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When it started to become clear that Dad was not going to be making it out of the hospital, I left for a little while to go to work. On the drive in, I started thinking about his funeral. I'm a very emotional guy, and when I go to funerals tears flow freely and I get choked up. Often at funerals there's a time where people can stand up and say a few words about the dearly departed. Many times there were words I wanted to say, thoughts I wanted to express, but then my throat would catch and the tears would flow and I'd remain rooted to the seat and the thoughts would remain in my mind. I just knew that if I stood up to try and say something I'd just start sobbing and be unable to string together a coherent thought.
I knew that no one would expect me to get up and speak at my father's funeral… and yet, at my core I'm a writer, and words are what I do– they're as much a part of me as my arms and legs. I felt that I had to put together words to eulogize Dad and I wanted to try and share them with family and his friends. I know that I could have simply printed it out and handed it to people to read, but that seemed like the easy way out. You only get one chance to say your final goodbye to your father, and speaking the words I wrote was the best way I could think to do it.
I printed it out in large font, front and back, stocked up on quite a few tissues, and went on up. I know reading from a sheet of paper doesn't make for the best public speaking, but I figured it would help keep me focused and keep me from choking up. I did try and look up some during the eulogy, and I somehow managed to make it through, in large part I think because I did my best to inject some humor into the words to battle back the tears. Everyone seemed to love what I had to say, and that made me even more happy with the decision to speak.
I've got the entirety of the eulogy behind the cut.
I'm not very good at public speaking and I get pretty emotional during times like these, but I'm pretty good at putting words together and wanted to try and read to you something I wrote about Dad. I think it's probably a safe bet that most of you know having Richard as a Dad wasn't always easy. But if we believe that each of us are put on this Earth for a reason — and I do — then there was reason why I was here as his son, and why he was here as my father.
I look at my own children as my love letters to the future, so then it follows that Rachel and I must also be Dad's love letters to the future. What sort of love letters did he send?
I'd say those letters included a love of family. A family so special that we couldn't just celebrate Christmas together, but instead had to create our own special holiday, the Smith Christmas.
A love of friends. Dad never knew a stranger and always seemed to be able to make a friendly connection with anyone. A couple years back he was helping me and a friend move some furniture to my apartment, and I know my friend really enjoyed spending the afternoon with him. We nicknamed Dad "Epic Rope Man" in honor of his amazing ability to secure any large objects in the back of his truck for safe transport. Making calls this week to his old friends to break the news was hard, but it also made me happy to know he'd reached and touched so many lives.
A love of Virginia, a love of the Richmond area. I know Dad spent a lot of his youth moving around in a military family, but he put down deep roots and loved it right here in here Central Virginia. As a kid I used to think about leaving Virginia, going to New York or California, but I'm still here. Somehow I never could bear the thought of leaving, I love it just as much as he did. Richmond, Varina, Mechanicsville, Henrico– it's part of my DNA. Chesterfield though… well, I suppose there's enough family across the river that it's starting to grow on me…
A love of football. I'm sure it didn't take long for anyone meeting Dad for the first time to learn of his love for Virginia Tech football. Superfan is probably too tame a word to describe him. And I blame him for being a Cowboys fan smack dab in the middle of Redskin country. Wherever he is right now, I know he's got his fingers crossed Romo doesn't choke in the playoffs again this season.
A love of games. I can remember when it clicked for me why there was a connection between Dad always trying to fortify Australia and eventually winning the game of Risk. Strategy! And when I taught Anna Marie to play Backgammon it evoked memories of me playing it with Dad when I was her age.
A love of science fiction, a love of movies. I've got great memories of going to see the fantastic movies Avatar and Inception with him, and I know he loved them just as much as I did. The drive back home afterwards talking about them made the experiences even better. I'm quite the dreamer and I think he was too.
A love of food. He made sure to educate me that one of the most delicious things in the world was the skin off a baked Thanksgiving turkey. And that a movie or football game just wasn't complete without buttered popcorn.
Love letters to the future. His love lives on in all of us.
Sunday evening we were gathering up some papers from his apartment and we ran across an old journal of his and I took it home with me. It looks like the book was given to Aunt Barbara as a gift from her Grandpa Smith in 1962 but somehow it was Dad who actually used it. I imagine there's probably a funny story that explains how that happened. Anyway, it's got short daily entries in it from the years 1964 through 1967, though the entry for June 25, 1967 is rather long– it's when I was born, and it was special to me to read what he wrote that day. Many of you who were in his life back then have made appearances in his words– don't worry, I haven't run across anything scandalous yet, and if I do your secrets are safe with me!
As a writer, one thing that fascinates me is subtext, which is the story behind the story– the meaning that lies between the words. He may have only recorded a few sentences in his journal each entry, but I know that there was a whole day of life behind those words, a day that meant enough to him to want to anchor it in memory on the page. It is very clear in both the text and subtext of Dad's journal that as a young man he worked hard and played hard, he loved his family and friends very much, and I know he kept those values throughout his life. I was watching a TV show this week and they quoted the Robert Herrick poem "Gather Ye Rosebuds While Ye May" and it made me think about Dad. 67 feels too young to leave this life, but you know what? I think Dad gathered a pretty good heaping helping of rosebuds while he was here.
When Greg came out to the hospital Saturday, he told me he paused a moment looking at a picture he has of his dad Gary, my dad, and their brother Uncle Tommy posing with a huge haul of fish they'd pulled from the ocean one day. The extended Smith family had gotten together for vacation one summer, I believe it was down in Nag's Head, and while most of the time they were neck deep in the swirl of extended family activities, of being dads and husbands and sons, one morning the three of them got up before anyone else and went off to fish by themselves. To just be three men fishing, brothers together enjoying something they loved. I know losing his brothers was hard on Dad, but we can take some comfort now knowing he's happy to finally get to see them again in the next life. Who knows, maybe they're off some place fishing together right now?
Rest easy, Dad. We love you.


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"Besides, I like libraries. It makes me feel comfortable and secure to have walls of words, beautiful and wise, all around me. I always feel better when I can see that there is something to hold back the shadows."
Nine Princes in Amber is the first book in the Chronicles of Amber series. My initial reaction to the novel is a positive one, as it reflects upon the better aspects of pulp fantasy fiction from the 1970s and beyond. In many ways I feel that this novel is what Michael Moorcock was aiming to create with his Elric novels and yet I feel as if Zelazny succeeded much better at creating a book which reflects a mixture of strange magic and human appeal.
The Prince Corwin, awakes at the beginning of this novel to find himself in a hospital where he has been kept sedated for two weeks. Unfortunately he remembers almost nothing about his past life and why he has been placed in the hospital. He discovers quickly however that he does not belong on Earth (where he has found himself) but is a member of a proud and arrogant bloodline that considers itself superior. He is a member of the house of Amber, the real world from which all other worlds are constructed in the Shadow as mere copies and imitations. And so of course Corwin discovers quickly that he is a part of a battle for the abandoned throne of Amber and must fight for that throne.
The concept of one world being the true one and all others being copies is an interesting one to me. Alongside the other magical idea of having a race of beings who can manipulate these other worlds in their own ways I was fascinated by this. In essence our main character is a kind of godly being, only with some of the limitations of a mortal and forced to fight for his very survival.
The one negative to this novel is that, like many other fantasy novels, women have been depicted in a way that suits the author's intentions for his male characters. In other words they are absent or removed from the real aspects of the plot. The few female characters that did appear served to exist as Corwin's lovers or his sisters (whom he used to hide from his brother). However, I do not feel this necessarily an indictment on Zelazny yet, as I have not read anything else by him to this point. It may be more a reflection on the arrogance and brutality of his protagonists and antagonists.
Is Nine Princes in Amber a decent novel then? I would admit to it being a beyond decent novel. With its magic, its brevity and its overall enigmatic charm it was a book that ticked many of the boxes of what I appreciate in fiction. I almost forgot to mention the subtlety of the humour, which tied in nicely into the ways Zelazny showed events unfolding. Of course, the prose is nothing to praise in particular (this is a pulp fantasy work) but by stripping his prose of too many distracting elements Zelazny capably focused his novel around the unfolding action and the likeability and distastefulness of the characters. That, in my eyes, is solid writing.

