355-Mb/d plant owned by Philadelphia Energy Solutions (PES), was shuttered after a fire. The loss of the PES output would've been manageable if imports had taken up the slack. But although gasoline imports increased, distillate shipments have actually been lower than normal since June. As a result, the PADD 1 distillate market has been drawing an average 163 Mb/d from inventory since mid-August, according to weekly Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports, leaving stocks in the region at a 10-year low. That storage deficit versus previous years will increase when the weather turns colder and heating oil demand kicks into high gear. With stocks at historical lows and market prices not attracting new supplies, the shortage may well foreshadow price spikes this winter. A potential strike by unionized workers at the Phillips 66 Bayway refinery in northern New Jersey could make matters worse. Today, we look at what's behind the PADD 1 distillate shortfall.
Crude-by-rail has saved the day for Alberta producers before, and it's about to again. The talk of the Western Canadian province the past few days has been the Alberta government's October 31 announcement that it will allow incremental crude oil production beyond the province's 3.8-MMb/d cap — if that crude is transported to market by rail. Within hours of the government's statement, a trio of major producers indicated that they now expect to ramp up their Alberta output by a total of more than 100 Mb/d over the next few months, with a good bit of the gain occurring by year's end. Production increases from others are likely to follow, as are parallel plans to load that crude into tank cars and rail it to market. But can Alberta producers really thrive without more pipeline capacity? Today, we review recent developments in "Canada's Energy Province" and what they mean for producers and Alberta crude prices.
In our blogs and at our 2019 School of Energy a couple of weeks ago, we've spent a lot of time discussing the ins and outs and pros and cons of a multitude of proposed crude oil export terminals. What we've come to believe is that, with U.S. production growth appearing to slow and market players fearful of overbuilding, many of these multibillion-dollar greenfield projects are unlikely to advance to financing and construction. Odds are that the midstream sector instead will focus on ways to add new capacity to existing terminals, even if that means still relying on reverse lightering in the Gulf of Mexico to fully load Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs). In today's blog, we discuss why producers, traders and midstreamers alike may be pulling back from investments in big, expensive export projects, and what it could mean down the road.
U.S. propane production has been on the rise for most of 2019, but propane consumption by steam crackers has been reined in by poor economics, and propane exports have been constrained by export-capacity shortfalls. That's led to a big buildup in propane inventories, which stand at near-record levels as the market prepares for a winter heating season that is forecasted to be milder than normal. So we're in for only a modest draw on propane stocks between now and spring, right? Not necessarily. There's change in the air regarding propane supply, cracker demand and export capacity and, as we learned in the balmy winter of 2016-17, the U.S. propane market isn't nearly as dependent on the weather as it used to be. Today, we assess recent market developments and explain why a big decline in propane stocks is a real possibility.
New U.S. liquefaction trains and export terminals coming online are entering an increasingly oversupplied, lower-priced global market. Even so, domestic LNG exports have continued to climb with each new train that is commissioned and commercialized. Feedgas deliveries to the terminals hit an all-time high well above 7 Bcf/d this past week and have stayed up there the past several days. That's because more than 90% of the operating or commissioning liquefaction capacity is underpinned by long-term Sales and Purchase Agreements (SPAs) that keep cargoes flowing. Planned facilities still under construction are contracted at a similar level, and we expect that to keep U.S. LNG exports on a growth trajectory that's in line with the commissioning and construction schedules of new plants, to a large extent regardless of international price trends. Today, we continue a series on U.S. LNG export cargoes and destinations, this time with a focus on the existing capacity contracts for operational and commissioning terminals.


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New FDA funding and requirements for guidances will help give rare diseases access to the accelerated approval process.
July 15, 2010 (Novato, California) — Just 16 months after the Kakkis EveryLife Foundation kicked off the CureTheProcess Campaign, the Foundation, in association with the National Organization of Rare Diseases (NORD) and numerous other patient and physician organizations, have increased the support and commitment to improving rare disease regulatory policies.
A US Senate Appropriation bill has been submitted including language supporting two of the Campaign's goals. Specifically, the Bill supports the creation of new guidances which could improve the scientifically sound use of surrogate endpoints and new clinical study designs and analysis. The Senate Bill also includes an appropriation for the Food and Drug Administration to hire new staff to fulfill these requirements.
"We are especially grateful to Senator Sam Brownback (R-KS) for his leadership on this issue and to Senator Herb Kohl (D-WI) for his support," said Emil Kakkis, M.D. Ph.D., President of the Kakkis EveryLife Foundation. "We are very pleased to see so much progress made, in such a relatively short time."
The Senate Appropriations Committee will now review the FY 2011 Agriculture, FDA, and Rural Development Appropriations Bill. The bill includes the first increase for the Orphan Product Development Grant program since FY 2005. The program is increased by $2,000,000 for a total grant level of $16,035,000. The Bill also includes specific funding for the Office of the Associate Director for Rare Diseases in the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER). Funding for this office is increased by $1,000,000 to hire additional staff with specific expertise in facilitating the development and review of products to treat rare diseases.
The manager's package that should be adopted at Committee includes language, cleared by the FDA that builds on the Brownback/Brown Amendment language that was included in the FY 2010 Appropriations Bill (Section 740). The language requires the FDA Commissioner to "…develop updated guidance documents and review standards for the development of safe and effective products to treat rare diseases and neglected tropical diseases…"
Specifically, the Bill spells out requirements to:
- Maximize the use of accelerated approval where feasible and appropriate, including guidances on the use of surrogate endpoints that are reasonably likely to predict clinical benefit of drugs and biological products under the regulations under Subpart H
- Work with drug company sponsors to facilitate expanded access to investigational therapies
Develop guidance on clinical development programs for rare diseases
- Increase coordination among individual drug, biological product, and device review divisions across FDA centers to support the development of safe and effective medical products for rare and neglected diseases
The FDA is required to implement these as a part of the FY 2010 Brownback/Brown Amendment reforms and report back to the Appropriation Committee on implementation of these items.
"The Senate Bill is a good step forward in improving the regulatory process for rare diseases. By creating a more predictable pathway for orphan treatments, we will shorten development timelines and reduce the financial risk associated with the development of rare disease therapeutics. The result will be a surge in development activity for even the most rare disorders, giving more patients with rare biochemical and genetic disorders earlier access to effective treatments." said Dr. Kakkis.
The Foundation initiated the CureTheProcess Campaign to give even the rarest diseases access to the accelerated approval process and put treatments on the fast track. There are more than 7,000 rare disorders that together affect over 25 million Americans and their families; however less than 5% have treatments as few drug companies conduct research on rare diseases since it is currently difficult to recoup the costs of developing treatments for such small populations. More than 130 patient and physician organizations have endorsed the Campaign goals to:
- Establish a new Office of Drug Evaluation for Genetic and Biochemical Diseases at the FDA, consolidating and expanding expertise to ensure safe, effective and timely patient access to needed treatment.
- Create a new standard to qualify biomarker or surrogate measures of the effect for treatments of rare disorders, and allow these treatments full access to the accelerated approval pathway for life threatening diseases.
- Devise new clinical study designs for rare diseases that account for disease complexity and patient variability to properly capture treatment effects on all aspects of the disease.
