text:
Last week we discussed Equine Metabolic Syndrome, what it is, and what are some symptoms. Our article explored some discussions you should have with your veterinarian if you suspect your horse might be inflicted with EMS. Today, read more on confirming diagnosis, studying for your H-A, and other considerations for a horse with EMS.
The three criteria that confirm a diagnosis of Equine Metabolic Syndrome:
Insulin Resistance determined by blood tests
Laminitis (multiple episodes)
Obese with abnormal fat deposits
To take care of a horse with EMS, the owner, veterinarian and farrier need to work closely together. The horse needs to be on a strict diet. There are now commercially prepared low-sugar diets for EMS horses and some of these may be appropriate. Generally, a limited amount of grass hay with low sugar-content is the main part of the diet. No lush pasture. No sugar cubes or carrots or apples or commercial high-sugar horse treats. Increased exercise is helpful for weight loss if the horse is not too lame from laminitis. Often the laminitis episodes are relatively mild and the owner may not even be aware of any lameness but the veterinarian and farrier may notice abnormal growth rings or sensitivity in the feet. Radiographs (x-rays) of the feet will determine if the coffin bone has rotated in the hoof and if corrective trimming needs to be done to improve the hoof condition and pain. Your veterinarian may prescribe some pain relief medication such as phenylbutazone ("Bute") or another pain relief medication. Once the horses lose some weight, they often have fewer bouts of laminitis and they are more energetic. They have been suffering a chronic level of pain with even mild laminitis. With treatment, their feet feel better and they are carrying less weight and they feel frisky again! But it must be remembered that this is a lifelong disease and they will get symptoms again if they are allowed to gain too much weight. They will likely be on a strictly controlled diet for the rest of their lives. EMS is not life-threatening but the episodes of laminitis are the reason many of these horses are euthanized. Doing all we can to keep their weight controlled is the best way to help these horses.
If you are studying for your H-A, we can dig a little deeper into our understanding of EMS. Not only are these horses diagnosed with Insulin Resistance, they also have abnormal fat (adipose) cells that secrete excess cortisol. This is the hormone that is elevated in PPID. But the source of the cortisol in PPID is the adrenal gland which is not being properly regulated by the pituitary gland. The pituitary gland is in the brain and is the "switchboard" for many functions in the body. The Dexamethasone Suppression Test (DST) is one test used to diagnose PPID but the results of this test are normal in an EMS horse. The pituitary gland and the adreanal glands behave normally in EMS. The increased cortisol is coming from the abnormal fat cells. (This is why EMS was once called Peripheral Cushing's Disease. This is not an accurate term any more but an internet search of the term will result in more sites with informative reading!) The consequences of too high cortisol are the same in both EMS and PPID. These include: propensity to laminitis especially with foot abscesses, immune system suppression (leading to foot abscesses and slow healing of wounds and increased susceptibility to viral, bacterial and fungal diseases and slow recovery from infections), insulin resistance, diabetes mellitus (rare in horses but not unheard of), loss of muscle mass and tone (more common in longstanding PPID cases), infertility, weakness, increased urinating and drinking (PU/PD = polyuria and polydipsia).
Further points to consider:
The tests used to diagnose these diseases are not foolproof. The results can be falsely positive or falsely negative due to a variety of conditions. The season of the year also affects the DST results. While the laboratories that run these tests have taken some seasonal changes in the results into account, the results may still come back "inconclusive." This is where the veterinarian and the owner need to look at all the information (test results, history, physical examination, breed) and make decisions on treatment and care. It may be advisable to repeat the testing in a different season. Fall is the problematic season (in the northern hemisphere) and it is possible and even likely that the body is responding to signals to get ready for winter. After all, the endocrine system is not static, it responds to the various conditions of a normal, healthy body resulting in different levels of chemicals that we might measure.
To really get you thinking:
It is possible to have both PPID and IR in the same horse. Increased cortisol can cause IR. Remember, the PPID horse usually looks different in age (older) and coat (shaggier) than the EMS horse. So, not all IR horses are EMS horses. But all EMS horses are IR horses because IR is part of the definition of EMS.
Horse and pony breeds that originated in areas with harsh weather conditions are more likely to develop EMS. These breeds include Shetland ponies, Morgan horses, Peruvian Paso horses, to name a few. It is likely that their fat cells are different than other breeds because of the harsher climates where they developed. This is still being researched but it is an interesting point to consider.
If this article has left you more confused than enlightened, welcome to the definition of a "syndrome!" If you would like more study materials or have question, feel free to contact me directly. email@example.com
Our blog article comes to us today from USPC Advisory Board Member and Veterinarian, Rae A Birr, DVM. Rae graduated from Pony Club as a B in 1978 and graduated from Michigan State University as a Veterinarian in 1984. Her practice career has always included horses, particularly equine medicine, reproduction and conditioning. She feels strongly about educating the horse owning public so we can be even better caregivers of our equine partners.


text:
Job Responsibilities:
Job Requirements:
All personal information provided by applicant will be treated in strict confidence and used solely for recruitment purposes.
Tahoe Life Insurance Company Limited is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Tahoe Investment Group Company Limited. Adhere to the aspiration of fulfilling social responsibility, we endeavor to serve our customers with sincerity, creating a brilliant future for our customers and the enterprise.
As the core business of Tahoe Investment's financial arm, we are dedicated to offering comprehensive wealth management and life planning services. We strive to be the leader in the high-end life insurance sector, taking care of our customers' life cycles.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Coming Home: The Third Age of Bashan by Eric German
January 29 - March 20, 2016
Eric German creates drawings, 3D prints, installations, and other works filled with rainbow-colored creatures, shapes, and forms. German's "tiny worlds," and the characters that inhabit them, function as stage and props within pieces that are both technological and whimsical. German lived in Grand Rapids, MI from 2009 - 2012 while he completed a MFA in drawing from Kendall College of Art and Design of Ferris State University.
Opening Reception: January 29, 2016
Member Preview: 6pm, Public: 7pm
UICA Members: free, Non-Members: $5
This exhibition is presented with support from the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, and the National Endowment for the Arts.
Individuals with disabilities who require accommodations should contact Megan Bylsma, Associate Director, at 616.454.7000 x11 or firstname.lastname@example.com at least 72 hours in advance.


text:
How to install & Download Mobdro on PC, Android Free
Mobdro for COMPUTER:
Mobdro is basically as well as android TV streaming app with the assistance of which the customers could view the TELEVISION programs and flicks on their mobiles, tablet computers, https://mobdroappguide.com/ PC's as well as laptop computers too.
The app is being preferred these days and also in an extremely short period of time. The app is an alternative to other Online TV streaming applications such as ShowBox, MovieBox and also many more. https://mobdroappguide.com/mobdro-for-pc-download-on-windows-10-8-7-mac-app/ Mobdro for COMPUTER works with Windows 8, 8.1, 7, 10 and also Mac computer also.
The fascinating fact about the app is that the app is offered in its latest version 1.2.446 in simply 20 MEGABYTES dimension for the android 4.1 as well as above variations.
This is the only app that comes in such a portable size in the classification of TV streaming applications, https://mobdroappguide.com/apps-like-mobdro-alternatives/ which is an advantage for the customers who are the majority of the time worried about app room on their mobile or tool.
There are several various other apps which you can inspect as well like shareit for computer, dubsmash for computer and whatsapp for pc.Features of Mobdro:
Though the app is filled with much of the features however, for the individual's to learn about the app, several of apps features are as complies with:
The app is able to discover the video clip offered around the globe in every language as well as on every subject of user's rate of interest.
The customer can download the videos as well as keep them on his/her collection of the app to ensure that he or she could see them later anytime of customer's choice.
Customer could arrange the streams and also filter them by the languages and also topics.
The individual can additionally keep track of the Gamer background to facilitate himself/ herself for the next time he/ she enjoys the video.
User could advise video clips to his/her buddies or relatives in simply a click or tap .
Download and install Mobdro for Windows 8.1/ 10/8/7 & Mac
Like the various other Live TELEVISION streaming app Mobdro could be downloaded and mounted on user's PC, mobile, https://sites.google.com/site/mobdroappgfree32/mobdroappgfree32 laptop or tablet computer.
As the app is not offered on Google Play Store so the customer wishing to install the app on their mobile or tablet need to do little additional efforts nevertheless the procedure for the user that want to take pleasure in the app on their COMPUTER or laptop is same similar to the other android apps with the aid of any one of the android emulator like BlueStacks or Andy.
Those individuals that desire to mount the app on their PC or laptop as well as are unaware of the treatment can comply with the treatment provided listed below:
For the Users Not Having Android Emulator: the individuals need not to worry if they do not have any kind of android emulator set up in their PC or laptop computer. Here the procedure is being clarified to download and mount the android emulator.
Attach Your PC/Laptop to the web connection https://www.mixcloud.com/mobdroappinstall93/.
You should download and install "BlueStacks emulator".
Click on the official web link of BlueStacks amongst the search results page being displayed.
Currently Click and browse the link on the Download Switch offered on the official web site.
Wait till the documents gets downloaded into your COMPUTER/ laptop computer.
When the downloading has actually been completed, search the area where the file/ setup is kept.
Now Right click on the configuration and click on "Run" option.
Install the setup as well as wait till it obtains installed.
Mobdro on COMPUTER in Windows 8/10, Windows 7/8.1 & Mac
For the customer's Currently Having Android Emulator: The individual's having android emulator on their PC need not to take note of the previous actions. https://www.wattpad.com/392138604-mobdro-download-free-on-your-computer-android Just follow the steps which are as complies with:
Link your PC/ laptop computer to net.
Look for "Mobdro.apk" file.
Surf any of the links available.
Download the ". apk" data.
Set up the ". apk" data.
Accessibility BlueStacks and also go to apps section.
You can see the Mobdro app symbol.
Now you have successfully downloaded and install and also mount Mobdro for COMPUTER on your Widows/Mac tools. Now open the app on your Bluestacks as well as delight in free video streaming at free.


