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1.the action or fact of leaving one's job and ceasing to work."a man woman nearing retirement"
Boring. How about fresh salty beach air blowing through your hair while you yell to the cabana boy to bring you another Mai Tai? Or is it spending more time with your grandkids – taking them to baseball games and roasting marshmallows by the side of the lake? Does it mean paring down your belongings and packing whats left in an RV to tour the National Parks and see each oceans coastline? Why do all of these mental images have me landing at some body of water??? 🙂 The point is – retirement means something different to each person.
|image via
For many Americans, retirement is the bright white light at the end of a long dark and damp tunnel. The end to the means. The fat gleaming orange carrot and the end of a long shabby thin string. Two vacation weeks a year to look forward to until you can reach the end of that long long tunnel. We arrive at the age of 65, or in the case of my generation, 67, to a land of new opportunity that many are too tired or sick from the past 40 years to even enjoy. I hope dearly for myself, AND FOR YOU, that this won't be the case for us…
When I began my career as a flight attendant, I had no idea it would be just that, a career. I thought I was interviewing for a job I would keep a couple of years but, instead, I stumbled into a career I am now celebrating my 15th year at. Who knew? What I hoped for my future at the age of 23 is vastly different from what I hope for now. The morning my training class found out we were hired was followed by an afternoon of quick-fire decisions about our future. Which roller bag to order? Which uniform pieces look most flattering (Answer? None. Seriously. They were high waisted, pleated, and tapered beige pants. Awful.). And sandwiched between all of those questions was the most important one of our future – Do you want to join the 401K and, if so, how do you want to invest your hard-earned peanut slinging cash? What?! Can you ask me about the pants again? We were young, dumb, and completely unaware that the decisions we made that day would last for years to come…including the pants. 😦
Thankfully, I had the foresight to join our 401K plan. I also joined the Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) which allows us to purchase shares of our company stock at a 10% discount. Sweet! I have no idea what my 401K was initially invested in but several years later I had a financial adviser boyfriend look at it and reallocate everything…I'm guessing that means I hadn't done so great on my own.
Years later, when the market crashed in 2008, my then fiance (a Bosnian war refugee) was afraid of the banks melting down (he'd seen it happen in his own country) and advised me to move it all of my 401k assets to low-risk investments – essentially cash. By that time the damage was already done and I joined millions in losing a great deal of money…I then further escalated the issue by selling my shares and following his advice, putting it all in cash. Not smart. Who is to blame for my investments?? ME! I left my financial future up to someone else on multiple occasions without doing any research of my own. I had no idea that when the market goes down you don't sell. I had no idea that buying was a better bet. I was clueless.
In the past few years I, thankfully, have gotten wise. I am happy to have learned that our company offers a wide array of investment options, including some Vanguard funds to which I am somewhat biased. I contribute 20% of each paycheck and enjoy a healthy company match of 9.6% of my income. My company has both a traditional and Roth 401k. I used to split my contributions between the two but recently switched to investing completely in my traditional 401k. I am enjoying the benefits of a lower adjusted gross income at the end of the year but am also diversifying by having opened a Roth IRA as well (update – fully funded s of 10/21!). I figure I can do a conversion later but in the meantime, I am enjoying the best of both worlds! Oh, and I also fully fund my HSA which is known by some to be the Ultimate Retirement Account…just ask the Mad Fientist.
So, now that everything is on the right track – what does my retirement look like? Well – I want to retire EARLY!! I have no interest in waiting until 67 years of age to bask in the glow of a healthy financial future. And though I don't remember much about that half day in November almost 15 years ago, I did manage to capture one moment of clarity among 4 hours of static…
As a flight attendant, you can retire with full flight benefits when: Your Age + Years of Service = 65.
Well, yippy ki-yay, motherf#&^*%#! By my calculations, I have a little under 7 more years on the dirty bird to launch myself into retirement bliss…Kinda. This calculation only works for flight attendant benefits – I still can not take money from my retirement accounts until the age of 59.5 and won't receive social security benefits until 67. I can, however, quit my day job and still travel at a highly discounted rate!! Yeah!! So, November 2022 is considered Phase 1 of my retirement plan and is entirely accomplished by my years of service.
Phase 2 of my plan has more to do with how much I work and how much I can save between now and 2022. According to the simple chart below from Mr. Money Mustache's very popular post, The Shockingly Simple Math Behind Early Retirement, if I can continue to save at my current rate of 75% then I can potentially retire in 6 years (I've already started saving so I'm taking liberties and giving myself a year head start!)…oddly, the same time I can retire from my air hostess ways with full flight bennies!!
Now, there are some ins and outs of this type of math and I find it to be a loose assessment of some unforeseen variables, most importantly your health. Along with that, the market will go up and down, as will your investments. A 4% withdraw rate assumes a 7% appreciation minus 3% for inflation. That part I can't control – but others, I can. Cost of living is a huge factor as I currently own my condo with no mortgage. Should that change (and it shortly will – more on that here) my cost of living no doubt will go up. Hopefully, my income and overall lifestyle will remain the same so my savings rate can continue to thrive. In the meantime, I will throw all caution to the wind and run with these numbers…


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4 sessions + Screening Party
In this workshop participants will learn to manipulate the surface of the film using a variety of camera-less filmmaking techniques; painting, scratching, bleaching, collage, and masking in order to create an original experimental film on 16mm. This intensive workshop is designed to introduce, explore and master (on some level) the ability to articulate movement through the tactile gesturings of this beautiful cinematic language. The course will begin with a brief history of filmmakers using these methods along with their contemporaries. Then, after brief instruction, students will get their hands dirty almost immediately. The goal is to have each participant work with found footage, original films and leader to create a well developed animated film. Participants will walk away with hands on experience of direct filmmaking, a finished projection ready print, the knowledge to continue to work in this practice at home, and a list of venues to pursue for exhibition. All materials will be provided.
INSTRUCTION: 4 Sessions
SATURDAYS: October 21, October 28, November 4, and November 11 from 12-4PM
Free Screening Party on Sunday, November 19 at 7PM
LOCATION: Center for Performance Research (CPR)
361 Manhattan Ave, Unit 1, Brooklyn, NY
INSTRUCTORS: Jess Lynch and Ja'tovia Gary
INCLUDES: 100+ft of film material, processed black leader, paints, dyes, masking elements, editing materials, informational course packet, access to equipment and 16mm projectors, HD video transfer of finished film by Metro Post, HD online hosting of finished film, local & international film festival entry waivers.
COURSE CAP: 12 students

subset: commoncrawl


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|somewhere in France
|not the most inspiring portrayal of space
Clementine Beauvais's space is split between Britain and France. She writes books in French of all kinds and shapes for all ages, and in English humour/adventure series, the Sesame Seade mysteries, with Hodder, and the Holy-Moly Holiday series with Bloomsbury. She blogs here about children's literature and academia and is on Twitter @blueclementine.


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Sakura Day 2: Mahjong
In Sakura Day 2: Mahjong, a free mahjong game, you'll learn something new about the culture of the East.
Truly memorable journey through the most enigmatic places of Asia awaits you! Stroll through a blooming sakura orchard, climb snowy mountains, visit ancient temples, and dive into a magical lake!
Pay attention to golden tiles in this wonderful game. These special ones will show you the shortest way to victory. Play Sakura Day 2: Mahjong free!
|Applications we offer during the installation
|Read EULA
|Modifications made after installing Sakura Day 2: Mahjong
|How to uninstall Sakura Day 2: Mahjong
- game language: English
- 120 challenging levels
- 6 oriental locations
- tons of fascinating mahjong puzzles
- multiple difficulty modes
- enticing trophies
- charming atmosphere
- colorful graphics
- themed tiles
- FREE logic game
System requirements
- OS: Windows 2000/XP/Vista/7/8/10
- CPU: x86, 800 MHz
- DirectX: 8.1 or later


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Fans of Denton, Texas band Seryn will be thrilled to learn that the band is back in the studio, recording what will be their first full-length in over two years. The band's lineup has evolved, adding violinist and percussionist Carlo Canlas along with vocalist, keyboardist and guitarist Jenny Moscoso, but those familiar with Seryn's unique brand of harmony-driven folk rock can expect the same high caliber songwriting we saw on 2011's This Is Where We Are.
Spending much of their time in the studio recording, Seryn is also the subject of a documentary on creative collaboration, A Canvas of Sound. Listen to Seryn's new track, "Ivory Black," in the player below and watch a trailer for A Canvas of Sound at the bottom of the page.
Cover art by Wellington Payne of Shedlabs


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Some of the farmers at the market are deeply worried about the new apartment development. One farmer I spoke to, who did not want to be named, said that he will leave the market when the development is complete. Weston has "put my kids through school and paid my mortgage" he said; still he is planning to wind his operation down in three years.
The current design of the proposed development will mean that the farmers can't bring trucks near to the tables—essential, this farmer says, to doing his job. He goes in the truck many times every Saturday to fetch new produce, and he says it wouldn't be feasible to run back and forth to a truck parked off site.
Daniel Winberg, a principal at Rockport, knows about the problem. He said
We (Rockport and Artscape) had a meeting with 7 vendors last Saturday (July 18th), including 3 that have large trucks. We have long known that truck parking is a concern and we are working on ways to address it.
To that end, we continue to actively work with the BIA to ensure that the Farmers Market returns to the site, and recognize that the market's success will be an essential component of the overall success of the John Street revitalization.