To learn more about the Kakkis EveryLife Foundation, please go to www.Kakkis.org.


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Reported by Santosh Jagdev/Edited by Sandeep Sahu
Bhubaneswar, Sept-12:
A day after the gruesome murder of Bachan Sudha Pattanayak (53), a city-based businessman's wife, the Commissionerate Police has started a manhunt to nab the security guard who is absconding since the incident. All eyes are now on the security guard Dipti Ranjan Patnaik, suspected to be the prime accused in the case.
Police conducted a raid on Patnaik's home at Nuabazaar under Niali police station limits in Cuttack district on Wednesday night. The prime suspect, who was staying at Arati apartment of Prachi Vihar in Palasuni area in the city, had joined the Rajendra Security Service one and a half months ago, sources said.
Diptiranjan Patnaik came for the second shift about half an hour after the security guard on the morning shift Kanhu Charan Nayak left on Wednesday, police said.
Police recovered a blood stained shirt said to belong to Patnaik, a vanity bag, a mobile phone and a knife from a drain behind the residence. Besides, they also found a liquor bottle and a plastic glass from the place of occurrence, which led to suspicion that he was a drunkard. Earlier, police had also seized a visiting card with blood marks and a new saree from the security guard's chamber at the entrance gate.
What also pointed the needle of suspicion on the security guard was the fact that the family pet dog was brought from the upper floor to the ground on the fateful day. Police suspect that the guard might have entered the room with an intention to rob the house and stabbed Bachan Sudha when she resisted.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Nitinjeet Singh said the motive for the murder would become clear only after the security guard is arrested and interrogated. "But as of now, the motive appears to be burglary," he said.
Singh said four persons, including the head of Rajendra Security Services Purna Chandra Muduli who sent the security guard for duty in Bachan Sudha's residence, had been detained for interrogation.
Police seized relevant documents from the security agency to find out more about the antecedents of Patnaik. The scientific team and the intelligence wing have started investigating into the matter.
Police sources said Muduli was operating the security agency in the city without a license. He had employed seven persons for his agency on a salary of Rs. 4000 each.
Meanwhile, the autopsy report has confirmed that Bachan Sudha was stabbed with a knife six times – once on the forehead, thrice on the neck and twice on the shoulders. Her death in her dining room was due to profuse bleeding, said the report.
Employees of Madhukan Agro Automobiles Pvt Ltd on Thursday staged a protest in front of Mancheswar police station demanding immediate arrest of the culprit. Ward no-5 corporator Pratap Rout blamed the police for not taking swift action in time to check the rising crime in the city. "If the police fail to arrest the culprit, we will take to the streets," he said.
Bachansudha's body was cremated at Satyanagar crematorium here today. Tthe daughter of the deceased Sonali Rashmi Pattnaik, a banking employee in Hong Kong, reached here in the morning today after hearing about the death of her mother.
53-year old Bachan Sudha, wife of Manu Charan Pattnaik, the owner of Madhukan Agro Automobiles Pvt Ltd,was killed by some unidentified persons at her Sabarsahi residence in Rasulgarh area under Mancheswar police limits here on Wednesday.
The deceased was running a finance management firm and was also the director of an agro and automobile firm and a housing and infrastructure company.


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Kang Yatse II Trek
Kang Yatse is a towering, throne shaped peak at the head of the Markha Valley in Ladakh. The mountain has two summits. The true eastern summit is higher at 6,400 m but requires an extremely technical traverse across a knife-edge ridge. We will climb the lower western summit at 6,250 m. The trek to Kang Yatse takes you through the cultural trail of Markha Valley, passing through quaint villages, Lhatos (religious shrines for local deities), Mani walls (stones inscribed with Buddhist prayers), old monasteries, ruined forts and welcoming tea stalls offering refreshment. You will hike up the Markha Valley till the vast meadows at Nimaling, after which you will leave the valley floor for your summit attempt. Peaking Kang Yatse II itself is a milestone for serious trekkers/aspiring mountaineers, testing your limits, with an indescribable view as your reward. After summiting the peak, you will climb over the 5280 m Kongmaru La pass, and descend down the narrow Shang Gorge to finish your expedition at Chokdo.
Kang Yatse II is made only for experienced trekkers who want to test their limits. The challenges faced in the trek should not be underestimated. You should attempt this trek only If you have already done a trek that climbs to 4700-5000 metres. It is recommended not to opt this trek if you cannot get acclimatized in the mountains of Ladakh. Besides you need to have a strong physical endurance to complete this trek. For details on trek difficulty level, please read on Bikat Rating Scale
A basic mountaineering course is recommended though not mandatory in case of highly experienced & skilled trekkers. At least 2-3 challenging treks along with 20 – 25 total trekking days in the Himalayas. Medical fitness certificate from CMO of a recognized hospital.
How to use an Ice Axe
How to use Climbing boots & Crampons
How to rope up & follow queued climbing/descending
How to self-arrest using an ice axe
Knowledge of Basic First aid
Jog/Run for 5 Kms in 25-30 mins Or Walk continuously for 10 kms (with 3-4 small breaks) on plain terrain (slight incline is better) and
Hold your breath for 40 seconds and
3 sets of Climbing 30 – 40 steps in one stretch and
Push Ups – 10 and
Lunges & Squats – 15 X 2 sets
If you are not meeting these benchmarks, please use the preparation schedule to improve your fitness till you achieve the above benchmarks.
The best months to summit Kang Yatse are July to October.
Click here for packing list.
The trek begins from Leh in Ladakh. The best travel option around Leh is by air.
By air: Jet Airways, GoAir, and Air India provide daily flights from New Delhi to Leh. It is recommended that you make your flight bookings well in advance not only to save on the price but also for a confirmed seat. You can also take an alternate flight route to Srinagar. Fly to Srinagar from Delhi and then drive to Leh from Srinagar. The 10 hour road journey from Srinagar to Leh can be covered by hiring a shared taxi which will cost you around INR 3000-4000. The drive route from Srinagar to Leh is scenic. For coming back, you can either take a direct flight from Leh to New Delhi. Or take the same route via Srinagar. Flights from Srinagar to Delhi are cheaper than Leh-Delhi.
By road: You can take the route from Manali to Leh. Travel from Delhi to Manali by a HRTC Volvo bus. From Manali get a seat in a shared taxi (INR 2500-3500). If you are on a tight budget, There is also a bus from New Delhi to Leh (via Manali) with one side fare of INR 1365. The bus journey begins at 2:30 pm from Delhi ISBT reaching Keylong next day at 1:30 pm. After an overnight halt at Keylong, it reaches Leh the next day. The another route to Leh can be taken through Srinagar. There are shared taxis from Srinagar to Leh available at cost of INR 3000-4000. If you are an ardent biker, you wouldn't mind taking a bike trip from Delhi to Leh and back.
BSNL has the best connectivity in Leh-Ladakh region followed by Airtel. However, all the mobile networks like Idea and Vodafone also work in Leh. Please note that only postpaid numbers work in J&K state, prepaid connections will cease to work as soon as you enter Ladakh region. On & Off network coverage is available throughout this trek (BSNL & Airtel mostly).