text:
Luna Blaise discusses the new season of ABC's Fresh Off the Boat, working with Jacob Sartorius for the "Sweatshirt" music video and much more!
What has made working on a show like Fresh Off the Boat so much fun for you?
Probably just being on set all the time and having a lot of fun with my cast and crew because it's just such a hilarious show. Everyone that is on the show, everything you see on TV every Tuesday, it's like ten times as funny off camera. It's the same jokes and everyone is laughing and having a good time. So being a part of that is really fun.
What has been your favorite scene thus far?
Oh wow…that's hard, oh my gosh! There are a lot of great scenes, probably the Halloween episode from last year. I had to like put really fun makeup on and had to do this weird light thing to my lips to where my lips were glowing. It was a fun process, it was really cool, so probably the Halloween episode for season two in the second to last scene in the episode.
What are you most excited about in terms of the season?
Probably a lot of different things coming from my character…um from all the characters really. We're all growing up so I've been hyped for this season, and so definitely a lot different things coming for me which is exciting."
Are there any actors/actresses you're hoping to share more scenes with in the future?
Probably my step-mom Honey, Chelsey Crisp, and my dad Marvin, Ray Wise, because I barely have any scenes with them. It's been a lot more with Chelsey recently, but yeah definitely my mom and my dad on the show.
Since the show takes place in the '90s, has there been anything new the show has introduced to you? Any new music to check out? Fashion trends that you'd love to see trendy even today?
A lot of music! Usually every single episode there's some form of hip hop music based off the '90s. With fashion trends, it definitely opened my eyes up about fashion that I really didn't really know about. So definitely both fashion and music!
Are there one to two things you would like to see for your character specifically?
It'd be fun to explore my mom! In the show we're always talking about my real mom and everyone in the neighborhood knows my real mom, my step-mom, and Marvin. But she hasn't been introduced yet! I can't really say anything else, but probably that.
Can you tell us a bit about "Sweatshirt" and what made being on that project such a cool experience for you?
Definitely creating such a great friendship with Jacob (Sartorius), we're literally such great friends now. I didn't really know what I was getting myself into when I accepted the offer for being in the music video because I knew this kid from Instagram and we started talking. He wrote a song and told me he wanted me to be in his music video and I didn't really know what was going to happen from that. I thought it would be a cool experience but I didn't really know what was going to happen after that. I consider him one of my really close friends.
Are there any shows/ films that you would want to be part of and why those?
I love Grey's Anatomy! Its been on for so long, I would love to be a part of Grey's Anatomy. Definitely American Horror Story because their new season literally just started. American Crime Story, because I was obsessed with last season where it was the People vs. OJ Simpson. I love Crime stories! So definitely Grey's Anatomy, American Horror Stories, and American Crime Stories! I don't know about films; I would love to be in a film but I don't know. But those three shows for sure.
What kind of character could you see yourself playing?
That's hard, because I play such a funny character on Fresh off the Boat so I would love to play the total opposite of what I play on Fresh Off the Boat. A serious character that has a lot of drama. For example, on American Horror Story one that's in-depth in the show I guess. It's really hard for someone my age to be on those types of shows because they don't really focus a lot on the kids due to the intenseness, so I would love to be on that type of show.
Makes sense! Lastly is there anything you would like to say to those reading or watching?
Look forward to a bunch of new and fun things coming on Fresh Off the Boat because it's going to be such a fun season. So just look forward to having a laugh, it's going to be great!


text:
I'ts been a while since I've written any posts so apologies if this is slightly rough around the edges. I've been disctracted with "fluffy" magazine article writing… all that hard hitting column type stuff was getting far too exciting so I've come back (from outta space) and stumbled accross this item in the news the other week.
Now to those with a similar disposition having seen the title of this entry as myself you are asking yourself "well, what's the difference"? Which is a fair point, but in this instance according to a recent article in The Independent "Prison inmates [are to be] paid to collect information from homeowners for insurance companies". The Independent claims that a scheme that is currently run by Oakwood Prison would be extended that could, according to the article, see detainees contacting the public to obtain information for insurance companies on their insurable items.
At face value there is several issues there, not least that most of the British public see "cold callers" as criminals anyway so actually turn cold callers into criminals does have an air of irony and humour about it.
At this point I'd like to slightly bring in the debate about rehabilitation (but only slightly). In this specific instance the offer of rehabilitating current offenders seems to be being used to divert attention from the level of risk associated with such practice as well it's failings to comply with the concept of Data Protection and Privacy. I have no controversial views on rehabilitation nor am I qualified to issue a view but I'd like to clear away the rehabilitation point by stating that I'm firmly in the camp of offering offenders (current or former) a second chance in society and to "pay back" what they have idealistically taken from society. Now that's said let us focus on the privacy debate and not get the 2 mixed up.
Putting the matter of offender rehabilitation aside for one moment (and use of the term 'criminal'), this raises some interesting questions around 'appropriate controls' and the people element of processing personal data.
Unfortunately, it is not unreasonable to say that currently that the concept of "privacy by design" is a stranger to UK data controllers. By this I mean the concept that privacy and the respect for that right is at the forefront of system and process design and sit alongside the need for 'profitability' and alignment to company priorities and branding. Now to give credit where credit is due, some controllers understand and engage with this concept and have indeed achieved a status of "privacy by design" or something that closely resembles it. To those organisations I tip my hat but also acknowledge that you are the indeed elite and special few.
Let's start from the beginning and look at this from an "ideal world" point of view (I really must stop doing that). According to the Independent and what information I have been able to find online the operator will 'cold call' a number provided by the Data Controller using a computer controlled telephone system. According to the BBC this system doesn't show to the operator the data subjects address or other contact details. The operator will then ask the data subject whether they would be interested in a quote for their valuable items (following the usual cold calling standard call template; namely "what a great offer we have" and such similar nonsense). The Data Subject's replies are then recorded by the operator in the computer system which the Data Controller would then translate into sales leads and action with other operators (non-inmate).
According to G4S "All the prisoners are carefully security checked and interviewed before working in the centre, calls are made remotely by computer, and every conversation is closely monitored by supervisors. No information from the calls is stored and there is no way any personal information can be used for any criminal purposes".
Now, at face value all the measures outlined above seem like sensible steps to take to control and lock down access and would usually be found in most 'secure' call centres. However, purely from a practical point of view, how can an operator speak to customer without seeing their contact details or address? What happens if the data subject wants a call back on a different number? Or is moving and wants to change their address? Both are events that are not beyond the realm of possibility? Also, what is an acceptable level of "security checks" to accept the inmate as an operator? Do they exclude those that have been convicted of Fraud or Burglary? In which case (as a side point) how does that then represent a "equal opportunity" for rehabilitaion for all inmates as it's currently sold? Surely other schemes that don't involve personal data would be better suited to such a noble cause?
Currently the DPA states that processing of 'personal data' can be achieved if you meet any of the 'Schedule 2' conditions. In this instance, as there is no law to specifically allow for the processing of this data for this purpose therefore they are relying on consent, legitimate interests of the data subject or legitimate interests of the data controller. Historically, the Information Commissioner has taken a dim view of controllers that have tried to argue that they are processing information in order to "benefit the legitimate interests of the data subject" so I doubt that 'legitimate interests of the data subject is truly applicable. So what is left, the legitimate interests of the data controller? But does this processing really meet the legitimate interests of the data controller without prejudicing or otherwise harming the rights or interests of the data subject?
In a "normal" call centre or cold calling setup, and in an ideal world, companies should only be contacting prospective customers with information that has been made available via the electoral register or with consent. It is expected (by the data subject) that the data controller is based in a reasonably secure office environment and that they are being spoken to "Business to Customer" (even if they don't like cold callers). In this scenario, data subjects are being called from inside prison by operators that are unpaid and where the data subject has not been informed. Rightly or wrongly, a fair amount of data subjects would instantly feel that their privacy had been invaded and remove consent for any processing in this fashion. So coming back to the original question, how does this processing not prejudice a data subject's reasonable expectation of fair processing and privacy of their information?
I haven't touched on the recent tribunal decision that seemed to suggest that infringing the right to privacy under the Human Rights Act could mean that you have "unlawful processing" of personal data. It speaks for itself…
To be clear, purely under the Data Protection angle, I don't like this idea and I don't think that it does any favours to the privacy cause and what the public understand privacy to be in the UK. This could be the most secure process going but Data Protection is about more than just the security of data and using "free labour" in this environment and context simply does harm to the idea of privacy and to some degree destroys the apparent "good intentions" behind the scheme.
Note, I haven't commented on the immoral use of "free labour" to get sales leads for private companies… surely rehabilitation should be about giving back to the community not helping big business turn a profit?
Independent Newspaper – 22nd August 2013 – http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/prison-inmates-paid-to-collect-information-from-homeowners-for-insurance-companies-8777641.html
BBC Online News Article – 21st August 2013 – http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-23777143


text:
Sustainability, Scale, Providence, Preserve.
4 key elements that are central to any product we catch or supply.
Awatoru (Three Rivers) is an Artisan Fishing and Wild Food supply company, a small family business based on the Kapiti Coast, supplying the Hospitality and Restaurant trade.
We produce and source wild, seasonal proteins, from fishing sustainably on our own small day boat to sourcing wild food from other small primary companies all over New Zealand. We pride ourselves in knowing everyone we deal with personally, closely learning their trade, and getting our hands dirty.
It's important for us to have a close relationship with both chefs and providers and to meet the needs of both parties. We realise chefs would love to be out there themselves sourcing their own products but simply don't have the time to do so, so we love to do it for them.
New Zealand's unique Delicacies; You ask, we source them for you.