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Co-authored by Steve Meretzky and Douglas Adams, Infocom's The Hitchhickers Guide to the Galaxy is one of the funniest games ever and a unique, highly intriguing and downright brutal text adventure. It might not be the pinnacle of interactive fiction design, mind you, but THHGTTG is filled with outrageous ideas, imaginative puzzles and tons of laugh-out-loud moments.
What's more, a boxed and rather rare Commodore 64 5.25" disk version of the game has been put up for sale via this The Hitchhickers Guide to the Galaxy (C64) eBay auction. The game comes complete in its box with everything it was originally packed with, including of course the bit of fluff, the peril sensitive glasses and the microscopic space fleet.
Seller ships only within Europe.


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BBC Terms and Conditions are set to be overhauled and union members will vote on the changes from 24 May 2018. We urge you to use your vote.
Wherever you work at the BBC, on a fixed term, continuing or a casual contract, BECTU is the union for you.
Every day, across the UK, BECTU reps and officials work to improve your terms and conditions. We speak to everyone, from the director-general down, to make sure that your voice in the workplace is heard. It's our job to help to make your job better whether your employer is the BBC, BBC Studios and Post Production Ltd or BBC Worldwide.
*Find out more here about the review of BBC terms and conditions and the consultative ballot which runs 24 May - 11 June*.
Join and pay your subs through the payroll by using this form (this form also appears at the foot of this page) OR You have three options:
- Download this form, also attached to this page, and return by freepost OR
- Join online to pay by DD.
New members paying by direct debit, or through the payroll will benefit from the £10 introductory subscription for 24 months.
NB: If you have an existing problem and you are seeking the union's immediate help please call our membership department on 020 7346 0900 (office hours, Mon-Fri) so that we can talk to you about the arrangements for joining BECTU. Otherwise do follow the guidance on this page.
All our members are entitled to:
Support and advice at work
Got a problem you'd like to discuss off the record? BECTU is here to help. Together, we can discuss your options and contact management (with your say-so) to get matters sorted.
We represent you at the BBC, both collectively and individually. Whether it's negotiating a pay rise, or helping you to put your case at a disciplinary hearing, we're here for you.
Our members are proud to work for the BBC but they understand that the Corporation is not perfect. Our union reps across the whole of the BBC work tirelessly to improve things on a local level, whether the task is to ensure that redundancies are minimised or encouraging your manager to respect your working hours and your life away from work. BECTU also tackles issues at national level including the annual pay review. (See the flyer attached to this page for more on the two-year pay deal covering 2014/15 and 2015/16).
Legal support, benefits & services
Supporting you at work is central to what we do; our members also know that if legal help is required that cases will be assessed and, where approved, full support at tribunal will be provided including the upfront payment of tribunal fees. The union's legal services also extend to support with personal injury at work claims (for members and their families). A 24-hour helpline is also available for assistance with non-work issues.
Added to legal support, members benefit from a wide range of discounted everyday products and services available through BECTU Plus. The union also supports members with low-cost training. And remember BECTU membership is portable. If you're moving on to a new employer or embarking on a freelance career, union benefits are also designed to help you.
Contact us
If you have a question about union membership at the BBC, we'd be pleased to hear from you. Write to us, in confidence, at email@example.com (it helps us to respond more quickly if you tell us where you work) and we'll be in touch.
Last page update 20 May 2018


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Elections are wonderful things. Bringing the people together to make decisions on how we all move forward together? What's not to love. In America though, we do find ways to shit all over our democratic spirit. The chorus around Election 2016 being so terrible because of bad candidates and campaign fear mongering is constant. I suppose I could be okay with all the complaining if, after November 8th, I had confidence the people would get back to work participating in the day-to-day governance of our cities, states, and nation. But I'm not, and that's the problem.
American democracy is divided into 2 big buckets — campaigning and governing. Both buckets require different skills and types of commitment. Generally hate the campaigning part? Don't want to deal with it at all aside from voting? Fine. Then we better be involved on the governing side. Contacting members of Congress, writing letters to the editor, going to rallies and marches, donating to causes, signing petitions, and so on. We can't not do both.
To be a citizen means we need to participate in something. To do our job as Americans, we need to know what's happening at the local and national levels. We have to possess at least as much knowledge as we have of sports or the golden age of television. If not, well, then we don't get to complain about either the campaigning or the governing. Period.
Obamacare premiums are on the rise. But I don't think HSAs and buying across state lines will address the fact that everyone has to be involved in Health Care otherwise it's more expensive than it needs to be. The Senate refuses to hold hearings on the President's nomination to the Supreme Court. And they say they will block all of Hillary's which I think is horribly wrong. Donald Trump is quite possibly the worst candidate to run for President ever. He's a bigot, racist, misogynist, hateful, whiny cry baby. And a liar.
None of these things — health care, the Supreme Court, or Election 2016 — are easy. They are big challenges that require work. Blood, sweat, and tears. But if we want to claim to be a great democracy, we have to participate. If not in the election, then in the governing.
It's 2016. With all our smarts, our talents, our passion, and our resolve, we need to act like we care about this country we all claim to love. We need to get out there and vote. And then we need to work like hell to make sure Hillary* makes good on her promises and our government generally does its job of working for the American people.
*Updated 11/9/16: Donald. Fuck.


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EMRI is a small Danish business established in 1972 and employs about 20 persons. It is committed to excellence in autopilots, steering control systems and maneuvering of ships.
Design and development in Denmark
Production in Denmark
Delivery from Denmark
Worldwide commissioning and service via our customers
EMRI has a product portofolio consisting of:
Autopilots & Track Control Systems
Joystick / DP Systems, PC Systems
Steering Control System, PLC based
Rudder Indicator Systems
Subcontracted Items for Propeller Control
Custom designed Bridge Instrumentation
Bridge Control Components for OEM usa
Turbocharger Monitoring Instruments
Wind Indicator Systems
Docking Displays
Claus Nørtoft Thomsen, CEO / Managing Director


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BREEZE Software is excited to release the highly anticipated ExDAM Version 8.6. Our team has been working to bring you updates requested from clients around the globe. ExDAM 8.6 enables you to design and analyze the modeling scenario more quickly to investigate explosion impacts.
New 3D Extend Module
With the release of Version 8.6, we will also be introducing the brand-new BREEZE ExDAM 3D Extend module that allows users to import 2D and 3D files (AutoCAD, SolidWorks, MicroStation, Sketchup, etc.). The 3D Extend module increases productivity and design efficiency by accelerating the structure development process.
Version 8.6 Updates
This update integrates significant time-saving features that streamline the complex structure development process and improve results analysis and documentation options. In this BREEZE ExDAM 8.6 update, you'll find:
- 2D and 3D Data Import Functions (requires 3D Extend module) - Import geometric data with 2D and 3D vector/polygon data file formats
- XY Contour Blocks Editing - Use manual editing mode to quickly create a series of connected blocks along a contour line on an XY plane
- Structures from Esri Shapefiles (requires 3D Extend module) - Automatically create and position structure blocks when Esri 3D building files are imported
Read the BREEZE ExDAM 8.6 release notes for a complete list of features.
Check out the new video tutorials on the following topics:
- Import Structures from Esri Shapefiles (.shp) - 3D Extend Module
- Create Detailed 3D Structures XY Block Contour Function - 3D Extend Module
- Import 3D Data Files - 3D Extend Module
About BREEZE
Over 4,000 environmental professionals in more than 90 countries use BREEZE software to assess the impacts of air emissions, fires, and explosion. In addition to developing sophisticated modeling software programs, BREEZE also offers quality-assured model-ready meteorological and terrain data, professional training, high-speed modeling solutions, and specialized consulting services.
For more information on BREEZE Software, visit breeze-software.com or email firstname.lastname@example.com. Subscribe to BREEZE News to stay on top of the modeling tips, latest software updates and events.


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The changes facing the blood center industry are significant and are making executive roles more difficult than ever.
You are faced with many challenges, including:
- Decreasing demand
- Increased competition
- Price pressures on every department
- Patient blood management programs
- Acquisitions
- Personnel challenges
Over the last 16 years, Incept has helped over 40 blood centers reduce cost, increase collections, and improve donor relationships. Last year alone, we conducted over 6 million conversations with blood donors and recruited more than 267,552 units, all on a fixed cost-per-donor payment structure. Meaning our clients only pay for a usable unit.
Billie Johnson, Incept's VP of Client Results, uses her 16 years of experience to develop customized solutions to increase collections and improve donor relationships for each of our clients. Based on her expertise in Donor Center Strategy, we've created a monthly webinar series dedicated to helping the blood center industry face new and existing challenges.
We'd like to invite you to a private webinar series hosted by Billie and special guest Dave Walter. On April 16th, they will be sharing industry best practices regarding goals and accountability for tele-recruitment, as well as answering your most pressing questions.


