text:
Watch Altar Free Online. Stream and Download The Full Movie Altar For Free Online
|>>Watch Free: Link 1
|>>Watch Free: Link 2
|>>Watch Free: Link 3
|>>Watch Free: Link 4
Where Can I watch Altar For Free? Now a days there are many sites available for free to watch Altar online. Now a days we prefer to watch Altar online because for offline first we have to download and then watch it, but for online we can see right now.
Ireland 1977. Eleven-year-old Damian Lynch (Scott Graham) is called in at the last moment to serve as an altar boy at an important mass in his local parish. Following his last appearance as an altar boy when he knocked Father O'Toole off the altar, Damien is serving a 3 month ban from his only passion in life...football. To make matters worse, Damian's team, Liverpool FC, are playing in their fi
This picture is extremely interesting and educational, for it shows us at close range many incidents connected with the life of a Spanish soldier. In the first picture we get an excellent view of the Plaza in Madrid, where in the foreground is a magnificent altar upon which Mass is being celebrated in the presence of the devout multitude. We see the recruits taking the oath before the altar, aft
On the verge of depression following the murder of his father, Cory, a nervous, guilt-ridden 12- year-old "altar boy", is coaxed by his adventurous best friend, Ben, to prove their manhood by embarking on their first overnight fishing trip out in the wild on the Mississippi Bayou's Wolf River; but their trip goes awry when the hapless "altar boys" become targets of a mob hit in progress by a col
The Broken Altar is a portrait of open-air theaters documented under the strange light of day, emptied of the once present hum of human voices, radioed-in soundtracks and tires on gravel. Scripting the landscape and exploring the residue of a cinematic history, The Broken Altar forms a sculptural treatment of the architectural artifacts of these abandoned spaces: speaker boxes rise from tall gra
An architect and his wife are flying from London to L.A. with an altar from an ancient abbey secured in the plane's cargo hold. Also aboard the flight are Buddy Ebsen as a pushy millionaire, William Shatner as a drunken, cynical ex-priest, Tammy Grimes as a nutcase, and Chuck Connors as the lantern-jawed pilot. Crew and passengers come into jeopardy when an invisible demon escapes from the altar
"Blind kjĘrlighet" is a short symbolic movie of love. The blind bride is followed to the altar by her proud father, but when her father stops next to the groom the beautiful bride continues to walk. The obvious has to happen. She stumbles and falls and takes the priest with her in the fall over the altar. The groom still "looking" down the aisle.
A bride, jilted at the altar, remains determined to find herself in the state of holy matrimony. Reminiscent of a sentimental silent movie, Altar(ed) is a witty examination of the meaning of marriage and love. A lonely bride wanders the streets of Calgary forming brief but unfulfilling relationships with statues in a misguided attempt to find permanence in love before realizing that ultimately t
During the early Christian era, Calchas meets Ione, one of the Vestal Virgins whose lives were devoted to keeping the fires perpetually burning upon the altar erected to the gods. Calchas, who is now a Christian, a man of strong physique and attractive appearance, sees Ione, now a beautiful young woman, serving at the altar of the heathen gods. He cannot resist the temptation of speaking to her
Sometimes being the best man means risking everything to get your best friend to the altar - including your daughter.
It is the social event of the season, the wedding of celebutante Alessandra Dumont. But, as she makes her way from the knave to the altar, she cannot help but reflect on the circumstances and relationships that have brought her here and to the man she is about to marry. Will she/should she say, "I do?"
There are many Free and paid sites to watch Altar online . And some of sites you have to login or signup but there is also some sites where login or signup is not required to watch Altar for free.
Here's a list of free movies that are related to Altar.
Here's a Random Selection Of Free Movies


text:
The editorial is based on an incident where a woman reported that a man who she had never met knocked on her door, forced his way into her apartment at gunpoint, sexually assaulted her, then fled the apartment. She provided a description of the man to a police sketch artist. This composite was provided to the media who released the sketch of the man to generate leads.
A few days later, a man notified police that he believed he was the man who was wanted for sexual assault. He stated that he "knew the woman and had been with her the night of the reported event, having been invited by her to the residence. He said there had been a dispute about money and was able to provide evidence of text messages before and after his visit that substantiated his claim."
When police confronted her in a follow-up interview, she admitted that her original story was "inaccurate." She admitted that she knew the man and that he did not force his way into her apartment. She gave three different accounts as to what happened, and she was quite evasive about the monetary dispute they had.
So, the Indiana Daily Student published an article to discuss the danger of false accusations where they state that the most obvious victim is the falsely accused. The Editorial Board throws in the assertion that while only two percent of rapists spend any time in jail, a false accusation has profound and real consequences to the falsely accused. The article proceeds to discuss the adverse consequences to rape survivors who receive a real slap in the face from those who make false accusations.
Most perplexing, the Editorial Board makes a giant leap and extends the adverse consequences of false accusations to women who have not been sexually assaulted:
"Many so-called "men's rights advocates" insist that the phenomenon of false accusations is much more prevalent than is commonly believed. Blogs like "Community of the Wrongly Accused," suggest that rape is a "handy excuse" women can use to escape the consequences of their illicit sexual encounters. Each and every actual case of false allegations of rape plays into this dangerous narrative of women as vindictive liars hell-bent on destroying men's lives."
Make no mistake in this assertion: there are people, both men and women, who are vindictive liars hell-bent on destroying other people's lives by falsely accusing them of crimes. The purpose of this blog is to emphasize the responsibility of (1) law enforcement to conduct a thorough investigation to search for inculpatory and exculpatory evidence, (2) Prosecutors to thoroughly analyze the evidence to ensure that innocent people are not tried for crimes they did not commit, (3) Jurors to require Prosecutors to prove the accused's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt before voting to convict, and (4) Judges to ensure that all accused receive a fair trial and that the falsely accused are not wrongly convicted.
The fact that the majority of cases followed by this blog involve false accusations made by females against males evidences how men suffer when they are falsely accused of sexual assault crimes. While I have not read any studies comparing the ratio of wrongly accused or convicted males to wrongly accused or convicted females, I would imagine that the quantity of the former far exceeds the latter. A two minute search on Google yields these links: here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, and here.
But, even where their paper previously reported that a false accusation was made, the Editorial Board still cannot bring themselves to admit this Bloomington woman's report was false in their editorial criticizing false allegations:
"Keeping in mind it is not at all uncommon for rape victims to be pressured into recanting allegations of sexual assault that actually did occur, we do not want to claim to know what really happened. We don't know if a rape took place or not. But we think it is important to begin to have a conversation about false rape accusations and how they hurt literally everyone."
Alyson Malinger appeared to have known last Friday that the report was false when she published the story entitled "Sexual assault reported found to be false." The Bloomington Police apparently think the allegation was false. But, when the Editorial Board throws in that only two percent of rapists go to jail, police pressure victims into making false recantations, and that they don't know if this particular report of rape was false or not in their article criticizing false allegations, then it is up to "so-called [wrongly accused] advocates" to focus the narrative on how the wrongly accused continue to have a cloud of doubt over them even when they are cleared by law enforcement.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Merry Christmas and an Announcement!
Now for an announcement!!! I have been wanting to post this all week, but we have been gone most of the time visiting family so I am so excited to share this news with all of you! I am now a design team member for The Cutting Cafe !! I want to thank Regina Easter and tell the rest of the design team that I am so excited to work with them. If you have never been to The Cutting Cafe click on the name or click here . I have enjoyed this site for a couple of years now and to be a member of the design team is an honor and I can't wait to get started. :)
Have a very Merry Christmas and see you all soon!
6 comments:
Oh Wendy he is a cutie. I am so excited to have you joining the team. HugsReplyDelete
Congrats on your great news! Merry Christmas!ReplyDelete
Oh, I am so happy and proud of you for becoming one of Regina's teams -- what an honor that must be for you!!! Can't wait to see some of your creations for the Cutting Cafe.ReplyDelete
Wow, it's been a year already -- and look how big and beautiful Aiden is!!!
Wendy, I'm so glad you enjoyed a wonderful holiday! We did too! Also, I'm so looking forward to 2012 with you and Aiden!!!
Hugs, my friend!
He just gets cuter and cuter. Congrats on becoming a designer for the Cutting Cafe too. So happy to hear that you had a great Holiday
Hugs, Stacy
Welcome to the team!! Can't wait to see your Cutting Cafe projects.ReplyDelete
Hope you enjoyed a wonderful holiday!!! And I hope you're having fun over there with the wonderful Regina and team!!!ReplyDelete
Look forward to sharing 2012 adventures!!! And give that sweet little guy of yours a big hug for me!