subset: commoncrawl


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There a loads of perfectly good reasons for asking for your money back. Maybe you accidentally bought child-sized shoes after thinking you'd spotted the deal of a lifetime. Maybe the four-star hotel you saw advertised online turned out to be a brothel. Maybe your brand new micro pig is actually a cleverly disguised wild boar, with a savage appetite and unfortunate habit of goring guests. One thing that is never acceptable under any circumstances, however, is asking someone to pay for not having sex with you. This should be blindingly obvious to everyone who's ever interacted with another human being. And yet, here we are.
A text exchange that took place in Hull last weekend has gone viral after an anonymous Casanova requested a refund for buying drinks for a woman on a night out. In one of the most romantic literary odes since Shakespeare penned his anonymous sonnets, the mystery Romeo wrote, "Nice one ;) could you transfer me for those drinks I bought you lat nite [sic] since we didn't go home togeva wasn't really worth my time was it lol x." E E Cummings, eat your heart out.
Shockingly, this elegiac prose did not have the desired effect, as the recipient of the message decided to post the entire conversation to social media. Taking to Twitter, student paramedic Chlo Matthews posted a screen grab of the interchange, captioned "So a guy bought me a drink when I was out last night and I gave him my number and… Chlo Matt is officially retiring from nights out."
Aside from the amorous crescendo, the messages from the man known only as "Danny from Atik" included gems such as "Hey who's this?x" and "O ye dennim dress?x [sic.]". However, like any straight shooter, he didn't wait long before getting down to brass tax. Amazingly, Chlo revealed that she did not follow through with the request.
Once the messages appeared on line, social media was full of ideas for revenge. One Twitterer said that Chlo "should have transferred a penny with an cutting insult in the payment ref. would have come out on bank statement [sic.]." Another went further still, suggesting that she "Invoice him for the time you spent talking to him and deduct the drinks bill from it. He'll still owe you and you can tell him use the balance for admission to charm school. What a plonker." For other lovesick clubbers, the lesson is simple - just because you've bought someone a drink does not mean they have to sleep with you. If you're wondering why no one wants a snog, despite being offered a double vodka and Coke, you're probably better off looking in the grubby Atik mirror.


text: The first Saturday of August is usually when the annual Marin Century bicycle ride is held and for the third year in a row I volunteered to ride SAG support on my motorcycle. I carried a SAG kit that was thoroughly stocked by the ride sponsors (Marin Cyclists Road Club) with tools/parts/first aid gear as well as a floor pump and a cell phone. I covered over 180 miles including much of the double century route up in Coleman Valley above Bodega which is breathtakingly beautiful country. Here's a link to my photos ~ the most unusual coincidence had to be the first person I stopped to assist was Kelly Keen, a person I know who is a client of the company I work for. How amazing with over 2500 riders to have that happen. Below is a video compiled of various clips I took with my flip camcorder.


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Teacher Created Resources Elapsed Time Ruler, Set of 5
Item #: 2003699
Elapsed Time Ruler is a helpful visualization tool for children to learn how to calculate time. Includes slider markers for beginning and end times to aid in figuring time.
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Help students visualize and calculate elapsed time with a flexible ruler that can be made into a 5-inch diameter circle. Place the sliders at start and end times, then count the time in between the markers. Hours are divided into five minute increments marked with dashes and 15-minute increments are also noted. Unfolded ruler measures 17-1/2 x 13/4 inches.
- Has slits at end of ruler so it can be made into a circle
- Measures between two increments of time
- Rulers can be written on and wiped off
- Includes suggested activities
- 5 Elapsed Time Rulers


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France won!!
I think this is where we talk about redemption and all that after that piss poor showing in the 1999 cup, but really all I want to talk about is that instant replay situation that cost Croatia a PK and subsequently made world soccer history. The fact that a hand ball was called using technology was BONKERS. Apart from that, it didn't dictate the outcome of the match, but it did effect the momentum and morale. If not for an owned goal and that PK, it would have been a tied match. The use of instant replay to change on field calls is something that shouldn't be allowed to infiltrate soccer…. I wouldn't hate reviewing goals, but not plays or handballs like they did this Sunday in Russia. No complaints here, I thought it was interesting soccer and good viewing. Just something a little strange that added to an otherwise high scoring match. I gotta say, those goals were all stunning. Little heart shaped eye emoji to my guy Ned for making breakfast and watching me yell for 90 minutes.
THE DINNER: We went to Antigua and Barbuda for some island cooking this weekend. It was a rainy Sunday, so soup was on the menu! This one is called "Pepperpot Soup" and it's peppery and veggie packed. The islands are known for soups like this that are similar to South Pacific hotpot. The ingredients are typically local and this one features some sweet potatoes!
Pepperpot Soup Recipe: https://littlelostcook.wordpress.com/2014/05/28/8-antigua-en-barbuda-pepperpot-soup-and-ducuna/
Ease of prep and cooking: 1 STARS out of 5 STARS for this meal!
The nature of soup is it's simplicity. You throw all the ingredients in a pot and let them get happy. That's really all we did here. No translations. All around no conversions or metrics! (we did have to use green beans in place of okra due to time of year)
Best dish of all time scale: 4.5 STARS out of 5 for this meal!!
For someone who hated sweet potatoes all her life, my mom loved this soup! While it was spicy and peppery the potatoes cut that with their sweetness and starch. Magical it was said Yoda. The beef sirloin was tender and hearty- while also managing to not be stringy or sinewy. We used green beans as a substitute for okra and that was awesome. Fresh green beans add such a great texture and honestly, I'm spoiled now and can't even think about canned ones. It was just what the doctor ordered!
Back firing on all cylinders we will be hitting up #182 for Kyrgyzstan! This means we are 13 countries away from being done and that's incredible! Closing out this project of 4 years will be something miraculous and amazing.
Great Match France!


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Your mission in this tank war game is to utilize your Venom V-1 Tank to break through enemy defenses using mortar bombs, cannon shells, machine guns and much more. After landing on the beach make your way through the enemy defenses.
Use arrows or WASD for move.
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Lexus Service Center
Lexus Service Center
Your Lexus is an expertly crafted and fine-tuned machine that requires a little upkeep over the years to ensure that it continues its strong performance while remaining in its luxurious condition. When you're looking for automotive service in the Larchmont, New Rochelle, and Yonkers area for your Lexus, why gamble? The Lexus Service Center at Ray Catena Lexus of Larchmont is your destination for the most qualified service and technicians to handle the inner workings of your Lexus model.
The Benefits of Regularly Scheduled Lexus Service
When it comes to taking great care of your Lexus and keeping it in great condition, regularly scheduled service and maintenance is absolutely necessary, especially if you're looking to keep your Lexus around throughout the years. Staying on top of oil changes will result in your vehicle performing at its best and at its most efficient. Through a series of quick, but necessary, services, you'll be able to keep your Lexus looking and performing at its best.
Regular service is even the best way to spot any issues with your vehicle that could become worse over time. By finding the issue and fixing it, you can effectively put off a costly and inconvenient vehicle error, and you'll be able to continue the joys of driving your Lexus.
Our Lexus Certified Technicians
At our Lexus Service Center, we've amassed a team of skilled expert technicians who are Lexus Certified. This means that they've received specific training on the best way of servicing and maintaining a Lexus engine, body, and components. Using state-of-the-art tools and technology, they'll be able to determine any issues occurring with your vehicle and its performance so they can work towards a long-lasting solution that has you back out on the road in style.
Scheduling Lexus Service
If you're in need of service with your Lexus, scheduling an appointment with us at Ray Catena Lexus of Larchmont is really easy. You can either call us at (914) 833-5000, or you can schedule your service online. We just need some basic information about you and your vehicle. We'll then contact you to confirm your appointment with our Lexus Service Center.
Are you in need of help with maintaining your stylish and luxurious Lexus? Schedule your service with us today. Ray Catena Lexus of Larchmont is proud to provide exceptional automotive service to drivers all throughout the Larchmont, New Rochelle, and Yonkers areas.