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Diabetic Nephropathy Treatment Review
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How To Improve Diabetic Kidney Disease*
How To Improve Diabetic Kidney Disease 2*
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16th Sep 2019 •
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Visit Chaos Reposed to Check Out the Design Your Wheel Planning Products and Great Prices For Tarot Readings, and Astral Healings and Environmental Cleansings.
|Posted by DiDellia on February 26, 2014 at 4:40 AM
|comments (0)
I took these photos during a spirit communication session. I used just an average Cannon 35mm digital camera. The orb pictured moves throughout the room. Orbs are rather contiversial within the paranormal community but I feel these orbs are likely paranormal in nature. I will explain why... The first Orb pictured is beside and infront of the lamp. The Orb looks like there is movement within and is see through. These are characteristics of a legit orb.
|Posted by DiDellia on November 11, 2013 at 11:05 AM
|comments (0)
On Halloween night my family and I were trick - or - treating and we began talking about how Marc used to go trick - or - treating with his father. We were going down theold streets and in his old neighborhood. Our daughter Aradia had fallen down and got her costume wet from the grass, but she proceeded with her candy collection. I began taking photos in hopes to get a nice one of her and her father. Instead I think I got a nice one of her, her father, and her Grandfather. To the right you will notice an unusual mist-like form. It appears to be embracing her side and back as if trying to guide her safely up the stairs. Above the arms there appears to be a side profile of a face. There is a long nose, forehead, and cheek.
The veil is thin at this time, and it made for a wonderful family picture! We never thought we would be able to have a family portait with Marc's father, as he died several years ago.
|Posted by DiDellia on November 11, 2013 at 10:45 AM
|comments (0)
Lately my family and I have been experiencing a greater number of unsual cases of taking pictures and seeing unexpected guests. I would like to share a few of these really great photos with you.
We were walking through the cemetery by our house and I was taking photos before the witer sets in, so I can do some ladscape paintings over the winter. At first I had over looked this photo, because it was slightly blurry and serves no purpose for my artistic intent. However we began having an increase in strange occurances in our home. Our voice recorders and sinks were turning on by themselves. We also started experiencing flashes of light that could not be explained. After our voice recorder turned on by itself for the fourth or fifth time Marc and I began to ask questions. I asked if the spirit who is trying to communicate with us followed us from the cemetery, it replied with a clear, "YES". I then began to look through my cemetery photographs and realized that we had captured something truely amazing! In the center of the photo is a man in old fashioned clothing with what appears to be a hat and large mustache. At first I doubted the find, and thought, well maybe this is just an odd statue. Then I flipped to the next photo, which I am about to show you.
I was for lack of a better term, BLOWN AWAY! This was not just some statue but a full bodied apparition, and it was now turned a different way and instead of being infront of the grave stones he is now between and behind them. There were no people in the cemetery with us during the time of these pictures being taken, and we even have proof of that through a family video we had taken. These pictures are 100% and have no explaination. The man was not physically visible to us at the time, but was clearly there on another level. Since the discovery of these photos the strange occurances around the house have greatly reduced, however we are a family of Witches and will never be completely void of spirit attempts for communication.
|Posted by DiDellia on October 31, 2012 at 7:35 PM
|comments (0)
With the full, waning Reed Moon on Samhain I thought it fitting to write a template spell for anyone interested in Spiritualism / Ancestral Magick. The Reed Moon in Taurus make for a perfect long lasting and far reaching arrow of pure will. The Energy is great for make lasting changes, regarding : values, possessions, money and financial matters, fertility, connection with Mother Earth, healing, addictions, replacing unwanted habits, healing unhealthy emotional thinking patterns, healing, and root chakra workings.
Materials Needed:
A mirror
One dark bowl or chalice filled with preferably lake water, but any natural water will do.
1 white tea-lite candle or any candle you see fit.
An incense
A potato
A pen and piece of plain white paper
Before you start the ritual, it is very important to identify what you would like to accomplish with this spell. You are asking your ancestral bloodline for assistance and protection. You're Will MUST be precise, on point, and harm none.
To begin you need to dedicate a spot for the ritual. I prefer my kitchen because it is the easiest to clean salt up off of the floor. We will get to that shortly...
It is customary to ritually cleanse the area and tools you will be using. One method of doing this is using vinegar and an old wash rag.
Choose a means in which you would like to be in contact with your ancestor(s).
By this I mean you must design or choose your own identifying symbol, for your bloodline to use to give you a sign. Ex: a specific rune, or self-designed symbol. (Something you will be able to recognize anywhere, like in dreams, nature, a picture, or a flash in your minds eye.)
You also must choose a specific means of divination for communication. Ex: Runes, scrying, Tarot, i-ching, etc...
Place your mirror somewhere that will reflect your candle flame, bowl, and incense.
It is important to encircle yourself with salt while you call your ancestors and make the offering. It keeps the energy in the circle pure. When you are done in the circle and are leaving to let the candle burn out, just cut open a space in the astral circle with your finger to step out, then seal it back with visualization.
Light your candle while visualizing your spirit calling your ancestors.
Draw your symbol on the piece of paper while visualizing your Will. Visualize precisely what you want to achieve and the path you intend on taking. This energy you invest while drawing the symbol will be an astral road map for your (higher self) or lineage to guide you on your path.
Cut a whole through the potato. Fold or roll up your paper and stuff it inside the potato. Potatoes are great for magick with the spirit or astral realm. It's a tuber root and it keeps you grounded in the physical realm, while its eyes allow your spirit to travel to different realms of existence.
Light the incense. While the smoke rises visualize it drifting away through scent to call upon your ancestral bloodline.
Place the potato in the water as your offering as well as any other items you may also want to add for an offering. These can be stones, herbs, shells, feathers, money, etc...
Visualize your will, and how you would like to receive signs from your bloodline. Make sure you are specific in your visualization. The potato links your visualization to your lineage.
Visualize yourself telling all that you called upon that they free to leave with your gratitude once the candle burns itself out. Tell them how much you appreciated the guidance and the lives each lived, for it made you who you are!
Once the candle burns out with in (24 hours) return the water and offerings (including the potato) back to the earth. You can do this by burying it, or tossing it in a river, ocean, or lake. Make sure to give thanks again and visualize your family symbol.
Now that your spell is complete watch for your symbol. It may start abruptly or very subtly. It may appear in strange locations. Like in a cloud, or a tree, or it could be on an infomercial when you are changing channels on the TV. When you receive this symbol it is important to pay attention and write down any impressions that you see or hear in your mind. Also it is important to note what time of day, what you were doing or thinking right before the sign. Use your chosen means of divination to communicate and further your understanding of the direction in which your symbol is signifying.
If it tests the law of three, let it be!! In perfect love and perfect trust So Mote it Be! Have a Blessed Samhain.
|Posted by Aur-iu-ba on October 13, 2012 at 5:10 PM
|comments (0)
The Root of the word Ghost is gast gost and gheis. Archaic roots are very important, as sometimes they describe what the meaning is better. In this case it is used to describe "Fear" of the uncertain. The word gheis means "to scare." People are conditioned to be afraid, fear of the unseen. Afraid of anything beyond the physical, or meta-physical. The word occult always surfaces with the discussion of ghosts. The word occult means to be hid. Seen and unseen
Edgar Allan Poe
Was an occultist meaning he believed in unseen forces at work. He writes about them in stories that have now become classics. He was a poet. He understood the nature of bringing out emotions in his stories. Emotions such as fear are unseen forces, yet we believe in fear. We do not question whether fear exists or not.
It's spectactular to say that quantum physics agrees with the belief in ghosts and the existence of other bodies.
"The whole world is the various forms and identities of consciousness and their interactions." (Phisics of the Soul, pg. 59 by Amit Goswami, ph. D)
Non-local vs. Local
"When we die, we drop only the physical body; our subtle bodies survive. (pg. 95)
|Posted by DiDellia on October 13, 2012 at 6:10 AM
|comments (0)
Our Craft is our Art but also our Art can be our Craft. Before I get into the technicalities of how to incorporate Magick with art I would like to remind everyone to be conscientious of how they think while making their art. Every thought and feeling will go into your project, and WILL manifest!!!! It doesn't matter what type of Art you decide to make. You can make a painting, drawing, sculpture, paint your bedroom, write a poem, short story, make a movie, etc... You can use ANY form of ART to perform your Magick!!! I am going to use a drawing for an sample spell. If you are new to the craft feel free to use my sample template for your spell, if you are more experienced branch off of my template and customize your spell to your specific needs, and make it as intricate as you feel it needs to be!
Step 1: What do you NEED or WANT to manifest?
I need to turn my luck around and succeed with this new venture. I really need to manifest some job opportunities!
Step 2: What type of Art will be the easiest to allow me to express my desire? (The answer to this question is contingent on the following three questions)
I am best at expressing myself through drawing
What supplies do I need to accomplish this? Paper, Pencil, Eraser, Crayons or Colored Pencils, Ink Pens
What supplies do I have on hand? Paper, Pencil and Eraser, and Colored Pens
What kind of supplies can I afford? None right now, I will have to use what I have
Step 3: Research relative correspondences!
Color Correspondences- The colors I will be using in my drawing are: Orange, red, green, blue, brown, yellow, white, and black. I have listed the following magickal energy correspondences with the colors I wish to project within my drawing. The colors also tie all of the Elements into my Art which will make my Drawing really pack a punch! Orange,is for good luck and good fortune, optimism, success, and success in investments. Red, represents Fire, it is for courage, determination, and assertiveness. Green, represents earth, it is for rejuvenation growth, hope, finances, and abundance. Blue, represents water, it is for wisdom, guidance, and sincerity. Brown, represents Earth, it is for stability, material increase, and attracts help in a financial crisis. Yellow, represents Air, it is for change, vitality, communication and progress. White, represents Spirit, it is for protection from negativity and helps one get in tune with their higher self. Black, also represents Spirit, it is for repelling negativity, protection, and opens deep unconscious levels.
Herbal Correspondences- I am big into herbal craft and I try to incorporate it into everything I do, whether it be cooking, cleaning, or even Art. What I do is I look in my Witches Cabinet and figure out what I have and if any of the Magickal Energies could help me manifest what I desire. In this particular case I have decided to use some VERY common herbs that almost everyone has in their Kitchen. I will put all of the following herbs into a regular bowl and use just a regular tablespoon and crush up the herbs to the best of my ability while concentrating and projecting all of my thoughts of what I want to manifest into these herbs. Once I feel they are ground well enough I will put the paper I will be using for my drawing on a cookie sheet and I will sprinkle my herbal mixture on top of the paper. I will leave the paper like this over night, so my it will absorb the herbs energies. The herbs I will be using are: Cinnamon, to draw money and prosperity, also for luck and success. Nutmeg, to attract money, prosperity, and luck. Oregano, to bring happiness, vitality, and strength. Sage, to remove negativity that may be blocking me, clearing the way so I am able to manifest my desire.
Elemental Associations- Earth, Air, Fire, Water, Spirit, (SEE ABOVE, Colors)
Symbolic Correspondences- Some symbolic correspondences that I would like to incorporate in my drawing are: Ladybugs, for good luck and the connection to the Divine. Bamboo, because it grows wealth.The Number 7, for activation and manifestation a will. Rainbows, for luck and fortune. Horseshoe, to increase positive energy and bring good fortune. Acorn, to attract wealth, enhance personal power, and bring good luck. Keys, to unlock the doors to wealth, success, and happiness . Daisy, to bring luck. Ant, for perseverance and self discipline. Eagle, for success, prosperity, and wealth. Spider, to symbolize the creative life pattern and connect with creative possibilities.
Step 4: Gather supplies, and prepare your project! Now I am going to get everything I may need to create my masterpiece. I like to keep all of the things I may need very close to the place I will be working on my project at. Also It is a good idea to have a large shoe box or drawer big enough to hold your artwork while you are in the process of creating it. Many times it takes days to weeks to complete a project and it should be store in its own special space. I like to prepare my box by sprinkling the herbal mixture in the bottom of the box, then laying a paper towel over it, so it wont smug your drawing.
Step 5: Create a Sacred Space! I like to cleans the area I will be performing magick and then only using that area for that specific task. Another great idea is to have a candle lit next to you while you work on your project.
Step 6: Begin your project! (When not working on the artwork be sure to always store it in it's special box, or drawer.)
Step 7: Display your project It is best to display your art in the North / North-East Direction of your home or bedroom to Manifest success.
Hopefully this will be helpful to some of you. Good luck and Blessed Be!!
If you anyone needs any help customizing this type of spell don't hesitate to ask, I am more than willing to assist you.
|Posted by DiDellia on October 13, 2012 at 6:10 AM
|comments (0)
I am a great fan of the outdoors and am always on the look out for fallen branches that would make great wand and staffs. Here are some ideas to obtain your wood.
I know many people live in areas where there aren't forests. If you live in an area such as this, it is a good idea to keep an eye out for people trimming trees in your neighborhood, many times if you explain that you are interested in a nice branch to use for an art project, they are happy to help you. They may even help you cut it to the right size, if you help them clean up. Also, a good time to find them in your neighborhood is after storms because they fall naturally off of trees and many times people are happy to receive the clean up help. Many times Witches are concerned with what type of wood they want for their staff. Personally I believe that is crazy, I believe that what you seek shall come to you in the perfect form of what you need. So my advice is to be patient and wait for your staff to come to you. I do not recommend that you go out and trim your own branch, it is best to find one that has naturally fallen, or someone else has cut and would other wise discard.
After obtaining your wood, I recommend identifying your wood, then looking up the properties associated with that particular wood. More likely than not, it will represent exactly what you need. If you are unable to find the connection to how it applies to your needs, try doing a three card Tarot reading to determine how the influence is relevant. This also will give you more insight as how to dress your Staff.
The next step is deciding whether or not you want to leave the bark on or take it off. I always take my bark off so it is easier to dress. I do this with a sharpened pocket or hunting knife.
Now I like to bless my wood with an herbal infusion. I make this by researching what herbal properties I want to enhance the wood with. I then put my herbs in a regular bowl, and crush them up with a regular table spoon. Then I put them in a ceramic pot and add natural water (usually collected from rain or snow storms, then stored in the fridge for use all year long). I then boil my water everyday for an hour for three days. I then strain my water and return the herbs to the outdoors, and save my infused water. Using either a paintbrush or my hands I anoint my staff or wand from the top to the bottom, while visualizing and channeling the intended energies into my wood.
After the anointing of the infusion find a special spot to either lay your wood flat or hang it up so it dries evenly. It will need to stay like this for about 3 moon cycles.
During this time, I like to gather what I want to add to my staff or wand. I usually pick up stones, feathers, shells, etc... on nature walks. Its also a great time to research and figure out if you want to engrave runes or some other symbols into your wood.
Once it is dry and hardened, I often will use a fine sand paper and smooth out my wood.
Now it is time decorate and engrave your staff or wand.
Some decorating ideas are using leather, cord, yarn, stones, feathers, shells, fallen antlers, etc...
Once it is made I normally take it out for a nature walk. I will often add additional things to it after every walk, I pick up at least something.
Good luck, if you have any questions please feel free to ask!!! Also if you are absolutely unable to find wood, there are very cheap metal staffs ($10-$20) available online. Metal is a good conductor of energy, both to receive and send.
|Posted by DiDellia on October 13, 2012 at 6:05 AM
|comments (0)
As an economic Hedge Witch I do not use a traditional altar. This may seem foreign to some practitioners but I use my entire home as a working altar. I have found that my Magick is much stronger and not limited to the small confines of a table or counter surface. Using your home as your altar is also a great motivation to keeping a clean home. If your home is chaotic, so is your Magick. I am going to share with you how to use your home and normal everyday household items to perform Magick. I am going to share a general walk-through of what I do to prepare my space, setting up my space, and performing Magick, and releasing energy.
I use this particular method (minus the heavy cleaning, that is only for the consecration and cleansing of the home) almost every time I perform a ritual. I do alter things according to my will. Before getting into my ritual I would like to remind EVERYONE reading about the Three Fold Law!!! It is very real and whatever type of Magick you perform with my template rituals please be cautious of your intent, may it NOT harm or interfere with another! Another thing I would like to mention is that this particular Ritual for Cleansing and Consecrating your living space takes about two full weeks. The best time for this is right after the full Moon all the way to the day before the new Moon. The reason for this is because the Waning Moon is the best time to cleanse and remove any negative items, energies, habits etc... It is a time to regain order and banish all unwanted influences.
Step 1- Setting Up My Space
The goal of this step is to place offerings in the five elemental directions of your home. I do this by collecting things from Nature that I find on my walks. I then put together displays of the Natural items in an eye pleasing display alongside a candle. I normally use just plain old tea-lite candles. (They run about $2.25 for 50 at Wal-Mart.) You could use larger candles if you'd like, and just keep lighting the same candles whenever you do any workings.
These offerings should be placed on the outer walls of your home in the directions indicated. A compass is a helpful tool to determine the best placements. (The listed items are only examples, you can research your own correspondences and use whatever you have available. Please do not limit yourself to only my sample ideas, be your own unique selves.)
North- (Earth) I usually always start with North, but you do not have to. Some people like to start with there personal Element. For the North I put together my Natural items corresponding to the Element of Earth. I may use a wooden or clay bowl (can be found at yard sales and thrift stores for about $1)filled with pine cones, brown and/or green stones, acorns, a sprig of cedar. (Whatever I use I always look up the energy correspondences.)
East- (Air) I may use feathers, incense, some dries sprigs of lavender and sage, and yellow stones. I may place these on a decorative tray that depicts an image of what I associate the Air Element to be. Like in the Fall I may use a decorative tray that has Autumn Leaves blowing in a breeze with children playing in the freshly raked piles.
South- (Fire) I may use tiger's eye, amber, a dried sprig of basil, a cinnamon stick, and the candle placed on a flat mirror so the light reflects upward.
West- (Water) I may use a large shell from the beach filled with bladder-wrack, river stones, rose quartz, sandstone, a dried rose, and a candle in a glass or crystal wine glass for a chalice.
Center- (Spirit) I may use a large tea-lite oil burner (as a cauldron) and add natural water and a few drops of frankincense oil. Many times if I am doing a working I will boil my infused water, in the spirit center.
Step 2- Preparing My Space
I begin back at the North offering and call my watchtowers and light my candle. I do this all the way around the house back to North, then I go to the Spirit's Center and say a blessing and light the candle. You do not have to call the corners if you are uncomfortable calling them. It works just fine to meditate silently on the image of what that Element represents to you. Then light the candle.
Step 3- Performing Magick
Since the goal of this ritual is to cleanse the home and consecrate it as your Magickal altar, it is only natural that the Magick you are performing in this space, is the cleansing of it. The main goal of this step is to remove negative items and energies from every square inch of your living space, replacing it with refreshed, positive energy.
(I Begin this process about two evenings after the full Moon.) To start I walk through my entire home with a smoking sprig of sage to cleanse the energy. I focus on my will and channel it into the space.
Now on to the cleaning. I begin by cleaning and organizing the most frequented rooms, and then cleaning and organizing the less frequented rooms. I go through every space, every drawer, every cabinet.... I decide if there are any objects that do not serve a purpose for my family any longer. If so I either post them for free online, put them by the side of the road with a free sign, or take them to Good Will. I believe that once something no longer serves you, someone is waiting for it to serve them. I am a very strong believer in paying or (passing) it forward.
I then clean any hard surfaces (drawers, counters, shelves, appliances, etc...) with my favorite cleanser.
Wipe down the walls with a cloth dampened with infused natural water. I make this by putting sage and rosemary into a large bowl and then I fill it with natural water. I prefer to use water from a spring, rain, or snow storm. Then I let it sit for a few hours before its first use. If my walls aren't very dirty I will use the water for all of my walls within the house. I may even use it on many other surfaces like doors, window casings, floors, and even the ceiling (by wetting the mop).
I vacuum, sweep, mop, etc.. the floors
While cleansing the home, it is very important to focus your energy on what you are doing and really dedicating your energy to direct your will.
If you are not doing a cleansing or consecration and just performing some type of magickal working, it is not necessary to fully cleanse your home in this manner. After lighting and calling all of your watchtowers you have formed a circle within your home and you can literally do any type of magickal ritual inside of it. I especially like that I have the freedom to perform other tasks to raise my energy within the circle, I am not confined to a small space on the floor or in front of an altar, I am an instrument inside of my altar!
Step 4- Releasing Energy and Giving Thanks
After I am done cleansing or with my working I will either give thanks to the Elements beginning at the Spirit's Center and going to the North, then West, then South, then East. I simply just give my thanks and release them from the circle then snuff out the candle. Most of the time though I just wait for the candles to burn out on their own and once I see or smell that it has burned out I give my thanks. If this is the method you prefer, just make sure to state when you light the candle and call the corner that when the candle goes out they are free to leave the circle.
After performing any Magick I usually go for a nice walk outside to ground the energy I raised. I have found that it is the best way for me to center myself.
Hopefully this will be useful to someone. Thank you for reading! Blessed Be!