There are so many enchanting places to visit in Leh-Ladakh. During your acclimatization period, you can roam around the town and visit the monasteries; Diskit Gompa, and Lamayuru Monastery. Drive up to the Magnetic Hill and experience the crazy magnetic phenomenon on the hill. The picturesque Nubra Valley will take your breath away. The green oasis villages, the monasteries, the ruined palaces- Turtuk and Bordang; there is a whole different culture in this place. It is 150 km away from Leh. You can take a shared taxi to this route. How can you leave Ladakh without seeing Pangong Lake, the sapphire blue lake? Also, visit Gurdwara Pathar Sahib and Leh Royal Palace.
The minimum age limit is 13 years. However, minors aged between 13 to 17 should be accompanied by their parents or guardians. If you are above the age of 60, kindly carry a medical certificate from your doctor that deem you fit for adventure activities like trekking.
When you arrive in Leh, your stay will be made at a local guest house/hotel. The rooms will be provided on twin or triple sharing basis. You will receive the details of your accommodation through email a few days prior to the trek. On trekking days, all the trekkers will be accommodated in twin or triple sharing tents. Along with this, there will also be a toilet tent and a dining tent installed at every campsite as we roll.
We provide 4 seasons tents by Gipfel for higher altitudes which can easily withstand heavy snowfall and storms. They are spacious enough to accomodate 3 people at once with a vestibule to place the backpacks. Our sleeping bags are made up of Heatseeker Pro synthetic insulation that can provide you comfort in -10 degrees celsius. We also use additional fleece liners to have thermal efficiency even in the extreme temperatures of -17 degrees Celsius.
Toilet tents will be provided to you on the trek.These are portable toilets tents where a deep pit will be dug. A shovel will be provided inside the tent to cover the waste after you have made your business. You can take a toilet roll inside. Make sure you dig used toilet paper along with the waste. Though water is recommended in place of toilet paper. Please refrain from using wet wipes as they are non-biodegradable. There will be no facility for bathing on the trek. Go through our blog section for tips on how to maintain personal hygiene on treks.
You will be provided with good quality of gaiters, crampons, and microspikes from us depending upon the situation of the snow. Our trek leaders will also be carrying ropes and ice axe.
You can rent following items from us- Trekking Pole, Trekking Shoes, Fleece Jacket, Rucksack.
Vegetarian food will be served throughout the trek. The only non-vegetarian item served on our treks are eggs. Our kitchen staff follows a proper menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner which has been designed in order to fulfil the nutritional requirements of the participants. There will be milk, poha, eggs, muesli/corn flakes, bread and butter served for breakfast. Rice or simple roti sabzi will be packed for lunch. In dinner, you will have dal, egg curry or any other vegetarian dish along with rice, roti, and a dessert item. Packed lunch will be provided to you on the days you are trekking. You are requested to carry your own tiffin box and a mug to consume food. The meals consumed on journey and arrival day are not included in our cost.
If you want to offload your rucksack, you will have to make a request for offloading a few days prior the trek through an email so that arrangement can be made in advance. You will be charged per day for offloading your rucksack. In case you decide to offload on the spot, you may have to pay a higher price than usual. However offloading your rucksack is not recommended since it is not a safe practice.
A team of participant will be led by a course certified trek leader and a local guide. All participants are requested to abide by what their leader says. There will also be a team of kitchen staff and porters on the trek. We maintain 1:8 ratio of trek leader and participants. All our trek leaders and staff have a certified training in first-aid and rescue operation.
Yes, trekking pole is necessary. If you don't want to buy one, you can rent it from us on minimal daily basis charges. You can request the renting link from us.
Yes, there are stores/shops in Leh from where you can buy necessary stuff. Though it is recommended that you come prepared with all the stuff. Please do not leave anything for last minute buying.
Yes, it is absolutely safe for solo woman to travel in fix departures. Women on the trek will be sharing tent with each other. In case you are the only woman on the trek, you will be given a separate tent.
Yes, e-certificates will be given at the end of each trek provided that you completed it. It will bear your name, the trek, and the maximum altitude you achieved on the trek.
During the day, the temperature will range from 10 to 15 degrees celsius. The nights will get cold dropping the temperature to 0 to -5 degrees celsius. Higher the altitude you gain, the colder it gets.
July to September is likely to receive a good amount of snowfall. During the other months, the snow accumulation is high and therefore the trek is not feasible.
The hotel at Leh is the pickup point. The dropping point remains the same.
Expect to reach Leh late in the evening where hotel arrangements would be made by us. Make sure your flight/bus bookings from this point to your respective destinations are in the morning the next day post 10:00 Hrs.
ID Proof (Soft Copy to be sent to us in Advance & original to be carried), Medical Certificate (Soft Copy to be sent to us & original to be carried) and Photocopy of ID Proof and passport size photos are the mandatory documents required for the trek.


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Up till now a summer piece, the white pair of pants has transcended the seasons' limits. According to fall trends it's more than ok to wear white in fall, in fact creamy white and ivory white have been spotted around in many of this season's collections.
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'Bachelor of Science' (B.Sc.) in Business
Studying business administration in Göttingen
Business Administration is concerned with all economic issues and decisions from the point of view of individual companies and other institutions. It involves understanding the organisation, personnel management, finance, purchasing, production and sales as well as accounting. "Finance, Accounting and Taxes", "Marketing and Channel Management" and "Management" can all be delved into during the bachelor's degree programme. Building upon this, the master's degree programme allows for further specialisation.
General information
- The bachelor's programme in business studies is accredited by ZEvA Hannover (Central Evaluation and Accreditation Agency).
- Language: German
- Not only will students acquire a solid foundation in general and subject-specific occupational skills, but the programme also lays the academic foundation to pursue graduate studies. Students may concentrate on various specialisations which will be noted in their degree.
- The programme is fully modularized, meaning that credits are acquired during studies. The programme is successfully completed when 180 credits have been attained.
- The standard duration of study is six semesters.
- Enrolment is possible for every semester (both summer and winter).
- Acceptance in the bachelor's programme requires well-founded knowledge of the English language, math, statistics and information and communication systems ICS). Students whose knowledge in the areas of English, math and ICS is poor are recommended to improve their proficiency before beginning the programme. For non-German students, a well-founded knowledge of the German language is necessary as the language of instruction for the bachelor's programme is German.
- Math must be completed in the first year of study.
Admission requirements and procedures
In the orientation phase (1st and 2nd semesters), students acquire knowledge of the basic issues and approaches in economic sciences as well as basic knowledge in other relevant disciplines. In addition to business and economics, students will gain skills in information and communication systems, and mathematical and statistical methods and law.