text:
The day started late again today with time adjustments still taking place. At around 11:30, we departed for Sir John Soane's Museum, another free museum and former home of the eponymous Sir John Soane (1753-1857), an English architect who specialized in the Neo-Classical style. Unfortunately, Soane's work was not truly appreciated until the late 19th century, by which time many of his works were already demolished. The nearly total replacement of his most notable work, the Bank of England, was described by Sir Nikolaus Pevsner (a noted German-born British scholar of architecture) as "the greatest architectural crime, in the City of London, in the 20th century".
What Soane did leave behind, which has thankfully not been destroyed, in addition to some of his works, was his home at No. 13 Lincoln's Inn Fields, Holburn, London which contains various works of art, pieces of architecture, and other historical miscellany collected by Soane during his lifetime and arranged, in the words of a caretaker, "in the exact placement they were in the day he died". This seemed to be a reasonable thing to accept as we stepped from the queue into the museum, checked our bags at the door, and walked amidst the hodge-podge of antiquity which inhabits the home. It is fortunate that upon Sir John's death he didn't, say, fall into a collection of his vases or sculptures, which would have evidently been left in pieces on the floor. It was quite an interesting excursion. It really feels as if Sir John is just out for a bit and that we, the lucky impostors, are allowed to peer into nearly every nook and cranny. The centerpiece is the sarcophagus of Seti I, son of Ramses I and father of Ramses II. It was purchased by Soane in 1824 when the British Museum refused to pay the £2,000 requested and is quite a site.
Following this, I purchased another take-away sandwich at Pret a Manger and we headed for the British Museum for an introductory visit (a longer visit is set aside for Thursday, May 7). Disregarding the general pilfering that went on to fill the museum with some of its most impressive pieces (the Elgin Marbles which were removed from the Parthenon, the Benin Bronzes, the Rosetta Stone to name some of the notables), the museum is an amazing site to behold. Divided into periods from ancient to modern, the museum covers 2 miles of exhibition space, making it impossible to take in on a single visit, regardless of length.
After visiting the museum, we headed back to the hotel for a brief rest and then ventured out once again, this time so I could pick up some clothes at Marks & Spencer (colloquially known as Marks & Sparks or simply M & S). After adding 4 shirts and 1 pair of jeans to my bag, I was approached by a woman wishing me to use her "£5 Off" coupon in order to return her £5 in cash. I was paying with a card and wasn't about to just hand over a £5 note. So I inquired, just for fun, if they would return £5 to me. Naturally, they wouldn't and I gave her the coupon back.
"Why wouldn't they do it?" she asked. I should've immediately thought of the "No Cash Value" that is typically printed on American coupons and directed her attention thusly; instead I stated "I don't know but I assume they know what they are doing", implying very evidently that she did not. Immediately after which, we left, leaving her to attempt to get something for nothing from someone else.


text:
Jombi Kivuyo, the founder of Tanzania Outdoor Adventures, was born in a Maasai village and spent his childhood as a Maasai cattle herder. His early bush experience inspired him to pursue wildlife training courses in Tanzania. Jombi has over 18 years of experience as a safari guide. He gained valuable insight on guiding safaris with big commercial safari companies, and decided to start his own small boutique safari company to provide a more personal experience.
Jombi has guided safaris for world renowned media venues. His knowledge and experience have attracted the likes of National Geographic, which continues to ask him to guide their expeditions in Tanzania. As a member of the Wildlife Conservation Society of Tanzania, Jombi always desires to enrich his knowledge of ecology. He looks forward to leading his guests in discovering the amazing ecology, wildlife and cultural heritage of Tanzania and Africa in general.
Jombi continues to improve his trade by attending a variety of training courses in Eastern Africa. As your guide, Jombi will personally ensure that your visit to Africa is an unforgettable experience! Apart from guiding, he does presentations about wildlife conservation at schools and events in Germany and the USA. Jombi speaks English, German, Kiswahili and Maa.
"I believe a professional guide should be genuinely passionate about his work which should be more of a way of life than a job to him/her. He /she should be bursting with enthusiasm to impart his knowledge of the bush and wildlife he/she loves so much to his guests and should be attentive to each guest's needs and interests.
He/She should have a broad knowledge of not only wild creatures and their environment but a holistic appreciation and respect for the people that co-habit these wild areas. A guide should give unfailingly spectacular experiences to his guests and his main priority should be his/her guest's genuine safety, care and comfort.
I highly recommend that before your safari you read a few of the books about Africa. If I had to pick one it would be, Africa –A Biography of a Continent, by John Reader ". Jombi Kivuyo.


text:
Oracle On Site classes for Boston, Massachusetts
Burleson Oracle classes has been serving the greater Boston area for more than a decade. We provide Oracle classes in Boston, Cambridge and all surrounding areas.
Click here for a list of On-site Oracle classes Services
BEI provides world-class Oracle classes that is customized according to your needs. Our on-site Oracle classes are taught by Oracle certified professionals at affordable prices for Oracle classes and Oracle courses in Boston and all surrounding areas.


text:
Supporters of Zimbabwe's ruling ZANU-PF party marched through the capital, Harare, in support of President Robert Mugabe.
Dubbed a "million-man" march, it comes after the main opposition party staged its own rally last month.
Numbering thousands, they were transported across the country by bus, and sang songs praising Mugabe.
He is an iconic leader who has shown us that as Africans we must trace our roots and fight against colonialism.
#ZanuPF million men march. Crowds still trickling in. #Mugabe expected to address the crowd later in the day. pic.twitter.com/AuNJGkG58K— Privilege Musvanhiri (@Musvanhiri) May 25, 2016
"Economic power is still in the hands of a few and that is the reason why the majority of Zimbaweans still suffer and we know our president is capable of correcting that because we are the future of this country," a supporter told AFP.
"He is an iconic leader who has shown us that as Africans we must trace our roots and fight against colonialism," another supporter of Mugabe's ZANU-PF party said.
Mugabe has ruled Zimbabwe since independence in 1980. He has indicated his desire to stand again as president in elections due in 2018.


text:
22 January 2010
Same Old, Some New...
Just before 2010 started, there were some things I listed down in a list of things I want to do more of this year. Two of these things are: blogging and watching movies. I want my blog to become as active as it was before. Okay, okay, so maybe not as active, but, at least, more active than it currently is. And, I want to add movie-watching to my hobbies because I believe that I sometimes need some distraction from reality.
2010 will be my 7th year of blogging and so much have changed since I started. There is so much more to write and share about. Thing is, I just don't have as much time to write as I used to. And, I remember that when I was still very active in blogging, my mind would always be in blog-mode. This means that whenever I see or experience or hear about something interesting, I'd automatically think of writing about it and describing it in my blog. Nowadays, though, I just don't really have that anymore. And, I don't exactly want that, I just want to blog more.
Now, watching movies? Well, I've never been the movie buff. I do like to watch movies, but I can survive without them. If I don't get to watch movies for a whole year, I can live with that. Also, I used to be really choosy with movies I watch so there were just a handful of movies I was interested to watch. In short, I'm not exactly a movie fan. People who know me know this about me. I think I only got to watch a lot of movies when I lived in Manila because, well, movie houses were so near and most of my friends love movies. That was, I think, the time that I started to really like watching movies. And, I began to be a little less choosy and learned to appreciate all kinds of movies. But, then again, when I came back home (to MSU) almost four years ago, I started to spend less and less time watching movies.
I'm not saying that I haven't seen a lot of movies because I have. I think I have. Especially non-English foreign films. But, compared to most of my friends, I guess I'll have to say I've seen very few movies in my life. I remember back in 5th Grade, we were assigned to list down on index cards the movies that we've seen and while some classmates of mine already had 10 index cards or more, I only had 2 or 3. Hehe:) I'd like to make that list a little longer, I guess. True, I've never really felt the need to watch more movies, but, I don't know, there's been a lot of conversations about movies going on around me these days so I guess I'm taking that as a sign.
So, this year, I've decided to do more movie-watching. It's a nice way to unwind and de-stress. And also, it helps me a lot in relating with my students. Sometimes, I talk about a certain literary device or concept and I'd need to use some movies as examples to make my students really get the idea. Whether I like it or not, they know movies more than books. While explaining movies, I can make them see how great books are, too, since most great movies are based on books. And, these past days, I've come across some famous titles that have sparked my interest. Hence, I'm ready to embark on a love affair with movies. I sure hope this affair lasts long and proves to be as exciting and interesting as I think it is.
For movie buffs out there, any movie you'd want me to check out? Thanks! :)
10 January 2010
Looking back...
My first entry for 2010!
I actually wanted to write an entry about the year that just passed, but it was just a tad too difficult for me. So, when I chanced upon Kars' Year-End Report, I felt that it was the perfect way for me to be able to write about 2009.
Thank you, sis! :)
2009 Year-End Report
What did you do in 2009 that you'd never done before?
-Handled a Major class, fish massage and got Mehndi (henna tattoo). Those are the only things that come to mind right now.
Did you keep your New Years' Resolutions, and will you make more for 2010?
-Uhm, I don't do New Year's Resolutions. I believe in Daily Resolutions.
Did anyone close to you give birth?
-Yes, many of my cousins gave birth in 2009, and 2 of my closest friends, too.
Did anyone close to you die?
-My dad. And, that makes 2009 one of the worst years, if not the worst, of my life! Also, one of my favorite and closest uncles passed away last year.
What countries did you visit?
What would you like to have in 2010 that you lacked in 2009?
-Savings! A lot of savings! Hehe:)
What date/s from 2009 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
-Agust 10. The day my dad passed away; a huge part of me died that day, too.
What was your biggest achievement of the year?
- Being part of the 2009 Young Asian Muslim Women Leadership Training and Workshop as the lone participant from the Philippines.
What was your biggest failure?
- Not being able to be by my dad's side when the final moment came.
Did you suffer illness or injury?
- Nah! Just the usual fever, colds and cough.
What was the best thing you bought?
- Olivia (my Pink Sony Cybershot T90 digicam) and Arianna (my HP Mini 110 Pink Chic Notebook)
Whose behavior merited celebration?
- My mom's. For being so brave and sooo strong.
Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
- The perpetrators of the Maguindanao massacre. And, Joseph "Erap" Estrada.
Where did most of your money go?
- My new babies and travel. My shades (eye wear) collection.
What did you get really, really, really excited about?
- My Thailand trip, I guess.
What song(s) will always remind you of 2009?
- Dance with My Father
Compared to this time last year, are you:
i. happier or sadder?
- Sadder, but hopeful for a better year.
ii. thinner or fatter?
– Fatter. When I'm depressed, I eat. And, 2009 was a depressing year for me. My mom's brother passed away on the 2nd day of the year, we found out that my dad was sick in April; a tragic thing involving some members of my family happened in May; my dad passed away in August. And, up until this very moment, I'm still trying to cope with the loss and the depression, thus, I still eat. A lot!
iii. richer or poorer?
– Poorer!
What do you wish you'd done more?
- Spend time at my dad's side. Read and write more.
What do you wish you'd done less of?
- Feeling depressed.
How many one-night stands?
What was your favorite TV program?
- I didn't really get to watch a lot of TV. But, I watched DVDs of The L Word (complete) and Seasons 5 and 6 of Grey's Anatomy. Both are my favorite.
Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
- Oh, yes!
What was/were the best book/s you read?
- Most of the books I read last year were re-reads. Whenever I'm down, I feel more relieved and relaxed when I go and tread familiar ground. The ones I will list down are books I read for the first time in 2009. Here they are:
1. A Thousand Splendid Suns (Khaled Hosseini)
2. Memoirs of a Geisha (Arthur Golden)
3. My Sister's Keeper (Jodi Picoult)
What was your greatest musical discovery?
- Orianthi. The bad-ass female guitarist!
What did you want and get?
- My new babies, i.e. my digicam and my notebook.
What was your favorite film of this year?
- I can't think of any. Well, I haven't really watched a lot of films last year so...
What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
- I turned 29. I honestly can't remember what I did.
What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
- Right now, I don't know because every time I go back to the year 2009, all I can think of, all I can remember is when my dad passed away.
How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2009?
- My usual.
What kept you sane?
- Faith and trust in Allah. My family, especially my mom. And, some friends.
What political issue stirred you the most?
- The Maguindanao massacre!
Who did you miss?
My dad. I missed him every single day since that day in June when they had to leave for Manila and I couldn't go because I had work. I still miss him everyday. And, I always will.
Who was/were the best new person/s you met?
- My YAMWLTW sisters.
Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2009.
- Life is short. Seize every opportunity that comes your way. Do good.
What was the nicest thing someone told you about yourself.
- I love you.
The most touching experience you've had this year?
- How the whole family and all our friends got together to comfort us and help us pull through.
What did you like most about yourself this year?
- I guess I was strong. Very difficult, but I pulled through.
What did you hate most about yourself this year?
- Being affected by some things I shouldn't even bother thinking about.
Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
- All the lines in Dance with My Father.
Was 2009 a good year for you?
- Not really.
What was your favorite moment of the year?
- The moments I was with my dad.
What was your least favorite moment of the year?
- If you've been reading this survey since its start, you'd know my answer to this question.
Where were you when 2009 began?
- In Iligan, at my aunt's house. We got together to welcome the New Year. There were games and gifts. It was actually one of the best New Year celebrations I've ever had in my life. I never expected that the year was going to be my saddest.
Who were you with?
- The whole family. Macarambon side.
Do you have a new year's resolution for 2010?
- No, I don't.
What was your favorite month of 2009?
- My birth month, I guess. And, November.
How many concerts did you see in 2009?
- None.
Did you drink a lot of alchohol in 2009?
- I don't drink anything with alcohol.
Do a lot of drugs in 2009?
- Nope.
How much money did you spend in 2009?
- I lost count. Hehe:)
What was your proudest moment of 2009?
- When I got accepted to the 2009 Young Asian Muslim Women Leadership Training and Workshop.
What was your most embarrassing moment of 2009?
- I don't remember being embarrassed enough to mind it in 2009.
If you could go back in time to any moment of 2009 and change something, what would it be?
- I'd go back to June and file a leave of absence so that I could go with my mom and brother when they took my dad to Manila for his medications and I'd stay by my dad's side until the very last moment.
What are your plans for 2010?
- Save. Travel more. Save more.
How are you different now that the year has ended?
- With my dad gone, I feel like a whole different person.
What are your wishes for the new year?
- Good health, peace, contentment, love and happiness for me and every person I love and care about. And, more money! Hehe:)


