text:
In a recent development, the Medical Broad of California has already ordered 35 months probation for Dr. Bob Sears, which is an Orange County Pediatrician who is well known for being sympathetic to the parents and opposed to vaccines.
In the year 2016, the board has threatened to revoke the Sear's medical license for writing a doctor's note for a 2-year-old boy wrongly and exempted him from all forms of childhood vaccinations. In this week, the medical board has settled on a lesser punishment.
Sears can keep practicing the medicine but it will require to take about 40 hours of medical education courses per year, and it is well as an ethics class and will be monitored by the fellow doctor. He has also notified all the hospitals and medical facilities where he practices all the order and there was no one to supervise the physician assistants or any nurse practitioners.
The supporters have expressed the relief that he has not been sentenced severely but some critics were pleased that the state did more than simply reprimand him. As per Dorit Reiss, who is UC Hastings law professor said that it is really strung and limiting that his ability to practice and he is now under the supervision now.
As per medical board, they said that Sears had found himself in trouble as he has written a vaccine exemption for a young boy without getting any basic medical information like the history of child's vaccines. According to the filing, he had taken the boy's mother at her word when she said that her son had lost urinary function and he went limp after getting the previous immunizations.
Sears said in a statement that medical board has four more cases which are lined up against him for writing the improper vaccine exemptions. The officials who are from the medical board said that the investigations that they are doing are confidential.


text:
I've run a bunch of speedtests using several different methods and its clear that the Epic 4G Touch is getting far inferior 3G speeds. I've tested this next to two different HTC handsets. I used to average almost 1.0mbps down.
Can I have the zipcode to where your experencing these issues at?
Thank you,
My wife's Evo Shift and my previous Evo4G were doing fine ~ 800kbps down....not stellar, but good. I can literally see the Sprint tower from my window. I've been through all the network trouble shooting in the past with Sprint (numerous phone calls from field techs, etc.) and things have improved since then.
THIS however is specifically related to the slow speeds of the Epic 4G Touch that I just bought. The signals are far lower with it than with my Evo or Shift (side by side comparison this AM where that screen shot came from)
Same issue here in northeast MA and throught SE NH.
Zip codes is 01860
Same here in Boston, MA
4G speeds are fine but 3G speeds are absolutely unacceptable. I used to get over 1mbps with my Evo 4G and my Epic 4G Touch can't get better than 320kbps (upload speed is a pathetic 42kbps). Sprint had better get this sorted out in a hurry!
I reviewed your area and we are having data related issues. We are working towards a solution. As a further question, are the download speeds consistently slow on the Epic 4G Touch, regardless to where you are?
Let me know,
SprintCares Team
Hey Sprint Cares....how about the 01860 zip I posted earlier? (Merrimac, MA)
We have no 4G here (stops 7 miles from my house) and the 3G speeds are bad...they have gone down hill considerably since last winter AND the Epic Touch has slower speeds than our EVO 4G consistently....no matter where we are. WIFI speeds consitently match what the EVO 4G produces.
What in tarnation is going on with phone service in Queens, NY 11354 zip.
With all the recent outages in data and today phone this is not the "NOW" network but the then network. I'm just po'd completely. All the recently announced changes, upcoming data caps, no Premiere perks, 14 day down from 30 day new phone tryouts, and on. I could care less whether Hesse, et al bring the iPhone, TMobile or any other bs pr boilerplate to the company. They've just lost me. They deserve to sink in the malaise of their own wishful thinking.
R. Maiman,
Flushing, NY
Same problem here... only getting about 45K with my galaxy s2 in mesa AZ 85201... 3G,,, My EVO was alot better .....
Similar problem here, comparing the Touch with our Motorola Photon. 3G speeds of the Touch are about 20-40% of the Photon. We are in Ithaca, NY, 14850 and tried is in 14853.
hello mcheiron, or you using a speed test app to gauge the speed?, are both phones connected to the same channel?
Same problem here... terrible 3G speeds. I'm talking 0.05 to 0.32Mbps down. My EVO was 0.7 to 1.5Mbps down in the same spot. I'll test against the EVO at the same time-space next change I get and post results.
48310 and 48090 zip codes
Need Help?
Please try Searching the Community, we have many questions already answered, you can also check out the Knowledge base.
If you have an account question you can create a post and one of our Social Care Agents will help you.
If you need immediate assistance please visit Sprint Chat

subset: commoncrawl


text:
We handle all manner of extractions including erupted 3rd molars.
Extractions may be performed for a number of reasons, including severe tooth decay or infection, or severe gum disease; supernumerary teeth (teeth in addition to the standard 32); malformed teeth; or fractured teeth. The most common reason is probably removal of the 3rd molars, or wisdom teeth. In many people the jaw is shaped in such a way that there is insufficient space for these teeth, or they erupt in such a way as to negatively affect the gums or nearby teeth.
If the treatment plan includes a later implant, and at the time of extraction it is found that the socket is deficient, socket preservation will be performed.


text:
The most used online advertising is called Google AdWords and consists in creating an effective ad to promote a company, a product or a service. This announcement is among the first, by inserting keywords that let it be found in the Google search engine.
Today, 90% of people use the Google search engine to meet a need, writing keywords to find an effective response right away.
Why is it so important to be first?
1) Most potential customers search on Google looking for an answer to a need, finding in one of the very first advertisements (ann.) The one that satisfies them. In this way they can land on your site, download your app, view a landing page or read a blog article.
2) Google is the tool for excellence, used by people to look for something or take information. Hence the importance of appearing immediately and among the first to give the customer what he is looking for.
Our certified Google AdWords consultants will make you appear among the top Google positions. Users statistically stop at the first three results and in a minimal percentage the search goes beyond the third result.
In a first phase we will carry out the study of the keywords that a potential customer could insert into the search engine. Then a promotional advertisement will be created, effective and captivating, which will be placed among the first places.
The advertising campaign that will be designed can be at local, regional, national or world level. It will also be possible to establish a time duration and decide the best formula in proportion to the investment.
Google Certified Consultant
for a campaign
Google Adwords will call you back
advertising campaign
Instant visibility on the web
With Google AdWords your site will be found immediately and this will bring new customers with calls and requests for information or quotes. The results are immediate and grow over time with increasing visibility of the advertising campaign.
Promote efficiently
It is the best method for you to find customers who need what you offer. If you want to promote a service, sell a product or make yourself known, our Google AdWords consultants will position you in the first positions to let you find it now!
Become global on the web
If you're going to expand your business and quickly reach the attention of customers all over the world, creating a professional Google AdWords campaign is paramount. In fact, Google is used a lot in the world and the same principle of positioning at the top in the search by keywords can be repeated everywhere.
International and local customers
Do you have a local business and want to get to know you in your city or at the most regional level? Google AdWords has the solution for you, it will let you find first where you market your products or services the most and the advertising budget will be calculated on the basis of territoriality with solutions suitable for everyone.
We inform you that the personal data you provide will be processed by Res Media srl ??exclusively to respond to your requests. For more information, please see the Privacy Policy published at the following link:


text:
Great Book WritersBig authors
In a new books application, the idea that "reading well" necessarily means going back to the same old classic books, from Trollope to Tolstoy, is questioned.
In a new books application, the idea that "reading well" inevitably means going back to the same old classic books, from Trollope to Tolstoy, is questioned. Every wk Alexi, a "digital books club", addresses authors and asks them to filter out the jewels they have found and then offer them to members to use on their cell phones or trays.
Surprisingly, 100 Must-Read, the best book on the author's writing and career.
As a working or up-and-coming author, you probably already know the best classical literature on the subject of authoring - King's On and Strunk and White's Elements of Style - but for a handicraft as diverse and individual as the one of typing, you will always profit from more votes and more technique. Therefore, this book is full of authors who not only talk about the mere handicraft of typing (and there is much great advice), but also about how they have transformed their life as authors and what part they believe authors are playing in an ever-changing age.
Browse 100 of the best literature on the subject, from crafts to literary life, to improve your own work. "Lamott's mixture of leadership and reflexion should address authors who have to fight with big and small daemons. One of the gems she has to offer is to begin small, as her dad once told her ten-year-old brothers, who struggled over a review of birds: "Just take it poultry for poultry".
Lamott's proposal on the art of the fictional is down-to-earth: concern for the character, not the story. "Ann Patchett, writer of State of Wonder, Run and Bel Canto, explores her most profound obligations - to write, to be with relatives, to be with others, to make happy marriages - and to create a reverberant portrayal of a lifetime in This is the Story of a Happyriage.
Typing is a big mess subject, so I've obviously been missing some of your favourite and best scores on typing. Be sure to take the commentaries to speak about your favourite lifestyles and craftsmen. You can find more of our articles on the world of typing here. Subscribe to the librarian's one-stop store for updates, listings and more with the Checking Your Shelf emailing.