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Meditate: Interrupt those fifty thousand daily thoughts.
This was the title of a blog post I wrote last year. It is worth repeating. Can you imagine that your mind is rambling away with that many thoughts a day? What are we thinking? How could we have so much chatter going on, just filling up our minds (and emotions and feelings too, by the way)? Wouldn't it be nice to take a break from all that blabber, most of which is repetitive and non-productive? Well, you are in luck, you can take that break. It is all within your power. It is called meditation, and it could be the most important activity you will ever encounter in your life.
At the beginning of these weekly lessons comprising "The 52," I promised I would offer you practices that would be simple and include reflections on the body, mind, breath,senses, and the loving spirit within each of us. I hope you have realized that spending even a little time on any one of these lessons can have surprising results. If you experimented with being quiet and stop "doing," you may have felt your life make some subtle shift. Keep at it!
Here are some words to ponder, written by the renowned medical doctor and gifted spiritual writer and teacher, Deepak Chopra:
Meditation is not at all a way of making your mind be quiet;
rather it is a way of entering into the quiet that' s already there,
buried under the fifty thousand thoughts an average person has every day.
What a relief! The quiet is already there. It is just waiting for you to slow down enough to notice. And in that silent retreat, when you step out of the world for a bit of time, miraculous adventure awaits you. If you already meditate, you know this. Good for you!
Meditation is, by the way, not some difficult or mysterious thing. Millions of people meditate every day. It does not require miraculous skills or even deep spiritual wisdom, yet it is life changing.
Here is the plan:
Choose a time, usually first thing in the morning, just before dinner, or at bedtime. Make it known to anyone around you that this is to be YOUR time. No interruption. No TV. No phones or IPads.
- Choose a place to sit where you are not slumped over but with your back straight. If you are in a chair, place your feet flat on the floor. In yoga, we would say, with the head, neck, and trunk in alignment. Rest your hands on your thighs or fold them together in front of you. Have your thumb and first finger be in contact. This keeps the energy within.
- Close your eyes and pay attention to calming the muscles in your neck, shoulders, and lower back. Imagine a stream of warming light moving down your body. Softening…
- Now pay attention to your breath. Feel the rising and falling, evenly inhaling and exhaling through your nose. If the breath seems restless or agitated, try to imagine and feel it becoming smooth.
- Keep focusing on the breath or on any comforting sound, like so ham or om, or any mantra you have used. Now let the breath and the sound join together in a seamless path drawing you into silence.
- Continue this for at least five minutes, once or twice a day. Don't be discouraged if you miss or your mind wonders (it almost certainly will). Avoid feeling impatient or judging. Expand the time if you are comfortable doing so.
- Just be. Nothing to do. Nothing to improve. Just be.
Remember, there is no such as a "bad" meditation, but each one may feel a little different from the others. Just go with it. Try this and see what happens. There will be more encouragement in a few days.
Of course, in the meantime you are loving yourself completely NOW –as you meditate — and in every single thing you do.
With love and namaste, Deanne
For more, go to www.deannemincer.com


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The Best Lobster Rolls in Maine
The Clam Shack, Kennebunk
Check it out: The Clam Shack
Made with locally caught soft-shell lobsters and custom-baked round yeast rolls, this is the freshest, tastiest lobster roll you'll find anywhere. Have it with drawn butter or mayo—or both!
Five Islands Lobster, Georgetown
More: The Best Seafood Dives in Maine
Check it out: Five Islands Lobster
Here, you can actually peer into a lobster shed to watch the Five Islands staff hand-picking all the lobster meat which eventually finds it way into every lightly toasted, buttered, split-top bun.
Red's Eats, Wiscasset
Check it out: Red's Eats
This world-famous spot serves up a large, chilled lobster roll, resplendent with tail, claw, and knuckle meat on a toasted split-top bun. (Embrace the often-long wait… it's worth it)
Boothbay Lobster Wharf, Boothbay Harbor
More: The Best Lobster Rolls in America
Check it out: Boothbay Lobster Wharf
This working lobster wharf serves up a massive, six-ounce lobster roll, packed with fresh-picked meat and slathered generously with mayo. Be sure to enjoy it on the deck overlooking Boothbay Harbor.
Quoddy Bay Lobster, Eastport
Check it out: Quoddy Bay Lobster
Located on Passamaquoddy Bay, just across from Canada, Quoddy Bay catches its lobsters from the bay's frigid waters and serves them up in two to-die-for rolls: a regular four-ounce version and the massive eight-ounce monster. It's a little out of the way, but well worth the drive.
The Maine Diner, Wells
More: 13 Delicious Lobster Recipes
Check it out: The Maine Diner
This iconic Maine eatery serves some of the best seafood in the state, and their lobster roll is no exception. Choose from the cold version with mayo or the Maine's hot roll, with warmed lobster meat and drawn butter on the side.
Lobster Shack Two Lights, Cape Elizabeth
More: 25 Things Every Coastal Cook Should Know
Check it out: Lobster Shack Two Lights
Come for the magnificent ocean view, but stay for the lobster roll. We recommend the Two Lights version featuring a leaf of lettuce cradling a large dollop of lobster meat and mayo.
Bayley's Lobster Pound, Scarborough
Check it out: Bayley's Lobster Pound
This is the birthplace of the Maine lobster roll, and the Bayley family continues to put out a magnificent cold lobster roll brimming with fresh-picked lobster on a substantial split-top bun.
Harraseeket Lunch and Lobster, South Freeport
Check it out: Harraseeket Lunch and Lobster
Just a couple of miles from LL Bean's flagship store, this famous seafood stand serves up a wonderful cold lobster roll from its dock overlooking picturesque South Freeport harbor.
Sprague's Lobster, Wiscasset
Check it out: Sprague's Lobster
Located across the street from Red's Eats, the lobster roll at Sprague's is every bit as big and tasty as its competitor's. Bonus: you can forego the long wait and find ample seating on Sprague's sprawling riverside deck.
McLoon's Lobster Shack, South Thomaston
Check it out: McLoon's Lobster Shack
A relative newcomer to the lobster shack scene, McLoon's is ideally located across from the area's oldest working lobster wharf. Grab a magnificent roll of fresh-picked tail and claw meat from the barn-red pick-up window and take in the stunning views.
Young's Lobster Pound, East Belfast
Check it out: Young's Lobster Pound
This warehouse-sized lobster wholesaler on the docks holds more than 30,000 pounds of live lobsters in its tanks, so you know their roll is as fresh as can be. The great views out back only add to its destination-worthy status.
Thurston's Lobster Pound, Bernard
Check it out: Thurston's Lobster Pound
Mount Desert Island's prettiest lobster pound is joined at the hip with a pier that services more than a dozen lobster boats. Their roll is big and meaty, and the views of Bass Harbor are sublime.
Ken's Place, Scarborough
Check it out: Ken's Place
One of the few places in Maine to serve both hot and cold lobster rolls, this roadside stand near Old Orchard Beach meticulously hand-picks fresh lobster meat all day long throughout the season.
Bob's Clam Hut, Kittery
Check it out: Bob's Clam Hut
Just across the border from Portsmouth, New Hampshire, Bob's is a great way to kick off any visit to the state of Maine. Their renowned roll, tossed lightly in mayo and tucked into a toasted bun, is a can't-miss on any lobster crawl.
Eventide Oyster Company, Portland
Check it out: eventideoysterco.com
This unorthodox roll consists of lobster meat warmed in brown butter and served on a home-baked, Asian-style bao bun. Though it appears diminutive to the eye, this roll stands tall on the palate; 207-774-8538.
Check it out: biteintomaine.com
This lobster roll truck sits on one of the best spots in the state: a lofty perch overlooking the famed Portland Head lighthouse in Fort Williams Park. Try their classic Maine roll (chilled with mayo and chives); or go more exotic with Connecticut-style (hot butter); picnic-style (with coleslaw, butter, and celery salt); or the wasabi, curry, or chipotle mayo versions. 207-289-6142


text: Me? Blogging? Even I'm surprised! Am hoping to throw all of my art project ideas that I've accumulated over the years out to the universe and see what happens! So to all of you who pop in and out from time to time, may you always find something that inspires you! Here's to happy little … Continue reading


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Capella must be one of the youngest universities around. I've mentioned it before in these posts, so thought I'd have a bit of a look at their history. There isn't much about it online, just a list of dates when special things happened, but it's interesting to see that its beginnings only go back to 1991. By 2004 it had 10,000 learners: a fairly speedy increase!
Capella's focus is online education, and they have some 800 courses available. And the interaction between teacher and pupil is actually better than it is in many 'live' universities: "I enjoy this program more than anything I've done in the way of education. If I e-mail my professor, he e-mails me back immediately. It's like having a one-on-one tutor." [Don Felty]
I wrote on another blog about the way some college professors are giving up on email because they're feeling swamped. But to me email is one of the best forms of communication around, because people can relax as they write. They don't have to be reading signals from another person all the time, as we do face to face. I'm not advocating an end to face to face communication: it's just I'm a great fan of email!
This blog post is based on information provided by Blogitive. For more information, please visit Blogitive.com