The in-depth specialisation study period (3rd to 6th semesters) serve to complete the basic education in business (in-depth studies in business). Students may additionally customize their studies towards their own individual interests and occupational desires. The areas within which modules can be selected from include business specialisation, economic specialization, foreign business language and the areas "economic foreign languages" and "electives". The offered modules in the individual areas enable the students to acquire basic key qualifications for a graduate course of study or practical occupational skills. When completing one of the three available business specialisations, the respective concentration can be stated in your degree:
- Finance, Accounting, and Taxes
- Marketing and E-Business
- Management
- Business management
- Business staff departments of larger companies
- Consulting services
- Public offices and associations
- Graduates also have the possible to establish a business
In addition, specialization offers additional occupational choices. Graduates in finance, accounting and taxes are prepared to work in the following areas:
- Accounting and taxes
- Control
- Finance and risk management
- Auditing and tax advising
- Banks, insurance companies and other financial service providers
Graduates in marketing and channel management are prepared to work in the following areas:
- Marketing, public relations (PR)
- Sales
- Purchasing, logistics and planning
- Commerce
- Market research
- Logistics service providers
Graduates in management are prepared to work in the following areas:
- Control
- Organisation
- Personnel management
- Production
- Purchasing, logistics and planning
- Logistics service providers
- Master's programme in Finance, Accounting and Taxes (double degree option)
- Master's programme in Marketing and E-Business
- Master's programme in Management
- Master's programme in Global Business (double degree option)
- Master's programme in Taxation
- Master's programme in Business Education and Human Resource Development
- Master's programme in Applied Statistics
- Master's programme in History of Global Markets (joint degree option)


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"Hello, I'm Menstruating": #HappyPeriod's Mission to End the Stigma Surrounding Your Monthly Flow
Get in the Know: Immigration & Family Separation
At One Girl Inc., we are deeply concerned with policies and legislations regarding detained immigrants in the United States. We realize that this is a developing issue that reflects our nation's long history of harmful immigration policies that ostracized and dehumanized groups. However, it is important for us to clarify the happenings on Capitol Hill. As advocates, social change agents, and global citizens at One Girl, we urge you to read on to stay up to date!
Our nation's attention has quickly shifted with urgency towards immigration. In the past two weeks, legislative bills on the House floor have had titles that imply protection of immigrants and family reunification, but the opposite has proven true. For example, House Speaker Paul Ryan's "compromise bill" and Congressman Bob Goodlatte's immigration bill only function to adjust Donald Trump's "zero tolerance policy," not eliminate it. More federal dollars would be directed to border security and families could stay together, but would still be detained together. Family unity is key, but not when it means folks are detained indefinitely without legal counsel, humanitarian treatment, and resources.
Part of being engaged at One Girl means staying informed. While the above is an introduction to much of the fast-paced actions on Capitol Hill, it is important to give this a historical context. We understand that immigration policy in the United States has historically been flawed. Take, for example, President Ronald Reagan's Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986: a piece of legislation that has largely been considered a failure. It was meant to tighten border security and stop employers from hiring undocumented immigrants, while offering amnesty to undocumented immigrants already in the United States. However, the act provided no framework for future immigration policies.
This is unfortunately not the first time the United States has implemented detention centers. President Franklin D. Roosevelt's response to Pearl Harbor attacks saw the introduction of Japanese internment camps, in which Japanese folks (majority of whom were American citizens) were forcibly relocated and detained en masse. The 1882 Chinese Exclusion Act of President Chester Arthur also showed the power of courts to not only deny citizenship to Chinese laborers, but deport them as well.
Subsequent presidential administrations have left the framework of this immigration act in place, leading to more separations of families and mass deportations. On April 6, Attorney General Jeff Sessions introduced a "zero-tolerance policy," which ruled that adult family members would be subject to prosecution and separated from children at the border. More recently, SCOTUS has decided to uphold Donald Trump's proposed Muslim ban as constitutional.
As advocates for gender equality, we also realize the ways in which detention and deportation affects women and girls. Over 200 people have been detained at the SeaTac detention center in Seattle, Washington, 174 of whom are women. Many of the women came to the United States seeking asylum as they were fleeing violence. Unfortunately, they were met with even more violence, as they were separated from their children and held in prison waiting indefinitely.
Women and girls face several hurdles in detention: uncertainty, separation from their children, denial of rights and services, and sexual violence according to the ACLU. One Girl stands with the women and girls who have long been affected by ICE raids, imprisonment, and the arduous immigration and asylum process. We urge our communities to stand with us in recognizing each other's humanity. No human is illegal and no human deserves abusive treatment.
So what can you do? Check out this comprehensive list Slate put together of how you can help fight family separation at the border. Donate to organizations on the ground where detention centers are located to continue funding their pro bono legal services and advocacy efforts. You can also find an organization through the above list to offer remote translation services. Last but not least, join One Girl at the Families Belong Together march in New York City! If you can't join us here, find a march in your city.
While it can be difficult to keep up with immigration, being well-informed is key to feeding movements. Let's keep the energy moving forward to #KeepFamiliesTogether.
Signing off,
Daniela and Jaslin
A Perfect Start to June
Hello to everyone and hello to June! We've got lots of exciting news happening here at One Girl, and we can't wait to share them with the rest of the 0G family. First off, welcoming June also means welcoming our two new interns for the summer: Jenny and Daniela!
Jenny is a rising senior at Parsons The New School for Design, where she majors in illustration and minors in fashion communication. Growing up in Hong Kong, Jenny enjoyed volunteering at elderly centers and elementary schools, where she was the head organizer of all arts and crafts activities. Her most rewarding experience was traveling solo to Nepal in the summer of 2017, where she worked as an Arts teacher at Orchid Garden Nepal—an NGO in Kathmandu. Passionate about graphic storytelling and topics like women's empowerment and climate change, Jenny hopes to combine her skills and interests to find a profession in designing for social impact, and saw One Girl as the perfect avenue to jumpstart her journey to making a difference through art!. In her downtime, Jenny loves to relax at the park, go to (many) indie rock concerts, explore brunch spots, and doodle for her freelance projects. Check out her work on IG: @jennylauart
Daniela is a rising senior at New York University majoring in Journalism and Politics, with a minor in Spanish. The daughter of a now-retired member of the Armed Forces, Daniela spent time in various parts of the world, developing an interest in all human rights. Her love of knowledge inspired her to pursue a journalism degree to further the spread objective news. Previously, she has worked at the entertainment startup The Knockturnal and at Newsweek Media. Both of her parents are immigrants to the United States from Ecuador, so immigrant rights hold a special place in her heart. She currently works as an interpreter for the NYU School of Law Immigrant Rights Clinic, communicating from Spanish to English between law students who do not speak Spanish and their clients who do not speak English. With a desire to help people, Daniela is excited to contribute her love of writing, her experience in media, and her passion for human rights to One Girl this summer.
See some of her work here: https://danielacobos.com/
Now that we've introduced you to our lovely interns, we can start spilling all of the juicy details that happened this past weekend. You may or may not have seen, but on Sunday June 3rd, One Girl hosted its very first Meet and Greet!! We admit we were super nervous about hosting our first get-together, especially because what was meant to be an outdoor picnic turned into a very last minute indoor mixer—but it could not have worked out better! There were fifteen ladies in total who were at the event. We started off by gathering in a tight-knit circle, where we went around the room sharing icebreakers and describing our personal backgrounds. The conversation grew deeper when our founder, Meaghan Jarensky, gave an incredibly inspiring speech about how One Girl really came to be. We even had a few ladies who shared empowering stories on campaigns that they founded themselves! Amazing! It was truly a beautiful and enjoyable environment where we got to know each other and share our ideals and passions. Seeing as it was a huge success, we can't wait to host more events like this in the future. Stay tuned!
Women's History Month is Over... Now What?