text:
LONDON (MarketWatch) -- Supermarket group J. Sainsbury SBRY, +1.85% said Thursday that comparable sales in the thirteen weeks to Jan. 3 climbed 3.9%, or 4.5% stripping out fuel. Total sales rose 4.8%. The firm said it saw its best-ever Christmas trading performance in a good fiscal third-quarter. The economic environment remains particularly challenging, the group said, however it believes it's well positioned to continue making progress.
J Sainsbury comparable sales up, sees continued progress
Quote References
+4.00 +1.85%


text:
Workshops 05-11 - Sunday, 15.00 - 16.30 hrs
Workshop outlines are published as submitted by the organisers. Note that the content of the workshop is under the sole responsibility of the respective workshop organisers.
W05. NGS in the Clinic
Organiser: Vincenzo Nigro, Gijs Santen
Plenary Hall
NGS is rapidly taking over as standard sequencing tool in genetic diagnostic services. Meanwhile NGS continuous to be further developed making it important to share knowledge and insights. Therefore this workshop will cover several topics related to NGS. We have selected topics relevant to those working with NGS technology as a diagnostic tool, but also to those using NGS results in their clinical work.
Each topic (listed below) will be shortly introduced by the workshop organizers, followed by several short presentations from submitted abstracts. After the presentations, there will be an interactive discussion with the audience. Questions may be asked to the presenters, and if time permits statements can be discussed.
We would also like to launch a pilot this year: one of the most frequently occurring issues in NGS application is the occurrence of Variants of Uncertain Significance (VUS), and discussions whether these VUS cause the phenotype. We welcome any cases highlighting these discussions. Because a thorough discussion will require preparation and consultation with clinical and molecular experts, we ask cases to be submitted no later than May 10th, by email to the workshop organizers (vinnigro(at)gmail.com, santen(at)lumc.nl).
|Sanger confirmation: time to stop?
|Large gene panels, WES or WGS?
|CNV detection in targeted data
|Difficulties in variant interpretation
1. Sanger confirmation: time to stop?
There are generally two reasons to perform Sanger confirmation: confirming NGS findings and ruling out sample swaps. However, Sanger confirmation is laborious and therefore costly. Until recently all diagnostic laboratories would confirm any NGS findings by Sanger sequencing, but several laboratories have already stopped.
|Leslie G. Biesecker: Using the wrong approach to solve the wrong problem: Sanger validation of single nucleotide variants from next-gen sequencing
|Discussion with additional viewpoints
2. Large gene panels, WES or WGS?
Many laboratories are making choices between WGS, WES or large gene panels. We have asked several submitters of abstracts who either focus on multiple techniques, or who have endeavoured on a cost-effectiveness analysis to enlighten the audience with their insight on this choice.
|Elizabeth A Worthey: Translating genomic findings into clinical genetics applications; experiences from our first 6 years
|Paul A James: Clinical application of a whole genome sequencing (WGS) approach to Inherited Cardiac Disorders
|Discussion with additional viewpoints from Kirsten van Nimwegen and Glen Monroe
3. CNV detection in targeted data
Although targeted NGS is not the optimal technology to detect CNVs, there have been many attempts to perform CNV calling and new programs are being developed continuously. In this part we will try and help the audience to make informed choices in this regard.
|Melanie Locher: Evaluation of CNV detection from targeted next-generation panel sequencing data in routine diagnostics
|Discussion with additional viewpoints from Sander Pajusalu
4. Variant interpretation: a continuous challenge!
One of the most difficult challenges in NGS implementation is the interpretation of the wealth of variants that are detected. We would like to discuss these issues and also a small number of submitted cases in the Discussion.
|Nahid Nahavandi: Dual genetic diagnosis as a valuable feature of whole exome sequencing
|Discussion with additional viewpoints / submitted cases
W06. Dysmorphology 1
Organisers: Jill Clayton Smith, Sofia Douzgou
Room 112
The workshops will discuss complex undiagnosed cases with distinctive features and patients with known diagnoses which are particularly educational and demonstrate new clinical information or genomic mechanisms.
Cases for presentation should be brought to the auditorium in the 30mins before the workshop starts. Places for presentation are allocated on a first come, first serve basis. Each presenter is asked to give a concise outline of their case and demonstrate the relevant features in a short (approximately 6 slides) PowerPoint presentation. The discussion of the case will then be facilitated by the workshop chairs with comments invited from experts in the audience. No photographs of slides should be taken in the session.
W07. Copy Number Variant Interpretation and Classification
Organisers: Eva Klopocki, Nicole de Leeuw
Room 117
The aim of this workshop is to focus on various aspects of copy number variant (CNV) interpretation and classification in a diagnostic setting. We will talk about multi-, intra- and intergenic CNVs detected by genome wide array analysis, but also CNV detection in Whole Exome Sequencing data will be included. We will use illustrative cases from our own diagnostic laboratories to have an interactive discussion on the more challenging findings, including low-penetrant, recurrent Copy Number Variants (CNVs) and structurally rearranged chromosomal imbalances as well as patients with compound heterozygous variants in a recessive disease gene.
We will have an app-based feedback system available for this interactive session, so please bring your smart phone, tablet or laptop.
Participants are invited to send questions, comments or suggestions related to this topic by e-mail to Nicole.deLeeuw(at)radboudumc.nl before May 21, 2016.
W08. Preconception carrier testing: New challenges in screening and diagnostics
Organisers: Lidewij Henneman, Borut Peterlin
Room 113+114
Preconception carrier testing is the detection of carrier status for recessive disorders in order to facilitate informed reproductive decision-making by identifying individuals or couples at risk of having an affected child. Carrier screening at a population level detects carrier status in persons who do not have an a priori increased risk of having a child with a certain disease based on their, or their partners' personal or family history.
New genetic testing technologies enable the expansion of carrier screening to multiple conditions, genes or variants with almost no extra cost or effort. What are the challenges for introducing expanded carrier screening? In clinical diagnostics (whole exome/genome sequencing) carrier status is increasingly identified as an 'incidental finding', including in children. Should this information be explicitly sought and reported back to patients when testing is already taking place?
New technologies have the potential to change the screening landscape but also raise new ethical and societal issues. The European Society of Human Genetics recently published recommendations for responsible implementation of expanded carrier screening (EJHG, 2016).
This workshop will discuss experiences with carrier screening and testing and challenges associated with the introduction of expanded screening panels.
US experiences with expanded carrier screening panels
Gabriel Lazarin, Counsyl, USA
Learning from screening multiple disorders in a Dutch founder population
Inge Mathijssen, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Optimal timing of carrier testing? Parents' and genetic health professionals' perspectives on testing children
Danya Vears, Leuven, Belgium & Melbourne, Australia
The 100,000 Genomes Project: Consenting for optional feedback of reproductive additional findings (carrier testing)
Caroline Benjamin, Liverpool & Preston, United Kingdom
Interactive discussion with speakers and audience
W09. How to get published
Organisers: GertJan van Ommen, Nickie Roake
Room 115+116
50' Talks and interactive discussion featuring:
- Tiago Faial, Editor Nature Genetics
- Bettina Meiser, Section Editor EJHG
- Christina Patch, Section Editor EJHG
- Alberto Piazza, Section Editor EJHG
- Inga Prokopenko, Section Editor EJHG
- Nickie Roake, Nature Publishing Group
- Alessandra Renieri, Section Editor EJHG
- GertJan van Ommen, Editor in Chief, European Journal of Human Genetics
- Denise Waldon, Editor Nature Reviews Genetics
40' General Discussion, Q&A
W10. Genome Browser UCSC
Organiser: Robert Kuhn
Room 111
The UCSC Genome Browser is a widely used platform for access to genomic data provided by laboratories around the world and for display of user data alongside it. New tools are constantly being developed by our team, and this workshop will demonstrate the latest offerings. The new Data Integrator allows the intersection of up to five tables by genomic coordinates and can be used, for example, to export a list of the genes in an uploaded region(s), all the SNPs in dbSNP associated with those genes and the biochemical consequences of the variants.
The newest Browser feature is a display mode tailored to whole-exome sequencing, allowing the display of only the exons, and all their associated annotations. An alternate use of this mode is the ability to juxtapose regions of the genome of different chromosomes on the same screen, including the vizualization of the many alt sequences that are part of the latest human genome assembly, hg38 (GRCh38), in their genomic context.
Finally, participants will learn about the Genome Browser-in-a-Box, a virtual-machine version of the Browser that runs on the desktop and provides enhanced data security and privacy by operating within an institutional firewall. Users can view their own data locally with full Genome Browser capability, without having to upload anything to UCSC. Previous familiarity with the Genome Browser is recommended, but not required. Laptops strongly encouraged.
W11. Gene regulation
Organisers: Sergi Beltran, Alexandre Reymond
Room 118+119
In this workshop, selected speakers will present their work on gene regulation using a variety of approaches. The studies that will be discussed have been done on humans or on model organisms, in vivo or in silico, focusing on a single gene, the whole genome or even on the mitochondrial epigenome.
Long-range gene regulation during craniofacial development (Dr. Catia Attanasio)
Identification of p53-target genes in Danio rerio (Dr. Barbara Mandriani)
A transcription factor binding site-driven approach to identify cis-regulatory variants (Dr. Sunil Kumar)
Distinct trends of DNA methylation patterning in the innate and adaptive immune systems (Dr. Ronald P. Schuyler)
New insights into mitochondrial regulation: the first epigenome-wide investigation into mitochondrial methylation (Mr. Matthew A. Devall)


text:
Any traders predicting a multi month equity rally apart from me ?
As of today I am.
Last week was the turning point.
Further equity upside & USDX weakness expected this year.
However the SPX big picture remains very bearish and unfortunately
this will not change.
Archive for June, 2012
Sat June 3030 June 2012 - 11:27 pm UTC
Any traders predicting a multi month equity rally apart from me ?
Fri June 2929 June 2012 - 12:10 pm UTC
Yes, as of today USDX bearish daily chart indicates good equity upside
Due to bullish eurozone news & short cover spike today, SPX & EURUSD
daily charts now give bullish warning & USDX daily chart gives bearish
warning. This should result in more equity rally.
Thurs June 2828 June 2012 - 4:22 pm UTC
Bears are back in control and SPX choppy daily & weekly charts revert to
Market dislocation & fluctuating consensus gets worse.
This market could go in either direction this week…
As mentioned, SPX big picture remains bearish: unfortunately this
won't change.
Wed June 2727 June 2012 - 5:18 pm UTC
SPX buying & USDX selling continued today and more expected this
week imo. So EURUSD bounce is expected.
Significant USDX selling noted & we know what that does…
Market dislocation and lack of consensus worsens.
European StockBears are now dominating.
Tues June 2626 June 2012 - 11:17 pm UTC
Yep, equity bulls are dominating now.
SPX buyers return and show strength.
Market dislocation and lack of consensus worsens.
DOW choppy daily chart shows possible H&S (ie bearish) and weekly
megaphone chart enclosed below could be bullish or bearish.
Mon June 2525 June 2012 - 10:53 am UTC
SPX 8 hour leg down reverts to sideways chop & SPX buying noted.
SPX 8 hour chart leg down commences.
USDJPY leg down commencing.
Gold and Silver are forming a base for an upleg.
Sun June 2424 June 2012 - 3:16 pm UTC
Thurs June 2121 June 2012 - 12:40 am UTC
Thanks to eurozone developments we get a mild waterfall sell off &
importantly another Wile E. Coyote warning…
SPX weekly chart bearish warning has also returned.
SPX intra bearish warning returns & hopefully we can have a
SPX very choppy bullish daily chart dominates.
CADJPY – GBPJPY – EURJPY – USDJPY daily chart bullish
warning strengthens & more upside expected.
SPX intra day bearish warning is conflicting with bullish daily chart,
thus mixed signals.
USDJPY daily chart bullish warning.
SPX & AUDUSD intra day bearish warning – from overbought levels.
CADJPY & EURJPY upleg on daily chart commences.
Tues June 1919 June 2012 - 7:48 pm UTC
SPX bullish daily chart strengthens further.
Sat June 16 analysis still applies.
AUDJPY shows bullish daily chart & upside ahead.
Sat June 1616 June 2012 - 4:59 pm UTC
Rally warning continues.
SPX / EURUSD / GBPUSD / AUDUSD / GOLD / SILVER bullish
warning on daily charts strengthened further on Friday.
Further upside expected.
Shorts will be squeezed next week onwards.
DOW initial target approx 13,170 & more upside after that.
USDX bearish daily chart strengthened further on Friday &
further downside expected.
The SPX big picture remains very bearish and unfortunately this won't
change. Market intevention only postpones the major crash, it can not
prevent it. This deferment also ensures the inevitable crash will be even
Monthly USDX indicators continue to warn of significant long term US
dollar upside.