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Mag Rack Goes to School for Rainbow
Rainbow Media Services is stepping into the world of instructional sports, while also bolstering content offerings for Mag Rack.
Looking to attract more viewers to its on-demand arena, Rainbow this week bowed instruction-based Sportskool on parent Cablevision Systems Corp. systems as a free on-demand service. The programming features some of today's top athletes providing some of their know-how.
Mag Rack also is teaming with Warner Bros. Publications on a guitar-instruction service that will offer playing rudiments, as well as information on how to pick classic and contemporary songs.
Sportskool begins with nine categories: fitness, skiing, yoga, snowboarding, basketball, football, skateboarding, lacrosse and freestyle motorcross, according to Brent Chapman, senior vice president of developing sports businesses for Rainbow. Each segment within a particular sport runs anywhere from five to 30 minutes.
The service will switch categories depending on what's in season — for example, Sportskool will add baseball and golf over the next couple of months, in time for spring, Chapman said.
The instructional segments feature such current athletes as soccer's Mia Hamm, Major League Baseball's Nomar Garciaparra, the Women's National Basketball Association's Sue Bird, National Football League quarterback Jeff Blake and tennis player Anna Kournikova.
While many of the segments were acquired from the now-defunct SportsID.com, Chapman said Sportskool is committed to producing the majority of its programming. "Of the 20 hours we're launching with, about 15 to 16 of those hours are originally produced" by Sportskool, Chapman said.
Sportskool is finalizing several marketing initiatives it plans to wield over the next several months to get the word out. Sportskool will also work with the National High School Coaches Association to alert more than 200,000 youth-level coaches, school administrators and athletes about the service, according to Chapman.
Chapman thinks fitness and yoga categories will get the most hits. "It appeals to everyone in the family from the kids to the wife to the husband."
Rainbow's Mag Rack on-demand service in March will teach viewers how to strum and slash guitar strings as part of a new instructional "magazine" developed in association with Warner Bros. Publications.
"Guitar Xpress" will feature hours of basic lessons, specific tips, and step-by-step instructions for playing popular songs, furnished by guitar experts who specialize in various musical genres, Mag Rack executive vice president and general manager Matt Strauss said.
"We think providing guitar instruction for VOD is a perfect application," Strauss said. "It allows people who really want to learn how to play the guitar or learn how to just play a song to take advantage of VOD's VCR functionally of pause and rewind to learn how to play at their own speed."
Also offered: a note-by-note breakdown on how to play songs, including rock standards American Pie, Sweet Home Alabama
and Born to be Wild.
It's meant for both beginning and seasoned guitarists and will feature tips from such legendary players as B.B. King.
Mag Rack will supplement the video magazine via its Web site, magrack.com. The site will be home to interactive, printable tablatures and chord diagrams.
Mag Rack also signed a distribution deal with hotel VOD provider On Command Corp. to place Mag Rack programming in front of 300,000 hotel rooms across the country. The VOD service already had a deal with hotel PPV vendor LodgeNet Entertainment.


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Save up to 60% on your medical bill by buying procedures upfront through MDsave.
Save up to 60% on medical services like imaging, general surgery and more by prepaying your bill before receiving treatment.
About Crestwood Medical Center
Crestwood Medical Center is your community healthcare provider, a 180-bed full-service acute care hospital offering surgical and diagnostic procedures while providing compassionate care. We believe in the power of people to create great care. We're approximately 1,000 healthcare professionals strong and are proud to be recognized as a Tier 1 Facility from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama and a "Top Performer in Key Quality Measures" by The Joint Commission (2011, 2012, 2013, 2014). We work hard every day to be a place of healing, caring and connection for patients and families in the community we call home.
Awards Crestwood Medical Center


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I entered the room,
and with all the energies diluted in the air
hers was too noisy to mingle with the rest.
So heavy that while the other's floated like a cloud,
Hers spread like a land,
hoping that the rain will moisture her this time
Even though her eyes were stormy already.
Her flight was the next day,
3.45 pm,
but she was already there.
She was already counting all the days that she wasn't there.
All the walls heating up and cooling down trough seasons,
She ran her fingers on them, as if reading all the stories of her absences,
only in braille.
But, would they remember her beauty or would they recognize her wrinkles?
Or would she remember them at all?
Yet, she recalled,
Suddenly sympathizing with the floor of her verandah during summers,
releasing the heat faultlessly
and burning their feet innocently
but wasn't it only desperate and waiting for a drop of rain as well?
Soul filled with gravity, pulled me towards her.
I sat in the space but my presence was blurred.
Starring at her verandah floor she raised her eyes in intervals
Heedless of her travel through spaces
In the room, she looked at the others.
Her heart spinning inside,
The numbness of her brain with perpetual events of what had happened and what did not
What would happen and what would not.
I wanted to hold her hand
But again,
my efforts of keeping her here were lost between the transactions.
So I held her tight, And I let her storms clash.
At last she was damped, as our tears splashed.


text:
Logical Reasoning
Logical reasoning, also known as critical thinking or analytic reasoning, involves one's ability to isolate and identify the various components of any given argument. A person with a higher logical reasoning ability is better equipped to work in positions that require quick decision making. So, it is not a surprise that the logical reasoning questions commonly appear in any placement tests, competitive exams or entrance exams.
Each Logical Reasoning question requires you to read and comprehend a short passage, then answer one question (or, rarely, two questions) about it. The questions are designed to assess a wide range of skills involved in thinking critically, with an emphasis on skills that are central to legal reasoning.
These skills include:
- Recognizing the parts of an argument and their relationships
- Recognizing similarities and differences between patterns of reasoning
- Drawing well-supported conclusions
- Reasoning by analogy
- Recognizing misunderstandings or points of disagreement
- Determining how additional evidence affects an argument
- Detecting assumptions made by particular arguments
- Identifying and applying principles or rules
- Identifying flaws in arguments
- Identifying explanations
The questions do not presuppose specialized knowledge of logical terminology. For example, you will not be expected to know the meaning of specialized terms such as "ad hominem" or "syllogism." On the other hand, you will be expected to understand and critique the reasoning contained in arguments. This requires that you possess a university-level understanding of widely used concepts such as argument, premise, assumption, and conclusion.
Suggested Approach:
- Read each question carefully. Make sure that you understand the meaning of each part of the question. Make sure that you understand the meaning of each answer choice and the ways in which it may or may not relate to the question posed.
- Do not pick a response simply because it is a true statement. Although true, it may not answer the question posed.
- Answer each question on the basis of the information that is given, even if you do not agree with it. Work within the context provided by the passage.
Time sequence, Number & Ranking test
Input - Output
Decision Making
Sitting Arrangement
Non verbal Reasoning


text: Finding balance to enrich the multi-sport experience for youth Look to multi-sport camps as a way to reap the benefits of various movement experiences for youth without overscheduling them, suggests U of A sport psychologist By Nicole Graham on May 14, 2019 The Green & Gold Sport System at the University of Alberta hosts multi-sport camps for youth ages 6 to 11 throughout the summer months Multi-sport athlete is a term that has been growing in popularity in mainstream media over the past several years. From Wayne Gretzky's "Message to parents" in the Globe and Mail to Steph Curry's "Approach to youth sports" in the Wall Street Journal, the message is very clear: encouraging your kids to participate in multiple sports from an early age will help develop a more well-rounded, confident and capable athlete. "Putting your kids in different sports exposes them to a variety of movement scenarios. Swimming is very different than soccer, and soccer is very different than curling," said Nick Holt, University of Alberta sport psychologist who studies youth development. "By sampling different types of sport, youth are building a good foundation of movement skills, which will help them as an athlete and should keep them physically active later in life." However, while parents are understanding the benefits of youth participation in multiple sports and activities, such as building a solid foundation of movement skills, some are taking it too far, which, according to Holt, can be just as detrimental as early specialization for the young athlete. "The risks of over-scheduling are similar to specialization in that burnout and eventual drop-out are often the outcome," he said. "The added pressure of balancing a number of activities, especially as the kids age and responsibilities increase, can increase stress and anxiety levels in kids." The solution to this swinging pendulum of variety is balance, which sounds simple enough, but is, according to Holt, often hidden in plain sight. "Multi-sport camps, in particular, are ideal for helping to find that balance, especially for children ages 10 and younger," he said. "Kids are exposed to a sample of sport while gaining different movement experiences and sport skills and finding out what really interests them—what they really enjoy." He added that because camps are often a short time commitment and take place throughout the summer months, the risk of over-scheduling your kids and increasing anxiety levels significantly decreases. Last but not least, Holt also suggests that parents carve out time childhood rite of passage—free play. "Free-play and family activities are just as important in developing confident, well-rounded individuals as sport participation. When all are taken into account, kids will benefit personally, socially and physically, and will set the stage for a physically active lifestyle." To learn more about Positive Youth Development Through Sport, read a recent Q&A with Holt in the February issue of the Sport Parent Magazine—an evidence-based publication that is compiled and distributed by students in Holt's lab. Find out what multi-sport camps are available through the University of Alberta's Green & Gold Summer Camps.