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Lemon Possum
46 comments
Oh my gosh....I want to get into this page...this looks like heaven on a spoon!!! I just hope I can find double cream here in the states!!!! Thank you for this heavenly recipe!!! As for possums ..we have them here and although not really cute...they are not a scary creature at all..I have always sort of likes them !!ReplyDelete
mmm, looks lovely and calorific. (yes I am on another diet)ReplyDelete
Ooh, I love a good posset. It was one of my recipes for my cookery O'level meal but I can't remember when I last made or ate one, or two, or three! Henceforth however it shall be known as a possum here :DReplyDelete
Posset definitely looks better than the possums we have running around here. Lol. It really does look good.ReplyDelete
UMMMM lovely, can't wait to try it.ReplyDelete
mmmm yum. we had a similar conversation about gophers once. but it didnt result in a yummy pud afterwards.........ReplyDelete
Just had to look up possums! The lemon posset looks delicious - I will have to try it!ReplyDelete
- Anonymous9:10 pm BST
Simple and delicious, what a great combination!ReplyDelete
What is it with boys and google??ReplyDelete
Now off to ask one of the boys in this house to find out about possums... Ax
Thanks for another great post, Sue! The recipe is one I have never tried but your clear directions [visually and in words] convince me I could make lemon "possum" and delight my family with a delicious pudding as well as entertain them with your story of posset vs. possum!ReplyDelete
Oh I will try this for sure. I always get disheartened when recipes mention zesting many lemons, but this one is perfectly zest-free.ReplyDelete
Yummy. I love the smell of lemons in the kitchen when baking/cooking.ReplyDelete
gosh..what a fabulous looking sweet..i have heard of posset but i never knew what it was..ReplyDelete
I think I probably am as greedy as you!ReplyDelete
A pudding I can eat - Thank You!!! (Coeliac, therefore no gluten!)ReplyDelete
- Julie11:24 pm BST
We have possums in the roof, every time we evict them they find another way in. They are very sneaky and eat all the plants in the garden. I would much prefer your posset!ReplyDelete
as a mother I think I REALLY need a t-shirt, or a sign, or a tattoo on my forehead that saysReplyDelete
is there a market do you think?
I love simple recipes, and it looks delicious too Sue. A definite must try, perhaps with some fresh raspberries on the side. Yes Possums are scary looking wee creatures but the noise they make is even worse.ReplyDelete
looks great...............always wondered what a posset was, wasn't it a medieval pud?ReplyDelete
This is low calorie, right?(!)ReplyDelete
Sod the calories. I have got to make myself some of this.ReplyDelete
- Ann11:14 am BST
My 3 year old was confused at Christmas, in a similar fashion; she thought that the Christmas cake was made with "marzipants", classic.ReplyDelete
Pudding looks delicious, thanks!
There now, I thought it was made somewhat like Zabaglione. That'll teach me to make assumptions. It looks heavenly.ReplyDelete
- Pati from London2:38 pm BST
I cooked this recipe a few weeks ago for a dinner party and I didn't like it... My recipe asked for 4 lemons instead of 2 and the ones I used were too big so the end result was that my possets were increadibly acidic... Three of my guests loved them but I think next time I will have to use your recipe with 2 lemons only as it was too much. The dessert, however was good for the occasion and eaten with a shortbread biscuit, easy to prepare the night before also!!! x PatiReplyDelete
- Anonymous6:17 pm BST
That looks so simple and so good! I can almost taste it from here!ReplyDelete
Nice recipe - must try it. If you like lemons you'll love this - it's so easy and so yummy:ReplyDelete
Fra too easy and yummy in fact!
- Terri9:00 pm BST
I really like your style!ReplyDelete
We have lots of possums, mostly dead (they tend to get hit by cars at night). I could send you one if you wanted to try the recipe that way...ReplyDelete
My first time here. I understood it to be an animal blog but will have to make do with a delicious dessert:-)ReplyDelete
xo Jane ( Mise's very best friend)
I think the possums here in the states are kind of cute :D But then, they do wander around a lot and are less scary than skunks and raccoons :)ReplyDelete
The lemon posset though looks yummy!
Mouth is watering....now where was that lemon?ReplyDelete
I think I prefer the new animal name as posset always brings to mind baby sick, which is not what you want as an appealing image at pud-time. And yours sounds lovely.ReplyDelete
Good heavens, I've never seen anything so delicious looking as your special dairy cream! The end result does look out of this world - and I think I might manage to eat two as well!ReplyDelete
This sounds like a fun Easter recipe to do (we will have digested the hot cross buns by then, won't we?!)
We have a double cream here which you can't pour it's so thick... it's also 45% fat... so I guess that would be called heavy too... like us when we eat too much of it!
- Anonymous5:04 pm BST
I used to live in NZ, and we once did discover a possum in the kitchen cupboard. We weren't tempted to flavour it with lemon, though.ReplyDelete
Mise has directed me here too Sue. My this looks so delicious. I'm sure I could happily eat two far too easily. Just need to figure out what our version of double cream is. Yum!ReplyDelete
I read that too quickly.ReplyDelete
I thought you said "Lemon Posset Bears"
Now they WOULD be interesting creatures!!
Easter Blessings x
Love it! I know I will need to buy a new kaftan after making this!ReplyDelete
- Biddy8:50 am GMT
Yum I love lemon posset. It's even nicer if u finely grate those two lemons and add the zest too. And refrigerate for 3hrs to get them perfectly set and cold. This dessert is the best invention everrrr.ReplyDelete