text:
La Bohéme Mesh Silver + White
sold out
La Bohéme Mesh Silver + White
This La Bohème model by CLUSE Watches features an ultrathin case with a 38 mm diameter, crafted with precision. Eggshell white and silver are combined with a stainless steel silver mesh strap.
- Case measures 38mm in diameter
- Quartz movement
- Strap material: Stainless Steel
- Case Colour: Silver
- Face Colour: White
Add To Cart


text:
Glanford & Lindsey
Lions Club
Charitable Trust Fund No. 1034183
Tel: 0844 963 2448
Glanford and Lindsey Lions Club welcomes you to their website. We hope you find the articles informative and useful.
Glanford and Lindsey Lions Club was formed in 1991 to raise funds for a variety of projects important to local communities and to support Lions' national and international charitable causes.
As part of the Family of Lions Clubs we are located in an area which covers the districts of North Lincolnshire and West Lindsey. The main towns and villages being; Messingham, Kirton in Lindsey, Scotter, Hibaldstow, Gainsthorpe, Redbourne, Waddingham, Scotterthorpe, Susworth, Snitterby.
Membership is open to men and women who are able to donate some of their time to provide service to their community and other club objectives. It is not hard work and we ensure that "fun" is a major part of our fundraising. We even have a social committee to ensure we have a good time together.
CARING ABOUT PEOPLE IN THE COMMUNITY Caring about people is the key objective of Lions Clubs throughout the World. In addition to the countless humanitarian projects which the organisation undertakes globally each local Lions Club is committed to focusing their efforts on the local community. Glanford and Lindsey Lions Club has an outstanding record of providing support just where it is needed and will continue their efforts to make life a little easier for individuals and groups who deserve and require help.
On the 12th April 2016 Glanford and Lindsey Lions Club celebrated 25 years of service. Over that period we have raised more than £370,000 for worthy causes. Many people have been affected by donations which have been made to Local, National and International causes ranging from individual assistance, nationally recognised groups and international disasters. We are extremely proud to be able to say that every penny we raise goes towards a worthy cause. We hope we can continue as a Club for another 25 years and continue to help those less fortunate than ourselves, but we keep reminding ourselves that we would not have been able to celebrate our achievements without the generous support from the public. So it is those that support us that we would like to thank. We will keep helping where we can and follow one of our mottos 'We Serve'.
Without YOUR help we would not be able to assist the worthy causes we do; so a huge THANK YOU for the support you give us.


text:
Herbert Diess, Volkswagen Group's new CEO, has a lot on his plate -- especially for a guy who's new in the job and has been at VW for less than three years.
But with that caveat, I'd like to suggest to Professor Doctor Diess a potential industry-altering -- maybe world-altering -- strategy that, if implemented, might go a long way toward restoring Volkswagen's good name in the wake of sweeping diesel emissions violations and altering the unfavorable economics that have kept electric vehicles from being more widely adopted. The timing couldn't be better: German officials slapped the automaker with a $1.18 billion fine on Wednesday for the emissions scandal.
It boils down to three words: Share the skateboard.
The "skateboard" is Volkswagen's brilliant MEB platform, the architecture that will underpin the automaker's EVs around the globe, including those beyond the Volkswagen brand.
MEB -- which will debut in the United States in 2020 with a crossover based on the I.D. Crozz -- allows Volkswagen Group designers broad flexibility to design interesting top hats to attach above the four wheels, electric motor (or motors) and battery pack. The German automaker believes its internal commoditization of battery electrics -- building all of its global EVs on the same set of bones -- will allow the vehicles to do something few EVs have done: turn a profit.
Which is exactly why Diess and Volkswagen should share or license MEB openly with other automakers.
I remain skeptical of EVs for a variety of reasons, but chief among them is the vehicles' inability to compete on a cost basis with traditional fossil fuel-powered propulsion. Until that changes, there's little motivation for automakers to develop products that few consumers are willing to buy.
But on a truly global scale that includes VW and other large automakers, MEB has the promise to turn that equation on its head, giving full electrics a scale and associated cost structure that no internal combustion-powered vehicle could touch, all while giving automakers the flexibility to design and produce top hats to fit specific customer bases. And broad implementation of the technology would spur development of the charging infrastructure needed to make EVs viable and mainstream.
Volkswagen would likely benefit the most if it shared its MEB skateboard, lowering the per-unit costs of its EVs, while accessing a new revenue stream from licensing agreements with other automakers. But other automakers would also benefit, dramatically reducing development costs to meet EV mandates and saving much-needed r&d dollars for other projects.
In a way, doing so would be the ultimate fulfillment of FCA CEO Sergio Marchionne's 2015 "Confessions of a Capital Junkie" presentation, albeit in a sector with a technology that could have broad ramifications for the world in which we all live.
Which probably means it makes too much sense to happen, unfortunately.


text:
Honoring God
"We ask God to give you complete knowledge of His will and to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding. Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit. All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better." // Colossians 1:9-10
Back when I was managing a coffee shop, I'd ask one or two of the staffs to go and buy supplies at a local store. I would write the list down on paper and carefully instruct them to call me when they didn't see the exact product I wanted so I could decide on alternatives. But every now and then, someone would disregard my instruction and decide for themselves. It would be nice if their decision actually helped, but most of the time it was a waste of money because not only did the product they picked up cost more, it was altogether a different flavor or kind. They might have thought for a moment that their independent action will please me, but in all honesty, it actually stressed me out.
You know, we tend to act like this toward God. Just because "pastoring" is a noble call doesn't mean that God intends you to be there. God is a specific God and He might be calling you to a different avenue. From my experience, it's very draining to achieve growth in places where God didn't plant you. He desires obedience rather than sacrifice. I've sat several times with the bible on my lap reading the long passages of the design and details of the temple in Jerusalem. For a long time I thought, "What does this have to do with me and my personal growth in God?" And when God saw it fit to reveal the meaning, I saw that the reason why God communicated to the builders the very exact measures and details of the temple is because it portrays what God wants to do in our personal "temple", our body and lives.
When we go back to the bible and "carefully determine what pleases the Lord" (Ephesians 5:10), we find that the greatest commandment is to "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your mind" (Matthew 22:37). In the book of 2 John 1:6 it says, "Love means doing what God has commanded us". It all goes back to obeying what God instructs us and not what we think will please Him. I know several people who have been walking with Christ for a couple of decades and still believe that our salvation can be earned. As if Christ's blood is insufficient for the epic redemptive story of all time. That He actually needs us in order to complete the equation of salvation. It nullifies grace because we will find ourselves being worthy since we "worked" for our own salvation. It doesn't make sense. Because no amount of human effort will please God to grant us eternal life and cross out our sin, but only through faith in Jesus Christ who is sufficient. The bible says "For without faith, it is IMPOSSIBLE to please God" (Hebrews 11:6).
Look into the famous verse, John 3:16 and find a line that requires us to work and earn for ourselves eternal life. Did you find any? Of course you won't. The only requirement is to trust in Jesus Christ. Even our faith in Him isn't produced by us. He is the "author and finisher of our faith" (Hebrews 11:2). It's not about us, but always and always about God.
So does this mean that I get a free ticket to not do anything in church or pursue a call that I believe God is calling me into? Well, you're not just another number in the world's population. You live and breathe for a purpose, a purpose that is hidden in Christ. I believe the reason why Paul and the other disciples called themselves "slaves of Christ" is not because of their position or spiritual state. They've been freed by Him and have seen the glory of the cross. And in seeing, following and submerging their lives to His will produces this unquenchable desire to live for the gospel. The character of Christ transcends and His glory changes them into His likeness. On the feet of the cross we are humbled down, knowing without Him we are nothing and we are powerless. Just as a hungry beggar finds a never ending supply of bread and tells another beggar where it can be found, so do those who truly follow Christ, the bread of life.
"Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases Him." // Philippians 2:12-13
I hope when you read this verse you don't just focus on verse 12: "work hard", but go on further and know that it is God who is working in you and giving you every desire to please Him. It's not about you, it's not about me, it's all about Jesus.
Do you want to honor God, love Him and please Him? Pastor Judah Smith said "Honor is only honor when the person you are honoring feels honored". Take the time to hear Him, communicate with Him through His words. Wait patiently for His instructions and the specific things He is pointing out in your life. If He hasn't responded, just wait and never move without His convictions. Our independence from Him produces consequences that we might regret later on in life. Trust Him and when your faith is small, ask Him.
- Kaye // @kayeohliveare


text:
Missed Concerts, New Designs, Poetry Goodness
So I wound up missing the Midlake concert. After the first venue closed due to unpaid tax issues, I chose not to head to town on a rainy evening to look for the new venue. I ate the $13, and I felt okay about it.
Instead, I caught up with all my grading, which is far more important at this time of the year. Now, had the concert been on a Friday night instead of a Sunday night, I definitely would have gone.
Ah well . . . that's adulthood for you. Hard choices have to be made.
While I graded I also did not listen to Midlake. I didn't want to torture myself . . . so I listened to NPR instead.
Check out Kundiman's new website: http://www.kundiman.org/.
It's who we are and what we do. I love the community stuff on there, too. Come on in and join the discussion.
I had this crazy idea while driving to work today--since I'm a big college hoops fan, I thought, wouldn't it be cool to get a whole bunch of like-minded poets to participate in an NCAA Bracket, where the stakes were copies of each entrant's books? If you already had some of their books, you could always donate them to a literary organization or some kind of foundation, but wouldn't it be fun?
I'm already out of copies of Requiem for the Orchard. I gave a copy to Aimee and Jon, I gave one to my parents, I traded one copy for another book, and then I sold the rest. I ordered 30 more copies, and hopefully they come soon. Lots of my family members want free copies. Egad. I don't even get free copies, people.
Current Spin:
RIP Mark Linkous--I'm tired of poets and musicians taking their own lives. The world needs more music and more art.