text:
Cricket's on a self-imposed break from her longtime boyfriend—but she's picked a bad week to sort out her love life. For one thing, her mother's romance is taking center stage: After jilting two previous fiancés, her mom is finally marrying Dan Jax, whom Cricket loves. But as wedding attendees arrive for a week of festivities at a guesthouse whose hippie owners have a sweet, sexy son—Ash—complications arise:
Cricket's future stepsisters make it clear they're not happy about the marriage. An old friend decides this is the week to declare his love for Cricket. Grandpa chooses to reveal a big secret at a family gathering. Dan's ex-wife shows up. And even the dogs—Cricket's old, ill Jupiter and Dan's young, lively Cruiser—seem to be declaring war.While Cricket fears that Dan is in danger of becoming ditched husband-to-be number three, she's also alarmed by her own desires. Because even though her boyfriend looms large in her mind, Ash is right in front of her....
How come this is this first Deb Caletti book i've read! I think I need to go get some more of her books!
The Story of Us is the story of Cricket and Janssen. Cricket has just graduated high school, her mum is marrying Dan Jax and Cricket has no idea what she wants to do with her life after summer. The week of her mum's wedding Cricket has a choice to make with her life, Janssen is done waiting and Cricket has no clue on what to do.
This week everything seems to be happening, her best friend declares that he loves her, Ash, sweet sweet Ash, is rocking up another worry, her grandpa has a secret, she is worried about what to do with college and she is afraid that her mum will runaway from ANOTHER marraige. But mostly she doesn't know what to do with Janssen.
The story of Cricket and Janssen is told through a emails that the two exchange throughout the week of her mums wedding, their whole story is told while Cricket trys to make up her mind on what is right for her. Ash, complicates things for Cricket and well lets just say he a looker, a singer and can play guitar...
As Cricket decides on what her life holds, her four year relationship with Janssen or to move on with Ash. The story of their love is memorable and it can stand the distance between them. The use of their dog metaphors make you understand their love and what will happen.
This book to me was so easy to connect to as I am finishing school this year and also leaving close friends, family and boyfriend behind. The choices Cricket makes sticks with you and you understand why she does what she does and how everything around her influences her decisions. (God I'm sorry I'm sounding like an english essay, just finished my english exams!)
Rating: 4.5/5
Keely x


text:
About us
Assets Map
Data Center
Contact Us
Contact us
Ela Padva
Investor Relations
'Contact us' page >
Latest News
Israel Opportunity Purchased 10 Oil Fields in North Dakota, USA, and is Beginning Development Works
The Partnership will complete two drillings this year, and two more .next year # The cash flow from oil sales is expected within next year. Eyal Shuker, CEO of Israel Opportunity: The partnership has a large cash pool that will allow immediate development of the fields
continue reading >
28/06/2017, 12:00
Additional gas reserve off the coast of Israel: Ishai license declared gas discovery by the Petroleum Commissioner at the Ministry of Infrastructure
The ministry has thereby answered the question whether the Cypriot Aphrodite reserve is partly in Israel's economic zone, determining that the Aphrodite 2 drilling carried out in late 2012 in the Ishai license proved that the reserve is partly in the Israeli license and is an economic asset. Israel Opportunity chairman Rony Halman: "This declaration has strategic geo-political significance, far beyond its economic significance for the partners and for state revenue".
continue reading >
22/11/2015, 12:00
A first: a Cypriot gas exploration company obtains part of a proven oil license in Israel
Cyprus Opportunity has obtained 5% of the Hatrurim License in the Dead Sea area of Israel, where Delek group has found oil in the past
Rony Halman, Chairman of Cyprus Opportunity: We are proud to be the first company to obtain oil exploration rights at a proven field – we are looking ahead to a fruitful collaboration and the strengthening of strategic relations in energy between Israel and Cyprus.
continue reading >
28/10/2015, 10:00
Israel Opportunity continues to expand its portfolio: Increases its holdings in "Oz" license to more than 40%
According to a recently published resources report by NSAI, the oil and gas potential in "Oz" license is estimated at 2.5 trillion cubic feet of natural gas and about 255 million barrels of oil # Eyal Shuker, CEO of Israel Opportunity: The potential for oil and gas in the region is great and we are confident that the new government will not abandon the strategic development of the energy sector.
continue reading >
28/05/2015, 10:00
Israel Opportunity and Benny Steinmetz raise Pelagic holdings
Israel Opportunity to increase its holdings to 16% of the licenses and Namaks to Increase its holdings to 60%
continue reading >
19/04/2015, 13:50
Petroleum Commissioner extends Ishai license until 2016: negotiations between Israel and Cyprus are underway and will include the Ishai license
The Aphrodite 2 well drilled at the Ishai license in November 2012 demonstrated that the gas field discovered at Cyprus's Block 12 extends to a license located in Israel's exclusive economic zone. Rony Halman, the Chairman of Israel Opportunity Energy Resources: There is a strong probability of discovering more oil and gas fields in the Levant Basin, which is why cooperation between Israel and Cyprus will revive interest in our region and allow both countries to export the gas that has been and will be discovered in their territories, strengthening both countries politically and economically.
continue reading >
29/09/2014, 12:20
Israel Opportunity Continues to Expand its Portfolio:
Submits Application for Hatrorim Land License in the Dead Sea Area, in an area where oil was previously discovered
CEO of Israel Opportunity Eyal Shuker: this is an area that has been proven in the past to contain oil and for which extensive geological information of the area already exists# Among the partners in the application: Zerach, Ginko, Ashtrom and the founder of the Avner Partnership
continue reading >
19/08/2014, 12:20
Potential for another Oil and Gas Reservoir off Israel's shores
NSAI resource report published by Israel Opportunity reveals oil and gas potential in Oz license estimated at 2.5 trillion cubic feet of natural gas and another 255 million barrels of oil
continue reading >
27/04/2014, 09:00
"Optimistic trends" in the Israeli economy
Israel economy as not many know: Interesting facts and figuers...
continue reading >
23/10/2013, 22:45
The Petroleum Council recommended to approve the request to change Pelagic's boundries
The Petroleum Council recommended to approve the request submitted by the Pelagic partners on September 1st to change the boundaries of the licenses Editya/371, Lela/372, Yahav/373 and Yoad/374, by redefining the boundaries of the licenses reflecting the geological structures in the area. According to the request, after changing the boundaries three of the four licenses will be returned to the government and Yoad/374 license will be extended in two years.
23/10/2013, 09:05
The Petroleum Commissioner approves updated work program in "Oz" license
On May 22nd, 2013 the partnership received the approval of the Petroleum Commissioner in the Ministry of Energy and Water...
Continue reading >
23/5/2013, 09:05
The Petroleum Commissioner granted Israel Opportunity the 'Neta' and 'Royee' offshore licenses
The Petroleum Commissioner granted Israel Opportunity the 'Neta' and 'Royee' offshore licenses...
Continue reading >
17/4/2013, 10:05
Quantity of gas found in the Aphrodite 2 drilling is negligible
Eyal Shuker, Israel Opportunity's CEO: "Regardless of the results we are moving forward - The partnership fund contains $30 million that will help fulfill the risk management strategy while executing the potential of its assets portfolio"...
Continue reading >
11/4/2013, 15:54
Oil committee approved two licenses in 'Gal' Early permit territory
The committee approved the request of Ratio Oil Exploration (1992) Limited Partnership (70%),Edison (20%) and Israel Opportunity (10%) for two licenses...
Continue reading >
03/02/2013, 10:05
Signs of hydrocarbons discovered at the 'Aphrodite 2' exploratory well
The committee approved the request of Ratio Oil Exploration (1992) Limited Partnership (70%),Edison (20%) and Israel Opportunity (10%) for two licenses...
Continue reading >
27/1/2013, 10:55
Israel Opportunity signed with Ratio on a partnership agreement regardind "Gal" Permit area
According to the request handed to the Commissioner of Petroleum in the Ministry of Energy, Ratio will hold 70% of the "Neta" and "Roi" licenses...
continue reading >
02/12/2012, 08:00
About Investor Relations
Latest News
From the Press
Investor Toolkit
About the LP
The General Partner
Our team
Legal Terms of Use
Assets Map
North Dakota
Ishai Lease (Pelagic)
Royee License
About Investor Relations
Latest News
From the Press
Investor Toolkit
Data Center
Data Center
Conversion Calculator
Photo Gallery
Contact Us