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This week, Macmillan Cancer Support and adidas Golf launched its partnership for the Longest Day Golf Challenge at Stoke Park Golf Club, with TaylorMade-adidas and Ashworth Golf staff professional Paul McGinley. Celebrities including DJ Spoony, Anton Du Beke, Charlotte Jackson & Zoe Hardman also attended the day to show their support, pictured above.
The Longest Day Golf Challenge is popular with a number of Macmillan's celebrity supporters, including television presenter and keen golfer Tim Lovejoy who commented:
"The Longest Day Golf Challenge is a fantastic way to support a great cause. I know first hand how invaluable Macmillan's work is – so why not show what you're made of and sign up today?"
Be a hero for people affected by cancer and sign your team up today at http://macmillan.org.uk/longestdaygolf. The challenge can be completed on four different courses or the same course four times in one day.
To add to the excitement, the top four teams that complete the challenge will go on to compete for the coveted 2013 Longest Day Challenge Cup. The final of which will take place at Boavista Golf Resort, Portugal in October 2013.
In 2012, over 500 teams took part in the challenge and raised more than £560,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support. This year the aim is to smash this total and raise £1 million for people affected by cancer. And what better way to fundraise for a worthy cause than by spending a summer's day on the golf course?
This June, adidas Golf are taking on Macmillan's Longest Day Golf Challenge back at Stoke Park Golf Club. Although the challenge involves doing 72 holes in a day, the adidas team plan to take it a step further and will attempt to conquer 100 holes – all in one day! Celebrities including Matt Dawson, Dan Walker, Anton Du Beke, Charlotte Jackson, amongst others, will also take on this challenge.