text:
Free Shut In in High Quality VideoNow you can watch full Shut In in best quality with duration 90 Min and has been launched in 2015-12-31 with MPAA rating is 0.
- Original Title : Shut In
- Movie title in your country : Shut In
- Year of movie : 2015
- Genres of movie : Thriller, Drama, Horror,
- Status of movie : Released
- Release date of movie : 2015-12-31
- Companies of movie :
- Countries of movie :
- Language of movie :
- Durationof movie : 90 Min
- Average vote of movie : 0
- Youtube ID of movie :
- Translation of movie : EN,DE,
- Actors of movie :Martin Starr (), Beth Riesgraf (), Rory Culkin (), Jack Kesy (), Leticia Jimenez (), Joshua Mikel (), Timothy T. McKinney ()
Movie synopsis of Shut In :
Free Shut In in Best Quality with movie summary "Anna suffers from agoraphobia so crippling that when a trio of criminals break into her house, she cannot bring herself to flee. But what the intruders don't realize is that agoraphobia is not her only psychosis." in HD quality. Play full Shut In in HD Quality by push of the button above.
Now you can play full Shut In in high quality. Watch full Shut In video with single submit the type by clicking on the image in the sign in place button. Enjoy each of the albums completely new movie with all most liked movie loading! only play this movie Shut In now for free access this online movie. That is truly spectacular and may one of those rare amazing. The good quality was great all over. Management, photographs and aesthetic effects were being all really innovative and brilliant. The pleasure on the script, often humorous and has many heart for everyone his characters are extremely very beautifully shaped.
... Full Shut In in High Quality Video 1080p ...
Director : Adam Schindler, Writer : T.J. Cimfel, Writer : David White
Of course, now you can watch movie regarding Shut In 100 % length and obtain the connection to this motion picture Shut In in HD format.


text:
I had a chance to visit the beaches of the Dominican Republic this summer. Ethnic and political turmoil not withstanding, it is a beautiful place. One can only hope that the government and the people come to better terms so that humane treatment can be afforded to everyone there.
Once that happens, more people can experience a day on the beach like these shots depict.


text:
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Francis will help launch a global campaign of prayer and action against world hunger.
Organized by Caritas Internationalis, the Vatican-based federation of Catholic charities, the global "wave of prayer" will begin at noon Dec. 10 on the South Pacific island of Samoa and head west across the world's time zones.
Pope Francis will offer his blessing and support for the "One Human Family, Food For All" campaign in a five-minute video message being released on the eve of the global launch.
Caritas Internationalis invited its 164 member organizations and local churches to pray for an end to hunger and malnutrition as well as to act on a local, national or global level against food waste and promote food access and security worldwide.
Nearly 1 billion people — or about one in eight people — experienced chronic hunger or undernourishment during 2010-2012, according to the Caritas website.
"One of the worst sounds a parent can hear is their child crying at night tormented by hunger. Many parents living in poverty hear this cry and yet they have no food to give them," Honduran Cardinal Oscar Rodriguez Maradiaga of Tegucigalpa, president of Caritas Internationalis, said in a video message.
"There is enough food to feed the planet. We believe that with your help and the help of governments and the U.N. we can end hunger by 2025," said Honduran Cardinal Oscar Rodriguez Maradiaga.
"There is enough food to feed the planet. We believe that with your help and the help of governments and the U.N. we can end hunger by 2025," he said.
Caritas is urging Catholics to take a few moments at noon Dec. 10 to join the world in praying against hunger as well as engage in long-term action through raising awareness, advocacy, charitable work or other efforts supporting food security.
The right to food is part of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the "Food For All" launch-date of Dec. 10 marks the U.N.'s Human Rights Day.
The Caritas campaign is calling on the United Nations to hold a session on the right to food at its 2015 General Assembly and is asking governments to guarantee the right to food in national legislation to help alleviate their own citizens' hunger.
The campaign will continue with a "global week of action" in October 2014 with events aimed at pressuring national governments to support laws for the right to food.
In Rome in May 2015, Caritas Internationalis will also host a general assembly of its members' leaders to focus specifically on eradicating hunger.
People can contact their local Caritas organization for more information or the campaign's main site at www.food.caritas.org.
Help keep Catholic media free, support CatholicPhilly.com
You may have noticed "pay walls" greeting you when you visit the websites of newspapers and magazines, both large and small. These mechanisms allow you to read a few articles for free before you've got to pay an annual fee if you want to see more.
You won't find a pay wall on CatholicPhilly.com because we're more than a news organization. We're informing, inspiring and forming readers in the Catholic faith every day through the news, features and commentaries that we post on this site and share across social media.
It costs money to provide high-quality coverage of the local Catholic communities we primarily serve, while also distributing national and world news of interest to Catholics, plus the orthodox teachings of the Catholic faith.
Help us in this mission by making a single gift of $40, $50, $100, or more. Your gift will strengthen the fabric of our entire Catholic community.
Make your donation by check:
222 N. 17th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
or by credit card:
PREVIOUS: Ukrainian church leaders condemn police violence against protesters
NEXT: Pope, cardinal council begin work on reorganizing Roman Curia
One Response
The answer to poverty causing hunger is to have those of us at the bottom devise the answer. Chrit said to Give to the poor "Their Full Need" to know the full need the elite must talk to us lackjing enough to pay,rent,heat and buy food, each month


text:
TVXQ's Max Changmin has taken another step to becoming a variety-dol.
During the episode of KBS2's 'Our Neighborhood's Master of Variety and Sports' that aired on the 9th, Max Changmin drew the attention of viewers for his efforts to become a master of variety shows.
On this day, Max Changmin shed his image of an idol star and refused to be overshadowed by Kang Ho Dong and Lee Soo Geun.
He was unafraid of taking on slapstick comedy, bringing moments of laughter to the show and making his mark as an integral part of the operation. From getting ink blots smeared on his face during the process of spelling words to clumsily spying on on the Sangdo-dong table tennis team with a flimsy cover, and being stiff like a robot under Park Sung Ho's tutelage, Max Changmin never failed to make the viewers laugh throughout the show.
He didn't miss out on any opportunities to be funny, reacting to an elementary school student in Sangdo-dong saying, "I have no idea who he (Max Changmin) is," and securing a victory against SHINee's Minho in the battle to avoid the title of 'Table Tennis Idiot'.
Meanwhile, the team of Kang Ho Dong, Lee Soo Geun, Max Changmin, Park Sung Ho, Kim Byung Man, Jo Dal Hwa and SHINee's Minho will take on the Sangdo-dong table tennis team on 'Our Neighborhood's Master of Variety and Sports' next week.
Source: [star mk]
Translated & Shared by: dongbangdata.net


text:
Kupe Gas Field Case Discontinued
Issued 1 May 2001/43
The Commerce Commission has today discontinued its proceedings against Fletcher Challenge Limited, Fletcher Challenge Energy Limited, Electricity Corporation of New Zealand and Genesis Power Limited in relation to the Kupe gas field following the conclusion of a confidential settlement between the parties.
Commission Chair, John Belgrave, said that the Commission filed its original statement of claim in December 1997. The Commission alleged that by a series of transactions, which are described as the Kupe Acquisition, Fletchers obtained control of the Kupe gas field. Fletchers and ECNZ also entered into a gas supply contract for the supply, from any source, of specified quantities of gas at specified prices ("the Generic Gas Contract"). As a result of these transactions the Commission alleged that Fletchers and ECNZ had breached the Commerce Act.
From the outset all defendants have denied any liability and there has been an ongoing series of challenges to the Commission's proceedings.
Shell has recently acquired the Fletcher Challenge Energy interests. In the context of obtaining a clearance for the acquisition under the Commerce Act, Shell gave an undertaking to the Commission that it would divest all of Fletcher Challenge Energy's interest in the Kupe gas field. . In addition, Fletchers divested their interests in Natural Gas Corporation as from July 1999.
"In these circumstances the Commission now believes that a competitive gas market in New Zealand exists," Mr Belgrave said. "The proceedings have been discontinued accordingly following a satisfactory confidential agreement reached with all the parties involved."
Media contact: Chair John Belgrave
Phone work (04) 498 0963, cellphone 021 650 045
Senior Advisor Communications Vincent
Phone work (04) 498 0920, home (04) 477 0039
Commission media releases can be viewed on its web
Leo van Schyndel
Records Officer
Corporate Services
Direct dial : (04) 498-0929
E-mail : firstname.lastname@example.com


text:
Shorties Film Festival is the first of the Hive Coworking Space's initiatives in supporting the local film industry. The Hive currently runs film screenings in Bangkok, Singapore, Hong Kong and Vietnam.
If you have any questions or queries regarding Shorties, get in touch with us using the form below. This is where you ask us about Press Passes, influencer tickets and standing the opportunity to meet with the esteemed panel of judges.


text:
Preventive Measures Against Cyber Crimes.
1. To prevent cyber stalking avoid disclosing any information pertaining to oneself. This is as good as disclosing your identity to strangers in public place.
2. Always avoid sending any photograph online particularly to strangers and chat friends as there have been incidents of misuse of the photographs.
3. Always use latest and up date anti virus software to guard against virus attacks.
4. Always keep back up volumes so that one may not suffer data loss in case of virus contamination.
5. Never send your credit card number to any site that is not secured, to guard against frauds.
6. Always keep a watch on the sites that your children are accessing to prevent any kind of harassment or depravation in children.
7. It is better to use a security programme that gives control over the cookies and send information back to the site as leaving the cookies unguarded might prove fatal.
8. Web site owners should watch traffic and check any irregularity on the site. Putting host-based intrusion detection devices on servers may do this.
9. Use of firewalls may be beneficial.
10. Web servers running public sites must be physically separate protected from internal corporate network.