text:
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
The Ugly Bird
14 comments:
- Scarlet said...
This story almost made me cry. My heart breaks for that proud, sweet-sounding little bird that doesn't quit.
That Princess needs to get a life.
- May 19, 2009 at 7:54 PM
- T said...
Well this DID bring tears to my eyes. How very sad. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
That Princess had no heart. If she would have opened her heart, and listened with her heart, she would have been able to open her eyes and see all the beauty this little bird possessed.
Shame on the Princess, but good for the little bird, for that Princess wasn't worthy for such a special beautiful singing soul.
- May 19, 2009 at 8:18 PM
- Fireblossom said...
Gee I love ya both. Did I ever say?
- May 20, 2009 at 3:59 AM
- g-man said...
I wish I you you better, than I could understand this as it should be understood.
But I'm not completely devoid of thought...*wink*
I do know that you are a very beautiful woman, inside and out!
And you be one talented Mama..
Thanks for allowing me to hang around....Galen
- May 20, 2009 at 3:14 PM
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. So in my opinion, the Princess must be a souless bitch. Just Sayin'.
- May 20, 2009 at 6:14 PM
- Riot Kitty said...
What a neat (if sad) little story! I have to say - I laughed at the feathered mouse line.
- May 20, 2009 at 9:10 PM
- pheromone girl said...
Are you sure the princess didn't die in a fiery explosion while putting on too much eyeliner, while the bird flew into a new orchard and found a most wonderful frog, who also had a radiant singing voice, and they lived happily ever after? I like frogs, almost as much as monkeys. And I LOVE you!!!
*dances because she got invited!!!*
- May 20, 2009 at 10:45 PM
- Fireblossom said...
Aw thank you, G-Man. And of course, your presence isn't just allowed, it is essential! :-)
You can just say any darn thing you want to, at my blog Kristin. I'm glad you're my friend! :-)
Twin, the day I am unable to laugh would be a gray day indeed. I'm glad you liked it. ;-)
Oh, I like your alternate ending, PG! let's go with that! Lovin me some PG. ;-)
- May 20, 2009 at 10:56 PM
- Jannie Funster said...
Shay, this is a modern classic. A classic for anytime, really.
A fable. A parable. A all-round kick-ass poem.
- May 20, 2009 at 11:43 PM
- Shadow said...
aaaah, gotcha! thank you!!!
- May 21, 2009 at 12:17 AM
- Shadow said...
okay, the comment above was for having logged in...
this story. damn it's sad. rings of harsh reality though. i don't like this reality... beautifully written dear fireblossom.
- May 21, 2009 at 4:04 AM
- Daryl said...
Such a beautiful fable .. and what a stupid Princess, she gives us princesses a bad rep
- May 21, 2009 at 11:29 AM
- Mama Zen said...
Then, the bird shit on the princess for being such a classless bitch.
The End.
- May 21, 2009 at 12:10 PM
- Kay said...
hahaha....very enteratining! Great story! Brings a great big smile to my face! Thank you!
- May 22, 2009 at 1:40 PM


text:
We went to Italy for 10 days (2 of the days being travel days) and here's what I brought. I tried to keep it simple and not pack to much but still feel like I had enough outfit choices. We where in Italy at the end of July and the weather was quiet hot. We decided to bring one big bag and one carry on bag. It worked out but next time I think we would just bring two carry on size bags.
Due to a flight delay and airplane change we didn't get our checked bag for several days. Fortunately we put some backup clothes in our carry on bag so wasn't too big of a deal.
Here's everything I brought. I didn't wear the pants it was way to hot. The only pair of shoes I wore were my Birkenstock. I did not need any fancy clothes so I didn't wear the Amelia dress, the coral lace shirt or the sandal heels. We left our hotel room in the morning didn't come back until after dinner so there wasn't any outfit changes during the day.
I would recommend bring dresses and shirts that have sleeves and that cover your knees because many of the churches and religious buildings don't allow your shoulders or knees being exposed. I carried a light scarf in my purse so that I would have something to cover my shoulders when I did wear a tank top.
Travel Day Outfit: Chambray button down from Target. Gray shirt from Target. Olive green shorts from Target.
Day 1: Travel day outfit since we arrived around 12pm Italy time
Day2: Polka Dot shirt–thrifted and olive green shorts from Target
Florence (we didn't get our bag the afternoon of day 2)
Day 1: Navy tank top form Target and maxi shirt thrifted.
Day 2: Polka Dot shirt–thrifted and olive green shorts from Target
Day 3: Stripped dress form Target
Day 1: T-shirt dress from Target
Day 2: Thrifted shirt and olive green shorts from Target
Day 3: Lularoe Carly
Travel Day: I wore my black dress from Old Navy that is just like the gray striped one with my chambray button down from Target and my Birkenstock


text:
Day three of VMworld 2012 continued with an the breakout sessions. The VMware TAM Program's TAM Customer Central which I'm a part of continued to provide exclusive access to VMware product managers and experts, in-depth technical deep dives and discussions, product road maps, technical previews, demos and more for our program customers.
The day ended with the VMworld 2012 Party of course. This year's party incorporated three different events.
T he Top 10 Sessions for VMworld 2012 have been chosen by our conference attendees and this year we've made the presentations and videos publicly available to everyone!
NET2207: VMware vSphere Distributed Switch—Technical Deep Dive Speaker: Jason Nash, Varrow
While the VMware vSphere® Distributed Switch has been around since vSphere 4, vSphere 4.1 and 5.0 have added a number of enhancements. This session will provide a technical deep dive into the vSphere Distributed Switch, including design and deployment considerations, configuration, migration steps, tuning and troubleshooting. Special attention will be paid to migrating an existing production environment from the standard vSwitch to the vSphere Distributed Switch with little or no disruption. Extended features such as network I/O control, network resource pools, and load-based teaming will be discussed in depth, with use cases and recommendations given. Finally, methods and tools for troubleshooting network connectivity and performance problems will also be highlighted. A live lab environment will be included, making for a very interactive session.
STO2980: vSphere 5 Storage Best Practices Speakers: Chad Sakac, EMC Corporation, Vaughn Stewart, NetApp
Storage industry experts will discuss a number of best practices for connecting vSphere 5 to SAN & NAS storage platforms with a focus on performance, availability and manageability.
VSP1168: Architecting a Cloud Infrastructure Speakers: David Hill, VMware Inc, Aidan Dalgleish, VMware Inc, Rawlinson Rivera, VMware Inc, Duncan Epping, VMware Inc, Chris Colotti, VMware Inc.
This session will discuss the various design considerations when architecting the foundation for every solid cloud environment: VMware vSphere® 5.0. We will start with sizing and scaling and end with some operational guidance. Different examples will be used to show the impact design considerations can have on the availability of your services.
VSP1800: vSphere Performance Best Practices Speaker: Peter Boone, VMware Inc.
In this GSS Customer Support Day session attendees will be given an overview of the most common performance problems in vSphere environments today.
VSP2825: DRS: Advanced Concepts, Best Practices and Future Directions Speakers: Ajay Gulati, VMware Inc, Aashish Parikh, VMware Inc
VMware DRS is one of the flagship features of VMware vSphere that provides efficient and zero-touch management of resources in virtual environments. It helps users with the automatic initial placement and load-balancing of VMs on ESX hosts based on VM demands and host capacities while respecting user-specified constraints and resource controls. In this session, Aashish Parikh and Ajay Gulati from the DRS engineering team will present an insider's view of key concepts, specific use cases and advanced options. Learn about important resource pool recipes and become a power-user; keep your VMs happy by discovering the importance of VM resource entitlements; learn to avoid common pitfalls and effectively load-balance your clusters with new, advanced features and more. Finally, this session will give you a sneak peek into DRS labs to check out some bleeding-edge features under consideration that add new functionality and address customer pain-points.
VSP1683: VMware vSphere Cluster Resource Pools Best Practices Speakers: Rawlinson Rivera, VMware Inc, Frank Denneman, VMware Inc
In this session Frank Denneman and Rawlinson Rivera will cover and explain in great detail what to consider when using resource pool inside a VMware vSphere® cluster. Introducing the concept of resource pools can affect virtual machine performance and overall resource management in virtual infrastructures. Join Frank and Rawlinson and discover both common pitfalls and best practices of resource pool design. This session is a must for anyone implementing resource pools who wants to maximize their cluster and vSphere resource designs.
STO1430: Tracking Down Storage Performance Issues: A Customer's Perspective Speakers: Keith Aasen, NetApp, Scott Elliott, Christie Digital
With a VMware vSphere® implementation in several sites across four countries and three continents, Christie was well underway with its virtualization journey. The company had selected NetApp as its storage solution and had successfully grown the infrastructure to over 500 virtual machines, with many more planned for upcoming projects. However, as the numbers of virtual machines grew in the main office in Canada, strange errors started to appear. At first they were rare and very intermittent, but then began to grown at an alarming rate of frequency and intensity. Disk latencies skyrocketed to thousands of milliseconds, multiple applications unexpectedly failed over to recovery sites or crashed altogether, in-process transactions were lost, and the stability of both the storage and vSphere was called into question. Several projects were temporarily suspended until the storage issues could be resolved, including the VMware vCenter™ Site Recovery Manager™ implementation and storage-array virtual machine backup projects. Tracking down the problem, however, proved to be difficult. Initial troubleshooting efforts were unsuccessful in pinpointing the issue, and even falsely flagged some of the symptoms as being the root problem. Leveraging expertise from NetApp, and using different packages from third-party software venders, we gradually identified and correct issues. Every issue we identified and rectified gave us further insight into addressing the remaining issues. In the end, we discovered that it was no one of the several "suboptimal" configurations that were responsible for the performance issues but rather their collective influence, which placed significant stress on the storage subsystem.
EUC1305: What's New and What's Next for VMware View Speakers: Lebin Cheng, VMware Inc, Sunil Satnur, VMware Inc, Narasimha Krishnakumar, VMware Inc
In the past, challenges such as up-front infrastructure acquisition costs, especially cost of shared storage, and management complexity have limited the adoption of an enterprise-wide VDI strategy. Help is on it's way. In this session, we will first review what's new in the latest VMware View 5.1 release including the numerous storage performance optimization features and large scale deployment enhancement tools to help enhance the TCO of VDI. We will then drill down to review upcoming storage solutions particularly useful in enhancing the performance of VDI while drastically reduce the infrastructure cost. By learning what's new and what's next in View, customers and partners are provided with the information and confidence they need to continue to expand the adoption of VDI.
VSP1232: Avoiding the 19 Biggest HA & DRS Configuration Mistakes Speaker: Greg Shields, Concentrated Technology
Back for a second year, vExpert Greg Shields updates his top-rated, standing-room-only, save-your-kiester HA and DRS session for 2012. This one's not to miss. Everyone thinks HA and DRS are awesome technologies. But make a mistake in configuring either, and they'll crash your virtual infrastructure faster than you ever imagined. In his consulting travels, Greg has collected 19 of the biggest HA and DRS mistakes that'll kill your datacenter. Join him and discover how your VMware vSphere® cluster might be dangerously misconfigured and where exactly to adjust its settings for guaranteed protection. Join Greg and justify your VMworld attendance in just a single session. You'll get the immediately-useable HA and DRS guidance that'll have you remoting your systems from here to verify Greg's mistakes aren't also yours.
Catch a recap of the the third day and more of VMworld 2012 with VMworldTV. Check out VMworldTV for more awesome VMworld 2012 videos.
More announcements are sure to come during VMworld 2012 – follow us @VMwareTAM Twitter, like us on Facebook or follow us on Google+ for to-the-minute updates!