text:
This author's biography has not yet been added to our database.
Bounty hunter Wyatt McCade is taking down outlaws one at a time. He's been in love with Tess Sullivan for years, but she refuses to give in to her feelings. Reeling from the rejection of his marriage proposal, he chases bounties with little concern for his own safety. When word reaches him that Tess never left for Boston, he rides for Cheyenne to confront her. Instead, he is ambushed and left for dead.
Doctor Tess Sullivan shattered her heart by refusing Wyatt McCade's marriage proposal and making the biggest mistake of her life, by holding onto a secret. Pining for his return, she blames herself when he arrives in Cheyenne near death. Forgiveness comes quickly in his arms, but she finds herself a pawn in a deadly game of revenge.
When McCade lands are threatened, Tess is caught in the balance. On the bounty hunt of his life, Wyatt will risk everything to rescue the woman he loves.
As if he doesn't have enough to handle between running outlaws out of Cheyenne, keeping his brothers out of trouble, and avenging his father's death, Sheriff Sawyer McCade's meddling mother just dumped a mysterious mail-order bride on his doorstep. One woman can be more trouble than a band of renegades, and while this one has him all stirred up, he'd rather get to the bottom of the story she isn't telling.
Rose Parker had it all—until a web of danger and deceit sends her running to Cheyenne posing as a mail-order bride. Escaping the evils of New York seems sensible until she meets the unsuspecting sheriff who didn't ask for her, has no intention of marrying her, and won't rest until he uncovers her secret and sends her back home.


text: Sarah Hyland, the bouncy actress best known for her role as Haley Dunphy on the ABC sitcom "Modern Family," went through a dark period in her life that led to suicidal thoughts because of the emotional toll from a failed kidney transplant. When people think about organ transplants, they are less likely to think about the emotional impact. But that can be profound too, according to medical references. Related: Search kidney Melania Trump May Have Rare Hereditary, Sometimes Fatal Kidney Disease Hyland learned first hand after going on an emotional roller coaster after a kidney transplant from her father failed.


text:
I know i have not been posting these few days.. as I am down with fever and diarrhea.. Its the bad weather, i think.
And mummy is the last person who can fall sick in the world, as we are the pillars to the family. I felt so helpless when I can't even sit or stand, not to mention carry my baby and take care of my boy.
Thank God, I feel better after resting on my bed, Zzz..ing for the whole day.
I am on cloud nine yesterday when i drop my boy to his school, his teacher commented on the bentos I made for E to school. She said I am so creative in those bentos.
I felt my work is being appreciated, and that was a nice feeling and motivation for me to continue my bento journey ...
So be patient for my upcoming bentos..


text:
Your Location
Change Country
Education - Teaching JobsMetroSources.com offers Free Classifieds for Education - Teaching Jobs in Canada. You can post an ad at no cost and browse a huge list of Free Education - Teaching Jobs Classified Ads in Canada!
Results for Education - Teaching Jobs
Fall in love...with Georgia, Eastern Europe
Company Description:Footprints Recruiting is a well known Canadian teacher placement company that specializes in sending applicants overseas to teac
Math/English/Science/French Tutor
Company Description:Book Smart Tutors provide affordable one-on-one tutoring in the comfort of your home across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). We w
Personal Trainer : Orangeville Job
Personal Trainer : Orangeville Job Personal Trainer : Orangeville Job ID : 515 Location: Orangeville, ON Job Type: Personal Trainer Facility: Or


text:
Keep Up With McLean!
Receive the latest news in your inbox each month.
At McLean Hospital, our staff, faculty, volunteers, and supporters are dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and families affected by mental illness. Founded in 1811, McLean is a leader in psychiatric care, research, and education and is the largest psychiatric teaching hospital of Harvard Medical School. We are here to help you.
McLean Hospital's staff of more than 1,900 caring and compassionate individuals focus on the hospital's mission to deliver compassionate clinical care, conduct innovative scientific discovery, and provide comprehensive professional training and public education.
McLean Hospital serves communities in eastern, southeastern, and central Massachusetts, as well as coastal Maine.
McLean has been meeting the needs of individuals and families with psychiatric illness since its founding in 1811.
Founded over 200 years ago, McLean Hospital has a rich history of patient care and psychiatric research and education.
McLean Hospital staff is available 24 hours a day to assist with clinical, administrative, or media inquiries.


text:
May 26, 2013
Rochester's Premier Professional Networking Organization
Upcoming Events
Job Postings
For Job Postings please visit the Job Posting section of
The August Group
website. You must be registered and log in to view job postings.
Quick Reads
Links To Share
Words Of Wisdom
Career Sites
Newsletter Archives
Upcoming Events
Calendar Additions
See the
Entire Calendar
Submit an Event
Volunteer to Post Calendar Events
The Upcoming Events List
is listed as a service to newsletter readers to summarize some events. Dates/Times/Places do change so
please verify the event
by visiting the
August Group
Website Calendar before attending an event.
Computer Skills Training Starts May 29th!
Workforce Development at MCC
Need to brush-up on your computer skills?
Or maybe you don't even know where to start. Sign-up for one or more!
Intro to Microsoft Word
Microsoft Excel Basics
Intermediate Microsoft Excel
HURRY... training starts soon!
Register and learn about other courses online at:
The Week of May 26 - June 1:
Monday, May 27, Memorial Day
Tuesday, May 28, 10:00am - 11:30am
HOW TO GET YOUR RESUME NOTICED AT A CAREER FAIR with Tracey Aiello @ Medaille College
Registration required; limited to 10 people
Google Map Link:
1880 S Winton, Rochester, NY 14618
Tuesday, May 28, 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Open Networking @ JB Qwimby's
Google Map Link:
3259 South Winton Road, Rochester, NY 14623
Wednesday, May 29, 9:30am - 11:00am
"How to Maximize Results When Attending a Job Fair" @ Medaille College
Google Map Link:
1880 S Winton, Rochester, NY 14618
The Week of June 2 - June 8:
Thursday, June 6, 1:00pm - 5:00pm
TAG Career Fair at MCC's R. Thomas Flynn Center on East Henrietta Rd. Campus
Google Map Link:
MCC 1000 East Henrietta Road, Rochester, NY
The Week of June 9 - June 15:
Monday, June 10, 11:30am - 1:00pm
Have You Been Affected By a Layoff or Downsizing? with Tarcy Aiello @ Medaille College
Google Map Link:
1880 S Winton, Rochester, NY 14618
Tuesday, June 11, 10:00am - 11:00am
WINNING CAREER PSYCHOLOGY WORKSHOP @ Medaille College with Tracey Aiello
Google Map Link:
1880 S Winton, Rochester, NY 14618
Thursday, June 13, 1100am - 1:00pm
Jumpstart: Masterfully Working a Room - Networking at events @ Medaille
Google Map Link:
1880 S Winton, Rochester, NY 14618
Thursday, June 13, 11:30am - 1:00pm
Invest in Yourself Seminar @ Medaille College
Google Map Link:
1880 S Winton, Rochester, NY 14618
The Week of June 16 - June 22:
Sunday, June 16, Father's Day
Tuesday, June 18, 4:30pm - 7:30pm
Mega Networking Event @ Johnny's Irish Pub
Google Map Link:
1382 Culver Road, Rochester, NY 14609
Friday, June 21, Summer Begins
The Week of June 23 - June 29:
Thursday, June 27, 1100am - 1:00pm
Jumpstart: Concise, Meaningful Introductions @ Medaille
Google Map Link:
1880 S Winton, Rochester, NY 14618
Job Postings
Hidden jobs are welcomed for sharing at
For Job Posting please visit the Job Posting section of
The August Group
website. You must be registered and log in to view job postings.
Quick Reads
Have a quick read to contribute? Submit it to
Have you checked the August Group Job Board?
Volunteers are needed for posting jobs on the Job Board and Hot Jobs
Tweet with TAG - Follow @TheAugustGroup on Twitter
Follow The August Group on Faceboook
Links To Share
Have a link you want to share? Submit it to
Jobs Express NY State Jobs
(from Mary Coon)
Words Of Wisdom
Stay Boston Strong!
Got a thought to share? Send it to
and put "Words of Wisdom" in the Subject Line.
Career Sites
If you have a career site that you would like to share with others please send the link to
and put "Link to share" in the Subject Line.
Advantech Industries
AP Professionals
Employment Firm specializing in Accounting, Administrative and Human Resources.
Aflac NY
Bausch & Lomb Careers
Blue Tie Careers
Calvary Automation Systems
Carestream Health, Inc
City of Rochester
Concentrix Corp
Excellus BCBS Careers
Flower City Printing, Inc.
Higher Ed Jobs/NY
IEC Electronics
Innex Innovative Industries, Inc.
ITT Careers
Kelly Services
LiDestri Foods Inc
Linkup Inc
(Not associated with Linkedin)
Monroe Community College
Monsees Tool & Die, Inc.
MVP Health Care
New York Life Company
NY State Jobs Express
One Communications Careers
Optimax Systems
Paetec Careers
Paychex Careers
Precise Tool and Manufacturing Inc.
Professional Driver Institute, Inc.
Remedy Intelligent Staffing
Roberts Wesleyan College
Rochester Business Journal
Rochester Professional Consultants Network
Rochester Software Associates
Rochester Works!
R.P. Fedder Corporation
Theadhub Job Opportunities in Rochester
Click on JOBS under classified and then select Rochester
The Arc of Monroe County
The Raytec Group
The Veterans Outreach Center
Transcat Inc.
Triad Careers
For anyone looking to relocate to North Carolina.
University of Rochester Careers
Wegman's Careers
Yoh Managed Staffing
Z-AXIS, Inc.
See the August Group Newsletter Archives