text:
Via Wandering Aramean United Airlines is making several changes to extract additional revenue from passengers, and to favor corporate travel customers in hopes of helping the airline's sales team win more corporate deals through a new Corporate Preferred Program.
- More seat assignment charges. They're going to charge to assign coach seats which aren't extra legroom seats but that are considered more desirable, for instance seats closer to the front of the plane.
Customers already have to buy up from basic economy to be able to pre-assign seats. Starting in the fourth quarter more of those seats will require a further buy up in order to assign. This makes buying up from Basic Economy less attractive however many customers may not realize it immediately since the upsell is done a little bit at a time (first the buy up to regular economy, then the upcharge for seating).
American Airlines already does this, but American is also eliminating their most draconian restriction on basic economy fares, the inability to bring a full-sized carry on bag onto the aircraft. So United is making themselves even more uncompetitive, as long as they retain the carry on bag restriction and charge for more seats for those who pay to avoid basic economy.
Passengers whose companies qualify at the elite tier of Corporate Preferred can assign these seats for free. Update: anyone will be able to assign these seats free at check-in.
- Corporate agreement will be an upgrade tie-breaker. This won't come into play often but after status, fare class, and whether they're a premium credit card holder a tie-breaker will be Corporate Preferred status. Corporate customers are more important than non-corporate customers.
- Corporate customers get priority standby and reaccommodation. Corporate preferred status will also be a tie-breaker on the standby list, and corporate customers will get more flexible re-accommodation. Customers of companies doing significant business with United will see change fee waivers and flexibility to rebook to different destinations in the same state.
Here's the new corporate status benefit matrix:
This is all good news for corporate customers, especially big customers of United. Outside of change fee and reaccommodation waivers, the benefits largely come at the expense of flyers who are not corporate customers. Luckily the extra juice corporate customers are getting here is very much at the margin, a Platinum member's upgrade will still trump a Gold member for instance.
More seats that require a fee isn't surprising, but it does make buying up from United's uncompetitive basic economy that much less appealing. Non-corporate leisure customers should increasingly consider American, Delta, or Southwest.


text:
Dick's Sporting Goods is having a 50% off flash sale that ends at 10PM EDT/
If you've been putting off buying new camping gear, now is the time. Dick's Sporting Goods is running a 14-hour flash sale for up to 50% off select camping gear.
This sale includes everything from various Field & Stream tents and camp cots to solar lanterns, hammocks, and head lamps.
It's not just camping gear on sale, though. The LifeStraw Universal Bottle Adapter Filter Kit is $10 off. Possible Father's Day gifts are up to 50% off, too.
Here are a few of the deals that have caught my eye:
- Wise Ultimate 72-Hour Kit - $54.98 (50% off)
- Wise Company 52 Serving Prepper Bucket - $34.98 (50% off)
- Gerber Gorge Folding Shovel - $14.98 (40% off)
- Field & Stream Solar LED Lantern - $14.98 (40% off)
- Stanley Mountain Cook Set - $19.98 (33% off)
- Lodge 7-Piece Cast Iron Camp Set - $69.98 (30% off)
- Olympia Solaris Rechargeable Lantern - $9.98 (60% off)
If your total is over $49, you get free shipping. The sale ends at 10:00 PM EDT.


text:
Retail deposit competition will intensify.
Singapore Savings Bonds (SSBs) were met with great enthusiasm when the program was launched early in April. However, the new savings scheme could have an unexpected downside for local banks.
Bank of America Merrill Lynch analyst Hak Bin Chua said that the timing of SSBs is not ideal for local banks in light of the slowdown in retail deposit growth.
"Savings bonds will intensify the competition for retail deposits, which has been growing at a slower pace during the past three years. The flow of new savings bonds could significantly reduce the flow of new individual deposits and pressure deposit rates," Chua noted.
The timing is particularly unfortunate as banks will have to meet stricter Basel III liquidity coverage ratio requirements.
"The launch of the savings bonds further risk tightening liquidity and crowding out available loanable funds, further pressuring interest rates. The good intentions of developing retail savings bonds may end up with unintended negative consequences," he said.
Do you know more about this story? Contact us anonymously through this link.
Click here to learn about advertising, content sponsorship, events & rountables, custom media solutions, whitepaper writing, sales leads or eDM opportunities with us.
To get a media kit and information on advertising or sponsoring click here.
No jobs posted.


text:
The boards of LacPatrick Dairies and Lakeland Dairies have agreed to enter into exclusive discussions regarding an amalgamation of the two Societies, it has been announced.
Any agreement reached, will be subject to shareholder approval and the relevant regulatory clearance.
LacPatrick Dairies was formed in 2015 following the mergers of Town of Monaghan Co-op and Ballyrashane Co-op. LacPatrick collects and processes 600m litres of milk across Ulster from 1,000 farmer suppliers. A range of high-quality dairy products are exported to all continents.
Lakeland Dairies is a farmer owned dairy processing co-operative with operations across 15 counties on a cross border basis. Lakeland collects and processes over 1.2bn litres of locally produced milk each year into a wide range of value-added dairy foodservice and food ingredient products which it exports worldwide.


text:
Xolo Q 900T Price in India & Detailed Specifications
Xolo Q 900T runs on Android v 4.2 (Jelly Bean) OS powered by 1.5 GHz Quad-core processor. Features are 1 GB RAM and 4 GB internal memory expandable up to 32 GB. Display resolution of this smart phone will be 720×1280 pixels with capacitive touch screen of 4.7 inches.
Xolo Q 900T android Jellybean smartphone has 8 MP rear camera with flash and 2 MP secondary camera. It comes with 1800 mAh battery capacity to power up. Checkout detailed specifications here.
Xolo Q 900T Full Specifications
- 3G Network
- Dual SIM (GSM+GSM)
- Android v4.2 (Jelly Bean) OS
- 1.5 GHz Quad-core processor
- MediaTek 6589 Chip set
- 4 GB Internal memory (expandable)
- 4.7 inches, 720×1280 pixels
- Capacitive touch screen
- 8 MP rear camera with flash
- 2 MP secondary camera
- FM Radio
- Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n
- Bluetooth v3.0
- 1800 mAh battery capacity
Xolo Q 900T Price in India
Xolo Q 900T Price in India is 11299. and Listed online on Xolo India official website.


text:
50 Ways to Market Your Small Business
Most companies only need 3 or 4 really good marketing tactics to propel their businesses. The hard part is figuring out which ones will be most effective for your business, your style, your brand and within your budget! This workshop is designed for new and seasoned small business owners, home-based businesses, professional service businesses, consumer product companies and anyone who wants to refresh the way you market. You will experience a fast-paced and interactive review of 50 ways to market your business with descriptions of what each tactic is and what each is meant to achieve. You will leave with some good ideas of what you can implement the next day. Location: Boulder Public Library Main Branch, 1001 Arapahoe Avenue in the Canyon Room
Speaker(s): Maureen (Mo) Kanwischer, Momentum Business Consulting
Co-Sponsor(s): City of Boulder
Speaker Bio: Maureen (Mo) Kanwischer is an experienced facilitator and enjoys helping business owners and leaders reach their full potential and realize their own definition of success. Committed to life-long learning, she thrives when challenged with an issue and enjoys the process of defining a problem, shaping solutions and executing a plan of action. With over 25 years of marketing and business development experience in high-tech, ecommerce, manufacturing, healthcare and service companies, Mo brings a wealth of professional experience to the SBDC with a solid background in marketing, strategic planning and business model development. She also has experience in developing business and marketing plans, product management, new product launches, marketing communication programs, product positioning and event management. Mo serves on a couple of non-profit boards and is an active volunteer for many service agencies. Testimonial: "In 50 Ways to Market Your Small Business, Mo Kanwischer noted that we might find 3 - 4 ideas to apply to our own ventures. While I have a successful small business, I am adding a new business and decided to attend this workshop for ideas to expand my repertoire and to jump-start my new endeavors. The workshop was on Thursday, and on Friday AM, I was on the phone with my web-builder. From the workshop, I had several questions and ideas that we immediately applied - within 24 hours of the workshop! My trip from Fort Collins was well-rewarded: the workshop was sharp, succinct, quick-paced and applicable to a very diverse set of business developers." -Peggy Short, Ph.D., Research and Editorial Consultant The Colorado Small Business Development Center Network is partially funded by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA.) The support given by the SBA through such funding does not constitute an expressed or implied endorsement of any of the co-sponsors' or participants' opinions, products or services. The Colorado SBDC is a partnership between the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade, the SBA, Colorado's institutions of higher education and local development organizations.
Fee: $ 45.00