text:
Hi Loves! Lately I`m so into tartan intems. You may not have seen, because I was a bit absent here on blog, but when it comes to capes, blouses and even pants... well I just adore this trend. I hope you can find inspiring this outfit and just google this trend and for sure you`ll find even more inspiration that you`ll adopt immediately.
Also, have you seen the Videt Giveaway? Just check it and enter for a chance to win a pair of contact lenses in your favorite color ♥
Now, I have to go and prepare some new items for you for the both sections: Shop by Manuella and for the Blog Sale :D
Wish you a wonderful day,
Kisses, Manuella ♥
I was wearing:
Cape: My own design
Dress: Here
Bag & Boots: Here
Watch: Guess
Bracelets: Swarovski


text:
Ew, guys, I'm boring now. I used to be fun. Really. Yeah, I had my hermit moments or the nights when I was like "sorry, I can't go out, the Vampire Diaries is on." (Lies, I never said that. That's why God made DVRs). But I was always down for happy hour or a brunch that was 90% mimosa, 10% food. Even this fall, my first semester of grad school, I was at least somewhat fun. I'd go to dinner, or take advantage of a long weekend.
Now I'm just boring. I think it's a combination of my class schedule (7 hours on Saturday morning? What was I thinking?), my work schedule (my boss is who I want to be in life, so I have to be on my A-game), and financial situation (Pro Tip: never look at your "estimated balance" on your student loan account). Plus, I recently somewhat-accidentally signed up for a half-marathon, and that training doesn't lend itself to wine nights and 5 hours of sleep. I'm basically the people Marshall & Lily hate in Okay, Awesome, while desperately trying to cling to my former life as Marshall/Lily.
Or, even worse, maybe I'm just getting old. I'll be 26 just four short months from today. And as we all know from Jessica Simpson, that's basically 30. Should I be getting married and having babies or something? Um, no, especially since just last night I had a dream that I gave birth and immediately began screaming "I DON'T WANT IT, I DON'T WANT IT."
I have no one in Hollywood to guide me through this situation. Those bitches go out til they're 50, and then they just get weird and sad and overdose on a drug made for white-trash teenagers. So I guess until then I will just continue on my path of work-class-homework-run-DVR-sleep-occasional outing once a month. Even if this plan does involve drinking only one solitary glass of wine that you slowly sip while writing essays and listening to that one Lana Del Ray song (or two let's be honest) that makes you even more hermit-y, for no other reason than it's slow and your voice fits her vocal range.
Yours in boredom,
The Gemini


text:
This Means War A Strategic Prayer Journal, by Kendrick, Stephen; Kendrick, Alex; Schmidt, Troy
Note: Supplemental materials are not guaranteed with Rental or Used book purchases.
- Cover: Paperback
- Copyright: 9/1/2015
You've got battles to fight—on your knees.
The teen years can be tough; don't try to make it through without one of your most powerful weapons—prayer. A companion book to the movie War Room, this new kind of journal will get you ready for a new kind of prayer life, one that's strong, growing, and reflects just how powerful prayer is. Each short chapter tackles one of the biggest questions teens have about prayer, questions such as:
- Why pray, anyway?
- What should I pray for? Are selfish prayers okay?
- Who should I pray for? Am I really supposed to pray for my enemies too?
- Will God listen? And will He answer?


text:
I somehow neglected to post three cards sent by Matt of Bubba's Bangin' Batch of Baseball Bits in our most recent trade. They were mixed in with all of the Ginter set help he sent along and I recently stumbled upon them as I was placing the aforementioned set help into their proper sheets and binder.
Man, I love me some Ginter X. Thanks again Matt!
Tuesday, March 14, 2017
Don't Neglect The X
Posted By Greg Zakwin @ 9:09 AM
Labels: Clayton Kershaw, Matt Kemp, Russell Martin, Trades
Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)


text:
Pride Mega Yachts has announced the sale of the sophisticated six-deck 88.8m M/Y Illusion. Illusion is the largest yacht ever to be built in China and is scheduled to be delivered in October 2015.
According to a spokesman of Pride Mega Yachts, "The success of such a significant sale is proof that the superyacht industry is buoyant and that sales of large yachts are flourishing once again. I believe the sale is another sign that the market as a whole is doing very well. The interest from potential buyers is on the rise, particularly for large mega yachts, evident by the increased number of inquiries.
"We are delighted that the buyer of Illusion is so experienced and passionate about yachting, allowing him to appreciate Illusion's unique qualities even before her launch. I would also like to thank the people at Blue Water Yachting and Jan Jaap Minnema of Fraser Yachts for their help throughout the course of this transaction."
Illusion features an impressive interior volume of 3,603 gross tons and a 15.8 meter beam. Its spacious design has been further enhanced by the use of fine woods, rare natural stone and metals. The yacht was designed by Azure Naval Architect, with exterior styling by Rainsford Saunders Design and the interior design developed by Sinot Exclusive Yacht Design. Driven by state-of-the-art Rolls Royce diesel-electric-propulsion, motion and system control, Illusion will be ready for delivery in October 2015.
The spokesman of Pride Mega Yachts continued, "Illusion demonstrates that Pride Mega Yachts can create superior-quality yachts of the highest standards. This showpiece, one-of-a-kind yacht represents our dedication and continued ambition in pursuing and discovering new ideas in the development of high-end superyachts. The sale of Illusion demonstrates that Pride Mega Yachts is able to build the largest and highest quality superyachts, meeting the high standards of this demanding market".
For more information, visit Pride Mega Yachts.