March has been a powerhouse month for organizing around women's empowerment. People have gathered to break bread, discuss, and envision a world that is more inclusive of women and girls everywhere. International Working Women's Day on March 8th kicked us off with a call to action: let's continue this ongoing fight towards justice and representation.
The holiday also kicked off the 62nd Commission on the Status of Women: a two-week long chain of events at and around the United Nations that centers the voices of women around the world. I had the fortunate opportunity of speaking on a panel that zeroed in on this year's theme: Empowering Rural Women & Girls. I spoke on the challenges of mediating gender based violence in times of political conflict and how refugee camps have become a site where impoverished women continue to face violence.
Reading testimonies of affected women was nothing short of a difficult, provocative task. While there's plenty more to parse out here, I'm troubled by the not-so-lasting impacts of these important events. We buy our tickets, take pictures for social media, add a thoughtful caption, and then walk away. Where do we go from here?
There must be a better way to stay engaged. When we leave our actions for women's empowerment entrenched in Women's History Month, we are missing out on a year's worth of necessary, transformative dialogues where new ideas are born. Dialogue, debate, and difficult discussions are where movements grow and thrive - but we need people to make it happen.
In our daily lives, we conform to rigid school and work schedules. Some of us may want to allocate our only hour of free time to catching up on a TV show or taking a warm bath. There's no shame in that. We all need an outlet to continue surviving in this often difficult world. However, taking action doesn't always mean participating in a march or protest. Being engaged in social justice movements means enjoying the multiplicity of activist methods: hosting a film screening at school, donating to a cause, sending supplies and materials to organizers, sharing a #hashtag, or informing yourself through news articles. Not everyone is able to march, but anyone can communicate an idea, regardless of social media presence.
We must be honest with ourselves and our level of commitment, but we must also confront ourselves with an important question: What is the world I want to see and what will it take to make it reality? There is no easy answer to this question. The answer is a lifelong exploration of understanding how to make a lasting impact on this world. So it makes sense to say that leaving our activism in the confines of a 31-day time period is severely short-sighted and unsustainable (time is a social construction after all, folks).
Let's commit to making our world safer and more inclusive of women and girls at the margins. Let's make sure we challenge each other to think creatively, engage thoughtfully, and take action meaningfully. There is no time left to pay lip service to women who need us every day.
In Sisterhood,
Follow Jaslin on Instagram @xo_jaslin
The Problem with Country Music
Somebody's gotta wear a pretty skirt,
Somebody's gotta be the one to flirt,
Somebody's gotta wanna hold his hand so God Made Girls
These lines begin probably one of the more sexist songs I've heard in my lifetime of 19 years. "God Made Girls" has a great tune and will get stuck in your head - fast - but the message underlying its lyrics is quite outdated. Throughout the song it is implied that God created women to provide for, care for, and love men. I mean, what would men do without women when "Somebody's gotta be the one to cry"? A blogger on Jezebel made a rant about this song, declaring "the term 'retrograde' doesn't do this song justice - it's downright Victorian." Feminists everywhere, I know you, too, are probably seething with rage as you Google this song and read through its lyrics.
But just know that it doesn't stop there.
With country music being less popular with the millennials - who are coincidentally (or not?) the most progressive, open-minded and inclusive generation - the many sexist lyrics that are basically characteristic of this genre have gone overlooked or ignored.
Take the recently-released song "Different for Girls" by Dierks Bentley for example.
It's different for girls when their hearts get broke
They can't tape it back together with a whiskey and coke
They don't take someone home and act like it's nothing
They can't just switch it off every time they feel something
A guy gets drunk with his friends and he might hook up
Fast forward through the pain, pushing back when the tears come on
But it's different for girls
Hold up… so you're telling me that girls post-breakup don't have a GNO at the club and sip on their Skinny Girl vodka and trash talk the newest ex-boyfriend of the squad?! Dierks, I'm sorry dear, but you are sadly mistaken. This song is obviously a little less overtly sexist than the last one, but it nonetheless promotes gender-stereotyped behavior. It promotes the idea that girls are emotional creatures who become introverted and fragile when they experience heartbreak. The song even goes on to say, "nobody said it was fair," further implying that gender stereotypes portray an inescapable destiny; when us girls get our hearts broken, we have no choice in how we can handle it.
I've been submerging myself in country music ever since I applied to Vanderbilt University, which I now attend. Listening to the slow guitar and Southern twang of the singers made rides to school so much better. But as time went on, the Southern charm and excitement about moving to Tennessee faded to the background as I began to listen more closely to the words coming out of my radio.
One of my favorite country songs actually addresses some of the sexism present in country music (and it's catchy!), called "Girl in a Country Song" by Maddie & Tae. Just to give you a taste of it…
Bein' the girl in a country song
How in the world did it go so wrong?
Like all we're good for
Is looking good for you and your friends on the weekend
Nothing more
We used to get a little respect
Now we're lucky if we even get
To climb up in your truck, keep our mouth shut and ride along
And be the girl in a country song
YES, Maddie & Tae, PREACH IT! So often I hear these male country singers swooning over their woman "riding shotgun" with her "seat laid back" ready for him to charm and please her. I am so thrilled that women like Maddie & Tae have begun to challenge the Country Music Patriarchy - it's about time. These themes of pretty, soft, fragile women being charmed by brawny, sex-hungry country men dates back many decades. However, as we move towards a more progressive society, I see songs like Maddie & Tae's becoming more popular.
Although I still listen to country music literally anytime I'm behind the wheel ("they're always singing about driving anyways!" is what I use to justify it to my friends), I am still aware of the messages that are being conveyed through the music. I am hoping, along with many female country artists, that country music begins its own "catch-up" with the rest of pop-culture and starts treating women with respect. Someday I hope to turn my windows down in the summer air as I drive down a highway and hear love songs that don't say "If you'll be my soft and sweet, I'll be your strong and steady" or "Love the way you're wearin' those jeans so tight." Instead, I hope to relax to some respectful man (or woman; who knows how progressive Country might become?) singing about a girl in the most charming yet least objectifying way possible. Now that's what I call a good love song.
Orange Day
Often times, we are judgmental about the impact of an annual awareness holiday. They appear as one-time commitments to advancing an issue that many struggle with on a daily basis. It may feel like a cop-out; a limited engagement is the easy route to participating in a movement, yet it ignores an ongoing conflict that we have the privilege of not experiencing. Of course, one person cannot involve their daily life to several campaigns -- that, of course, leads to activist burnout.
However, we must constantly underscore movements if we wish to see tangible change. "Orange Day," for example, does not stop at preventing gender violence by asking supporters to wear orange one day out of the year. United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon initiated this holiday in tandem with the UNiTE Campaign to End Violence against Women. Together, they have declared the 25th of every month "Orange Day" as as an extension of the "International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women" on November 25th.
This month, UN Women for Youth (among others) are celebrating Orange Day to End Honor Killings. This is especially urgent as we remember Qandeel Baloch, a Pakistani social media mogul who fell victim to an honor killing. She was often touted as the "Pakistani Kim Kardashian" for the ways in which she displayed her body. However, many conservatives believed exposing her legs, chest, and even performing a strip tease were all abominable, obscene ways for a Pakistani woman to act. Her sexy cleavage shots and makeup-covered face were indecent and a poor representation of Pakistani women.