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Executive Board
Peter Bollenbeck
- * 1973
- Chairman of the Executive Board
- Founding Partner
Supervisory Board
Dr. Thomas Hermes (Chairman of the Supervisory Board)
Thomas Hermes holds a doctorate degree from law school and works as an attorney and notary. He is partner in the law firm Holthoff-Pförtner, based in Essen and Berlin, where he specializes in private law with a particular focus on corporate law. Furthermore, Dr. Thomas Hermes is the supervisory board chairman of the registered housing association known as Wohnungsgenossenschaft Essen-Nord e.G., Essen.
Since 2002, Thomas Hermes has held the office of chair of the InVision AG supervisory board.
Matthias Schroer (Deputy Chairman of the Supervisory Board)
Matthias Schroer studied electrical engineering at the Ruhr University of Bochum. In 1995, he founded the company InVision together with Peter Bollenbeck and Armand Zohari. Until June 2011, Matthias was responsible for the Research & Development and IT divisions as a member of the Executive Board of InVision. Since he left the company in June 2011, Matthias Schroer has been working as an independent IT consultant. Matthias Schroer became a member of the InVision Supervisory Board in August 2013.
Prof. Dr. Wilhelm Mülder
Since 1991, Wilhelm Mülder has been a Professor of commercial IT at the Niederrhein University, Monchengladbach (Germany), department of economics. In 2006, he was appointed Vice-Rector for Research and Development. Furthermore, Prof. Dr. Mülder is Scientific Director of the research group "PERSIT" (Human Resources and IT) at the Niederrhein University.
Prof. Dr. Mülder has been a member of the InVision Supervisory Board since 2002.


text:
Saturday, January 12, 2013
100th Post: Plans for 2013
2012 took some unexpected turns for me. I had no idea I would start my own business, but here I am! Having my own business, however small, has been such an adventure. I pretty much only work while my kids are asleep or for a couple of hours here and there when I hire a babysitter. Despite the short hours, it gives me another sense of purpose in addition to being everything for two fantastic little kids that make me laugh and grow so much as a person. Yes, I stress about deadlines, which I'm sure does detract from my effectiveness as a parent, but I'm still grateful for where things are headed.
So what did I actually accomplish in 2012?
I completed 32 sewing projects, including 9 quilts (two for customers, but I made the whole quilts start to finish so I'm counting them in this list), 4 pillows, two dresses and two skirts for my munchkin, and a bunch of various other things, like an ottoman that looks like a Rubik's cube (which my husband loves).
I machine quilted 20 other customer quilts and 5 charity quilts.
I got to participate in the EZ Dresden Challenge Blog Hop.
When I actually put the numbers down, it may not look like that much. I wasn't expecting my business to explode, and honestly I'm still not ready for that. I'm pleased with what I've been able to do in the amount of time I have. It has certainly been my most productive year yet.
I also joined the Salt Lake Modern Quilt Guild and the Salt Lake/Ogden Longarm Guild this year, and have learned so much from both groups.
My quilting skills have improved so much. I'm confident with more designs, and gaining control and experience with every quilt that I do. I can't wait to show you the one I just finished--it's a beauty, if I do say so myself. =)
I also consider myself a quilter now, not just "someone who makes quilts sometimes."
So what promises does 2013 hold?
The biggest news is that I'm actually going to get a real longarm. Soon. Everything has fallen into place except for one thing, which I should be able to take care of soon. That will be for another post.
Here's my list of goals for 2013, in somewhat the order I plan to do them:
1. Finish Maasai Mara X strings quilt
2. Madrona Road MQG Challenge (I've actually got a good start on this, post coming soon, I think)
3. Mod Pop Variation--I want to have this done by mid April
4. HMQS Flutter Challenge---I really hope I get to do this one, I need to get on it
5. Kona jelly roll Dresden Wave variation (I'm so excited for this one, too bad it has to wait until after these other ones)
6. Notting Hill dress for my munchkin
7. 2 Heirloom voile shirts for me
8. Finish my mini bargello
9. Finish an old star quilt UFO and donate it to Phoenix Quilts
10. Apple of my Eye charity quilts--Starburst Quilt Along with Happy Quilting--will also go to Phoenix Quilts
11. Bind a baby quilt that I made at a conference last year
12. Design and make a Christmas tree skirt (this may not happen this year, we'll see)
13. Quilt as many customer quilts as I can, and improve my free motion skills as well as using rulers and templates while quilting. Master stitching in the ditch.
14. Above all, be a good mommy in the midst of all of this. Be present with my kids, rather than having my mind in my studio while I'm with them. Aren't they cute?
In reference to #10 above, I need to find a good shade of aqua/turquoise that coordinates with Apple of my Eye. I think I may order a whole bolt of Kona for backings. Anyone happen to know of one?
It's exciting to write all of this down. I'm happy to look forward to this new year and all that it holds.
As a special 100th post thank you to all of you that read my little blog I'd like to have a small giveaway. I'm offering your choice of $20 off of any quilting service, which will be filled at any time during 2013 after my new longarm arrives, or four fat quarters of Joel Dewberry's Modern Meadow line. Prints include Nap Sak, Herringbone, and Acorn Chain in Lake, and Dogwood Bloom in Pond. To enter, please leave a comment, any old comment. International entries are welcome. If you're a no-reply blogger, please make sure to leave your email address so I can contact you. I'll announce a winner sometime on Friday, January 18th.
Giveaway closed. Winner is #4, Mom C!
Thanks for reading! Here's to the next 100 posts and a great 2013!
5 comments:
What a great year you had and the year ahead, may it be more than you dream for!ReplyDelete
I too have made a good start on my Madrona Road challenge, now just to quilt and bind.
That"s quite a list for the coming year but I bet you make short work of it going by your previous finishes. love your logReplyDelete
My goal for the year is also to master stitch in the ditch! My current problem is I'm just too impatient... I end up going to fast and wobbling all over the place. But it is slowly getting better!ReplyDelete
You really have accomplished a lot this year. Congrats. I'm hoping to do the Starburst Quiltalong but I can't decide on my color pallet! I'm glad you put #14 down. You'll be able to quilt for a long time but there are only a few years that your children will allow you so much involvement in their lives and once it's gone, it's gone. Good luck with everything! And thanks, I enjoy your blog.ReplyDelete
What a great list you have here, both of what you accomplished and how you want to shape 2013. I think you are such a great quilter! Both quilts you've done for me have turned out beautifully and I'm excited to send you more in 2013!ReplyDelete


text:
To see a short bio on each of our staff members, select their name.
Victoria Lickiss
TeacherWork Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
Mrs. Lickiss graduated from The University of Utah with a Bachelors of Science through the College of Social & Behavioral Science with an emphasis in Early Childhood Education and a Masters of Art through the College of Social & Behavioral Science. Her favorite foods are any fruit and almost any vegetable out there. She especially enjoys the passion fruits. She enjoys camping, hiking and walking on the beach. She loves to workout and spending time cleaning her house. But, spending time with her family is what she loves most of all.


text:
Expanding our Horizons
At The Gift Factory we are continually improving our systems, processes and product range. With the future road map of exciting developments coming to fruition, we have decided to expand our operation and move into a bigger facility, being Access City. Recently redeveloped and quickly becoming a destination hub in Johannesburg inner city, the Maboneng Precinct offers The Gift Factory all the facilities that we require for future expansion


text:
Vitalant and Facebook join forces to reverse blood shortages
New blood donation feature aimed to increase blood donations in the U.S.
Jun 12, 2019, 12:37 ET
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., June 12, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Vitalant (vye-TAL-ent), formerly known as Blood Systems, is a partnering blood center on Facebook's blood donation feature launched today. More than 30,000 blood donations are needed every day in the U.S. to help transform the lives of patients affected by trauma, elective and emergency surgeries, cancer and blood disorders. The tool is designed to help raise awareness and blood donation opportunities every day, as well as in times of need, whether due to tragedy or seasonal declines in donation. This feature allows any registered user to respond to the call for blood donations and become part of the solution to the nation's escalating blood shortages.
Vitalant is excited to partner with Facebook on bringing this feature to the U.S. after enormous success in donor engagement in Bangladesh, Brazil, India and Pakistan. This feature is a creative solution to energize a movement around blood donations and help individuals contribute to the health of their neighbors and communities when the need is highest.
"Facebook's commitment to working with nonprofits through their Social Good efforts to combat increasing blood scarcities is admirable," stated Mitzy Edgecomb, vice president of marketing and communications at Vitalant. "We are proud to align with an iconic technology brand dedicated to bringing people together to elevate awareness of the need and amplify the call for donors who can transform lives."
The timely release of Facebook's donation tool coincides with a blood drive held at Facebook headquarters in Menlo Park, Calif. June 11 demonstrating the transformational impact of blood donation for both the donor and the patient. With more than 125 donation centers and more than 30,000 blood drives held annually across the nation, Vitalant provides easy and convenient ways for potential donors to save lives.
This week also commemorates World Blood Donor Day, created June 14, 2005 and celebrated annually to heighten awareness of the ongoing and critical need for blood across the globe.
"We strive to help people better support their communities and collectively improve public health," said Hema Budaraju, product director, health at Facebook. "We're proud to partner with Vitalant and other blood centers to help raise awareness and prevent seasonal shortages."
Facebook users in Vitalant service areas including Chicago and San Francisco are among the first to access the new blood donation feature beginning today. Everyone is encouraged to register as a blood donor by navigating to "Blood Donations" in the "About" section of their Facebook profile to learn about and take action on blood donation opportunities in their area. The feature will be rolled out in other communities in the coming months.
About Vitalant
Vitalant—one of the nation's oldest and largest non-profit community blood service providers—supplies comprehensive transfusion medicine services for nearly 1,000 hospitals and health care partners for patients in need across 40 states. Vitalant inspires local communities to serve the needs of others and transform lives through the selfless act of donating blood. It operates a world-renowned transfusion medicine research institute, owns a biological products distribution service and co-owns a high-volume donor testing laboratory joint venture.
Julie Scott
[email protected]
303.361.2819 direct
720.732.4963 mobile
SOURCE Vitalant