text:
This nine question self-assessment is designed to help you identify whether or not a daily 81mg dose of aspirin could be right for you to prevent a first heart attack or stroke. This self-assessment is for persons who have NOT been diagnosed with coronary heart disease, peripheral artery disease, heart attack or stroke.
Take the self-assessment and find out if aspirin may be right for you, then talk to your doctor or healthcare professional to learn more.
Note: Please talk to your doctor or healthcare professional if you have been diagnosed with coronary heart disease, peripheral artery disease, heart attack or stroke, or have undergone a procedure to open or bypass a blocked artery, to see if aspirin is right for you.
8 of 9: Are you presently using any of the following medications?
- warfarin or Coumadin®, Jantoven®
- clopidogrel or Plavix®
- aspirin/dipyridamole or Aggranox®
- apixaban or Eliquis®
- dabigatran or Pradaxa®
- enoxaparin or Lovenox®
- fondaparinux or Arixtra®
- ibuprofen or Advil®, Motrin®, etc.
- ketoprofen or Actron®, Orudis®, etc.
- naproxen or Aleve®, Naprosyn®, etc.
- prasugrel or Effient®
- rivaroxaban or Xarelto®
- ticagrelor or Brilinta®
- vorapaxar or Zontivity®


text:
Deseret bound
by Martin Calderwood
nstallment 6
The ending of this story may be almost anti-climatic, but that was how it was. There were no parades, no grand welcomes and, unless families were already in the valley, there was little more than an orientation and assignments to help the people take their place in Deseret or Zion as fast as possible, thus giving them a sense of family and community from the start. Over the next few decades thousands of immigrant saints, from all over the world, arrived to help build the church and the community. As I wrote this story these people became very real to me so I could not leave them just 'hanging' at the end of the story. Had they been real this is what I believe would have happened to them. Some of the things actually happened to the real Berntsens, who I will briefly introduce next. Also, I took some liberties with these fictional events to highlight and combine the general (or overall) actions of the Mormon Pioneers of that era. I chose 1865 as the year of my setting because it was a year with many challenges and yet enough time had passed that the organization and methods were well established for the stories purposes. There was a real wagon train company that arrived in September, 1865. They fared well but were attacked by Indians (which would not have been part of those represented by Small Bear in this story, who were on the East side of the great divide). Seven men were wounded and one woman, kidnapped and never found. Some of their history can be found at: http://heritage.uen.org/companies/Wc89d833608c52.htm .
As for what happened to those in the story:
Julius Berntsen lived into his mid-eighties. He served as a High Priest in his congregation. He worked as a carpenter and contractor most of his life and took great pride in the many homes and facilities he built with his sons over the years. He traveled back to Norway at age 75.
Trine Bernstein never did 'master' English though her family always suspected that she understood a lot more than she let on. She passed away from pneumonia at age 68. She served in her church and helped raise her grandchildren, whom she delighted in telling tales of the old country and in teaching them Norwegian.
Kris worked alongside his father for many years but finally started his own business in 1879. He married a girl from Richfield, Utah and they raised five children. He remained active in the Mormon Church and served in a variety of callings during his life. He always credited his wife, who survived him by five years after he died of a heart attack at 73, with keeping him active.
Nils finally came to Utah in 1889. He captained his own vessel, which he named The Star of Roken, for eighteen years. During his sailing days he returned to Norway many times. One story that circulates about him is that he was working the rigging in a bad storm and lost his grip and fell down from the second yardarm, landing on a pile of chains. He reportedly got back up and went back to work without as much as a complaint. During his days as a captain he smoked a pipe which, when he returned to Utah, he gave up without a problem. He lived until age 93, outliving two wives and siring nine children all together. He became active as a Mormon at age 64 and went to the temple shortly thereafter. He served two missions as well, one in Denmark and Norway, the other in Wisconsin.
Inga married young Jeremiah Rutgers and they were called to go to Saint George where they raised a family of four children. Inga lost contact with her family in the late seventies and only returned for her father's funeral. The two ran a small store and lived on a farm, experimenting with a variety of crops under the direction of the local bishop. Jeremiah died exactly two weeks after Inga died of cancer at age 70, most say from a broken heart.
Karen and Sven married, and though Sven never was baptized a Mormon he helped the local church and supported his wife and three sons in all they did. All three served missions. Karen sewed while Sven continued to grow in skill and reputation as a Doctor. Together they opened a small hospital where they worked until he retired at age 76, when Parkinson's took its final toll, rendering him too unstable to work. He died a year later. Karen lived fifteen years longer and served as a temple worker. She had Sven's temple work and proxy baptism done for him a year after he died. She then was sealed to him a year later. Karen died of a stroke sitting on her porch on the anniversary of Sven's death.
Bernt served as a bishop and a Stake President and served two missions. His five children remained active in their church and have since served in many leadership positions. He founded the Bernstein Brother's Construction Company which brought the sons all back together. When he retired he carved trolls and skied and told stories like his father. He died in his sleep at age 92, probably of cancer, two years after his wife passed away. Toward the end he claimed that he had talked to Zorf and he apologized to his brother for not believing him for all those years.
Johan changed his name to John five years after their arrival in Utah. He followed in his father's footsteps and was a master carpenter. He worked on many projects and traveled for the church, helping build chapels throughout Utah. He also made skies and helped start the fledgling ski industry in the state. He married late in life (age 41) to a woman half his age. Of the boys, he was the only one to marry another Norwegian. They had six children. He lived to be 79 and to his dying day insisted that Zorf was very much alive. He would frequently tell stories to the family and helped preserve many of the tales his family now cherishes. His wife remarried at age 62, "for companionship." As for Zorf, he was never heard from again until he showed up in Sigrid's on the porch of home when she turned 95.
Sigrid lived to be 101 and it was her memories that were recorded for the family's posterity. Like most of her family, she remained loyal and active to the Mormon church, serving on boards and general woman's callings three times. She and her husband were married 84 years and they raised five children of their own and adopted four children of a neighbor couple who were killed in a car crash in 1901. Some of her family claim that she knew where Zorf was all along but she denied it, claiming he surprised her when he showed up. She maintained he was "as real as any troll could be" and made sure her brothers carved copies of the troll for all the grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Meet the 'Real' Berntsen (Bernson) Family
Julius and Trine Kristiansen Berntsen immigrated to Utah from Royken Buskerud, Norway, arriving April 24, 1907 after less than a two months journey. They arrived on the SS Cymric in Boston Harbor and took the train to Utah. With them came their children Karen, Inga, Kristoffer, Anne, John (Johan), Carl (Karl) and Sigrid. The settled in the southern end of the Salt Lake City area where they used their skills as farmers and carpenters to make their way in their new home. The brothers formed the Berntsen Brother's Contractors Company and worked on everything from private homes to the officer's club at Fort Douglas. They were also key players in building the ski industry, especially Karl and John, along with a dozen other young men from Norway. Karl was particularly well known for his jumping. The all made skies as well.
Like the character in the story, Trine did not master English and I patterned the character after her. Julius was a fine story teller and told many stories to his children, which some say he made up as he went. They continued to follow some Norse customs and though they may not have claimed that trolls were real, they told the tales.
Several of the family Americanized their names during WW II, in part because some thought their names sounded too Jewish and Carl's oldest son, Donald, was almost denied entry into the medical field because of it.
Of the family members, my maternal grandfather, Carl Bernson, was the only one to marry another Norwegian girl, Eva Stromness, whose parents emigrated from Norway. She was born in Utah on September 29, 1897. It is, so we claim, for this reason that our family ended up with two house trolls, Maas, from the Bernson side and Glucgh/Gluck from the Stromness clan. With their help, family memories have been opened and, along with a lot of research and speculation, have helped create a large variety of tales stemming from our Norwegian heritage.
All the Berntsen/Bernson children stayed active in the Mormon/LDS faith though the same cannot be said about their children and great-grandchildren. I have remained a active member and so have been able to paint the rich traditions and doctrines of this church, one of which is a mandate to find and know your ancestors through genealogy. It is my hope that this story has inspired you to seek out your forefathers and learn of your heritage and family traditions because, whether we knew them or not, they are responsible for making us who and what we are today. In my case, I thank them for it.
Thanks also to Martin Eidhammer, a dear friend, for asking me to write this story. The experience has been eye-opening and uplifting.
Happy searching and researching! I hope you find great joy and satisfaction from your efforts.
One of the sites that greeted the Pioneers.
The Salt Lake Tabernacle under construction in 1865. C. R. Savage photograph.
The Salt Lake Tabernacle today, home of the world famous Mormon Tabernacle Choir.
This story was written for entertainment and information purposes only and was not sold or used for profit in any way. Sources and sites have been listed as best as possible, if any were missed it was due to human error. My thanks to all who put their information on the internet for the public use. If you discover or identify a source or site I missed please feel free to contact me at firstname.lastname@example.com and I will insert the additional information at the end of the story to give credit where credit is due. This is a work of fiction and any resemblance to anyone other than the Berntsen/Berntson clan, who were used as patterns in the story, is purely coincidental.
Back to mainpage Deseret bound
Back to stories
Back to main page


text:
Color phots [magnus] [thorelli]
[ borneensis ] [ changricus] [ crassipes from Japan and Poland] [ crassipes from Viet-Nam] [ dabanis] [ darjeelingianus][kohi] [ goulufengensis ] [ hainanensis] [ hongkong ] [ kaskiae] [ magniformis] [ magnus] [ minutus] [ submontanus] [ tagorei][taiwanensis] [ thorelli] [ wangdicus]
Diagnoses of genera
of South East Asia: Light or colourful, sometimes iridescent salticids.
Shrubs, plants, especially broad leaved. General remarks: In the
field, plants with large green leaves, such as ginger, are often favoured by
salticids, particularly colourful species. Some are clothed with dense, coloured,
iridescent hairs which makes them particularly attractive and conspicuous. They
are often to be seen wandering about or sunning themselves on top of the leaves
and sometimes to be found resting or in a cell under a leaf. Salticids often
build a retreat between and attached to two closely overlapping leaves. With
care and a suitably placed sweep net, one can often collect the owner. Genus:
Pancorius. Most species of this genus of stout, dull coloured spiders,
somewhat akin to Hyllus and Evarcha in appearance, occur in our
area. The cephalothorax is fairly high with the flat cephalus sloping gently
towards the front eyes, the thorax sloping quite steeply to the rear edge and
the sides almost vertical. In plan, the carapace is broad, longer than wide
and more or less U-shaped with a wide posterior edge. The abdomen is a moderate
elongate oval, not as wide as the carapace, widish anteriorly and less wide
posteriorly. The legs are quite strong and spiny, with legs I rather longer
and stronger. The carapace of P. magnus is chestnut-brown, becoming slightly
lighter on the cephalus. The underlying colour of the abdomen is lightish orange
on which there is a superimposed pattern of dark brown chevrons near the spinnerets,
and the sides are dark brown/orange. The patellae and tibiae of legs I and II
are dark brown in colour with the other segments light orange. Legs III and
IV are paler editions of legs I and II. Ventrally on the patellae and tibiae
of legs I and II there are thin fringes of long, black hairs, and dorsally on
tibiae I there are thin fringes of short black hairs.
Distribution: Pancorius appears to be restricted to the tropics from India eastwards to Borneo and the Philippines. Murphy & Murphy 2000: 351.
Copyright © for the page by J. Proszynski, 2000.