Unfortunately, her media presence was so shameful that her brother, Waseem, drugged and asphyxiated her while she was asleep in her family's home. Waseem reportedly feels no shame or regret for having executed what is commonly known as an "honor killing" - a means of restoring the honor, pride, and reputation of a family by killing whoever threatened that honor. The "crime" is then forgiven with the death and the case is dropped, successfully rebuilding the family's image. However, women and girls are disproportionately targeted as the victims of these killings in patriarchal societies. In Pakistan alone, more than 1000 women died at the hands of honor killings in 2015. However, this only includes documented cases, and organizations such as Honor Based Violence Awareness Network, warn that these numbers are "severe underestimates" as there is little reporting and women are often discouraged to report cases out of fear for challenging the status quo.
Qandeel's suffering did not begin with this honor killing, however. She grew up in an impoverished, conservative neighborhood in Punjab where she worked as a bus hostess. Baloch was married off in her late teens. After later giving birth to her first child, her husband became increasingly abusive to the point where Baloch ended the relationship and left.
She rose to fame after appearing on television, posting racy videos on YouTube, and showing revealing images on Instagram. However, she became a true threat when she vocalized her criticisms of patriarchy. She tweeted such messages as, "As a women we must stand up for ourselves..As a women we must stand up for each other…" as well as "Life has taught me lessons in a early age...My journey from a girl to a SELF DEPENDENT WOMEN was not easy. #Qandeel."
Unfortunately, violent messages amassed to the point where Baloch began receiving death threats. She requested government protection multiple times, however, she was turned down as the gravity of her issue was not considered urgent or serious enough. Due to government neglect and performing the "crime" of daring to be a public figure and "unapologetically Qandeel," she suffered at the hands of Waseem, who assumed the family name was restored.
"I will fight for it. I will not give up. I will reach my goal. & absolutely nothing will stop me.#qandeelbaloch
City & State Diversity Panel
Yesterday, I had the privilege to attend the City and State NY Conference on Diversity, courtesy of One Girl! The conference featured ways to ensure the inclusion of marginalized groups in the private and public sector. The panels featured important figures as Congressman Hakeem Jeffries from the 8th Congressional District of NY and Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito from the New York City Council. The panelists offered some crucial insight on how to uplift people of color in business and STEM, particularly through supporting M/WBEs: Minority- and Women-owned Business Enterprises.
Much of the language and discussion was geared towards pushing for diversity in corporations and businesses by enforcing existing state legislations. This was especially apparent in the "Creating a Culture of Belonging, Inclusion, and Diversity" panel. However, one of the key issues brought forth by Jeanne Mullgrav, Executive Vice President of Capalino & Company, was that she does not want to stop at feeling "tolerated" or "invited" in a company's diversity campaign to meet a quota. Rather, she wants to feel respected and integrated as a meaningful member of the team. According to Letitia James, Public Advocate for the City of New York, private and public sectors have a responsibility to promote diversity and create opportunities for W/MBEs. The key to diverse recruitment, then, is retention - creating a hospitable atmosphere in which women and minorities do not feel encouraged to leave the workplace due to discrimination.
Perhaps one of the most intriguing discussions unfolded during the panel, "Breaking Through: Women in Government, Advocacy, and Public Affairs." As a young woman looking to engage in international politics, seeing panelists like Assemblywoman Nily Rozic of District 25 elucidated the issues women face in this field. Upon election, Rozic was the youngest woman in state legislature. She is also currently the first female to represent District 25 in Queens.
While she has many accomplishments, Rozic recalled many instances of ageism and sexism in Albany. She was assumed to be a staffer or another assemblyman's girlfriend because, by no fault of her own, she was concurrently young and a woman. The discussion on paternalism also highlighted work atmospheres in which men will impose themselves onto their female colleagues as a father or boyfriend figure - even though they were never invited to play such a role.
This was a clear indication of what my future may entail (or rather, currently entails). Women experience discrimination on racial, class, and gendered lines in and out of the workplace, and it is crucial to center these stories and voices. These experiences are valid and worthy of recognition. They reflect a culture in which women (and women of color in particular) are assigned subordinate gender roles - remain demure, compliant, in the background, and aim high, but not high enough to threaten a man's success.
The panelists did, however, offer some respite from these troubling experiences. When asked what women can do going forward, Melissa Mark-Viverito, Speaker at New York City Council, responded that we must continue to challenge a patriarchal system. Vocalizing our opposition to sexism is an uphill battle, of course, considering many are accused of "playing the race/sex card." However, as Viverito stated, "we as women must engage in the struggle."
Our bodies were built to move. That is the simple, scientific fact. But somewhere along the line, getting our bodies to move has become a burden. For many people (young women especially), exercise can become a black cloud of anxiety and failure to meet expectations. Think about it- how many of us are sitting at our desks, dreading the pain of an hour long spin class or coming up with reasons why we "don't have time" to go to the gym? We praise each other when we work out, and give ourselves an internal beating when we don't.
I know I have been there. Growing up, my family was exercise-crazy. Many times I would wake up to find that my siblings had already run six miles together and my parents were on a 50 mile bike ride. Throughout middle school and high school, I felt constantly inadequate around these athletic super- humans. I was plagued by shin splints and despised the elliptical. Partially due to the family attitude towards exercise, I suffered from bouts of anxiety and depression throughout high school and the beginning of college.
And then I discovered the world- literally. Sophomore year of high school, I signed up to participate in a trip through a student adventure travel company. Over the next three years, I ended up going on several trips. Each one involved constant movement- hiking, swimming, surfing, manual labor- you name it. I came to many realizations over the course of these trips. However, one realization changed my life in a very tangible way: exercise does not have to suck. The catch? I needed to change my definition of exercise, expand it from the restrictive definition used by my family and society. Hiking is slow, rhythmic, and contemplative. Surfing consists of fits and spurts of activity, interspersed with long periods of waiting. Manual labor involves lots of walking and bending over, heavy lifting and dragging. You wouldn't believe how many calories you can burn just by walking around for a whole day.
I am here to argue that there is no "should" and "shouldn't," no "bad" "good" or "better" exercise. It is all just movement. Find out what kind of movement makes you happy and keep doing it. For instance, I hate the unnatural positioning of a stationary bike, so I don't make myself go to SoulCycle. I much prefer the natural movements of running and walking, so I do so on alternate days. I've learned to let myself fully enjoy a good power walk without feeling guilty that it's not "enough." Whenever I have the opportunity to hike, I take it. Learn what feels good to your body, and learn to listen when it says, "nope, this hurts." If the elliptical makes you feel like you want to cry, try racket ball or rock climbing. Invite a friend to play tennis. Unless your goal in life is to win a triathlon or the Tour de France, there is no need to make something so necessary so uncomfortable.
Here is the ultimate irony I've stumbled upon: the higher the expectations that we impose upon ourselves, the less productive we will be towards that goal. Throughout high school and college, I have slowly let go of my lofty goals for a perfect "fat-burning" workout that will result in a toned, tan, and beautiful body. Focus on the process, not the results. Because in my experience, if you find a physical process that you actually enjoy on its own merit, the results will follow. But by then, they will be irrelevant.