text:
The Waiting Time
Which of us has not experienced what we choose to call our times of waiting. Indeed, are not most of us at this very hour waiting for something—for a dear project to ripen, for a cherished hope to be realized, for a change in our business, our domestic life, or it may be that for the dawn of returning health we wait.
But alas, how much anxiety and impatience we bring into these waiting hours! Now, not later, we would have all our hopes and plans realized. Oh, futile impatience! for despite the fever of our unrest do we not! find ourselves still waiting? For the kind and beneficent law with which we have to do will not have us be all, see all, or have all in the lightning flash, but gradually, quietly prepares us for all things. Of a truth there is no waiting time; what we call waiting is but the growth period, the preparation time for that which is to come. For the child to become a man there is no waiting time; in the intervening years slowly, but surely, the little one is being prepared for that which he is destined to be—a man.
Let us learn to look truly upon our season of waiting as a preparation time, an opportunity for our higher development. Let us make an honest effort to banish from it all anxious and impatient thought, for then and only then shall we receive what it is purposed to give, and in the effort be assured we shall find that peace which comes to those who are coworkers with the unfailing mind of the Universe.
More in this issue« Knowledge | Recompense (Poem) »
More from Lillie Morrow
Lillie Morrow
Little is known about this author. If you have information about this author to share, please contact me.


text:
DAY 15, Mark 7:24-30. For saying that
Helpful Background
In this story, Jesus travels northwest to Tyre on the Mediterranean Sea, outside the borders of Israel and thus Gentile territory. Tyre from Galilee (the last known place Jesus was at) was a distance of about 35 miles (about 56 kilomotres); not far in today's terms. But Jesus travelled on foot, over rugged terrain. In Tyre he was confronted by a woman who was a Gentile, of Syrophoenician origin. The designation, Syrophoenician, according to Mitzi Minor "was sometimes used to denote a woman from the seamier side of the city," in other words, a prostitute (The Spirituality of Mark 1996, 48). The fact that no man came to speak for her would support this. She was a single mom trying to keep her child alive in a culture that was cruel to women, forcing many into prostitution as the only means of earning money. She was on the periphery of society, ignored by many yet Jesus listened to her.
Prepare to listen. Silent preparation before praying: Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart to revere your name. (Psalm 86:11)
Read Mark 7:24-30
24From there he set out and went away to the region of Tyre. He entered a house and did not want anyone to know he was there. Yet he could not escape notice, 25but a woman whose little daughter had an unclean spirit immediately heard about him, and she came and bowed down at his feet. 26Now the woman was a Gentile, of Syrophoenician origin. She begged him to cast the demon out of her daughter. 27He said to her, 'Let the children be fed first, for it is not fair to take the children's food and throw it to the dogs.' 28But she answered him, 'Sir, even the dogs under the table eat the children's crumbs.' 29Then he said to her, 'For saying that, you may go—the demon has left your daughter.' 30So she went home, found the child lying on the bed, and the demon gone.
One of the remarkable features in this story is that in Tyre (far from Jesus' usual haunts) this woman not only knew about Jesus and his power to cast out demons, but also knew of his arrival in her district, despite Jesus' intention for privacy. How did she know Jesus well enough to recognize him in her town? Mark doesn't tell us. She ignored the social norms that made it impossible for a lone woman to speak to a man in public and dared to approach Jesus. In humility she 'bowed down at his feet' and begged healing for her daughter. Was Jesus offended? After all, she was an 'unclean' woman because she was a Gentile pagan and probably also a prostitute.
His response is certainly out of character. He seems reluctant to help this nameless woman, insinuating she was a dog (a term Jews often used when referring to Gentiles) who must wait for the children (that is, Jews) to be fed first. This only made the woman bolder. With a quick-thinking mind, she fights back: 'Sir, even the dogs under the table eat the children's crumbs.' Jesus was impressed and sends her home with the assurance her daughter was healed. Ched Myers notes that Jesus grants her request "not because of her faith, but because of her argument." Which, he maintains is remarkable because Jesus is usually the one to win verbal debates (Myers 2016, p. 204). She is the only person to be commended 'for saying that,' that is, for beating Jesus in an argument. But, she also had faith. She had no evidence that her daughter was healed yet she went home without another word, stepping out in faith that Jesus had indeed healed her child.
Reflection Question
What were your immediate thoughts about Jesus' initial response to this unnamed woman? Can you tell them to Jesus? Do you think she became a devout believer in Jesus after this?
Respond to Jesus in prayer
Sometimes, Lord Jesus, I don't like the way you treat women. It brings back memories of the ways women have been treated in your church and society today. I know you came to bring in a new order and new ways of equality and justice for all, regardless of race, gender, creed. I long to see it more often, especially in your Church. Keep reforming us, Jesus. Amen.
Go and live obediently in the world where Jesus accepts our words.
Leave a Reply.


text:
My really good friend, Alanna, recently broke up with her boyfriend. It was one of those relationships where they spent way too much time together and every little thing became an argument. However, it was still tough for her to get over their breakup. They were dating for three years, so for her to become totally independent wasn't easy. You know the ancient saying "To get over a boy, you need a new one"? Well in her case, to get over her boyfriend, she bought a puppy. Alanna found him on Craigslist for a mere price of $300 and brought him home from the mall. He is a mutt with a mix of a Maltese and a Shih Tzu. At least, that's what we think he is. His coat is black with a white spot on his chin and stomach, in a way he's quite similar to a penguin. Alanna named him Taco, and thus began a loving, loyal friendship.
During Taco's first few weeks of living with us, Alanna trained him to sit, lay, and learn the meaning of the word "no". The word "no" was regularly being used by Alanna and myself, and it became irritating. Taco misbehaved constantly by biting our skin, jumping on our faces while we were laying down, chewing on shoes, and biting pant-legs. He specifically loved the pant-legs and shoes while we were walking. He's lucky we never accidently stepped on him. Even though he had just eaten, he would bother Alanna and me as we ate. He also had a horrible habit of stealing our socks from our bedroom floor to add to his collection of toys. He barked loudly and continuously, especially when Alanna left the apartment. Taco had some sort of separation anxiety that reminded me quite a lot of Alanna's old boyfriend. I remember thinking Taco would never make it out on the streets alone nor be domestically independent. But now he is about six months old, and it amazes me how smart he has become. He was really stupid two months ago. The barking has stopped, he's a lot calmer, and bites less. He just nibbles these days. The only dreadful thing he still does though is go through the bathroom trash can. He knocks it down, picks out his favorite items, and brings them, along with their germs, into the living room. Gross, I know.
We made the decision to have the bathroom door closed at all times to prevent Taco from going through the trash. Every time we had to use the bathroom or take a shower, we made sure to close the door behind us. However, this led to a different problem. Bathrooms collect a ton of moisture from tubs, showers, and lack of ventilation. Alanna and I take very warm and hot showers, so the room fills up with steam quickly. The walls and ceiling are wet, dripping with water to the floor, and the mirror is foggy. With so much moisture being trapped inside the bathroom after our showers, the bathroom ceiling, wall cracks, and shower curtain started to grow an ample amount of mold.
My first thought to reduce the amount of mold was to buy a shelf. It would be high enough to place our trash can on, and Taco wouldn't be able to get to it. We would then be able to leave the bathroom door open. I knew it would somewhat help, but it would not be enough. I started researching ways to get rid of bathroom mold, and one of the options was using a dehumidifier. Dehumidifiers reduce the amount of moisture in the air that can lead to mold and mildew. Not only is it bad for your health, but also for your home structure. Floors will creak, furnishings will damage, and musty odors will come arise. After one of our showers, the bathroom has excessive moisture. A dehumidifier sucks in moisture from the air, moves it over cold ice tubes to drip into a bucket, and pushes dry air out. The dry air will mix with the moist air making it drier and drier. We live in Southern California, so the general air in our apartment is already dry. However, homes suffering with high humidity levels can find relief in dehumidifiers instead of living uncomfortably.
I found that there are five items to consider when purchasing a dehumidifier:
- Why do I need one? Because my bathroom smells and the ceiling is starting to grow moldy friends.
- What size is the space I need to dehumidify? 50-100 sq ft.
- What is the humidity level? Humidity of 50%+
- How will I have to maintain it? Does it include a washable and removable tank? How will I have to drain the water?
- Do I require any special features? Portability, automatic shut-off, size of water storage tank, price, and brand.
Our bathroom is very small so a mini, portable dehumidifier would work best. Other dehumidifiers would simply not fit into our bathroom. Small dehumidifiers are less expensive to purchase, but still get the job done of pushing out the growth of pests. Dehumidifiers can also be wireless so they don't need run on power, which is great in case we accidentally leave it running. We hope to be mold free by the summer!