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Student Profile: Aubrey Christoferson, AB'19 (Political Science/History, expected)
Aubrey Christofersen was interested in Political Science, but after just two History classes, he knew he wanted to look into a double major. To Christofersen, a rising third year and a Chicago native, the two subjects are a natural pair. "History provides the backbone for political science," he says. Through his courses, he has seen that political theory and philosophy have deep roots in history, and history, in turn, can become political.
Beginning with introductory courses for his Political Science major, Christofersen was not expecting intensive theory and philosophy. But once classes began, he enjoyed discovering the concrete historical foundation for those abstract theories. "I'm thankful for it," he says. "The classes were so much more rewarding."
Christofersen's positive experiences with his teachers have also encouraged his passion for these subjects. He speaks enthusiastically of Assistant Professor Robert Gulotty and Associate Professor Gerald Rosenberg of the Political Science Department as well as of Associate Professor Jonathan Lyon of Medieval History. "These professors are outstanding because they are true experts in their fields," Christofersen says.
Christofersen says he decided to double major in part because of the required reading in Lyon's course on Comparative Kingship: Rulers in 12th Century Europe (HIST 12101). He was struck by the rhetoric used to describe how a certain Emperor's lawyers justified an invasion of Italy. "The way it was written showed that the author wants you to pick up on the politics," Christofersen says. "It really feels like the author wants you to feel the political motives." Much as he valued the historical context of his Political Science courses, he finds his political science interests have given him a new perspective on history.
Christofersen's experiences in the Social Sciences aren't limited to his coursework. He's been struck by the way professors care about their students outside the classroom too. Once, while doing some grocery shopping in Hyde Park, he ran into Peter B. Ritzma Professor Charles Lipson, also of the Political Science Department and author of Doing Honest Work in College. Standing in line, the Professor struck up a conversation about his latest article in RealClearPolitics and then surprised his former student by offering to drive him home. "He remembered what it was like to carry heavy groceries," Christofersen recalls. "I think he is the nicest person I've ever met."
This summer Christofersen has a Metcalf internship on campus with the communications team in the Division of the Social Sciences. He is working to create new content and designs for the Divisional website, and has contributed photographs for the Division's social media. One of his projects involves creating an online archive of Dialogo, the Division's publication for alumni.
Christofersen also works as a Photo Editor for The Chicago Shady Dealer, the satirical newspaper and a student favorite. Echoing his developing sense for the connections between history and politics, he notes that "images are necessary to make data and information easily digestible," an idea he puts into practice both through humor and through his graphics work for the Division.
Looking forward to next year, Christofersen has a busy schedule. He plans to branch out even further into the Social Sciences with Introduction to Macroeconomics (ECON 19900). But he will continue to explore the unexpected interdependence of history and political science in courses like Introduction to American Politics and Nuclear Age (HIST 25424) — a History course for which Christofersen thinks political science will again provide a lens.


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The Second Edition of the Free-quent Flyer's Manifesto is now available!/
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Gopi Kinnicutt (ERYT 500) is a dynamic, Bhakti-infused yoga teacher who has developed her own unique teaching style. She organically creates and designs dynamic fluid yoga sequences, infused with deep spirituality. In her classes she incorporates mantras, breath work and Kriyas to release untouched energy and Prana. She bridges the philosophy of Yoga and the authentic traditions coming from India, making them accessible to the modern 21st century Yogi. Gopi leads National and International yoga retreats. She has been the head of RYT 200 hour and 300 hour teacher trainings for 7 years, and is the owner of Bhakti Yoga DC and founder of Yoga Mandali in Saratoga Springs, New York. Gopi has trained extensively with Shiva Rea, Ana Forrest and Gary Kraftsow, and is certified and trained in trauma-sensitive yoga. Gopi also lived in a Bhakti Yoga ashram for 10 years, where she studied and taught Indian philosophy and mantra meditation. Gopi is certified in Thai Yoga Body Work and Ayurvedic Body Work, offering a vigorous herbal oil body massage (Vishesh) and a deep relaxation head treatment called Shirodhara.
Braja is an accomplished Asana and Pranayama teacher (RYT-500) who infuses her classes with positive and tranquil energy. Having lived and studied in India (Rishikesh, Vrindavan and Mysore), she upholds tradition through well-balanced practice with a lot of personal assistance, breath work, mantra and philosophy. Since her youth, she has immersed herself into the finer mysteries of yoga in its many forms and happily shares her deep love and passion for spirituality with all. Braja is also a Certified Medical Massage (PIMT) and Trigger Point Therapist (CMTPT) who blends her therapeutic knowledge with breathing methods to create a personalized treatment for everyone. Read more here.
Cynthia Lorena is known for her creative and dynamic sequences, focus on alignment, her honesty, and her sense of humor. She currently lives and teaches vinyasa yoga group classes and workshops in the DC metro area and leads international retreats, as well as corporate classes and corporate retreats. She also offers private instruction, energy work (Reiki), and breath work. Her extensive clientele list ranges from teens to senior citizens with a variety of specific needs such as back injuries, cancer, depression and anxiety. Currently, Cynthia assists teacher trainings in DC. and offers mentorships for new teachers.
Cynthia was born and raised in New York. During her time working in the fashion industry, she felt that something was missing. Following her intuition, she left behind her hectic NYC life and immersed herself in studying yoga in the mountains of Massachusetts to make her health, happiness, and personal growth a priority. In July 2011 she graduated from Kripalu's School of Yoga with a 200 hour yoga teaching certificate. Shortly after, she returned to New York City to teach yoga full time. In 2014, Cynthia completed her advanced 500 hour teacher training certification at Yogamaya in New York City. She is also a certified Level 2 Reiki (energy) healer.
Ryan is a skilled practitioner in the art of yoga and therapeutic massage. He is also an accomplished qigong healer, continuing his education in qigong movement/meditation and its clinical applications. Ryan came to yoga in the late 90's in search of self-healing. He immersed himself in Kundalini Yoga with Guru Mukh, surfed Prana Flow Energetic Vinyasa with Shiva Rea, and bathed in the body wisdom of the teacher's teacher Annie Carpenter, while living in Los Angeles for over 13 years. Also inspired by Jo Tastula, Matt Pesendian, Micheline Berry, and many other world-class teachers throughout his years on the mat, he has come to find his own unique voice as a yoga guide. Ryan's yoga is rooted in the tradition of Sri Krishnamacharya, offering a potent alignment-oriented practice that emphasizes the forms and actions within yoga asana. Classes progressively and safely sequence toward more complex peak poses, and spend time breaking down techniques creating awareness on and off the mat. His practice draws upon a wide range of postures and modifications that build strength, flexibility and refine awareness in body and mind. For more info on Ryan go to www.Selflesslotus.com
With Jen's classes, your breath will weave together the wisdom of your body, the compassion of your heart and the focus of your mind. This will help you release trapped patterns and come into greater joy through your own creative expression. Jen incorporates kriyas, pranayama, deep core work, holding of poses and meditation into a creative and playful Vinyasa Flow asana practice. Music is an essential part of Jen's classes, especially inspirational, devotional and healing music.
Yoga is a practice where one is able to be present in the moment allowing for balance both in the mind and body. Lisa's intuitive style of teaching incorporates energetic asana, pranayama, sprinkled with fun and laughter. She believes wholeheartedly that yoga can be benefitted by all. Lisa's classes are balanced with healthy alignment, dynamic sequencing and compassionate hands on assist. She gives her students the opportunity to express themselves freely with an open mind and loving heart.
You can find Lisa in her kitchen cooking up delicious meals and baked goodies. A foodie at heart Lisa enjoys trying new cuisines. She finds it incredible fulfilling in sharing the lessons learned on and off the mat.
Alex Duchscher, ERYT 200, has been practicing yoga since 1999, and teaching yoga since 2002, when she got her initial 200 hour teacher training certificate from Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health. Since then she has incorporated more Vinyasa flow to complement Kripalu's Hatha style of yoga, attending trainings with Vinyasa teachers and mentors Shiva Rea, Shannon Paige, Laura Wade Jaster and Jess Lazar. Also, studying and practicing Buddhist philosophy and meditation has added a joyful peace and freedom to her approach to yoga practice. Her practices are fluid with elements of strength and grace.
Alex also enjoys the depth, commitment and connection that come from teaching prenatal yoga.
Alex lived and taught yoga and practiced massage in Vail, Colorado for the better part of 10 years and has recently relocated to the Northern VA/D.C. Metro area. She is transitioning into new massage and yoga experiences and will update schedule with any new classes and massage information as it becomes available on her website: www.renewaltide.com.
Kirsten started practicing yoga in 1997, following a rich path of Ashtanga, Iyengar, Power, and Vinyasa Flow practices. Once serving as a retreat during difficult periods, yoga is now an integral part of Kirsten's life. She focuses on challenging Prana Vinyasa sequences built around an intention or dedication that you can carry with you off the mat. She centers on proper alignment, core strengthening, and the breath to guide the ebb and flow of each movement and to build a stronger practice. A marathon runner, Kirsten teaches yoga and meditation to athletes to help them avoid injury, improve form, and boost concentration. Kirsten is a Prana Vinyasa certified yoga instructor and RYT-500. She is also trained in trauma sensitive yoga. Kirsten welcomes you to share the space, discover new depths, and become your own teacher!
Sheetal learned her first sun salutation when she was only twelve years old while visiting her grandfather's ashram in India. Since then, a quiet interest in yoga rested within her, only to re-awaken when she was attending medical school. It was then that Sheetal discovered yoga classes at her local gym. Initially attending classes out of curiosity and as a means to balance her running routine, she ended up finding incredible peace and stillness through the yoga practices. She was hooked! She had tapped into something special, something so deep and powerful that she just had to share it with others. In 2010, she went on to complete her 200-hour yoga instructor training at Atma Bodha Yoga School in Virginia Beach. She subsequently completed the 300-hour yoga instructor training with Hari Om Yoga School in Costa Rica, the Laugh-a Yoga Leader training at Yogaville, and the Ayurveda Lifestyle Consultant Certificate Program at David Frawley's American Institute of Vedic Studies. Sheetal is continually amazed by the wisdom of yoga's ancient teachings and finds joy in sharing these powerful tools through her teaching.
When not teaching yoga, Sheetal has the pleasure to serve as a pediatrician in Northern Virginia, providing care for her sweet little patients while offering guidance to their parents as they navigate through the wondrous journey of raising healthy, brightly inspired children. Sheetal also makes sure to engage in other activities that light up her soul - listening to live music, exploring the outdoors, spending precious time with family and friends, being an aunty to her friends' awesome kids, and cooking up new and exciting vegan dishes. She looks forward to connecting with you on this incredible journey of yoga, self-discovery, and infinite love!
For more information on Sheetal, please visit www. shaktividyayoga.com
Rosalynd was introduced to Yoga in 2009 as an elective for her BFA in Modern Dance Performance while attending The University of the Arts in Philadelphia.
Continuing her career as a professional dancer while maintaining her practice on the mat integrated self-care, self-love, and self-nurturing to Rosalynd's lifestyle.
While dancing in San Diego, she began a more spiritually rooted Asana practice. However, upon moving to Washington, DC in 2015, there was a lack of studios that offered the meditation, mantra, chanting, asana, and satsang that essentially, her soul longed for.
Then she met Gopi Kinnicutt at Bhakti Yoga, where Rosalynd became a certified RYT 200hr instructor. Incorporating her dynamic background as a Dancer into her sequencing along with a profound sense of intention and mindfulness within the practice creates a gracefully poetic approach to a Prana Vinyasa flow. Rosalynd focuses on the precision of anatomical alignment through verbal cueing, maintaining an eloquent and artistic visual journey in maximizing the use of prana in the body while stimulating a full mind, body, and spirit practice.
She currently leads workshops and classes throughout DC, MD, and VA, ranging from contracted corporate yoga to low income/under-served community spaces. In her mind, everyone deserves accessibility to the benefits of this practice and she is on a journey to be that vessel!
Lawrence was led to yoga as a way to develop a healthier lifestyle. He fell in love with the practice after experiencing several major life shifts and followed the path to teaching. He completed his 200HR YTT through Bhakti Yoga DC's India Immersion in March 2018.
Lawrence seeks to serve his students with an empowering flow that awakens an inner calm. He resourcefully and strategically sequences breath and movement to create a dynamic flow that opens their hearts and unlocks their true nature.
Yvette is known for her rhythmic and creative classes that are infused with heart-centered wisdom. She weaves together Eastern Philosophy with Western Psychology to curate a holistic exploration of the mind, body and spirit while using asana as a vehicle for insight and healing. With grace and sense of playfulness, she guides you through a somatic journey to access a direct experience with your body and increase present-centered awareness to leave you feeling connected and vibrantly alive.
Yvette has been practicing and studying meditation for over a decade, specifically in the Vipassana, Tantric, and Zen traditions, and now integrates the transformative practice of devotional prayer and mantra meditation into her daily rituals. She earned a Master's degree in Transpersonal Psychology and completed her 200-hr yoga teacher training at Bhakti Yoga DC.
Sandra found yoga when she was seeking an extra fitness challenge and restoration from injuries, but instead found respite and a comprehensive life practice. It is on the mat that she feels the most alive, strong, and centered; Sandra encourages students to also feel beautiful in their practice. She is passionate about what an asana practice brings to one's life and it is this playfulness and fresh perspective that encourages her students to take on new challenges and view old poses in a new light. Having trained with Gopi Kinnicut in Prana and Vinyasa Flow, Sandra is comfortable providing all levels instruction, modifications, and hands-on assists. Sandra works full time with homeless individuals in Downtown DC and has training in sensitive language and voice flexion that is highly relevant to conducting classes accessible to diverse populations. Personally, she loves creative sequencing, utilizing the breath to create heat and flexibility, but also values restorative practices, focusing on the fundamentals of breath and meditation.