Laura Wallace
Why it's Important to Mind Your Mind
Building on the fantastic blog post Jaslin created about Social Wellness Month, I wanted to delve a little deeper into the specifics of mental health, since this is an area of particular interest and importance to me. This past year, I took a class at Vanderbilt University called "Fundamental Issues of Medicine, Health, and Society." While the course provided me with an immense amount of knowledge on all aspects of health, the beginning activity that my class completed turned out to be the most important thing I learned. Our professor handed out an anonymous survey with a list of mental disorders: depression, anxiety, various types of eating disorders, drug addictions, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and more. We were asked to check a box next to the disorder if we 1. Had the disorder ourselves, 2. Had a family member with the disorder, 3. Knew a friend with the disorder, or 4. Had no experience with the disorder at all. The results were shocking; in a class of forty students, each and every person had some connection to a mental illness. 70% of the class had a friend with depression; 38% of the class had a family member with anxiety, while 20% of the class had an anxiety disorder themselves (Muse, Vanderbilt University, 2016). It can be easy to discount mental health because someone "looks fine" or "acts normal," but seeing these staggering statistics really opened my eyes to the epidemic of poor mental health, especially among young college students.
Since that class, I have made it my mission to advocate for better mental health for students on my campus. Mental health issues are deeply stigmatized since mental health problems are truly invisible illnesses. This can prohibit many individuals from seeking the help that they desperately need. Additionally, other factors, like socioeconomic status, gender, level of education, and urban vs. rural location can also determine whether an individual seeks and/or has access to sufficient treatment.
At this point, you may be wondering why someone with a mental disorder even needs treatment. A huge misconception is that diseases affecting our mental health don't need help, since they are not physical illnesses. "Why can't someone with depression just 'be happy'?" "Why can't someone with anxiety just 'calm down'?" And the truth is, these disorders are far more complex than simply changing the way someone acts; someone who prescribes to the previous line of thinking is only helping to contribute to the misconception that mental illnesses are not as serious as physical ones.
But, taking care of our mental health is just as important as taking care of our physical health. According to the U.S. Department of health and human services, our mental health "affects how we think, feel, and act." Additionally, it helps to "determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices" (mentalhealth.gov). Taking care of our mental health is important because it allows us to keep track of our stress levels and feelings before they can spiral into a disorder. How can we do this? For one, as Jaslin mentioned in the Social Wellness blog post, keeping a good group of friends around you is key. Being able to talk through issues and negative feelings you may be having is extremely helpful in lowering stress levels. Secondly, alternative stress treatments like exercise, yoga, meditation, and mindfulness are all helpful in maintaining positive mental health. Third, speaking to a therapist and seeking professional treatment, possibly with medication, have proven very successful for many people. While this option can often be stigmatized, there is absolutely no reason for that; taking care of our minds is just as important as taking care of our bodies.
And, if you are still wary, I will leave you with a quote from a psychologist friend of mine: "Treating mental illness with medication is no different from treating a physical illness. You wouldn't deny a diabetic of their insulin, would you? Why should medications for a mental disorder be any different?"
Leadership Training Blog
Congratulations to the Class of June 2016 for completing One Girl's first Leadership Retreat! During a weekend in June, young women gathered in the Upper East Side to learn about activism, share stories, and break bread. This therapeutic and empowering event was undoubtedly crucial towards engaging women in public action. I happened to be one of those women.
While meeting the group of folks with whom I would spend my weekend was unnerving at first, we quite literally coalesced into a circle of sisters ready to learn about ourselves and each other. Sitting on the floor surrounded by each other created an equalizing factor - a means of seeing each other eye-to-eye. A safe space indeed, we introduced ourselves by honoring each other's gender pronouns. We set some guidelines too, such as keeping the discussion confidential. As if the cushions and blankets were not comfortable enough, I felt even more secure in the One Girl space.
Reading along with the training packet never made me feel like a student in a classroom, either. Each person had the choice to read a section of the stories, definitions, and excerpts, creating an equal opportunity to share our voices. We did not have a lecture on the different types of activism and how to be nonviolent; rather, we engaged in dialogue by sharing our personal experiences.
Sharing those stories came with emotional baggage, but of course, sharing was not made mandatory. I recall feeling how divulging parts of my life to a group of folks I only knew for a few hours seemed unnatural and invasive. After all, how could I air out my most vulnerable parts to a group I had only recently met? But after hearing other folks in the room, I felt compelled to let my story be heard as well. Speaking my struggle happened to be the cleansing and healing experience I did not know I needed.
The room felt heavy. While the pain was apparent, the surprising similarities in our stories made the pain more bearable; more so with Meaghan Barakett (One Girl Founder) leading the yoga and meditation. The techniques helped me ease my breathing and release the tension of revisiting trauma. My first time experiencing yoga was facilitated by her professional direction, with her reminding us to "do whatever is comfortable." While my first downward-facing dog was no easy feat and I struggled to feel "grounded" and calm, there is of course a first time for everything.
Most importantly, the full two-day session helped me achieve a greater, more positive outlook on my activist mission. The events above will only offer a peek into what you can expect if you enroll in the next Leadership Retreat, so stay tuned for details on what you can do to join! You may even solidify your purpose in this world by writing it down like I did: "I am here to build sisterhood, strength, and ability. I am here to use my knowledge and capability to keep my fellow women safe."
Leadership Retreat Class of June 2016
Social Wellness Month
Happy Social Wellness Month! One Girl wants to celebrate July's theme with you so we can all learn how to heal ourselves, support each other, and treat ourselves at the same time. While this is central to how we engage ourselves this month, we must remember to practice self-care daily to ensure long-term results in health and happiness.
Social Wellness Month is a reminder to take care of yourself, seek social support, and promote general wellness. So often do we train ourselves to employ the "lone wolf" mentality - believing we can achieve everything alone and that all our strength lies within. Finding inner strength is an important part of self-sufficiency and one of the many ways to cope with loss, grief, or struggle. However, did you know that intense feelings of loneliness or isolation can take a toll on your health? In fact, according to the Center for Spirituality and Health (CSH) at University of Minnesota, the risks are "comparable to the risks associated with cigarette smoking, blood pressure, and obesity."
To prevent these risks, the CSH recommends nurturing your relationships. That means making educated and honest commitments. If a friend wants to go see a movie and you have a deadline for school or work, you may feel more stressed and anxious at the theatre. However, being honest with yourself and knowing that you cannot commit to the invite can help you reduce your stress levels to achieve your goals in a timely manner.
You can also make a commitment to be more positive. If you know someone going through a particularly rough patch in their lives, you may feel "secondhand stress" and a need to "fix" the situation. However, you can start small by using more positive language. You can give the person regular phone calls instead of texts to check in on how they are doing. Try some exercise, yoga, or meditation techniques to calm down.
CSH recommends growing your social network, too. This may mean stepping out of your comfort zone a bit, but can also result in a larger network of folks who support each other, care for each other, and maintain positive relationships amongst themselves. You can join your local gym, share a hobby with a group of friends, or volunteer for a cause. All of these are excellent ways to help you heal by staying active and engaged in your community.