text:
Sistema Aotearoa is a programme operating in Otara that uses orchestral music-making as a means of social development. It provides children and young people from low socio-economic groups with the opportunity to learn a musical instrument and play in an orchestra with no tuition fee attached.
The Ministry for Culture and Heritage and the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra (APO) launched Sistema Aotearoa as a pilot programme in 2011. Central government funding for the pilot ended in December 2016. Sistema Aotearoa now operates as an independent charitable trust, supported by community funding, and working in close partnership with the APO.
Since 2011 over 2,500 New Zealand children have been impacted by Sistema Aotearoa. In 2016 more than 1,000 Māori and Pasifika children, aged 2 to 14 years, participated in the programme's diverse activities, including community pre-school music sessions, concert performances, in-school music lessons, and instrumental tuition after school and in school holidays.
Sistema Aotearoa is based upon El Sistema, one of the world's most successful music and social development programmes. El Sistema began over 30 years ago in Venezuela and many other countries have successfully adapted the model to suit their own needs.
Further information about Sistema Aotearoa can be found on the programme's website at: www.sistemaaotearoa.org.nz
In December 2015 the Ministry in collaboration with the APO, commissioned an independent evaluation of Sistema Aotearoa, which found the programme is likely to be contributing to the achievement of positive outcomes in many areas, both for participating children and for their wider aiga/whānau.
Sistema Aotearoa outcome evaluation report
Manukau Courier - Strings boost confidence (03 February 2016)
In March 2013 Auckland UniServices Limited, a wholly owned company of The University of Auckland, released an independent evaluation of the music learning outcomes in the Sistema Aotearoa Programme.
Sistema Aotearoa Full Report March 2013
The Auckland University of Technology (AUT) released a report in November 2012 which set out the findings of an evaluation of the trial programme.
AUT Evaluation of Sistema Aotearoa report
Minister welcomes recognition of Sistema Aotearoa success
Related links
Watch the Sistema Aotearoa orchestras perform on Youtube
Scoop 08 March 2017 - Operatunity raises $11,000 for Sistema Aotearoa
Sistema Aotearoa section on the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra's website
Manukau Courier 12 June 2014 - A touch of master class for students
Manukau Courier 12 March 2013 - Orchestra is taking shape and growing
NZ Herald February 2016 article - Creative subjects battling for mana
Updated on 7th October 2019


text:
Title: War Storm
Author: Victoria Aveyard
Pages: 672
Published: 15th May 2018
⭐ 3.5 / 5Read More
Title: War Storm
Author: Victoria Aveyard
Pages: 672
Published: 15th May 2018
⭐ 3.5 / 5Read More
Title: Spark
Author: Alice Broadway
Pages: 352
Published: 5th April 2018
⭐ 1.5 / 5Read More
Title: Hero at the Fall
Author: Alwyn Hamilton
Pages: 506
Published: 1st February 2018
⭐ 5 / 5
I loved the first two books in the Rebel of the Sands series so I was really excited to jump into the concluding novel as soon as I could get my hands on it. The novel picks up almost immediately after Traitor to the Throne finishes so we are thrown straight back into the action. One of my favourite things about this series has been the pacing. It's been great fun from the start of book one to the end of book three and Alwyn always seems to perfectly balance the fast paced action sequences with well timed rest periods which usually let us explore the world she has created for us. This leads me nicely to the world building. I mentioned in my review for Traitor to the Throne how much I enjoyed the step up in world building and how we got to see further reaches of the Sultan's realm. This continues into Hero at the Fall and the details allow me to feel that these cities are tangible places that I could visit, although I'm not sure I'd want to what with wars and battles going on in the streets. I've always loved Alwyn's writing style and her descriptions make it so easy for me to 'direct the cast' in my imagination. I cannot wait to see where she takes us after this smash-hit debut series.Read More
Title: Eve of Man
Author: Giovanna and Tom Fletcher (Debut YA novel alert!! Debut as a writing duo alert!!)
Pages: 404
Published: 31st May 2018
⭐ 4.5 / 5
Eve of Man is the debut young adult novel for power couple Giovanna and Tom Fletcher, and their first novel as a writing duo marking the beginning of a new trilogy of YA books. Before reading this I was sceptical, as I'm not the biggest fan of dual narrators and I wasn't sure how the writing would flow and blend owing to the differing writing backgrounds of the authors. Giovanna has predominantly written women's fiction up until this point whereas Tom has found his feet in children's picture books, middle grade novels and short stories. These styles are worlds away from YA, and in the case of this novel it wasn't as simple as one author making the transition into a different genre, but two. However, I was very pleasantly surprised by what I found and I'd definitely place this book high on my list of favourite reads this year.Read More
Title: Traitor to the Throne
Author: Alwyn Hamilton
Pages: 592
Published: 2nd February 2017
⭐ 5 / 5
Although I've had the second instalment of Alwyn Hamilton's series sat on my shelf for quite some time (since October in fact), I've only just got around to it now and I'd completely forgotten how much I love this series! The press tour for the third and final book in this series is currently filling my twitter feed which gave me the kick I needed to jump back into this world.Read More
Title: The Scarecrow Queen
Author: Melinda Salisbury
Pages: 336
Published: 2nd March 2017
⭐ 4.5 / 5
I'm more than a little obsessed with this series at this point. I honestly don't know how I was so late to the party in reading this.
The Scarecrow Queen is the third and final instalment of Melinda Salisbury's series The Sin Eater's Daughter. If you've read my reviews for books one and two you'll know I'm a bit of a fan. I panicked a little bit when I flicked through this book because my pet peeve is switching POVs every few chapters and I could feel it coming owing to the fact the previous books left us with two equally important protagonists that both have a voice. Whilst Melinda did do this and switch POVs between Errin and Twylla I loved the way she did it in much larger chunks rather than ricocheting between the two every chapter, which would have left me reading only out of loyalty to the series and the characters that I needed to know what happened to. This technique did mean that there was a lot that happened to the protagonist that wasn't narrating that chunk by the time we got back to them which caused some overlap and some gaps that we had to work hard to fill in ourselves but I don't feel that impacted the story or my enjoyment of it. The split narrative worked well because it allowed us to see what was happening on both sides of the revolution as one protagonist remained with the rebellion and one was unfortunately imprisoned so we could see the ramp up to the final battle from different angles which I loved. The narrative of this book somehow managed to take even darker turns than the previous instalment with the Sleeping Prince, Aurek, employing some really disturbing methods of torture and war tactics. As horrific as his character is, I really enjoyed it and love that Melinda is not afraid to make her 'bad guy' truly disgusting and dark and twisted. There's nothing better than an antagonist who you can hate with all of your heart.Read More
Title: The Sleeping Prince
Author: Melinda Salisbury
Pages: 367
Published: 4th February 2016
⭐ 5 / 5
Warning: minor spoilers ahead in the form of fangirling over a character pairing
This is the second instalment in Melinda Salisbury's The Sin Eater's Daughter series. This is the first book in a long time that I ran through in one sitting. After immensely enjoying the first book in the series, I was initially disappointed as this novel seems to drop Twylla from the narrative completely and instead picks up with an unknown character. All I desperately needed to know was how Twylla was getting on after the events of her story and instead we move to a struggling village in a neighbouring part of the realm and follow Leif's younger sister Errin. I was not happy. However I was far to quick to judge because she became one of my favourite fictional characters to read about in 2017. She is young, snappy and hungry (name that musical 😉) to survive the changes in the world she sees around her. After Leif's departure from their newly broken family home, Errin is forced to give up her trade as an apothecary to care for her sick mother. She must resort to illegally making remedies, poisons and other lotions and potions to pay for her survival and to ensure the villagers don't turn on her mother who is looking increasingly like she is possessed by something sinister. She has grown up in a society firmly rooted in fact and science, which is the polar opposite to what we have seen with Twylla. However with their world facing the reawakening of the Sleeping Prince, a being of legend, Errin's people are not able to place as much surety in science as they are used to. Errin must watch her family life and the society she has always known and loved crumble before her and watch her neighbours take up some of the odd practices of the devout citizens in the part of the world we know through Twylla. The only constant in Errin's new life of despair is her strange friendship with the mysterious Silas. Enter my favourite couple of the series.Read More


text:
Price: $89.00
Manufacturer: Palm
Shipping Weight: 2.00 lbs
Because of the recent split between Palm USA, and MTI, who had been partnered up for the last eight or nine years, our inventory on the Venture jacket is limited and not replaceable at this time. We're hoping Palm will reach a distribution deal with someone here in the U.S. but for now what we have left is it. As of April 18th we only have these in medium, and large, and we are evne down to just a couple of the larges at that.
The Venture is a fully breathable and generously cut top that won't restrict your movement. It has a hood that tucks away near the warming collar. The chest zipper is almost a drysuit grade, and it keeps out water in most swims. The drawcord waist on this jacket has some neoprene coating on the inside for a better seal against your tummy. The wrist cuffs are the usual velcroed neoprene affairs. In gray only.
Comment on Facebook