text:
So many of us deal with it, especially since the lead-up to and aftermath of the 2016 election. So many of us in creative fields deal with it. And many of us you would never suspect (especially stoic Midwesterners). When I mentioned my anxiety to some good friends last year, they were shocked because they had no idea, but the more people I talk to, the more I realize that so many people I know have also dealt with it - this is not an exclusive club!
I've alluded to having a rough time with anxiety last year in previous posts, and since it's been about a year since things really started ramping up, I've been reflecting on all that's happened, the changes I've made, and I want to share my experience, in case it's helpful to anyone (you're definitely not alone!) Plus, I really think that our society just needs to be more open about talking about mental health in general. #endthestigma
Looking back, I've dealt with anxiety most of my life - I worried about lots of implausible stuff as a kid, got stomachaches on sleepovers, etc. I was also somewhat depressed in college (gray, gray upstate NY winters didn't help), and didn't realize it at the time. For me, anxiety and depression are kind of 2 sides of the same problem, but I personally see the anxiety manifesting a lot more.
In 2010, I experienced my worst bout of anxiety, during a stressful work situation involving the launch of untested software, while simultaneously flying around the country to audition for graduate programs in collaborative piano (3 trips in 1 month) - basically, having a quarter-life crisis. That anxiety really blindsided me because it was the first time things had gotten that bad. On the outside, it looked like I was functioning, but things were pretty bad - I almost always felt like I was going to puke and ate little more than bananas many days, while waiting to hear back from schools.
At the time, I wasn't taking care of myself well. I ate whatever sugary snacks showed up in the office, didn't sleep enough, and rarely exercised. I made some changes, and with the help of a great therapist (there's zero shame in therapy, and I think that everyone should get to go), I was able to recognize that all of my negative thoughts were not automatically true - what a game changer! It took almost a year, but I finally started to feel better, then my dad had a stroke and was in the hospital for the better part of the summer (he's much better now), so naturally the anxiety fired up again.
After my dad got home and things stabilized, I learned to manage the anxiety pretty well (the most important thing for me is not missing more than one day of exercise in a row), but it's really sneaky and can creep up without you even realizing it!
2016 was an intense year with personal/family stuff (all is fine now) and the election/state of the world, while my constant pace of work was also catching up with me. (Thanks, music school culture and American workaholic values!)
I started to question whether I should really be teaching so much - I thought that I would feel like I had "made it" when I had a studio of 30 students, but it turns out that for an introvert, that's just a recipe for burnout, especially when you add teaching 3 group classes of 5-7 year olds, extra gigs, blogging, and composing daily.
In March of 2017, I was starting to feel the burnout, so I signed up for a class on rest with Mara Glatzel (which was great, but it turns out that you have to actually take the advice for it to work…) I spent half of my spring break in California visiting friends and family, and seeing Hermeto Pascoal in concert, which was totally worth it, but left me very exhausted (especially since I had terrible insomnia from anxiety 2 out of the 3 nights I was there). Then, I launched into a stretch of working over a month with no days off, because I need the income from accompanying during recital season to carry over into summer, when I don't teach as much. It was no surprise that on my first day off after that stretch, I had a panic attack (on my birthday!) on the way to an acupuncture appointment. (Yeah. It's kind of funny now.)
I thought that my lighter summer teaching schedule would allow me some space to rest and the anxiety would subside, but it didn't - it kept getting worse, even as I tried a huge list of tactics: I was already exercising daily, eating almost no refined sugar, drinking almost no caffeine, getting acupuncture regularly and a massage monthly, and meditating occasionally, and then I also tried CBD oil, meditation daily, changed my diet (started eating meat again after 14 years without, and low carbs), examined if any foods or yeast were causing inflammation in my body, went back to therapy, used positive affirmations, essential oils, tried EFT (tapping), epsom salt baths for added magnesium, reducing stimuli (no podcasts or music on in the background, wearing sunglasses), Rescue Remedy, tulsi tinctures, kava stress relief tea, and probably more things that I'm forgetting.
So, I'd tried literally everything I could think of, short of medication, and nothing seemed to be making a dent in the anxiety. I was very resistant to the idea of trying meds, partly because I hoped I could control it on my own, and partly because I typically take a more holistic approach to my health as much as possible, but I was so miserable that I finally considered it.
When it came down to it, I was tired of my life feeling so hard, which feels ridiculous to say, considering the privilege that I have, but my brain was making every little activity difficult. If you've dealt with anxiety, you know what I mean - your brain is overreacting to everything, including normal stimuli. I felt triggered by sounds, light, seeing moving cars when driving on the highway, being out with friends (ambient noise), scrolling on my phone and computer, and had a hard time planning normal things like cooking meals or remembering what to bring with me to work - it felt like there was just no extra space left in my head. On the outside, I was fulfilling all of my obligations, so I looked like I was doing okay, but I was actually in survival mode for months (avoid this!)
In August I started taking Celexa, which gave me horrible insomnia on alternating days for 2 weeks and made me into a total zombie. I was cautiously optimistic that things were getting better at that point, when I left for California to visit family and go to California Brazil Camp, but flying and leaving my normal surroundings gave me a lot of anxiety. Halfway through the week at camp, after 3 weeks on meds, I suddenly didn't feel anxious all the time (being off the grid from phones/wifi certainly didn't hurt), and it finally felt like there was leftover space in my head. I am very grateful that the first medication I tried was the right one - not everyone has that experience, and it's so difficult to wait for weeks while one's body adjusts, not knowing if it will work.
How did the anxiety get better?
The Celexa definitely gave my brain a boost (bonus: I now have really vivid dreams that I usually remember in detail), and the lifestyle changes I'd started over the summer began to help, but I think that the main reason I feel better is that I started a personal spiritual practice, something I didn't realize was missing from my life. My daily walk is essential - I use it to focus on a mantra or my breathing, or use it to gently untangle my brain if something is upsetting, asking myself what I need (and hopefully actually giving myself that). Doing self-compassion meditation has also been huge - we can be so hard on ourselves about performing well in all aspects of our lives, while also doing way too many things at once. We often don't think twice about pushing ourselves to keep working, but would probably hate a taskmaster boss that did that to us!
Notice that I said "get better", not "cure my anxiety" - I have no illusions that being on medication cures the problem, and I know that this is a lifelong issue that I will always be prone to. If my life gets more stressful and/or I don't keep up my healthy habits, I definitely feel it, and it's a learning process of awareness that I have to commit to. I'm certainly not perfect, and I'm still prone to workaholic tendencies, as much as I try not to fall into that trap (that Midwestern farmer heritage dies hard, as does the stereotypical musician lifestyle). Lisa Congdon talks about her experience with workaholism and anxiety here, and I relate to all of her takeaways.
I felt my anxiety ramping up again this week, as I'm nearing spring break (starting after my concert tonight!) and have gotten a bit fried from a busy month, but I am now MUCH more sensitive to the red flags of increased anxiety and impending burnout (feeling crabby/unable to handle work/stressful situations as well as normal, heart racing, feeling fearful for no good reason, feeling exhausted rather than energized after a walk, etc.) So, I won't let things get as bad as they did last year, if I can help it.
How to deal with anxiety
If you deal with anxiety, too, here are the most helpful tips I've learned along the way*:
Don't be afraid to seek professional help
Most of us don't get a whole lot of emotional training in our upbringing, so going to a therapist or counselor is SO helpful for gaining these tools. They can also guide you as to whether medication is a good choice for you. And, of course, if you're thinking about hurting yourself or others, call for help immediately: the National Suicide Prevention Hotline is 1-800-273-8255.
Figure out what your triggers are
Sometimes as anxiety is creeping up, we don't even realize that something is bothering us, especially when we're too busy to process all of our daily experiences. When the triggers are happening, speak kindly to yourself, as if you were taking care of a child (this takes practice). Find ways to ground yourself, like breathing deeply, or petting a furry friend. If you feel easily overstimulated, try reducing stimuli with sunglasses, earplugs, avoiding screens, or whatever you need to do. I also feel really comforted by having weight on me via heavy pillows, blankets, or cat sitting on my chest.
Find an anxiety buddy
Have a few friends or family members who either know what it's like to struggle with mental health, who you can call or text when you're feeling panicky. Here's how you know that someone doesn't understand anxiety - they ask you, "What are you so anxious about? You should just chill out." To which I reply, that's kind of the definition of anxiety: it often happens for no good reason - anxious brains aren't reacting properly to normal stimuli. It can feel so alienating when you feel like you're going crazy and no one understands.
Get regular exercise
Even a daily 20-minute walk makes endorphins that anxious brains like! Or, try a dance break?
Don't work through exhaustion for too long
Of course, working through exhaustion is often unavoidable, but I know that continuing to push through without enough of a chance to rest will lead to burnout and increased anxiety, so I have to be really careful (and even schedule rest days/parts of days on my calendar).
Try journaling
Doing a brain dump can help get these swirling feelings out of your head, but I also know that it's hard to think clearly when you're in a state of anxiety. Going back to read it later might be helpful, or maybe just the act of writing will make you feel a little better.
Look to your diet for clues
Cutting out sugar and caffeine are both immensely useful in managing anxiety, and maybe low blood sugar is exacerbating it, too. I highly recommend getting assistance with this process - Lucia Hawley of Essential Omnivore helped me SO much (and you can work with her online, wherever you may be!) Her recent blog post about anxiety + food (the first in a series) also has some really good considerations.
Remember that seemingly negative qualities also have a positive side
This has been a hard one for me to come around to, but dealing with mental health challenges has forced me to be much more self-aware and to take care of myself better. Also, the sensitivity that makes me susceptible to anxiety is actually a superpower that makes me a good musician and collaborator. As many times as I've cursed my brain for its difficulties, making friends with it is much more helpful. And, I wish it wasn't this way, but giving birth to the next, upleveled version of yourself usually comes after a period of struggle.
Remember that seemingly fun or easy activities also require energy
If you're an introvert or HSP (highly sensitive person) like me, be careful of overloading your schedule - even fun things take energy, so you have to weigh the fulfillment of that experience against the depletion of your energy and need to recharge. So...
Create white space in your schedule
I know, to overworked musicians, this one sounds hard, if not impossible, but you must! If you don't have enough space in your schedule, you won't have time to process all that's going on in your life (which I'm betting is a lot!) I think that people with anxiety need even more time to process, as do sensitive people. Also, it takes a lot of energy to support others through teaching and performing, and we don't give ourselves enough credit or leeway for that.
Give yourself a break
I mean this literally and mentally/emotionally - I'm sure that you're doing a great job at so many things and pushing yourself pretty hard, so you deserve that little break for an extra cup of tea, a walk outside, or just to say kind words to yourself.
Figure out what works best for YOU
There are a million tips for managing mental health, but we're all individuals, so ultimately it comes down to experimenting until you know what works for you personally (which can be frustrating, but necessary).
* Please note, this post is not medical advice, just a means of support. Seek qualified medical advice if you need it!
If you struggle with anxiety or other mental health issues, I'm holding space for you - you're not alone. I sincerely wish you the best in managing it, and hope that this post is helpful to you.
What are your best tips for managing anxiety? Let me know in the comments!


text:
(Show/Hide Browsing Column ->)
Tiren came home to Itadesh
This poem was written based on some inspiration from Ellen Million and Layla Lawlor, to help establish the character of Tiren in relation to other characters.
Tetefii, Komesh, Inav, Emeina, Tiren, Fala, Birka, Anler,
Home | Characters | Art | Fiction | Articles | Contact | Privacy Policy |Member Login
Or, subscribe and support individual creators!
[Concept and Site Design: Ellen Million | Website basecode: Ron Swartzendruber]
[No portion of this site's content may be used or copied without prior, written consent.]