text:
Forever Legacy builds custom, private mausoleums made from granite and available through Mausoleums.com. The cost of a mausoleum depends on size, complexity of design, artwork and special features. Mausoleum costs range from several hundred thousand dollars to millions of dollars, plus the cost of the cemetery plot.
Mausoleums.com provides a picture gallery of potential ideas and options for custom mausoleums. Interested customers can also schedule an initial design consultation. Other services offered by Mausoleums.com include restoration of old crypts and landscaping, such as mausoleum walkways.
Many cemeteries also have community mausoleum crypt graves available in a less private setting. The cost of a spot in a community crypt is less expensive, possibly as low as only a few thousand dollars. In heavily populated areas, this price is likely to be higher.


text:
Main Comptes Rendus Mathematique Courbes hyperelliptiques de genre trois et application de Kodaira–Spencer
Courbes hyperelliptiques de genre trois et application de Kodaira–SpencerFrançois Foucault, Philippe Toffin
You can write a book review and share your experiences. Other readers will always be interested in your opinion of the books you've read. Whether you've loved the book or not, if you give your honest and detailed thoughts then people will find new books that are right for them.


text:
I made this for a friend who is fighting cancer. I think she will like this card. The background is a piece of cardstock on which I cleaned my brayer. It is cut into strips and then put together as a background mat. As you can see, I don't throw anything away. My husband could not believe I didn't want to trash that paper.
Saturday, February 7, 2015
:Lunagirl Goes Red
The Lunagirl Moonbeams are going red this time. There are some wonderful samples on their site this week. If, you have a chance, go over, take a peak, and enter this great challenge. My sample using one of the images from the Vintage Women and Men CD that Karen has for sale. Isn't she just lovely?
Posted by Vicki Romaine at 12:28 PM
Labels: Going Red. Lunagirl Moonbeams
1 comment:
Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)


text:
Journal Articles
2017. "Reducing or Reinforcing In-Group Preferences? An Experiment on Information and Ethnic Voting", Quarterly Journal of Political Science 12 (4), pp 437-477. http://dx.doi.org/10.1561/100.00017018 with Claire Adida, Jessica Gottlieb, and Gwyneth McClendon.
2017. "Segregation, Ethnic Favoritism, and the Strategic Targeting of Local Public Goods," Comparative Political Studies, Advance online publication. DOI: 10.1177/0010414017730079, with Simon Ejdemyr and Amanda Robinson. Available here.
2017. "Ethnic Group Institutions and Electoral Clientelism," Party Politics, Advance online publication. DOI: 10.1177/1354068817728212. Available here.
2017. "Electoral Fraud or Violence: The Effect of Observers on Party Manipulation Strategies," British Journal of Political Science, Advance online publication. doi:10.1017/S0007123416000491, with Joseph Asunka, Sarah Brierley, Miriam Golden, and George Ofosu. Available here.
2016. "Electoral Handouts as Information: Explaining Unmonitored Vote Buying," World Politics 68(3): 454-98. Available here.
2016. "Where is Vote Buying Effective: Evidence from a List Experiment in Kenya," Electoral Studies 44: 397-408. Available here.
2016. "Ethnic Favoritism in Education in Kenya," Quarterly Journal of Political Science 11(1): 1-58, with Daniel N. Posner. Available here.
2013. "Who Benefits from Distributive Politics? How the Outcomes One Studies Affect the Answer One Gets," Perspectives on Politics 11(2): 461-74, with Daniel N. Posner. Available here.
2011. "Kenya's New Constitution," Journal of Democracy 22 (April): 89-103, with Daniel N. Posner. Available here.
Book Chapters
-- "Under What Conditions Does Performance Information Influence Voting Behavior? Lessons from Benin," with Claire Adida, Jessica Gottlieb, and Gwyneth McClendon. In Information and Accountability: A New Method for Cumulative Learning. Dunning, T., G. Grossman, M. Humphreys, S. Hyde, and C. McIntosh (editors). Under contract at Cambridge University Press.
2013. "Vote Buying and Electoral Turnout in Kenya," in Bratton, Michael ed. Voting and Democratic Representation in Africa. Lynne Rienner Publishers.


text:
Once there was a widow who had big eyes and long dark hair. She had a son and a cat. Her son was a funny boy who had scruffy hair. The cat was a brave tabby who cared and loved for the widow. They lived by the Jungle in a small hut.
One day the widow had to go out. As she walked out she heard the waves crashing like a heard of lions roaring. She went out happy that her son was in the right hands.
But at the hut all was not well. A bat awoke longing to feast on some red blood. The bat saw the widow walk away and swooped down to the hut. The creature glided mischievously over the cats head. It saw the baby and flew down and hovered over the baby who was sleeping in his cradle. The bat baring its long teeth was just about to kill the baby when something POUNCED onto it. The cat!!!
When the widow came home she saw the blood stained body of the cat who met her at the door. Without a thought she grabbed the cat and ran to the sea witch was crashing on the rocks franticly. She closed her eyes very tightly and dropped her brave and heroic cat into the dark and terrible sea.
When the widow was inside her hut she saw a dead bat and found... Her baby! That night she cried like ten dozen rain clouds.


text:
A.Clean and interesting things are beautiful; unclean things that we have to avoid are ugly.

The adjective pair corresponding to interest and disgust is beautiful and ugly.

Beauty is a visual or auditory stimuli that cause a pleasant sensation. There are beautiful paintings, photographs and sounds, but there are not beautiful smells, textures, or flavors. However, in Japanese there is a phrase meaning beautiful flavor called bimi.

This is because beauty is designed to attract animals from far away. The sense of sight and hearing can discern stimuli that are far away, but the sense of touch and taste can't pick up stimuli that are far away. The sense of smell also has a shorter range than sight and hearing, so beauty does not apply to all senses.

Some examples of beautiful thing are those that shine like gems, those that appear clean, and the opposite sex as well as others. Among these cleanliness is very similar to beauty.

A common factor is that approaching these things is advantageous to survival. We use the term beautiful generically for things that we instinctively approach. Things that we should approach, things that are in the distance now but we should approach and learn about, are beautiful.

Beauty is sometimes sad. For example, there are tragic but beautiful stories and songs. We can also say these are ephemeral. Another person's sadness is also something that people should approach.

Remote and interesting things are beautiful.

On the other hand things that are ugly are disliked and/or instinctively avoid. Especially things which are unclean are usually considered ugly. Also like the phrase, "a ugly family feud," shows, the meaning of ugliness isn't restricted to appearances, but includes things that you must stay away from as well.

When we feel something is ugly we can attack and exclude it without hesitation. In other words, as we evolved we started thinking that things we should exclude are ugly.

For example, many people feel hyenas are ugly because its looks and voice are a little creepy.

Hyenas are ugly because disliking them has an advantage in evolution. Both human beings and hyenas will hunt in groups and chase their prey for a long time across the savanna. Most likely humans and hyenas inhabited the same niche for a long time. Therefore, it convenient for humans to feel hyenas are ugly so they can fight and kill hyenas without hesitation.

These feelings are relative, so hyenas may also feel that human beings are very ugly animals.

We feel that not only hyenas but also cockroaches are ugly because they are omnivorous which means they are in a way competing with human beings. An anthropologist Tim D. White calls human beings the hyenas of the primate family. So other creatures might think human beings, hyenas, and cockroaches dislike each other because they are very similar.

The movie trilogy, "The lord of the Ring" made good use of this feeling. In the movie the main character's side is clean and beautiful, while the villain's side is filthy and ugly. Owing to this, we can enjoy the story without empathy for villain's creatures casually killed in a massacre.

However, these feelings do not apply to all animals. It only applies to animals which are deeply involved with human beings. Animals which are only involved a little with the lives of human beings, we feel they are creepy, for example, bats which are beneficial. This is because their appearance has evolved independently of human beings.


text:
July 31, 2001
Fast Track
Story Utilities
*Bear Stearns Companies named James E. Cayne (photo), to the additional post of chairman of the board. Cayne, the firm's chief executive and former president, succeeds Alan "Ace" Greenberg, who will continue with Bear Stearns as chairman of the company's executive committee. Alan D. Schwartz and Warren J. Spector were appointed both president and co-chief operating officer. Shwartz will continue as the firm's senior investment banker and Spector will remain as the head of Bear's fixed income division.
*Cantor Fitzgerald & Co. in New York hired Michael McCabe as a senior market maker. He was previously head of Nasdaq trading at Prudential Securities.
*Archipelago in Chicago appointed Steven Rubinow as its chief technology officer. He was previously senior vice president and chief technology officer at NextCard.
*International Securities Exchange in New York appointed Bruce Goldberg as senior vice president, marketing and business development. He was formerly with Service Interactive.
*NDB Capital Markets in Jersey City hired Robert Mezey and Mike Dobin as sales traders. Both Mezey and Dobin, who were previously with Schwab Capital Markets, are also vice presidents at the firm.
*Chris Sarkas joined Oscar Gruss in New York as a sales trader. He was previously at Hill Thompson Magid.
*Deutsche Bank Alex. Brown in New York tapped John R. (Jack) Schwetje as a director in the firm's OTC trading group. Schwetje, who was previously with Goldman Sachs, reports to Keith Gertsen, managing director and head of OTC trading.
*Jon Olesky, previously head of block trading at Morgan Stanley, left the firm to start his own hedge fund.
*Morgan Stanley in New York named David Memmott head of block trading. He previously ran the firm's technology trading group.
*Howard Haykin, previously president of Compliance Solutions, joined Fidelity Investments in New York as audit practices manager and consultant to the firm's internal audit and compliance departments.
*Credit Lyonnais Securities in New York named Scott Curtis head of U.S. equities and trading. He was formerly with Brown Brothers Harriman.
*Susan Mulligan, previously a legal counsel at the New York Stock Exchange, joined Chicago-based Options Clearing Corp. as first vice president and special counsel of government relations. She is based in the company's Washington, D.C. office.
*Fidelity Capital Markets in San Francisco hired Paul Brisson, from Osterweiss Capital Management, as a sales trader.
*Keefe, Bruyette & Woods in Boston hired Mark Kamphaus, from J.P. Morgan Chase, as a senior vice president and senior sales trader.
*Phil Renner, from Deutsche Banc Alex. Brown, joined Legg Mason Wood Walker in Baltimore as a Nasdaq market maker.
*Stacie Swanstrom, previously with Nasdaq, Washington, D.C. joined Nasdaq Tools in Jersey City as vice president and managing director. She succeeds Bob Turynsky, who has retired.
*Nasdaq senior vice president Dan Franks was named head of market operations. Bruce Turner (photo), previously, head of Nasdaq trading at Salomon Smith Barney, was named executive vice president of Nasdaq Transaction Services. He will head up the development and implementation of the SuperMontage system.
*GMST World Markets in Orlando, hired Justin Prouty as vice president, broker dealer relations. He was previously head of international trading at Raymond James.
*Jordan Podell joined Schonfeld Securities in New York as a market maker principal. He was previously with Dalton Kent.