text:
Islam is one of the largest religions in China with an estimated 100 million followers, and the biggest group practising Islam is the hui, one of 56 ethnic minority groups recognised by the Chinese government.
However, the definition of the hui as being Islamic Chinese poses two problems. The first is that the People's Republic of China is officially atheist.
Click the image below to launch the slideshow
Above: Ding Gui Zhi, the female imam who runs Lu Lan Women's Mosque in Lanzhou, Gansu Province (photo by Anne Darling)
The second is that if Chinese Muslims are entitled to ethnic group status, then there is uncertainty about the status of Chinese Christians and Buddhists.
In according the hui status as an ethnic group, the government has avoided this issue by defining them in terms of their group identity and ignored the fact that their group identity is based on religion.
However, many hui believe that the status is appropriate because they have a history and culture that depends on their being Muslim, thereby setting them apart from other Chinese groups.
For example, as Muslims they do not eat pork, the most common meat consumed in China. Neither do they eat dog, horse, many birds, and other animals considered delicacies in Chinese cuisine.
Their mode of dress also differs in that adult males wear white caps and females wear headscarves and occasionally veils, as is the case in most Islamic cultures.
In the past, the high illiteracy rate amongst women in China meant that most Muslim females had to stay at home, as they had no opportunity to receive education or join in social life. But in Ningxia today, young people are flocking to learn Arabic, partly for religious reasons but also in the hope of finding a job as a translator, scholar or imam.
For young girls living in the countryside, this represents a route out of poverty. In Yiwu, in southeastern Zhejiang province, 700 Arabic speakers from Ningxia work as interpreters and translators. Another 300 work in Guangzhou. Interpreters can earn 3,000 yuan a month (about 400 US dollars), rising to 10,000 (about 1400 US dollars) or more. Girls start learning Arabic initially so that they can go to the mosque where the imam gives prayers and recitals in the language of the Qu'ran. From here, they can progress to become interpreters, then scholars, and possibly imams.
Today, in Ningxia, religious schools for girls are common and often women maintain separate mosques. As a child, Jin Meihua could not go to mosque so she decided to study Arabic and the Qu'ran, and last year she passed the exam held by the Ningxia Islamic Association, and became one of eight female imams in Wuzhong. She now works in a small mosque in Wuzhong, helping women to think positively and do good under her guidance and interpretation of the Qu'ran.
At another mosque in Wuzhong, 34-year-old Yan Mingnan shares duties with her imam husband, he to the men, and she to the women.
She says his burden is greater than hers as he has to lead salat and he does more in the mosque whereas she has to care for their two children.
This division of labour is reflected in their respective earnings. He earns a little over US$75 a month compared to her US$40 (as of 2005).
Ningxia is the eighth-poorest of China's 31 provinces with an average income in rural communities of around US$315 per year and a gross domestic product per head of the 5.7 million population about (in 2004) about US$1000). However, China currently has an economic plan in place designed to narrow the growing gap between rich and poor with particular emphasis on rural development.
One of the ways of alleviating poverty in Ningxia is through the growth of business ties with the Arab world which has increased tenfold in the last decade reaching US$51.3 billion last year. To this end, the Chinese government has relaxed passport controls making it easier for Muslims to make the hajj pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia. Muslims hope to make it at least once in their lifetime, and nearly 10,000 are expected to go this year, compared with just seven Chinese pilgrims in 1978.
The needs of the women who belong to the hui minority are very important in encouraging change for the better within their community. Tradition, the government, the economy, and changing attitudes all support them in their quest for greater independence, economic freedom and their desire to be good citizens.
Being Chinese, a member of the hui minority, an imam, a wife and a mother, are all challenging roles. Given this mix of roles, it is especially interesting to follow the lives of these female imams in the fast-changing world of China.
Lu Lan Women's Mosque in Lanzhou (Gansu Province) is totally financially independent. It survives from donations by local businesses and from women who come to the mosque.
Click the first image below to launch the slideshow or click any individual image that interests you. (Article continues below)
Ding Gui Zhi, 69, is the female ahong or imam at Lu Lan Women's Mosque. The daughter of parents who were both ahong themselves, she became a certified religious leader herself later in life, after raising five children alone following the death of her husband 25 years before.
She works and lives in the Mosque, where she has two rooms for her exclusive use, one acts as a sitting room/reception room, the other as a bedroom. The photographs show the prayer room at a quiet time, as it often has more than 100 women.
The chef at Lu Lan is known as Xiao Wang's Mama. She earns about 300 yuan ($42) for one month's work during Ramadan, preparing one meal a day for up to 100 women. All women are welcome to come to the Mosque to eat and there is no charge for the food.
PAID ENDORSEMENT DISCLOSURE: I'm an affiliate with Amazon.com. If you use Amazon and would like to help me earn a little money to enable me to keep providing excellent content, click the link to browse through some great photography books. You do not have to buy a book, but I'll receive a small commission on anything you do buy on Amazon within 24 hours. Thanks for your support!


text:
Every year, EU Delegations around the world reach out to communities and partner organisations, highlighting positive global action and collaboration on climate change.
This year, the the Delegation of European Union to Vietnam (EU) in collaboration with the Embassies of EU Member States and its partners, will showcase a series of activities aimed to raise public awareness on the urgent need, addressing climate change, targeting mainly the youth.
Activities will be organised between 27 September - 6 October in Ha Noi, Da Nang and Hoi An, including:
+ 27/9 AM: Inauguration of a pilot solar rooftop on Vo Thi Sau Primary School, organised by the EU-funded Da Nang Solar Energy Development project.
+ 27/9 PM: Workshop/discussion with students of Da Nang University (organised by the Climate Change Working Group and the University of Da Nang).
+ 28/9 AM: Cycling event in Hoi An, organised by Germany - GIZ in cooperation with Hoi An People Committee.
+ 03/10 AM: A movie screening "Chasing Coral" about the warming of oceans'temperature and impact on corals and marine life, followed by a discussion with the youth.
+ 05 - 06/10: Cleaning operation in Long Bien Bridge area, in cooperation with Keep Hanoi Clean.
The target audience of the EU Climate Diplomacy Week is the young generations, whose futures are the most threatened by climate change. Climate change is a pressing reality today and, if we fail to act now, it will increasingly affect the future of the young, their children and grandchildren. It is time to respond to this call to action.
The chargée d'Affaires of the European Union, Mrs Axelle Nicaise said: "We want to show our support to the youth and value their efforts in bringing awareness to such a worrying and pressing issue like climate change. Earth's future depends on our engagement, and so does life as we know it. We have seen last Friday millions of people around the world held a global climate strike, inspired by activist Greta Thunberg. Hence, we would like to join forces and promote a more ambitious climate action.''
Viet Nam has been ranked among the five countries likely to be severely affected by climate change and its related disasters. Consistent to its international commitments regarding Climate Change and Sustainable Development Goals, the European Union is actively helping Viet Nam on mitigation through energy sector reform, and adaptation through funding studies on climate change impact and appropriate adaptation measures.
Within the 2014-2020 framework, the EU allocated EUR 320 Million for programmes relevant to environment, natural resources and climate change in Vietnam, as well as an addition of EUR 30 Million for sustainable investment projects. In addition to this purely bilateral envelop, Vietnam can also benefits from cooperation programmes funded by thematic budget lines and from regional programme.
Danang University, Vo Thi Sau Primary School
Hoi An, Danang


text:
We want you to have an active role in your child's care. Please write out and bring your main questions and concerns. We will ask you for a complete personal and family medical history.
Special appointments may be requested for discussion of complicated problems.
We respect and value your time. We try to stay on schedule. You may call ahead to be advised if unavoidable delays or emergencies have occurred that may delay your appointment.
As you leave the office, the receptionist will schedule your next appointment. Please help them find the time most convenient for you.
To obtain the best possible care please tell the receptionist the name of your preferred physician or nurse practitioner at our office so that they can schedule your child's appointment with them.
For non-emergency questions, please call us between 7:30-8:30 a.m seven days a week. We are available by phone for emergency situations 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
When you call, please give your child's name, age, exact symptoms and temperature.
Also have the telephone number of your local pharmacy and a pencil and paper available.
During office hours, our staff members will answer your questions and direct you to helpful resources. If you are calling about an emergency, please tell the receptionist so that you can be directed to the physician or nurse practitioner immediately.
Please call for test results during regular office hours. Be sure that we have your correct phone number so that we can call you concerning abnormal test results and upcoming appointments.
Please provide us with cell phone numbers and e-mail addresses if you have them.
Please complete refill requests online or call for prescription refills during office hours.
Have the pharmacy phone number available. Please allow 24 hours (Monday through Friday only) for completion of your prescription refill.
Please advise us of any situations needing special attention.
We need written authorization from you anytime information is needed by a third party (i.e., another physician, lawyer, insurance company, etc.). We will not release information to anyone other than parents/legal guardians without your permission.
We will coordinate your specialist and early intervention referrals. You can request referrals through the portal, website or by phone.
Please make a follow-up appointment after the specialist visit or touch base with us by phone or secure portal message.
We encourage you to create a portal connection for your child. Ask any of our staff for portal information.
You can view medical history, immunizations, lab tests, update your health information, request appointments, referrals and medication refills from your secure portal from home.


text:
Job Title: Plant Quality Manager
Reports to: Plant Manager
Revision Date: 4/2018
Role Summary: Design, develop, implement, and maintain quality systems that will provide a high degree of customer satisfaction to the organization based on applicable Customer, Organizational, Industry and Statutory and Regulatory requirements.
Create a culture dedicated to customer satisfaction, waste elimination, continual and breakthrough improvements, standard best practices and innovation using its employees' capabilities, resulting in global profitable growth.
Interactions Internal/External:
● Internal: all organizational departments and process owners.
● External: Suppliers and Customers from ITW for products and services.
Key Competencies:
● Certified Internal Auditor for ISO/TS 16949, ISO14001 & ISO18001.
● Certified ISO 9001 / IATF16949 Lead Auditor. Trained as internal auditor for VDA Standard.
● Trained on ISO/IEC 17025 and ISO 10012.
● Business acumen and leadership skills.
● Results oriented for Quality, Financial, Business, and Operational Objectives.
● Certified as Six Sigma Black Belt.
● Microsoft Office, MS Project, Minitab and ERPs.
● Willingness to continually embrace personal and professional development.
● Well-developed interpersonal and communication skills, as well as goal setting and people management skills.
● Able to develop effective relationships with internal and external team members.
● Strong analysis and problem solving skills.
● Adept at conceptualizing business solutions and presenting concepts to senior management.
● Demonstrated creativity, adaptability and flexibility.
● Willingness to frequently travel to support all ITW OEM and AM Customer plants within USA Capable of delivering within, occasionally, very tight timelines.
● Neuro Linguistics Programming and Advanced Negotiation Techniques to effectively manage crisis situations.
● Bilingual written and oral communication skills (90% minimum English & 90% Spanish).
● Strong demonstrated ability to respond constructively to customer requests and issues.
● Change agent, experienced in driving cultural change.
● Continuously visit all Customer plants located in America in the aim to improve on Customer Satisfaction and Quality System effectiveness.
● Supervise technical staff in carrying out tests and checks.
● Writing technical and management systems reports.
● Closely work with Plant Staff, Plant Manager but also with Engineering, Sales and Account Managers and ITW Division General Manager from the supported locations within USA (including, but not limited to: Quality, Quality Certifications based on Automotive Industry requirements, Engineering, Manufacturing/Operations, Lean, Finance, etc.) to achieve and sustain the Quality Enterprise transformation, by practicing the Built-in-Quality, Error Proofing and variability reduction in all processes.
● Bringing together staff of different disciplines and driving the group to plan, formulate and agree comprehensive quality and operating procedures.
● Audit finished goods and material handling procedures to insure performance in accordance with company standards.
● Direct the activities in quality services that enable attainment of ITW and plant objectives in process and product quality, cost reduction and continual and breakthrough improvements to meet customer needs and expectations.
● Ensure tests and procedures are properly understood, carried out and evaluated and that product modifications are investigated if necessary.
● Determine disposition of defective material, select inspection and test methods and procedures for production parts and to ensure that quality standards are met.
● Develop, implement, coordinate and has ultimate responsibility for the Quality function at the location(s) assigned by performing the following duties personally and by coaching and training all employees to perform them.
● Design, implement, maintain a quality function that ensures parts are being produced at a high level of customer satisfaction.
● Promote quality achievement and performance improvement throughout the organization.
● Develop, implement, communicate and maintain a quality plan to bring the Company's Quality Systems and Policies into compliance with quality system requirements.
● Ensure compliance with national and international standards and legislation.
● Effectively interact with Production and Development teams to maintain product supply and help introduce new products.
● Work with purchasing staff to establish quality requirements from external suppliers.
● Liaising with customers' auditors and ensuring the execution of corrective action and compliance with customers' specifications.
● Manage and maintain the Company's quality inspection and product release programs for incoming and in-process materials and components, processes and finished goods.
● Troubleshoot problem areas, investigate causes of problems, design and implement programs to alleviate problems. Maintain required quality records.
● Establish standards of service for customers or clients.
● Assess the product specifications of the company and its suppliers, and comparing with customer requirements.
● Formulate and manage the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, procedures and systems pertaining to the QA, QC & APQP.
● Collate and analyze performance data and charts against defined parameters.
● Prepare quality reports and charts for customers and management as required. Follow up on trends and corrective actions in order to improve quality performance of organization.
● Agree to standards and establish clearly defined quality methods for staff to apply.
● Set QA / APQP compliance objectives and ensuring that targets are achieved.
● Organize and manage quality assurance function in close co-operation with the customers and with the Company's Management team (Member of Management Team).
● Prepare clear explanatory documents such as customers' charters.
● Set up and maintain controls and documented procedures.
● Maintain awareness of the business context and company profitability, including budgetary control issues.
● Coach, mentor, develop and provide direction to the Quality Department staff. Conduct annual performance reviews and effective professional development of the staff to meet the company's skills and expectations.
● Identify relevant quality-related training needs and delivering training.
● Define quality procedures in conjunction with operating staff.
Education & Experience:
● Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Industrial Management or the equivalent
● 10 years' prior experience in Quality Assurance Management at OE Automotive Industry.
● 10 years' prior experience in APQP / Project Management at OE Automotive Industry.
● 3 years' prior experience in Customer Key Account Management at OE Automotive Industry.
● Lead System preparation to VDA Audits.
● Direct work with contract OE manufacturers, suppliers, or distributors.
● OEM Quality management systems and OEM Quality system audits.
● Plastics injection molding background required.
● Work in a multi-national organization and within a matrixed reporting relationship