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emma gannon
Emma Gannon is an author and broadcaster based in London. The former social media editor of British Glamour, she has an award-winning blog and has been published everywhere from the Telegraph to Teen Vogue. She enjoys writing on how we can adapt ourselves to survive and thrive in the new world of work. She has written pieces about changes in the workplace for Glamour and the Guardian, and featured in a video on millennials at work for The Pool. Her incredibly successful podcast 'CTRL, ALT, DELETE' discusses work, social media and careers and features guests such as Lena Dunham, Gillian Anderson, Elizabeth Gilbert and Zoella. Her second book THE MULTI-HYPHEN METHOD comes out with Hodder in Spring 2018.


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Regular readers of this blog know that we can be procrastinators sometimes. We reply to comments days after they've been posted; we announce little things like bands getting new lead singers two months after the fact. Hey, a blog this good takes time to craft, okay? That and we may be easily distracted. Squirrel!
So please forgive us, dear reader Mike, for taking nearly two years since your comment suggesting that we add Renaldo and the Loaf to the Weird List to finally, you know, add Renaldo and the Loaf to the Weird List. We've been working our way up to it. (And yeah, we know, no Butthole Surfers yet, either. We're working on that one, too.)
For those of you not familiar (and there probably aren't many of you, since at least 10 other people* since Mike have also recommended them to us), Renaldo and the Loaf are a British duo best-known for a series of albums they released in the '80s on Ralph Records, the label run by one of their biggest influences, The Residents. Using various tape delays and effects to distort vocals, guitars, drums and other mostly acoustic instruments, they created songs that unfurled like carnival music for lunatic asylums, full of oddly tuned guitars, funhouse percussion, nonsense lyrics, start-stop rhythms and a general sense of silliness that many a pretentious "avant-garde" recording artist could stand to learn from.
Most folks probably discovered R&L with their first Ralph Records album, 1981′ s Songs for Swinging Larvae. But Dave "Ted the Loaf" Janssen and Brian "Renaldo Malpractice" Poole actually first began making music together about a decade earlier, as they outline in the somewhat patchy autobiography on their official website. Fun fact: one of their earliest influences was
T. Rex Tyrannosaurus Rex, the early, psychedelic folk incarnation of the band that would later come to be known as T. Rex.
After they hooked up with The Residents, R&L cranked out a bunch of music, including reissues of some of their earlier material, three studio albums, and a collaboration with The Residents called Title in Limbo. But by 1988, they had decided to call it quits. Since then, both have continued to release music through various projects on their own: Brian Poole in collaboration with various artists under names like Fiction Friends and Shouting Hat, Dave Janssen mostly solo as Mr. Sneff, The Darkening Scale and The Tapeworm Vessel (the latter with Sylvie Walder). Janssen has also remixed a lot of old R&L material and posted most of the results on his website, where you can download them (along with his various solo efforts) for free.
In 2007, Poole and Janssen reunited to write some new songs for the soundtrack to an independent film called Kirk Mannican's Liberty Mug. You can listen to one of the new(ish) tunes on Janssen's website, buy the whole soundtrack (most of which, fair warning, is not Renaldo and the Loaf) or watch the whole film for a mere $2.99 on Amazon, of all places. Remember when you had to drive to some sketchy "artist's district" and paw through milk crates full of old VHS tapes in the dimly lit back of an "independent" video store to find such treasures? Oh, Internet, you make our lives so hassle-free.
Renaldo & the Loaf fans are a technologically adept bunch, so practically everything the duo ever recorded has been uploaded on YouTube. But apart from the occasional fan-made video, very little visual accompaniment to their music exists. They never really cashed in on the whole MTV thing and their only live performance, in 1980, was not videotaped. (It was, however, recorded and just released on CD for the first time this year, along with a reissue of their first album, Struvé and Sneff; only 500 copies were made, but if any are left you can order one from this place called the Klanggalerie.)
Fortunately, however, we do still have access to a short film from 1981 called "Songs for Swinging Larvae," based on portions of various tracks from the album of the same name. It is literally the All-Time Most Posted Video in Our User Comments, so most of you have probably seen it by now—but it's worth watching again. By now, that little kid must be pushing 40. And he probably still has an irrational fear of hair rollers and hand puppets.
*Others who have repeatedly suggested we write about Renaldo and the Loaf: Hambu hodo, TommyTopHat, Melody Felicia-Baril McGinn, EThan and Frederson. Sorry it took so long, y'all.
- Renaldo & the Loaf official site
- mrsneff (official web home of Dave "Ted the Loaf" Janssen)
- Renaldo M on MySpace
- Klanggalerie (home to the Struvé & Sneff reissue)
- An Interview With Renaldo and the Loaf (short documentary based on phone interviews with Janssen and Poole)