text:
People choose not to drink alcohol for many different reasons and in some way over the years I have sadly seen it almost frowned upon in certain settings, especially at Christmas time. Whilst we hear today of the increased number of drink-fuelled hospital admittances I know that in my own life I am witnessing more and more people drinking less or hardly at all. It is a fact that you do not need to drink alcohol to have a good time and certainly should not be made to feel like the party-pooper for not doing so. Frankly it's nobody else's business and not for them to comment on why or why not somebody chooses to drink alcohol. But my post today is not about the direct discrimination of those not partaking in the hard stuff...
I want to talk about the passive, indirect discrimination that occurs at Christmas parties where our fellow non-drinkers are subjected to drinking grape-juice based sparkling soft drinks and lemonade whilst everyone else swills beautifully fragrant and colourful beverages. Sure it's Christmas for them too! The poor souls!
Cocktail making is great fun and whilst my personal favourites do happen to be the booze-laden ones, I would never want to leave out those who prefer not to indulge.
Here's the simplest non-alcoholic cocktail ever that takes no time at all to assemble but demonstrates that you care for all your guests the same, regardless of their drinking habits. ;-)
Santa's prerogative
Mix equal parts of chilled cranberry juice, apple juice and ginger ale.
Pour over ice and garnish with some berries and maybe a sprig of rosemary.
If you really want to go to town you can dip the rim of the glass in some water then into a saucer of sugar to make it look pretty and give the effect of the fur to Santa's ruby-red suit.


text:
Join us as we celebrate the grand opening of the Tastemakers Gourmet Food Hall! Stop by to meet our new vendors & taste their delicious fare, watch cooking class demos, and have a craft cocktail at the bar!
Back to All Events
Earlier Event: April 18Dinner in Italy
Later Event: April 25Easy Weeknight Dinners


text:
The Ultimate Sports Fan Weekend… And it's Happening in Vegas
There is no secret that sports fans of all shapes and sizes swarm to Vegas for the major events. So what happens when you have two back to back super battles in the same weekend? Grab your jersey and box of aspirin before hopping on the plane of course.
Fight For Your Right to Party
First, we have the Ultimate Fighting Championship – or UFC if you're cool. UFC 183 is a big card match pitting popular middle weights Anderson "The Spider" Silva versus Nick Diaz. The fight goes down at the MGM Grand on Saturday night, but if you can't nail tickets, have no fear, we have the skinny on some hot spots where you can see it on the big screen while you have your own battle with the booze.
Cabo Wabo Cantina at the north entrance of the Miracle Mile Shops pulls out all the stops for UFC matches, including the one on January 31st. Upstairs in their new lounge there is a 184 inch video grid, 180 inch projection screen and 2 80 inch HD TV's for your fight viewing pleasure. The party starts at 6, and for the $25 cover charge, you can get your full of beer bucket specials and specialty drinks.
Down on Fremont St. the El Cortez Hotel and Casino is showing the fight live in their Fiesta Room. Admission is $20 for the normal folks, or 10 bucks if you're a Club Cortez member or UFC fight club member.
Get Ready for Some Football
Once recovered from your UFC festivities it's time to roll out of bed for the big game. Patriots versus the Seahawks and you're in Vegas to watch it all go down. Super Bowl Sunday is not just for football fans anymore, especially on the strip. Thousands flock into town to be a part of the biggest tailgate party on the planet.
Only in Vegas can you watch the Super Bowl with a shark and we don't mean the card playing kind. The Golden Nugget is throwing their ball bash at the tank pool, where you can rent a daybed for a hundred clams or a cozy cabana for $300. Not only do you get a fishbowl view of the game and the sharks, you get a bottle of liquor and 2 mixers, 6 bottles of water and 2 tickets to a 52 Fridays concert.
The patio at the Mirage's Rhumbar is also turning into Super Bowl Central. The price to get in is $200 bucks a head, but that gets you unlimited food and drinks from kickoff to the nail biting end.
The SLS is taking their first Vegas Super Bowl very seriously with two separate parties going on. Umami will have over 50 TVs tuned into the game, and special priced packages for groups of up to ten. Admission depends on where you sit, but all include a free bet, open bar and food. Sayers Club is a bit more intimate, with only 5 screens showing the game, and a steep table minimum for drinks. But the VIP experience at one of the coolest new clubs in Vegas will make it well worth it.
This is a lot of action packed into one small weekend, but if any city can handle it, it's Vegas. Make your plans now and be a part of the biggest sports party on the planet. And of course Vegaster has all the reservations, details and bookings you will need.


text:
Zilker Park is one of the popular locales for Austin. It is a large spanse along the "greenway" here. Lots of grass, Barton Springs Pool, tons of music festivals, movie nights, etc etc.
But, today we went to Zilker Botanical Gardens instead. It costs $2/person, $1/senior or child. It was just beautiful. The following pics were taken by B (who is not even remotely into taking pics, so that tells you how pretty it is!).
|Zilker Park
|Bridge in the Oriental Garden
|Oriental Garden
|Bamboo Forest


text:
Parachilna or Woomera? Uluru via Oodnadatta, or the Simpson?
The top five places to (re)visit in Australia
Visit my web site
About Kathleen
Having it all and enjoying every minute of it .... mostly
Photographer, traveller, adventurer.
You are never too old to go on an adventure.
Australia is such a vast country that you can travel for years and not see it all. Or you can go back to familiar places via a new route. Some places just keep drawing you back.
Here are my top five places to visit again, all of which, except Uluru, are not on the main tourist lists:
Uluru, Northern Territory
No visit to Australia is complete without experiencing Uluru. Amost in the centre of Australia, and a central part of the dreaming Uluru, for me, is number one on the list of places to go.
Words cannot describe the experience of Uluru. It is far more than a big rock in the desert. It feels alive, and if you put your ear against it you can hear it humming.
You cannot stay at the rock itself. Uluru Resort, with everything from camping to luxury accommodation, is 15km away just outside the national park.
I recommend spending at least a full day there. The couple of hours a lot of the tours give you is not enough to really experience the rock. It took me almost 6 hours to walk around Uluru, and then there was the sunrise, the sunset, and a couple of trips back to the waterholes to just sit, watch, and listen.
Eulo, Queensland
Eulo is a very small town just west of Cunamulla in outback Queensland, on the Paroo River. It is also on top of the Great Artisan Basic and beside the mud springs where the hot water from the basin occasionally comes to the surface. That is what makes Eulo so special.
With a population of just 50 people, Eulo really punches above its weight in the "must experience" stakes. The main reason for this is the mud baths, particularly the sunset bath.
If you're anywhere north (except on the coast), then it's simple to plot a return route via Eulo, so it's highly likely I will be going back there this next trip. The only reason I missed out last trip was because my very pregnant daughter was having a few problems (all is OK now, thanks). It is a fabulous way to wash away the dirt from a camping trip, or have a pamper session either alone, as a couple, or with friends. Sitting in the mud bath and watching the sunset, then watching the stars all appear in the darkening sky is sublime.
You can camp by the river and catch your own dinner, or you can stay, or just eat, at the pub. Last time I sat in the pub with the owner and watched a Bledisloe Cup game over dinner and a decent wine.
Parachilna, South Australia
Specifically the Parachilna Pub, aka the Prairie Hotel.
At only 5 1/2 hours drive from Adelaide in the Flinders Ranges it's close enough for a weekend away, but also far enough that it's still an outback pub. But one with a difference.
Beside the Old Ghan track, with wide open spaces looking towards sunset in front, and the Flinders Ranges behind would normally be enough. Add in dinosaur fossils, one of the best pub menus I have ever seen, and a fabulous wine list and it really is a must stop place. Which of course brings lots of people to visit so an ever changing group of people to yarn with in the front bar of the pub, or on the front verandah while watching the sunset.
You can camp in the grounds just by the pub and enjoy a communal campfire, or you can stay at the beautifully renovated rooms in the pub itself.
And, of course, there's the Flinders Ranges just behind to explore.
East McDonnell Ranges, Northern Territory
The poor cousin of the vastly more visited West McDonnell Ranges, the east Macs are just as beautiful, and much, much, quieter (except during the 3 day Wide Open Space music festival at Ross River).
Like the Flinders, the rocks in the McDonnell Ranges (east and west) ae amazing colours. I think even more so. They reflect the changing light of the sun, and at both sunrise and sunset are stunningly beautiful.
Last time I was in the east Macs it was in a 2WD vehicle. Very competent 2WD, but still … there were places I was just not game to go.
There are a few places to stay in the East Macs depending on the level of luxury required, the adventuressness of your spirit, and the capability of your car.
I definitely need a trip back there even if it's just to visit those places I missed last time.
Julia Creek, Queensland
I don't know what it is about Julia Creek, but it's one of those places that just seems to get into your blood (well, mine at least).
There is the Dirt 'n Dust festival every April, but I've never been there at the right time of year for that one. There's also a lot to explore around Julia Creek, including the Saxby Round-up and The Swagman Billabong
But it's Julia Creek itself that somehow draws me back. I was a bit nervous visiting the second time, thinking that maybe it wouldn't live up to the memory. It was better.
There's free camping beside the creek just outside of town (within easy walking distance), and an assortment of accommodation in the town itself. And if everything is right, you an even catch crays in the creek.
Of course, there are a lot more, but I also like to see and do new things. So this time, it's the Simpson Desert for me. But I can still go via Parachilna (or Woomera??), and come back via Eulo.