text:
By Reid Lederer
Find out how a contract packaging company can deliver the expertise and flexibility needed to ship pharmaceuticals internationally.
The global pharmaceutical sector is embarking on a transformational journey in which the supply chain will play an increasing strategic role. There will be a need for greater agility and improved speed to market – while ensuring compliance with myriad regulatory requirements in countries – forming a challenging landscape for the global pharma industry.


text:
The Big S: Getting in Right on Social Media- Part 1
October 24, 2017
"Not having your business on social media is like winking at a girl in the dark. You know what you're doing but nobody else does!" These were the exact words of a social media marketing expert who was addressing a group of entrepreneurs at a networking event.
And boy is that true! As per a research conducted by influencer marketing agency Mediakix in 2017, the average amount of time spent on social media over a lifetime (5 years and 4 months) exceeds the average amount of time spent on 'offline socializing' (1 year and 3 months) by nearly 5 times!!!
*Infographic by Mediakix
Now how can any business afford to not communicate with its target customer in the online space? Having said that, social media marketing can be very daunting for any business owner who may not be equipped with the know-how and technical expertise to create and maintain a thriving presence online.
So here in this 3-part series, we will look at the basics that YOU as the founder of an event management company need to understand in order to create presence, establish credibility and engage meaningfully with your target customer online.
Creating Your Presence Online
· Define your target customer: You are already an expert on the services you can provide as an event planner. You also understand the target customer that you cater to. You now need to put that understanding in crystal clear words. For example, you could be a wedding planner that brings together a host of wedding service providers under one roof. Your target customer will be the to-be brides which translates into women in the age group of 25-25 years, located in Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities, tech-savvy and with other related interests being in arts, entertainment, media etc.
· Decide your positioning: There will be other event planners like you. So how are you different? For instance, you could be a wedding planner that caters to destination weddings only or you could be a wedding planner that caters to more quirky & original small-scale weddings etc. Defining the positioning will have an impact on the language, tone, images etc that you put up on social media.
· Decide the medium: Based on your target customer & positioning you can arrive at the best media that works for you. For instance, as a wedding planner you are more likely to find the target audience on Instagram & FB than on a Snapchat! On the contrary if you are a corporate event planner then a combination of LinkedIn, Twitter and FB could work better.
Start popularizing your presence: Now that you have defined the factors that will influence the content, how do you ensure that your target customers visit your page? Here are 3 ways of doing it
- Use influencers on social media: Identify the influencers with massive following on your selected social media platforms and get them to spread a word about your services. For instance, you could be organizing a flea market of sorts where multiple stand-alone designers will showcase their latest clothes and accessories. Now you may not have the budgets to 'pay' influencers but you can always identify individuals within your professional and personal networks who have a massive following on social media platforms (where you are present) and are opinion makers or trend-setters in fashion. A quick video post of them expressing their excitement to visit your exhibition can create a lot of flutter among their circles & traffic on your page!
- Use bloggers: In the social media space, bloggers can be big influencers. Tapping into the right bloggers to review your services can create authentic endorsements by these influencers. Let's go back to the previous example where you are organizing a flea market. Invite bloggers who specialize on fashion and styling with a reasonably large following to visit your exhibition. Even pre-exhibition, you can ask them to hand-pick 5 different garments from 5 different participants to create 5 uniquely styled looks which they can then post on their Instagram & FB accounts! Getting the bloggers to confirm their visit to your exhibition will not only direct a lot of their followers to your page but could also translate into footfalls on the actual days of exhibition.
- Use Boost Feature: The reality is that creating large followership fully organically is a very tall order for any business. It's almost necessary to have a budget to use boost features on FB etc to reach a wider and targeted audience. Social Media is probably the only platform that has the power to allow you targeted buy i.e. you can define the target audience you want to reach and the technology allows your services to categorically pop up on the home pageof your targeted audience.
So hopefully, you are equipped to at least take the first few steps towards creating your online presence. Even if you hire social media marketing experts, it's better to have clarity on the above things as no one knows your business better than you do. So give it a good think an watch out this space for Part 2 where we discuss on how to create credibility online.
Recent Posts
The Big S: Getting in Right on Social Media- Part 1
October 24, 2017
The Big S: Getting it right on Social Media- Part 3
October 24, 2017
The Big S: Getting it Right on Social Media- Part 2
October 24, 2017
The 4 Event Management Mishaps To Be Prepared For
October 24, 2017
Life of an Event Planner
October 24, 2017
Family Street Market: Fun For Everyone
October 24, 2017
6 Networking Tips To increase your Event Planning Business
October 24, 2017
5 tips to bag that first project
October 24, 2017
4 tips to hire the BEST vendors for your event planning business
October 24, 2017


text:
Venue Details
Venue type
Restaurant | Italian cuisine
Price range
Child-friendly; Pet-friendly-only guide dogs; Outdoor seating; Wi-Fi; Accepts credit cards
BOOK&SAVE discount
Opening hours
Monday-Sunday: 09:00 - 23:00
Strada Nicolae Bălcescu 21, Sibiu, Romania
Care for a break? Experience la dolce far niente at Enzo Restaurant. Sit back and relax, just like on a city-break, on the lovely terrace. It's the perfect spot to observe the city's tourist attractions and all the hustle and bustle of Balcescu street. Order a nice glass of prosecco and a mouth watering portion of pasta, and there you have it...dolce far niente! Right in the heart of Sibiu.
Venue Location
Venue Review
Hey user,
how did you like this venue?


text:
English Catalogue | French Catalogue |Flippable print catalogue
For beginners
Business for beginners
Dive into the world of business with this lively introduction, whether you want to be an entrepreneur or a smarter consumer. With bright, infographic pictures, it describes how to start your own business, manage your money and beat the competition and explains global supply chains and interest rates. Includes links to websites to find out more.
"An infectiously energetic book, with plenty to set the next James Dyson on the right path."
The Telegraph
$17.95 Available
Age: 8+
Price: $17.95
128 pages
240 x 170mm
Author/Editor: Lara Bryan & Rose Hall
Illustrator: Kellan Stover
With chapters on starting a business, selling your stuff, keeping track of money, people in business, making a product, growing the business and the bigger picture, youngsters will be inspired to get creative and meditate on their own business ideas.
Pam Norfolk, Lancashire Evening Post
You can buy Usborne books directly or online from any of our many Consultants across the country. We do not accept orders through this website, but are happy to refer you to one of our business leaders who can process your order.
Our Independent Consultants offer personal, knowledgeable and honest customer service, and can show you ways you can save money with lower shipping rates and help you get the best value in other ways to get free books and/or other special offers. Click here to get connected...
We want our customers to be happy with Usborne Books. Find out more....