text:
Thursday, March 4, 2010
PAK FA and PAK DA plans
More 3 prototypes of PAK FA will be built in 2010 end - 2011 years for tests intensifying, - said Sukhoi chief Pogosyan after the big meeting with Putin, where all aircraft and engine design bureaus chiefs have speeched. Details - latter, follow updates of the blog!
Posted by Igor Djadan at 7:56 AM
1 comment:
Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)


text:
Took a few months off from blogging. Finished the Mussorgsky sequel, got it edited and pretty, and sent it off to my agent. Went from coast to coast selling books and spending QT with the prettiest girl in Charlotte. Holidays. Family and friends.
But I'm back…
Now, a little over a month into working on the third book and I just hit 15K. My stuff aims for the 100K mark, so I may hit the 1/5 point by next week. This new project is proving challenging and fun, two adjectives that always seem to go hand-in-hand when I sit down at the keyboard. Strange connections are magically forming as they have with the previous two books, characters are coming to life, and this trilogy is really coalescing well as the writing on this "finale" begins in earnest.
As for Book 2 and other projects, lots of stuff is going on behind the scenes, lots of new words are being created, and (hopefully) there's going to be a lot of news coming up in the not too distant future. Stay tuned.
Happy 2016 to everyone. Two months in and it's proving to be a pretty great year. Life is good.
And now, to quote Joey Tribbiani, "How you doin'?"


text:
Barack Hussein was awarded this year's 'profile in courage' by the Kennedys. Barack's deeds were so extraordinarily courageous that Cardinal O'Malley rushed over for a front-row seat to applaud his fearlessness.
He didn't want to miss honoring Obama's valor in arming mohammedens to kill Christians and helping all the putanas with birth control and abortion.
Our friend CJ Doyle from the Catholic Action League weighed in on the culture of death merrymaking:
Barack Obama was, by any objective indicator, the most pro-abortion president in the history of this country, at least, since abortion became a public issue in the 1960s. He was also, arguably, the president most hostile to the protections found in the Constitution and the Bill of Rights guaranteeing religious freedom.
Catholic prelates ought to avoid giving scandal, and, at all times, ought to bear witness to the truth. Sean O'Malley did neither last night. The message O'Malley sends by his attendance at this celebration of Barack Obama is that support for the mass killing of pre-born children, and attacks on the conscience rights of Christians, are morally respectable, are no obstacle to public honors, and, implicitly, are no barrier to the votes and campaign contributions of Catholics.
No rational person can reasonably be expected to take seriously Catholic opposition to abortion when the former Chairman of the Pro-Life Activities Committee of the U. S. Conference of Catholic Bishops is photographed smiling at an event hailing Planned Parenthood's favorite president. Once again, Catholic principles are cast aside, and the whole world can see the fawning servility of the American Catholic hierarchy to wealth, celebrity and political power.
And that's what its all about.


text:
We stayed one night at Fisher's Loft in Port Rexton, which is about an hour from our home in Clarenville. When I first called them, the first thing they asked is if there were any down allergies. I have never been asked that, but I was so happy that they pay attention to little details since Cohen is severely allergic to feathers. They were super accommodating on the phone, trying to find a room that would be spacious enough for a crib.
(comfy bed)
(the travel crib was already set up for us. i love that)
(this living area is shared by all the rooms in this building. cute)
(cool bathroom)
Price: This is the shoulder season, so we got our room for $135.
Bathroom: Really nice. The toiletries were really good and the bath was huge and clean.
Breakfast: We didn't make it to breakfast, but it is there, at a cost
Wifi: Yes, free
TV: There was a tiny wall-mounted tv that didn't get very many channels. I don't think people come here to watch TV
Pool: No
Location: Really close to the water and this cute coffee shop. There was an iceberg right in the harbor when we were there, which was cool. Fifteen minute drive from Trinity.
Parking: Lots, free.
- For whatever reason, Cohen would not sleep in this room. We tried everything, including watching cartoons while he cuddled between Jon and I, and nothing worked. After hours of Cohen getting more and more tired and less consolable, we bailed. We were only an hour from home, and Jon and I were loving the idea of getting some real sleep in our own bed. We got home around 11 pm, and Cohen smiled when he saw his own crib, and went right to sleep. Slept great all night. Toddlers are strange like that. So we technically didn't actually spend a whole night here. Maybe someday. We would definitely stay here again.


text:
Thu, 10 April 2014
Biz and Theresa talk about partner resentment and try to figure out WHOSE FAULT THIS IS. It must be somebody's, right? (oh, hahaha...It's obv our partners' fault.) Plus, Biz needs someone to put a triscuit in her mouth and Theresa deals out some hard truths to Biz. And, Theresa has a new TV show obsession and Biz's baby is a vocal music prodigy. No guest this week which means we have plenty of time to gush about our personal lives to a moderately inappropriate extent!
Direct download: obm_episode_52_-_4_9_14_7.48_PM.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:44pm PST


text:
Culture, talent, focus and customer service propelled Maryland's Astrum Solar to #2 on Inc. list
Inc. magazine is out with the 2012 version of its fastest growing private U.S. companies. Astrum Solar of Annapolis Junction, Maryland landed the #2 spot by creating a culture, recruiting the talent, establishing a customer focus and securing utility capital to sell and lease solar electric systems to homeowners as good, or better, than any other installer in the country.
And the best may be yet to come if Astrum can navigate several hurdles, not the least of which is competition from California solar companies and moderating electricity prices from monopoly utilities due to expanding supplies and low prices of natural gas.
Astrum's three-year growth rate of sales as reported to Inc. was 23,577% from 2009 to 2011. It was edged out for the top spot overall by Unified Payments, an e-commerce company based in North Miami Beach, Florida (23,646%). How much of that reached the bottom line in either of those years is confidential and may tell an entirely different story of whether, and how, the company can continue growing on its own.
In an interview, Astrum CEO Vadim (pronounced va-DEEM) Polikov pointed to a a focus on building an "infrastructure" at the outset to enable the company to scale very quickly. That began by creating a sense of "professionalism" and "excellence" and then finding the right people with co-founders Josh Goldberg (business development) and Ben Davis (operations, see photo at left) to put the rapidly expanding headcount to work effectively.
"We had a laser focus on residential solar photovoltaics. We didn't touch solar hot water. We didn't look at other renewable energies. We didn't look at doing energy audits, selling power; anything like that," said Polikov.
With those pieces in place, nurturing a customer experience that could stand up to stiff competition in a market once rich with government incentives from other Inc. regional fast-movers — including Standard Solar in nearby Rockville, MD (Inc.'s #73 in the 2010 ranking; #181 in 2011 and #439 in 2012), Astrum found a sweet spot.
Constellation Energy took a taste and liked it so much to make a $3 million minority investment in the company, according to a Constellation filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. That investment may have provided the fuel for Astrum, founded in 2007, to leap forward, at least in terms of sales. The company reported $26.9 million in sales for 2011 with 150 employees (it has about 175 now).
Standard Solar, founded in 2004 (whom this writer worked for from 2008-2010), registered $42.7 million in sales with 80 employees in 2011. Standard Solar also got its start focusing on the residential market but has since gravitated more toward large commercial and utility scale PV systems.
Booming supplies and low prices of natural gas, which were barely on the horizon when Polikov, Goldberg and Davis founded Astrum in 2007, now confront all solar companies because they cannot credibly assert electricity rates are going to rise 5+ percent each year. That inflationary factor has made it easy for some solar installers to sell against.
Going forward, the electricity supply portion of the utility bill may actually decline for many households. Even homes with solar systems cannot escape charges for distribution and transmission needed to deliver electricity and maintain reliability unless they are off the grid entirely.
That's a challenge now, Polikov says, "because we're always competing against the alternative for the customer, the utility company." Add to that are California solar leasing companies such as Solar City, Sunrun and Sungevity. Each has found Maryland to be a ripe market. Every company is buoyed by falling prices for solar panels, a majority of which are manufactured in China.
What still makes deals work for Astrum are 1) the customer wanting to be greener with their renewable energy and 2) becoming less subject to the utility's rates. Note: because a home solar electric system is tied to the grid, when the power goes out, so do homes with solar electric systems. A large battery backup system that stores power generated by solar panels can run essential appliances and a few lights for a few days, but typically not much longer.
Before Astrum, Politkov co-founded American Journal Experts, an academic publishing enterprise, and Ultrasound Ventures, a scientific medical device company. He knew Goldberg growing up in Maryland and roomed with Davis at Duke University, where Polikov earned a Ph.D.
Polikov said they chose Astrum for the name because "astra" means "stars" in Latin.