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CLAYTON, New York (July 1, 2013) – The Antique Boat Museum (ABM), North America's premier freshwater nautical museum based in Clayton, New York, is seeking boats for donation to the Museum, which then will be auctioned off at next month's 49th annual Antique Boat Show and Auction, the longest running show in North America.
Have a boat you no longer want? Perhaps the boat you own is just getting to be too much work?
The ABM and Antique Boat America will work with willing donors of any boat style, make, and/or size that an owner is willing to donate to benefit the ABM, with the understanding that all proceeds from the boat will be provided to the Museum.
There are limited restrictions on boats being donated. Wood, fiberglass, motorboat, rowboat, antique, reproduction, or modern will all be accepted. Even boats that might not float will get a chance at a new life.
For years, the annual auction has drawn crowds to the ABM and become a staple to the Saturday festivities of the Boat Show. Hundreds of potential buyers flood the ABM auction yard hours in advance of the auction and the bidding process always lures an enthusiastic crowd.
Those interested in donating a boat for a good cause should contact the ABM at 315-686-4104 or Antique Boat America at 315-783-6100 prior to July 31.
Located on the St. Lawrence River in the 1000 Islands, the Antique Boat Museum features a collection of over 300 antique and classic boats, among thousands of recreational boating artifacts. This August, the Museum will host the 49th annual Antique Boat Show and Auction, the longest running show in North America. For more information please visit the Museum's website at ABM.org.


text:
December 17, 2019, 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM @ Ashland Branch Library
Ages 3-10. Warm up with a film filled with tin soldiers and sugar plum fairies from our streaming service Kanopy! Hot cocoa and refreshments provided by the Friends of the Ashland Library.
December 17, 2019, 7:00 PM @ Council Chambers
View all calendars is the default. Choose Select a Calendar to view a specific calendar.


text:
CalArts offers a variety of unique programs at the undergraduate and graduate level within its six world-renowned Schools—Art, Critical Studies, Dance, Film/Video, Music and Theater.
Undergraduate core courses are the foundation of BFA studies at CalArts, providing a strong general education and opportunities to deepen every student's artistic practice.
The CalArts Library enables students and faculty to develop the skills necessary for creative exploration, critical reflection and lifelong learning.
CalArts is located in Santa Clarita, Calif., 30 miles north of Los Angeles. Explore the local area and community.
Offering innovative continuing education arts courses designed to meet the needs of both emerging artists and lifelong learners.
Students, faculty and staff may often choose to use names, pronouns and gender identities that are not in line with their legal documentation. Through both our technological systems and daily usage, CalArts is supporting and honoring all community members through this new project.
Dr. Nicolazzo currently serves as Assistant Professor of Trans* Studies in Education at the Center for the Study of Higher Education and as a member of the Trans* Studies Initiative at the University of Arizona. Copies of her book Trans* in College will be available at events during the day for the first 100 students and faculty who RSVP in advance. Copies of Trans* in College will also be kept on reserve in the library.
The Student Identity Project is officially live! This means all members of the CalArts community are able to update their identity information throughout all Institute-managed systems using a simple form available through the secure HubHelper site.
If you would like to update your name, pronoun, or gender in CalArts records, please log into HubHelper to access the Chosen Name and Gender Identity forms.
The Student Identity Project is a student-driven, Institute-wide initiative that upgrades CalArts' technological infrastructure to both honor and align with the diverse identities of all students, staff and faculty. When fully updated, the software systems used across campus on a daily basis will incorporate chosen name, chosen pronoun and gender identity.
Through the creation of a more inclusive space for the full diversity of all identities — both on campus and online — the Student Identity Project should have a positive impact every member of our community, and not just those who request to change their identifiers as a result of the project.
Because of legal requirements, there are instances and documents where a legal name must be used. Here's a quick breakdown between the two categories:
Pronouns 101
She/he/they/ze/name are pronouns CalArts will use in all software systems.
For a quick lesson in usage, please visit the Trans Student Education Resource website.
Home • About • Institute • Equity and Diversity • Student Identity Project


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Lucy shares this latest news on behalf of Hampshire & Isle of Wight Community Foundation. Ed
Hampshire & Isle of Wight Community Foundation (HIWCF) has awarded grants to 14 local projects working with some of society's most vulnerable women and girls.
Small charities and community groups have received the grants of between £5,000 and £10,000 from the Tampon Tax Community Fund to work with women of all ages, focusing on preventative services for those at risk of crisis.
On the Isle of Wight grants have been awarded to Break the Cycle Community Interest Company and People Matter IW.
How the money will help
Projects receiving funding will help women and girls get back into work, raise awareness of health issues and help those who may be isolated or lonely to create and develop social networks.
As one of the UK's largest grant-giving organisations, UK Community Foundations (UKCF) was asked by government to distribute the largest share of the funding raised through the levy on sanitary products in 2017/18, working with its network of Community Foundations across the country to award £3.4 million nationally in grants.
HIWCF was oversubscribed in all areas with less than a quarter of the 62 applications for vital projects requesting £533,545 being supported from this stream of funding.
Autistic women's project
People Matter IW, on the Isle of Wight is the Island's user led organisation aiming to support people in the local community with disabilities or support needs to have a say in changes that may affect service delivery.
The group have received a grant of £8,620 to enable AIM's autistic women's project to become more inclusive, through holding more sessions, operating at different times and venues, thereby increasing the number of attendees.
The project will provide workshops on personal safety, anxiety management, positive relationships and social skills, training in small comfortable groups to help participants develop new skills and confidence, enabling autistic women and girls to live safely and lead fulfilling lives.
Collins: Reduce isolation and provide opportunities
Claire Collins, AIM Co-ordinator at People Matter IW said
"Autistic women and girls face exclusion and discrimination right from the start of life and without the recognition and assessment for diagnosis, early intervention and support is missed, which can lead to many other problems, including school exclusions, bullying and mental health issues.
"By providing regular support groups and social activities for autistic women and girls on the Island, we aim to reduce isolation and provide opportunities to build social networks, allowing peers to spend time together, understand their condition and needs and develop a sense of belonging."
Claire added
"With the support of People Matter IW staff and volunteers, autistic women will receive work and volunteering opportunities to allow them to develop their skills in the workplace and through raising awareness of autism in women's services such as midwifery and breast screening centres we can ensure that women and girls can fully access health and support services which will help prevent poor health outcomes, family crisis and poor engagement in services.
"Thanks to this grant we are able to provide our autistic girls and women with the skills, confidence and support network to create a better future for them."
Papworth: Supporting some of most marginalised
UKCF Director of Programmes and Development Vicki Papworth said:
"Community Foundations work with grassroots groups running vital services on a shoestring and supporting some of the most marginalised people in our society.
"This funding will enable them to run some amazing projects that make a huge difference on the ground to the women and girls who need it most."
Cornwell: Committed to helping disadvantaged people
Grant Cornwell MBE, Chief Executive at HIWCF said
"We are delighted to be partnering UK Community Foundations on the Tampon Tax Community Fund, set up to help vulnerable women and girls in need.
"HIWCF is committed to helping disadvantaged people across our region and this grant programme enables us to support a range of truly vital projects run by deserving charities and community groups."
Thursday, 17th January, 2019 10:08am
By Lucy Sweet
ShortURL: http://wig.ht/2m74
Filed under: Community, Island-wide, Top story, Volunteering