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There's no substitute for experience…
Simply put, Far West Farms and the Karazissis Family have been at this for a long time. We know horses, we know what it takes to make a champion, and we know how to balance the thrill of soaring over a fence with a safe landing on the other side. Years of teaching, riding, and showing have honed our program to bring out the best in each horse and rider, emphasizing each individual's strengths, encouraging growth wherever needed, nurturing talent, and using the most advanced best practices in equine science to achieve success.
FWF staff works closely with students as they each set their own goals – whether it's being in the spotlight at a national finals, bringing home a ribbon from a local show, or just being the best rider possible. Training Barn students either own or lease a horse. We teach six days a week, and clients are encouraged to ride every day they can. Our passion for the sport is contagious, and with perseverance, a healthy dose of fun and lots of hard work, FWF will help make those goals become reality.
Our riders have taken every major West Coast medal final, and been champions at Harrisburg, Capitol Challenge, Washington D.C, Lake Placid and Atlanta. They are consistently in the ribbons in the hunter, jumper, equitation, and pony rings at every horse show we go to. Many former FWF students – including Ashlee Bond, Jamie and Katie Taylor, Marla Amormino, Stacey Ryan, Maja Lindemann, and Heather Lake – have gone on to become professionals in the sport.
FWF's success is due in no small part to loyal, supportive parents who recognize the value of this sport and what it can give to their children, and allow for the time it takes to develop a good horseman and a talented horse. We've shown over and over that horses who come to FWF for training only get better in our program, often doubling or tripling in value. To see potential in a horse, give it every chance to improve and do everything to get it at its best, then win in the show ring – that's really gratifying!
…and no substitute for hard work when it comes to achieving success.
Contact us for more information about our programs and to learn more about how we can help you achieve your riding goals.


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Into the Cloud of Unknowing (Group Ticket)
Into the Cloud of Unknowing (Group Ticket)
Atheism and theism are almost always portrayed as mortal enemies engaged in a bloody battle to the death. In this Decentering Practice (which was originally Atheism for Lent 2017) we overturn that image by demonstrating a much more disturbing and shocking truth: that in reality they have been bound together in the most passionate and torturous of love affairs.
When separated from each other, both suffer. Yet when they embrace, each is enriched. Together they take on the oppressive forces of religion in its sacred and secular forms. Together they help to reveal a depth and density, mystery and texture, in the very heart of life.
Into the Cloud of Unknowing is designed to bring you to the heart of this scandalous love affair; drawing out the liberation that is to be found there.
By exploring atheism as a spiritual practice of purification, we allow it to become a ritual of exorcism powerful enough to cast out the religious dogmatism and festering fundamentalism that can lurk within our souls.
This is a decentering practice designed to envelop you in what some mystics have called the great Cloud of Unknowing. It is designed to expand your mind, enrich your soul and destabilize your world. This is a course I have personally taught for over 15 years, and in that time I've seen it transform countless lives.
What Happens When I Purchase a Ticket
You will receive a link to a private website that has the entire course. All you need to do the entire course is that link.
What to Expect
You'll get seven weeks of online articles, podcasts, book excerpts, art, music, comic books and videos - something for every day. In addition to the reflections, there is a prerecorded talk at the beginning of each week where I introduce the readings. You might want to do the course over seven consecutive weeks, however there are other options. For instance, you could do every other week, or once a month.
Atheism for Lent Individuals
If you'd like to do this course on your own, or with a couple of people, you can get individual tickets by clicking on the link below,


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We develop Retirement Plans to help you avoid running out of money in retirement.. The three biggest expenses that retirees encounter are the cost of housing, the cost of medical care, and the impact of price inflation. We help you estimate your retirement sources of income vs your living expenses.
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We employ a methodology that begins with Listening to You, Your Goals, Your financial position and Your Retirement Needs. The final product is a comprehensive report that contains a realistic and actionable plan that will help you reach your retirement goals. We will help you understand and reduce the high cost of Medicare co-insurance through the use of Medicare Supplemental or Medicare Advantage insurance plans.
Our Website contains a wealth of information that is located in the Resources Menu. We recommend you watch our Videos and view the FLIPbooks . Topics include: Retirement Income, Wealth Preservation, Tax Planning, Estate Planning, Risk Management and Planning Calculators.
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A Culture Of Excellence At Nightforce Optics
By Len Backus, Publisher
Last summer Kathy and I made a 5,200 mile road trip from our home in Wisconsin to the northwest coast of the US. We got up as far north as Vancouver Island in British Columbia and as far south as Darrell Holland's home and business in southern Oregon.
We visited a number of Long Range Hunting related folks on the way and had a great time. There were many high points on the trip but none more interesting and satisfying than our 4 hour tour of the Nightforce Optics headquarters facility in Orofino, Idaho. I had wanted to visit them for several years and now the timing was perfect.
I bought my first Nightforce scope for personal use in the year 2000 and we've been a Nightforce dealer for quite a while. Nightforce in all these years has had an enviable reputation for quality and service. So when we arrived at the Orofino headquarters it was with great expectations for seeing quality control in action.
But long before our 4 hour tour was over, we were just blown away.
Our impression started with the way each member of the Nightforce team seemed so proud and knowledgeable. Several times I was standing near a tech support person on the phone handling calls from either a prospective buyer or an existing customer who needed help. It was impressive to hear the amount of tech knowledge being discussed. Everyone who handles telephone service knows the product inside and out.
We began our 4 hour tour by donning disposable booties on our feet to keep a clean, dust-free environment. That little "dot" in the hand in the picture below is not a speck of dirt, by the way. No, it is a tiny, tiny fastener used in one of the scopes.
You can purchase Nightforce products right HERE at The Long Range Hunting Store.
Turret Cap
Well in advance of our arrival I had been asked just what I'd like to see or learn on our tour. I said I wanted to understand how they achieved such a high level of quality both in production and in service.
I can't quote you dimensional tolerances or statistical facts because we were asked to sign a non-disclosure agreement before our tour started. But let me just say I watched an engineer who was doing quality checks for manufacturing tolerances on a special electronic measuring device that cost much, much more than the combined values of my two vehicles and all my personal rifles.
In fact, one strong impression I got from the tour is that the strong growth in sales and profits in recent years has enabled them to make very large investments in technology and personnel that will enable them to further excel.
Before any new scope is sent out the door it undergoes a very rigorous inspection.
Inspection checklist form.
Each scope is put through an impact test. It is pounded against a hard surface to test integrity of the reticle and the erector tube components. This has to do with repeatability of "clicks" for adjusting for both elevation and windage.
The scope is struck on the target in several different directions. And then it is subject again to the repeatability tests.
All scopes are checked for resolution (sharpness), clarity, brightness, repeatability and other factors.
As we left Orofino, Idaho that day to continue our long, pleasant journey home, it was with a sense that the team members at Nightforce Optics truly epitomize the concept of "a culture of excellence".
Our new friends at Nightforce.
About The Author:
Len Backus is the owner of www.LongRangeHunting.com. He has been a long range hunter since the 90's and is as likely to bag his game with a camera as with a rifle or a specialty handgun. His outdoor photography can be seen at LenBackus.com.
Help Support Long Range Hunting by donating:
A Culture Of Excellence At Nightforce Optics
By Len Backus · Jun 12, 2017 ·
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Nahane Indians, Nahane People, Nahane First Nation ('people of the west.'). An Athapascan division occupying the region of British Columbia and Yukon Territory between the Coast range and the Rocky mountains, from the north border of the Sekani, about 57° north, to that of the Kutchin tribes, about 65° north. It comprises the Tahltan and Takutine tribes forming the Taliltan division, the Titshotina and Etagottine tribes forming the Kaska division, and the Esbataottine and Abbatotine (considered by Petitot to be the same tribe), Sazeutina, Ettchaottine, Etagottine, Kraylongottine, Klokegottine, and perhaps Lakuyip and Tsetsant. They correspond with Petitot's Montagnard group, except that he included also the Sekani. The language of the Nahane however constitutes a dialect by itself, entirely distinct from Sekani, Carrier, or Kutchin. The western divisions have been powerfully influenced by their Tlingit neighbors of Wrangell, and have adopted their clan organization with maternal descent, the potlatch customs of the coast tribes, and many words and expressions of their language. The two principal social divisions or phratries are called Raven and Wolf, and the fact that Sazeutina and Titshotina seem to signify 'Bear people' and 'Grouse people' respectively, leads Morice to suspect that these groups are really phratries or clans. The eastern Nahane have a loose paternal organization like the Sekani and other Athapascan tribes farther east. According to Morice the Nahane have suffered very heavily as a result of white contact. He estimates the entire population at about 1,000.
Nahane Tribe
Locations:British Columbia Canada, Canada, Yukon Territory Canada,
Collection:Hodge, Frederick Webb, Compiler. The Handbook of American Indians North of Mexico. Bureau of American Ethnology, Government Printing Office. 1906.
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