text:
The Sony SLT A37 got here this morning.
It's a deceiptive little camera. From specs and pictures you think it's tiny. But it makes up for its small height and width by an unexpected depth, it's actually well thicker than my Nikon D90, a better specified and overall bigger cam, placed higher in the food chain.
Immediately the question is : how does it perform ? How does it handle ? Feels ? Sounds ?
It performs reasonably well, given its entry line-up positioning. For the price paid, there is little to flaw. That being said, I'm not overly fond of it, and don't intend to keep it. Why ? Because in my household it has two very serious contenders, and it can't seem to top either in any critical area.
The NEX 7 is still king of the moment, able to capture life and its emotions as I see them, when I see them.
The Nikon D90, despite being 5 years old, which is a pretty long time in digital technology, remains a fine camera that does everything pretty darn well, and offers much better performance than the NEX for any action/fast autofocus needs. I don't think the A37 would beat it here, though I yet have to test them side by side with similar lenses…
So the A37 went to the stables today, and shot various situations in, and outdoors.
Marla found a young (and very handsome) boy there who was kind enough to play along and share her lesson, for a spree of "poney games"
They both needed a hand as she's only 4.5 yr old and it was her partner's first time on horseback (he did absolutely great), but they had a total blast.
The idea was to grab various elements and bring them from point A to B in minimum time, with imposed stops in some places.
And here's Marla victoriously crossing the line. She sort of won two rounds to one.
And look at her teasing him from across the arena !
Before that she'd had a proper lesson to warm up, looks pretty serious here
Really starting to get the hang of it and control her poney by herself pretty well…
Post game with a big grin on her face
Going for a dip is always a treat, especially on a muggy hot day
I was using the Tamron 17-50/2.8 standard zoom at max aperture.
A lady was schooling her large bay and gave me permission to shoot
The A37 performed well in manual mode, giving me a faithful reproduction of the exposure with both the LCD (too crapy to see much though) and the electonic viewfinder.
I was pleased with the output, but have many quibbles about the camera.
Although looking at the files there's little to complain about.
Oh, Marla managed to fall in love with that boy in one minute flat..
I think I can't get over the NEX 7's goodness, and nothing looks worthy of it in my eye right now
I'd have to try the A37 with a proper fast prime to really be able to compare.
So after that boatload of pictures, a few thoughts on the camera. I find it too thick for it's small footprint, and therefore weirdly proportioned. The low res screen actually is really crappy. It is hinged and does tilt, but the resolution is so bad it's useless because it's bad enough to look at flat, let alone at any angle. It's also smaller than any competition these days. The grip of the camera is comfortable and the whole thing feels plasticky, but solid. The EVF is ok, it's subtle enough and not over contrasty, allowing fine judgement of manual exposure. The shutter sound is ugly and wheezy, dragging on for what seems a full second. It sounds cheaply electronic and is very unpleasant. The menus make solid sense, once you've used them for a few days I guess you intuitively know where to find what. There is a Fn buttong that conveniently gives access to frequently needed options. The Tamron 17-50/2.8 zoom I'm using on the camera has a reputation of great optical quality, which is rather justified, but I find it a big, ugly and awfuly loud squeaking lens that makes me ears cringe.Output wise the files are pleasantly contrasted with beautiful color reproduction, though nailing proper white balance is not the easiest. Sharpness is excellent with that specific lens, and I left the Creative Style at the unalterated Standard setting.
So here's my opinion so far on the A37, it's a low priced and lower feeling entry level body that gives better output that it has the right to, but will give you a discounted shooting experience, with a lot of things feeling a bit "cheap". The size/weight gain is marginal at best compared to a better specified DSLR like a D90, and I have yet to test but I'd be very surprised it the Sony beat the Nikon for action shots. The answer, next week. Stay tuned 😉


text: Company Once you complete the form, we will provide an analysis and review of your bankruptcy options and a quote of fees and costs. Bankruptcy Evaluation is free. The information that you provide is private and confidential. Page 1 of 3 Why Are You Thinking About Filing for Bankruptcy? [Check all that apply]: Collection Calls or Letters Judgment Against You Wage Garnishment Payday Loan Car Repossession Home Foreclosure Loss of Income Medical Bills Page 2 of 3 Your Gross Monthly Income: Spouse's Gross Monthly Income: Total Debts Owed: If you have a car loan, list the make, model and year of the car you are financing: If you own real estate, list its value: Comments regarding your financial situation: Page 3 of 3 First Name * Last Name * Your Email Address * Confirm Email Address * Your Telephone Number * Your Street Address * City and Zip Code *


text:
The biggest swell mid season was being forecasted on Magic Seaweed and I was stoked! Not only was the size to be well over head with a 14 second swell period, there was another decent winter swell following a few days behind it. CB my college fraternity brother and lifelong surfing friend from California who operates the Manhattan Beach Surf School, check out www.campsurf.com and I had been talking about his TBD visit to meet up with me to surf the Caribbean and with this forecast I knew it was the right time for CB's jet set surf mission. After 2 days of back and forth e-mails CB was unsure if he was coming out because airfares were around $1000 for a last minute RT from LAX to the Island and he had never surfed the Caribbean. My convincing e-mail read, "Bro! No wet suit, crystal clear warm water, double over head point surf with 300 yard rides!!!" " My sailboat will be anchored 50 yards from the end bowl and 200 feet from the pier so hop a flight to the Island then take a 15 minute taxi ride to the pier in the bay and I'll be waiting and so will perfect point surf!!!!" CB's response was "That's the pep talk I needed Blaze, I booked my flight and land before noon, I'll see you at the pier tomorrow."
I anchored in the bay later that day and woke to a swaying boat. The swell was head high and building by 8am, surfing my second session of the day until just after 12 with over head sets and long rides with no crowds was awesome!! I was laughing as I paddled back to the boat after my 20 something-ish wave and watched a taxi van pull up to the pier, I see CB jump out with his backpack, grab his board and walk out on the pier to check the waves, viewing pumping surf CB gives a claim fist in the air and at the same time spies me paddling in. I sit up and give the double fisted victory acknowledgement back and quickly get to my boat and zoom over with my Tender to swoop up CB. We are both grinning and high fiving as it had been a few years!!!
CB waxes and sun blocks up and jumps in straight away, not even 10 minutes on the boat and we are paddle out to the bowl swapping peeling waves; 2 happy campers surfing the Islands perfection. For me it's a dream come true having my surf friend meet me down island on my boat as I explore waves wherever I sail. The swell starts peaking that night around 12:30 am and I put out a second anchor. There is a river of current and debris rushing out the bay at 4 or 5 knots and we are anchored in the middle of it rocking about worse than in a storm at sea!! All the charter boats had fled as the waves and roll increased that afternoon only two lunatics left anchored in the bay myself and my French surf friends Marine & Mathias from St. Martin who put their sloop on a mooring and retreat to a hotel room ashore, a smart move.
I'm peering into the night and can see solid double over head walls of white water running along the point and the bay's reef left is a blurred white of maxing close outs in the night. There is just a 50 yard channel separating the two waves. Chris is surfed out and sleeping like a baby in a rocking crib as I worry about my sailboat and eventually fall asleep dreaming of the dawn patrol and other surf spots. I let CB sleep off his jet lag and hit the market early to buy some Wheatees. At the dinghy dock many of the wood pieces are missing and there is debris all over the beach. A quick bowl of the breakfast of champions and we are surfing overhead waves for an hour. Just after noon the bay gets a little crowded with fishing boats and the lineup becomes thick with Spanish accents so we take a lunch break enjoy some locally seasoned Jerk chicken on my boats BBQ along with some rice and beans.
We surf an epic afternoon session Myself , CB, friends Marine & Mathias and a few others in epic dream land conditions. I invite my friends to meet us ashore to celebrate with a nice dinner at a restaurant overlooking the bay dining on fresh caught lobster while the owner performs live reggae acoustic music. The next morning we pull anchor to sail down coast for more Caribbean wave explorations with CB and friends in tow. I know another spot and 30 minutes later we are anchored out back. With the fade'n swell it's going ballistic and we score some bomb barrels with a pack of East Coast Pros on a working photo shoot vacation, a little crowded so we venture to the most beautiful beach of the islands for an afternoon cavern expedition amongst the cruise ship crowd. The swell is forecasted to pick back up the next day from a slightly different direction so we sail to another island arriving before dark. A few pain killers and a fish sandwich dinner at the yacht club sports bar to see what on tube in the weirdo world and its back to the boat. I fall asleep in the cockpit to a star filled night sky with no background lights, you can see every constellation from the deck of my sloop and stars reflect off the waters' surface in the protected bay.
For breakfast I make everyone my patented chocolate-chip pancakes and we do a mourning sail to an outer island just a few hours away. The wind is blowing strong from the South East and off shore at the reef we plan to surf. CB and I take a short dinghy ride to the reef where I had surfed a few weeks before around chest high. That previous day I had scoped out the fringe reef further up the coast for surf potential and discovered gnarly jagged elk horn coral head reefs making for seriously dangerous surfing, a no go spot up the reef but on the corner where the currents flow around the island the bottom was somewhat flat with the random coral head protruding out of the water as the bigger sets sucked the inside reef dry. Today was a different story, light turquoise water, strong off shores and a building head high swell with just the two of us out for 30 min pushing one another to take off deeper. I had found my sweet take off spot when another surfer paddles out from the beach that I recognize as a local surfer named Woo! Woo says, "sure glad you guys are out here as this place is spooky to surf alone," I agree as I mention that I had seen an 8 foot tiger shark here 2 weeks ago! Woo! Proceeds to paddle really deep up the reef as a big set looms and casually drops in super late to get effortlessly shacked on his tiny firewire surfboard!! The swell is now definitely building with the incoming tide and it's a B-U- T- FUL-ting Mon, swapping waves B teen 3 friends in the islands, mon! We surf through the mid day session and the wind shifts, Woo paddles back in to the beach where his family is hanging out and we figure it's time to head back to the boat for an afternoon sail back to the bay by the airport for CB's mourning departure stateside.
Next morning CB and I walk into the airport and spy two incredibly hot girls? CB and I just look at each other in disbelief??? I say "too bad your leaving," CB smiles and looks toward the girls and says "I scored anyways!!!" He's off to the jet and I head back to my boat and bump into the girls by the Café and say" hello," they tell me there are here to shoot video for Bikini Destinations TV show and ask about surfing lessons I told them CB just left but I'd be happy to give a lesson, take them sailing and anything else they might need…"
You can find more stories and information from Captain Bryan Blaze at www.nirvanasurfyoga.com


text:
Hojai (Assam) [India], Jan 29 (ANI): A poverty-stricken women in Assam's Hojai area hung her three daughters and then committed suicide.
The family was in dire straits and unable to arrange for basic amenities. This forced the mother took the extreme step late on Sunday night in Lumding village. All four were found hanging on a tree, but one of the girls managed to untie her rope and call for help.
By the time rescuers arrived on the scene, the women and two of her daughters had died. (ANI)