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--January 28, 2014.
May 1, 2014, Eaton Corner, Quebec
QAHN is pleased to announce its series of day-long conferences to be held in different communities across the province as part of its "Security for Heritage Outreach and Workshop Initiative" (SHOWI).
SHOWI was conceived as a way of assisting community-based museums, heritage organizations and historic sites around Quebec to attain a greater level of security. Project staff have developed a program of conferences that will take place at venues in Quebec City, Montreal, the Eastern Townships, the Outaouais and the Gaspé. Topics will include physical security (for buildings and premises), collections security (protection from theft and degradation), virtual security (digital vandalism), and security for staff and volunteers (insurance concerns). In addition to conferences featuring experts from various fields, instructional handbooks and other resource tools are also being produced.
One of these regional events will take place in the Eastern Townships -- at the Eaton Corner Museum in Eaton Corner, Quebec -- and promises to be an engaging one. The date: May 1, 2014.
The morning session will focus on "Safeguarding heritage properties in rural settings." Guest speakers will include Karine Fortin of the Sûreté du Quebec; Bryan Carruthers, an insurance broker with Campbell, Bellam & Associates; Mike McKenna, fire chief with the Town of North Hatley; and Harry Isbrucker, past president of the Colby-Curtis Museum.
There will be two afternoon sessions. The first session will focus on "Preventive conservation of archival photographs" and will be led by Chlöe Southam, director-curator of the Colby-Curtis Museum. The second, titled "Caring for old books, papers, maps and other documentary heritage," will be hosted by Jody Robinson, archivist with the Eastern Townships Resource Centre.
Click here to download the program for this event!
Registrations are now being accepted for this event. Space, however, is limited.
The deadline to register is April 11, 2014.
- Array


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If you follow me on The Clean Stuff, you probably saw this post featuring a quote from Dr. Cole: "Stress is the sugar of the soul. It wrecks your health from the inside out." As I said on Instagram, TRUTH.
I think sometimes we forget how stress truly can wreck havoc on our health. I thought of this recently when I was feeling a little off: sometimes it isn't a matter of something I ate that might not be sitting right with me, or a supplement I need to take. Sometimes that "off" feeling is simply stress. Stress is powerful, yes, but there is good news; it doesn't have to hold power over us.
Instead of being scared of stress, I am practicing the act of acknowledging it and riding the wave through it. I am finding that this is a better approach than panicking and then fighting against it, which takes up too much energy and normally just causes more stress! Kind of funny how that works 🙂
To me, riding the wave of a stressful season is giving myself grace when things slip through the cracks, calling out to God when I need the extra boost of strength and encouragement, sharing with loved ones how I am feeling so they can speak truth over me, and always remembering that my worth is not found in what I get done in a day; my worth is found in the fact that I am a daughter of the most high God and completely loved by Him forever.
A little over a year ago, we put this post up on the blog about 10 ways to relieve stress and it is a good one to always come back to. This line is especially worth sharing again: One thing that always gives me peace during a time of stress is remembering that it is temporary. God doesn't want us to be trapped in stress.
Take a deep breath, fill up a bath, turn on worship music, get a good laugh (and sometimes a good cry), and know that everything is okay. Even if it takes you a little longer than expected to get unstuck from stress, keep taking one day at a time, finding refuge in Him. He's got you!
Love you all and praying for you. xo.
(*=gifted generously from brand!)
sunnies- sold out! similar | jacket | top | jeans* | booties*
images: felicia lasala


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People are often surprised that there are detailed and extensive laws governing the way we give charity, and to whom we give it.
Starting and Maintaining a Charity in Canada is written for people who work for the good of all humankind. It is intended to help charities maintain compliance with the law while continuing their good work.
Starting and maintaining a registered charity is a complicated process for the uninformed. This comprehensive book by Adam Aptowitzer is a must-have resource for all registered, or soon to be registered charities.
National Director, Anglican Network in Canada
Canadian charities are rightly focused on doing good works, yet at the same time, attention must be paid to the rules and regulations of the charitable tax system. Adam Aptowitzer's book helps to fill that gap, and will be a useful resource for both new and established charities in Canada.
Adam Aptowitzer practices in the areas of charity and tax law. He is a member of both the bars of Alberta and Ontario and has been writing and speaking on the topic of charity law for several years.


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There's no denying that our world is changing rapidly. And though at times it may seem otherwise – we do have the power to effect these changes profoundly. Combining our individual energies, collectively and consciously we can shape the changes into what we wish our world to become. Creating balanced relationship with others, our environment and within our own psyches and lives is a key element here.
Recently, VeroniKA posted the following excerpt from Celia Fenn - The Hathors, on her Ringing Cedars Blog. I have no idea where she sourced it from but - thank you VeroniKA.
As you read this excerpt, for the moment set aside your ideas and pre-conceived notions about "channeled energies or messages." There is deep wisdom contained in this message.
Regardless of the source, there is a beauty in Truth that speaks for itself. This healing vision is one worth holding up to the light for consideration. I for one, choose to flow my own personal energies toward manifesting this heart-based paradigm as a new reality. How about you?
In a balanced individual, there is a balanced flow between being and doing,
active and passive, masculine and feminine. And this inner balance is reflected
in the outer or external world in the creation of relationships between beings
who are equally balanced in themselves and so can create and maintain relationships
that are balanced and loving.
A balanced relationship being one where neither partner dominates the other, spiritually, mentally, emotionally and or sexually.
New Earth relationships will be so different to the relationships you now have. They will be gentler and more playful and yet wise. There will be less intensity and drama, and more caring, nurturing and companionship. You will come to realize that the purpose of relationship, all relationship, is to "relate" - to share and to support and to nurture from your own sense of abundance and completeness.
You will look for relationships that are spiritual and heart-based, rather then physical and emotional. In the Old Earth relationship paradigm, relationships were based on physical attraction and emotional bonding. In the New Earth, your relationships will be based in the heart, in feelings, compassion, connection and mutual respect and support. We foresee many relationships growing between people of different age groups and different cultures, relationships that will be deep and meaningful, and yet would not have seemed possible before because of the narrow limitations of what you considered a relationship to be in your Old Earth energy framework.
These relationships will be light and joyous, and yet capable of real depth and intimacy because the people concerned will be more interested in the connections of the soul rather than the connections of the external and the physical realms.
There will be sharing and caring, and yet both partners will be independent and self-reliant within themselves. There can be no co-dependency in the New Earth. Balance is so important. These relationships will be balanced and loving, between two equally powerful and caring persons. There will be no dominance, no victims, no dramas and no abuse.
There will be commitment - commitment to the relationship and the mutual growth of each of the partners within the relationship. And this will be true for all relationships, not just love or romantic relationships. Friendships will become deeper and more meaningful experiences, as you understand that you have soul families, and that your friends often are close soul relations who are here to love and support you in your work on the planet. And when your relationships exist in this loving and balanced state, then your sexuality will also be loving and balanced. And, once again humans will learn to celebrate and enjoy their creative and sexual energies in ways that are life-enhancing and ecstatic.
September 10, 2009
Living Outside the Box >The Energy of Balanced Relationship