Remember that wellness is an ongoing journey. Try not to feel as if you must be fully healed by the end of July, but set realistic goals for yourself! Check our calendar for some opportunities coming up with One Girl so we can strive towards wellness.
International Day of Yoga
Happy International Day of Yoga from One Girl! Proposed by Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, in his 2014 address to the United Nations, this day does not celebrate, exercise, but helps "discover the sense of oneness with yourself, the world, and the nature." Here at One Girl, we link yoga and activism. We celebrate the healing powers of meditation to help us remain "present in the moment" as we continue our advocacy.
We must remember the importance of raising our social consciousness as we work tirelessly in advocating for women-specific work. We must engage in research, actively participate in grassroots organizing, and strive to provide educational tools and resources for our communities. However, many activists in this line of work suffer from "burnout", increased anxiety, and overwhelming feelings of trauma or hopelessness when fighting for a cause.
In response, we strongly encourage yoga as a holistic, accessible means of addressing these side-effects. Through conscious breathing techniques, calm environments, and healing spaces, we can more effectively walk on our paths towards personal growth and development. Practicing mindfulness can help us all understand our parts in a greater whole, learning how to give back to our communities through service and volunteerism.
Yoga not only helps our activists at the frontlines, but also the women we advocate for. Survivors of domestic abuse and intimate partner violence in particular have sought yoga to heal from physical, emotional, psychological, and economical abuse. According to Exhale to Inhale, an organization using yoga to assist survivors in healing, "The body remembers neglect, abuse, and terror." However, by going through the motions of yoga in a "trauma-informed" manner, survivors can regain a sense of safety. I had the privilege to hear Tara Tonini, Exhale to Inhale's Program Director speak at the NGO Committee on the Status of Women June meeting panel. According to her, women can "reclaim their lives - mind, body, and spirit."
Let's try something I learned from Blanche Manago, a yoga/meditation teacher and panelist at the NGO meeting. While standing or sitting, hug your body and feel your rib cage. Take a deep breath in through your nose and out through your mouth. What do you notice? Try closing your eyes, repeating this breathing technique 4-5 times. Be mindful of how your body changes, how your shoulders relax, and where your mind wanders.
Remember that your experiences are valid and worthy. Continue on your paths to healing from trauma, exhaustion, and physical or mental manipulation. Healing takes time, but I, along with everyone here at One Girl, support you on your journey.
Jaslin Kaur
Pictured here: Exhale to Inhale Directors, NGO CSW Directors, and Yoga Panelists
Celebrating Pride Month!
Happy Pride Month! Every June, we celebrate lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer folks. It is a time to highlight diverse expressions of sexuality and gender identity. We speak on equality, education, and visibility for LGBTQ+ folks. While we do celebrate with colorful flags, parades, and parties, what are we actually celebrating?
Let's throw back to New York City in the 1960s, the site of the nation's largest LGBTQ+ population. The Stonewall Inn in Greenwich Village, New York opened its doors as a safe-haven for the community with drinks and dance, even though the American Psychiatric Association considered homosexuality a mental disorder. Local law enforcement made sure to oust queer folks to uphold the stigma, with NYC police squads frequently raiding gay bars (the Stonewall Inn included). Bar-goers and police see-sawed between shutting down the Inn and reopening again.
Fast forward to the morning of June 28th, 1969, when police raided the Stonewall Inn. What was meant to be the usual altercation quickly escalated into violent arrests and police brutality. Crowds amassed, protests erupted, and police lost control. This sparked weeklong resistance during what we now know as the Stonewall Riots: the impetus for the Gay Liberation Movement and one of the core reasons to celebrate Pride Month.
The riots and uprisings gained traction across the United States, creating a grassroots revolution for gay rights. We must remember the marginalized queer folks who resisted and suffered at the hands of violence, even though they were considered sub-human at best. Let us thank the brave fighters who struggled for liberation and visibility.
Clearly, the work towards equality is still not done. While SCOTUS passed legislation allowing same-sex marriage, this cannot and should not undermine the continuous violence against queer folks (especially queer people of color). In the wake of the shooting at Pulse, the gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida, we stand in solidarity with the victims of this recent shooting. We remember their names and continue to fight.
So let's celebrate Pride Month however we can - whether by attending a parade, a protest, or even drag bingo at the Stonewall Inn that still stands today. Let's understand what this community has faced, and hope for greater revolutions in the future.
Jaslin Kaur
Fashion Revolution
It's Earth Day Eve and what better than a quick 4-1-1 on becoming a more sustainable and educated consumer?
Top 10 Reasons to love Snapchat
Commission on Population & Development at the UN!
This week (April 11th-15th), the 49th session of the Commission on Population and Development is being held at the United Nations.
Meaghan Visits the Maldives!
At this time, last month, I was on my honeymoon in the Maldives.
Louboutin's nude ad
Have you guys seen Christian Louboutin's new ad for their nude shoes? Umm, bliss!!
Meaghan's OGO
Hello, I'm Meaghan, the founder of One Girl.
Elanie's OGO
Hey! I'm glad you've all had the opportunity to meet most of my team.
Emily's OGO
Hey girl's HEY!
First One Girl Obsession!
Image by Max Gordon
Hey guys!
I am so happy to be the first to kick-off One Girl Obsessions (OGO) on such an important day... International Women's Day!


text:
A participant asked:
There are some states that are starting to offer asset management planning grants.
And for small systems, in particular, are there areas that you would recommend that they hire an engineer or some breaks group or someone to help them with developing their asset management plan?
This is an area where I think you need to be really cautious. My advice is always the plan has to be driven by the community, by the system itself.
So you don't want to hire somebody with the notion that, I can take this burden away and give it to somebody else and they'll come up with a great plan and all will be well because it won't work that way. It will just be a book that sits on the shelf and you won't implement it.
So it has to be you, as the system thinking through what you want to do, looking at the expertise you have on staff, the information you already have and then looking, where are the gaps.
So maybe you wanted to develop a map for example. And you've decided that you want to get a GPS location of all of your assets and you want to create a map. And maybe it's GIS of some kind, maybe it's not, even not quite sophisticated but you may decide, hey we don't really have the equipment to do GPS.
We don't have the equipment to do the maps, so we're going to have somebody work with our operator, go out in the field, collect the GPS locations, make the map.
Or you'll say, well we're going to put the information into an Excel spreadsheet or an Access database or we want somebody to set up that Excel spreadsheet, give us a bit of training on how to use it, or an Access database on how to use it.
So looking for the gaps in where you're going to struggle with your own staff while allowing you and your staff to drive the process is the best way to do it. So looking where you need some additional expertise.
Maybe another good example of where some help might be beneficial is the replacement cost. It's often hard for a smaller utility to know the replacement cost of everything, you know pumps, tanks, pipes, whatever.
So hiring somebody who can fill in that data and say well, we think a mile of pipe in your system will cost whatever, $600,000. So they could help you with those replacement costs because that's something that would be more difficult for your staff to know.
Or maybe they can help you think through useful life estimates of how long will this kind of thing usually lasts.
So using a consultant to fill a gap or plug a hole you have is a better way to go than to contract out the whole infrastructure asset management plan and hope that that's going to make the change.
PHOTO CREDIT: Bodie Island Lighthouse, North Carolina by Don McCullough via Flickr Creative Commons License.