text:
Main Content
Welcome toTracy Wick Property Team
We are a full-service real estate firm dedicated to optimizing outcomes for buyers and sellers while adding value from start to sold.
Our unique, client-centered approach is focused, first and foremost, on handling your needs, negotiating on your behalf, and easing stress to create a positive experience.
We are your advocate and always strive to ensure that your needs are understood, respected, and represented throughout your experience with us.
We handled a myriad of details and manage all the contractors needed to ready a house for market, including: Home Organization, Housekeeping, Repairs, Remediation, Restoration, Inspections, Home Security, Vehicle Sales, Painting, Flooring, Interim Snow and Landscape Maintenance, Shipping/Moving.
For Estate Settlement, we coordinate:
Appraisals for Real Estate and Personal Property, Inventories, Clean-outs, Estate Sales, Vehicle Sales, and Direct Investor Sales.
If you are interest in achieving remarkable results when it comes to buying/selling a home or preparing a estate for market, please contact me at 248-912-7407 or firstname.lastname@example.com.
Farmington Hillsview details
Noviview details
West Bloomfieldview details
- Tracy Wick and her team know how to make the purchasing and selling process worry free…they did an... - Leslie & Randy Zawada
- We were very satisfied with the services that we received from Tracy and found her to not only be hi... - Shannon & Shawn Ferguson
- We couldn't have been happier with the attention and expertise provided by Tracy during the sale o... - Brian & Dorothy Moore
- Thank you Tracy for being our advocate. - Jason and Sara Barton
- What's not to like… Professional, Very Personable with Integrity… The BEST! - Larry Kaluzny
- Tracy has an engaging personality and is thorough and competent She was very helpful in her follow t... - Sandy Plumer-Dickens


text:
Levitra is one of the prescription drugs used in treating ED problems in men effectively. This medicine is classified to the drug class "PDE5 inhibitors". Vardenafil is the generic Levitra which works same as the brand form. It is available in solid forms orange round tablets. As it is a highly effective ED medication the dosage level prescribed to it is minimum of 5mg. You can take this drug before an hour prior to your sexual intercourse.
What is the working mechanism of Levitra?
This ED medicine works by increasing the blood flow to the reproductive organ of men. The medication starts working after 30 minutes of taking it and the effect last a longer period of about 5 hours.
Important and Safety information about Levitra
Do not use this medicine for ED if you take nitrate drugs or similar nitric medicine it can cause a low blood pressure. Tell your doctor medication that you are previously taking because this can reduce the interaction of medicine which can cause adverse side effects.
How effective is Levitra on ED treatment?
As it is highly effective for Ed treatment, Levitra and its generics comes with a maximum of a dose of 20mg. The commonly prescribed dose for most patients is 10 mg and it can be increased to 20mg or decrease to 5mg based their health condition and side effect. You can use other Levitra doses based on you need. It is taken only once per day. There are several prescription drugs for treating ED problems in men. All these medicines work in similar fashion, however, there would be some small difference in how long it effectively stays and quickly they start to work.
Levita is considered one of the effectual ED drug in treating erectile dysfunction in men. Which starts its effectively after 30 minutes of consumption and show its effect for about 5 hours. The active chemical ingredients present is vardenafil hydrochloride. Impotence in men caused by insufficiency of blood supply to the particular area. This PDE5 inhibitor makes a high flow of blood flow to men's reproductive organ.
What are the warnings and precaution for Levitra use?
- Your medical history and medicine you're taking should be properly checked by a health professional before ED treatment.
- It can be used only for men above 18 years and not women or children
- Keep away from children and store at a room temperature.
- Take Levitra medication only with a valid prescription and consuming it orally is strictly prohibited
- Consult with your doctor if you have health issues such as chest pain, heart attack, low or high blood pressure level, vision problem or allergies on your skin.
Avoid taking other ED medicines when taking Levitra, consuming alcohol and grapefruits and its related products.
There are several medications available for erectile dysfunction problem in men. Based on your health condition and level of problem you can take the medicine that is prescribed to you. You can also switch other drugs by getting advice from your health physicians. You can buy Levitra from online pharmacies or through local medical shops near your area.


text:
Solving sexual frustrations with difficult relationships is ALWAYS a two way street. These types of relationships occur because couples fail to communicate, fail to do things together, fail to trust, and fail to make each other feel special. That being said, do the mystical ways of the East and the repressed and culturally profound cultures that exist there have the secret to unlocking what establishes the art of sexuality? What are the keys to sexuality that must be unlocked to fully enjoy one's own sexuality and the enjoyment, fulfillment and bliss that comes with a fulfilling sexual life.
While fitness and strength aren't tantamount to a happy and healthy sexual life, it's very difficult for people to be happy sexually when they aren't happy with themselves. Fitness also makes it easier to perform! Not only are you not focusing on the little things, you're more willing and able to do anything and everything you need to do to get to the point. Imagine the difference that you'll feel when you feel as if you've made personal success with yourself- because unlocking self-understanding and self-fulfillment are the key to understanding the backbones of true intimacy according to Surrey Escorts.
"Sex" is only one part of the Tantra equation. Focusing solely on the act itself is a technique that dooms your relationship to failure. It's more about understanding the importance of secret, intimate communication, connection, and love to each other, as well as breaking through trust issues to establish true, fulfilling and unending intimacy. These simple tactics allow you to bring the spark back, find the important parts of any relationship, and become open, inviting and sexually creative to find harmony and true happiness.
As mentioned earlier, self fulfillment is obviously part of the equation, and the invitation of these types of activities and strengthening these aspects of your life are the quintessential bases that you need to establish true sexual bliss that's unending and completely your own. After all, understanding that you're the person that's there for you when all else fails is the key to true happiness. You've got to understand who you are integrally and work from the bottom up to find true happiness, and understanding and appreciating true sexuality is all about this- especially for your partner in future endeavorsaccording to Surrey Escorts.
Sexual fulfillment doesn't have to be a mystery. Aside from freaky new sexual techniques, there are more intimate things to develop in your life- understanding, passion, love, and care, as well as intimacy, faithfulness and trust. Without these fundamental building blocks, you'll unfortunately find yourself perpetually dealing with unhappiness. Exploration is therefore the only option. Open yourself up to the world and explore everything that there is out there, stop holding yourself back. When this happens, everything will convalesce and you'll find yourself magically more fulfilled and more willing to extend sexual experiences for you and your partner.


text:
The recreational pastime of sporting clays is a relatively new sport to Texans and outdoorsmen across the United States. Introduced in 1980 by Bob Brister, American shooters quickly developed an interest in sporting clays. Sporting clays is a form of clay pigeon shooting. A typical course includes anywhere from 10-15 stations in an open area or field. Most competitors will have a total of 100 clays to shoot at during the tournament. Unlike trap and skeet shooting, sporting clays come from all different directions. The popularity of sporting clays is found within the ability to tackle a variety of trajectories, angles, speeds, elevations, and distances.
Shooting sporting clays does have a certain stigma to it. One such belief is that individuals new to the sport feel that they must be accomplished shooters. When, in fact, sporting clays are designed for shooters of all ages and skill level. Sporting clays allow for flexibility that other sports do not. Much like golf, one can compete as an individual or join a team. With increasing popularity, sporting clays are now replacing golf tournaments as fundraisers. Being able to host a variety of skill levels and ages, many non-profit organizations are turning to sporting clays for fundraising events.
While registered events divide individuals by their abilities, sporting clay fundraisers are designed with entertainment and community awareness in mind. Thus, these events keep score merely for the purpose of awarding prizes. Top individual and team shooters will usually take home the prize for having the highest overall score. However, there are many opportunities to create categories for novice and advanced shooters as well as creating competitive categories for age and gender. "Fun" shoots use the Lewis Class scoring system allowing everyone an equal chance to win a nice prize regardless of their score. Costs for a shooting event generally range from $100 – $200 per shooter. The event fee includes shooting, lunch, drinks, door prizes, as well as a chance at winning shooting prizes. At some events, shooters will also find shooting games such as, Long bird, Flurry or Pair in the Air to practice their skills before the tournament. There are numerous opportunities to take home a prize. A small shooting event may host 50 shooters, with larger, more well-known events hosting up to 500 shooters. The larger shoots will sometimes use more than one course and or have more than one rotation, having morning and afternoon shooting times. Special skills are not needed to participate in a sporting clay tournament. Knowledge of gun safety and a desire to have fun with friends and meet new people is all one person needs to attend and participate in a sporting clay event. Competitors should plan on spending 4-5 hours and know that unlike golf, alcohol cannot be consumed before or during competition and all guns must be put away prior to indulging. Don't be afraid to give sporting clays a try all while having fun and supporting good causes and creating awareness for your community.
Speaking of FUN shoots, Texas Dove Hunters Association has two scheduled for 2017: Shooting for Scholarships, Saturday, March 4 at the National Shooting Complex in San Antonio and Pullin' for Kids, Saturday, October 7 at Texas Premier Sporting Arms in Sealy (outside of Houston).Proceeds benefit TDHA youth programs: scholarships, DOVE 101 classes, and Youth Day.
By Araceli Chap-Leija


text:
The Blades were victorious at Ipswich Town a fortnight ago in the FA Cup but they haven't won a league match away from the Lane since 17th November at Burton. In fact, the S2 side haven't registered a league win since Boxing Day.
New signing Ricky Holmes, who was signed from Charlton Athletic this week could make his debut for the Blades at Carrow Road. He became Chris Wilder's fourth signing during the January transfer window. Fellow newbies Ryan Leonard and Lee Evans will also be looking to make their debuts.
On loan Manchester United striker James Wilson made his debut in the goalless draw with Wednesday a week ago. He came off the bench (replacing Clayton Donaldson) and willbe looking to make his starting debut this weekend.
Norwich City have (potentially) a depleted squad follwing the exits of key players Cameron Jermone to Derby County this week, Alex Pritchard to Huddersfield Town (£11m), and Steven Naismith (loan) to Scottish side Hearts of Midlothian.
The Canaries have targets to bolster their squad and may make signings prior to the Blades visit this weekend.
United will be hoping that Wednesday night's FA Cup replay at Chelsea will have took its toll on the Canaries. Having drawn the initial fixture 0-0, a replay took place at Stamford Bridge. The game also finished all square; 1-1, with extra-time required. Chelsea saw two players dismissed but saw out 120 minutes to win the game 5-3 in a penalty shoot-out.


text:
Pain burst through my gut, setting my entire side on fire. Dammit! The slimy little bastard had stabbed me.
I pressed him against the wall, forcing myself not to loosen my grip. Fear crept back into his eyes when I didn't let him go. I held him up with one arm and pulled his knife out of my side with the other.
His eyes opened wide. "What the hell are you?"
Using both hands I threw him across the alley, his skull crunching against the bricks. He hit the ground like a rag doll while I clutched the new hole in my side.
"I'm a wolf, asshole."
What I love. A character with attitude.
Using first person, Kessler gets us deep into her nasty Werewolf character. We may not like this hero, at first, but we can't look away. Such are train-wreck events. Like Jamie Dornan (the new Christian Grey) in The Fall. He's mucho creepy but we can't get enough of him.
Lisa Kessler's website: http://www.authorlisakessler.com/