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Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless and tasteless gas which is a product of incomplete combustion of a faulty appliance. If breathed in it is harmful and if absorbed into the body in sufficient quantities (less that you think!) it can result in death. Many people are not aware of the signs of carbon monoxide poisoning because early symptoms can be easily be confused with flu like symptoms, food poisoning, or other illnesses.
Common flu symptoms are similar at first to early low level signs of carbon monoxide poisoning, for example, tiredness, headaches, dizziness or nausea.
It is recommended that a carbon monoxide detector be installed to watch over the levels of carbon monoxide in your home throughout the year - just ask when we call as we carry a supply on our van.
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Heatsafe Ltd is Gas Safe Registered. The Gas Safe Register is the official list of gas engineers who are qualified to work safely and legally on gas appliances. Tel: 01656 772355 I Mob: 07870 567112 I Email: firstname.lastname@example.com Web: www.heatsafe.co.uk
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Ten years ago, Jesse Tyler Ferguson was seen on Broadway in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, an ensemble musical comedy. On April 25, the man of Modern Family fame returns to his roots, this time in a one-man straight play. Don't worry; it's still a comedy. In fact, it's also a homecoming for comedic director Jason Moore (Avenue Q, Pitch Perfect) after his foray into Hollywood.
But Ferguson and Moore are not just talents, they're innovators. So the revival, which debuted Off-Broadway at the Vineyard Theatre in 1999, has been updated by playwright Becky Mode to suit Moore's vision and Ferguson's gifts.
The show's producers first approached Mode to ask how she felt about making changes to her finished work about an out-of-work actor/reservationist at one of New York's hottest restaurants and the cast of characters (played by that same actor) dialing in. "At first it was a little scary, the thought of it. Anything you finish you're like, 'Wait, it's not finished?' she says. "[It was] also a little intimidating to figure out what to change and what not to change because it was a play that worked in its time in its way."
Moore's input and direction allowed Mode to reimagine and spice up the original enough to make it feel fresh without changing the structure that made the show funny in the first place.
"It was just done in London as originally written, and now that I think about the updates, I feel that that was an inspired move," says Mode. "I feel like certain things were surgically altered, the essential shape of the play is very much the same."
Most of the alterations serve to create a more contemporary context for the show. "There's a sense of the changing technology," Mode explains. "There's a sense of the celebrity chef culture that has exploded in a different way than it had the first time around. The types of cuisine that's on the menu in this particular restaurant is very different than last time."
It's all in the details. "Every single food item is different and that's been a hoot," says Mode. "It infuses the whole play and gives it a new flavor."
She also wanted to tailor the show to her new leading man. "Some of the personal stuff I feel like we've textured and beefed up a little bit," she says. (Any wonder that she wrote a play set in a restaurant?)
"Making the comedy work is a combination of several things," says Moore. "One: The script has to be funny. If the script isn't funny, the actors have nothing to build on."
"I'd seen Fully Committed years ago, I thought it was incredibly funny [because] it's based on a really relatable true situation," says Moore. As far as theatre goes, "the more based in truth it is, the funnier it is," which speaks to Moore's push for updates in the first place.
"I think part of the job of the director in a comedy is to assemble those right people and create a safe place where everybody can feel comfortable being totally weird and failing," Moore continues. In other words, Moore wanted to create one giant test kitchen in hopes he could whip up the perfect dish.
Ruthie Fierberg is the Features Editor at Playbill.com. She has also written for Backstage, Parents and American Baby, including dozens of interviews with celeb moms and dads for parents.com. See more at ruthiefierberg.com and follow her on Twitter at @RuthiesATrain.


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As learning businesses, it's safe to say that most are striving to move the needle in the field, profession, or industry they serve through large-scale impact. However, it's reasonable to assume that a single organization won't be as effective in achieving that as multiple organizations in partnership. Applying the network leadership model offers a way to structure … [Read more...]
Leadership and Innovation with Seth Kahan
Seth Kahan, author of Getting Innovation Right and faculty member of the Leading Learning Symposium is a true leader in the worlds of innovation, strategy, and leadership and he is also the first person to be interviewed twice here on the Leading Learning Podcast series (previous interview). This time Jeff talks with Seth to learn about two exciting initiatives … [Read more...]
Stream of Conference # 5 – The Lifelong Learning Market
In this brief video, Jeff talks with Seth Kahan - best-selling author, innovation expert, and member of the faculty for the Leading Learning Symposium - about how and why the market for lifelong learning has changed and what organizations need to be doing to ensure they thrive in the new learning landscape. While we have "borrowed" it as part of our Stream of Conference™ … [Read more...]
Getting Innovation – and Learning – Right with Seth Kahan
When it comes to innovation and transformation, you definitely want to tune into what Seth Kahan, author of the bestseller Getting Innovation Right has to say. We help you do just that with this episode of the Leading Learning podcast. Jeff talks with Seth about what it means to get innovation right, why so many organizations don't, and of course, how innovation factors into … [Read more...]
Seth Kahan on Leading Learning
We're thrilled to have Seth Kahan, one of the true visionaries of the association sector, as part of the Leading Learning faculty. While we don't really plan to use this blog as a place to post testimonials, I wanted to share this one because I thought Seth captures the spirit of the event so well in it. Jeff … [Read more...]
The Value Ramp and Three Stages of Association Evolution
Tuesday I attended a presentation and discussion led by Seth Kahan—the thoughtful and intelligent guy behind VisionaryLeadership.com. The talk was entitled "Surviving and Thriving in the Age of Business Disruption," and while there was a lot to think about in what Seth said, I found his three stages of the evolution of associations particularly interesting—particularly because … [Read more...]


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Board Member cover letter
A board of directors is a group of individuals who jointly oversee the activities of an organization. There are a number of roles in a board of directors. A Board Member's duties and responsibilities are prescribed by government regulations as well as the organization's own bylaws. Some of these responsibilities include regularly attending and preparing for board meetings, reviewing and commenting on minutes, staying informed about committee matters and most importantly, reporting to stakeholders regarding the organization's performance and ensuring that there are adequate financial resources available.
Some of the skills expected from a Board Member are:
- Offer commitment
- Speak your mind
- Provide operational advice
- Be financially literate
When applying for a Board Member position, a well-crafted cover letter is an advantage. Here is a sample to get you started.
Dear Mr. Hamilton
I would like to apply for the position of Board Member with the Raise Hope Project. I am very much aligned with the goals and focus of your organization and I would like to use the skills gained in my time as a CEO to help community projects such as yours reach its objectives.
I have been a Board Member for a company where I worked for 8 years. I have experience in chairing meetings and strategic solutions. My administrative experience and proven leadership skills will prove useful to your company.
Enhancing staff performance and resourcefulness are some of my key strengths. I get along well with others and thrive on finding resolutions to problems. I am confident that these qualities together with my commitment to work will be an asset to your organization.
Some of my personal achievements in my professional capacity I can bring to your organization are as follows:
- Represent the organization and serve as a spokesperson.
- Take an active part in the budget planning process.
- Offer a broad knowledge of programs, policies and implementation strategies.
My enclosed resume will provide you with more details regarding my qualifications and experience. I know that I can bring much benefit with my experience, educational qualifications and skills and I look forward to putting these towards a good cause. Please contact me by phone or email so that we may set up a face to face meeting. I look forward to hearing from you and thank you for your time.
John Weisman


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|Wayne, Michigan
|City parks, Environmental History, Belle Isle, Detroit
|"Environmental History in Detroit," University of Michigan
|No votes.
A postcard centers on a group of deer who are closely herded together, feeding. The background of the forest is a mixture of evergreens and deciduous trees commonly found in Michigan woods. These deer seem to be eating off of a log. At first glance it seems to be a wilderness area with nature's animals in a forest without human intervention. Taking a closer look, however, reveals the deer are actually being fed out of troughs that were built of the surrounding timber. There is also another small building in the corner, which seems to blend seamlessly with the nature as well. This is the habitat to be found on Belle Isle Park, in the bustling urban center of Detroit, MI. It's surprising to find such an authentic view of nature in the city of Detroit.
The photo captures the trend of building parks and recreation in urban environments which attempted to escape industrialization and urbanization. The goal by the original park planner, Frederick Law Olmstead was to create a pristine wilderness for people to relax. He believed trees to be the most precious resource of the island, and he thought Belle Isle should capitalize in any architecture to blend in with the environment. This postcard shows how the nature was emphasized the troughs and buildings of the photo, with the intention of attracting animals as a feature of the Belle Isle. It also shows the blending of nature in artificial environments can exist interdependently to increase the attraction of the environment, bringing people closer with nature.


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Jennifer Aniston's New 'Engagement' Ring — Better Than Brad Pitt's?
Jen is sporting what looks to be an engagement ring on her right hand — the same hand she wore Brad's 500K ring on. But which ring fits Jen's personality better?
Jennifer Aniston has moved across the country, changed her wardrobe, and downsized drastically since starting to date Justin Theroux. Even her taste in jewelry is different! We told you the actress is sporting an amethyst ring on her right hand ring-finger — it's her birth stone, but does this ring reflect the "new Jen" or the "real Jen"?
Brad Pitt proposed to Jen with a gorgeous sparkler in 1999 estimated to cost about $500,000. He co-designed the ring with Silvia Damiani and it symbolized eternity. They even went to far as to sue the jewelry designer for replicating the ring years later. But now, Jen is wearing a simple and understated antique ring.
Do you think Jen's less traditional ring fits the relaxed Jen that was there all along? Jen now lives with Justin in her $5.9 million West Village apartment — far smaller than her $38 million Beverly Hills estate that she sold in June. Jen's style is even changing. Jen and Justin dress alike in matching black and leather ensembles and he clearly brings out an edgy side of her.
Not to mention Jen finally cut her hair in February, changing a 'do that she had worn for years. And of course, Jen smiles all the time! The normally reserved actress is constantly grinning from ear-to-ear.
Does this ring symbolize the changes Jen has made in her life and how Justin lets her be herself?
— Chloe Melas
Get the latest on Brad & Jen: